Nainital Tourism: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Tourist Places

Nainital is a picturesque hill station nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The town is named after the Naini Lake, which is one of the major attractions of the place. Nainital is known for its scenic beauty, serene atmosphere, and pleasant weather. The town is a perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and honeymooners. In this article, I will take you through a comprehensive guide to the best tourist places in Nainital. 

Introduction to Nainital 
Nainital is situated at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level and is surrounded by lush green hills. The town is surrounded by a total of seven hills, which are Ayarpatta, Deopatta, Handi Bandi, Cheena Peak, Alma, Laria Kanta, and Sher-ka-danda. The town is also known as the 'Lake District of India,' as it has a total of nine lakes in and around it. Nainital is a popular destination among tourists for its beautiful lakes, forests, and scenic views. 

Famous tourist places in Nainital 

Naini Lake and its surroundings 
Naini Lake is the centerpiece of Nainital and is one of the most famous tourist places in the town. The lake is surrounded by seven hills, and the view of the lake from any of these hills is breathtaking. The lake is believed to be one of the 64 Shakti Peeths in India, and the temple of Naina Devi is situated on the northern shore of the lake. The lake is also popular for boating, and visitors can hire a boat and explore the lake. 

Eco Cave Gardens 
Eco Cave Gardens is a popular tourist destination in Nainital and is located near Mallital. The gardens are a network of interconnected caves, and visitors can explore the caves and learn about the different animals and their habitats. The gardens are also home to a musical fountain, which is a popular attraction among tourists. 

Naina Devi Temple 
Naina Devi Temple is a famous Hindu temple situated on the northern shore of Naini Lake. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, and it is believed that the temple is one of the 64 Shakti Peeths in India. The temple is a popular destination among tourists and devotees, and it is believed that a visit to the temple fulfills one's wishes. 

Tiffin Top 
Tiffin Top is a popular viewpoint in Nainital, and it is located at an altitude of 2290 meters above sea level. The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the town of Nainital. The viewpoint is named after the British tradition of having tiffin at the top, and visitors can enjoy a picnic at the top. 

Snow View Point 
Snow View Point is another popular viewpoint in Nainital, and it is located at an altitude of 2,270 meters above sea level. The viewpoint offers a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Himalayas and the town of Nainital. Visitors can also enjoy a cable car ride to reach the viewpoint. 

Nainital Zoo 
Nainital Zoo is located near Tallital and is a popular destination among tourists. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, including Royal Bengal Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, and Tibetan Wolf. The zoo also has a breeding program for the endangered snow leopard. 

Land's End 
Land's End is a viewpoint located at an altitude of 2,118 meters above sea level. The viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the Khurpatal Lake and the surrounding hills. Visitors can also enjoy a trek to the viewpoint. 

Shopping and local cuisine in Nainital 
Nainital is known for its woolen garments, candles, and handicrafts. Visitors can buy these products from the local markets, which are located near Mall Road and Bara Bazaar. Visitors can also try the local cuisine, which includes Kumaoni dishes like Bhatt ki Churkani, Baadi, and Ras. 

Best time to visit Nainital 
The best time to visit Nainital is between March to June and September to November. The weather during these months is pleasant, and visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty of the place. 

Accommodation options in Nainital 
Nainital has a range of accommodation options for tourists, including luxury hotels, budget hotels, and homestays. Some of the popular hotels in Nainital are The Naini Retreat, Shervani Hilltop, and The Manu Maharani. 

How to reach Nainital 
Nainital is well connected by road, and visitors can reach the town by bus or taxi from major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Haridwar. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is around 70 km away from Nainital. 

Safety tips for tourists in Nainital 
Nainital is a safe place for tourists, but visitors should take some precautions to ensure their safety. Visitors should avoid going out alone at night and should not carry a lot of cash or valuables while traveling. 

Conclusion 
Nainital is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand, and it is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and honeymooners. The town is known for its scenic beauty, serene atmosphere, and pleasant weather. Visitors can explore the famous tourist places in Nainital, including Naini Lake, Eco Cave Gardens, Naina Devi Temple, Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, Nainital Zoo, and Land's End. Visitors can also enjoy shopping and try the local cuisine. Nainital has a range of accommodation options, and visitors can reach the town by road, bus, or taxi.