What are the best things to do in Nainital?
Top picks in Nainital include Naina Devi Temple, Naina Lake, Neem Karoli Baba Ashram & Temple, Kainchi, Sariyatal Lake. See the full list and itinerary on this Nainital travel guide.
Photo: Skalvanov · CC BY-SA 4.0
Why visit Nainital
Travel guide for Nainital, India — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Nainital is a stop in India, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Naina Devi Temple, Naina Lake, Neem Karoli Baba Ashram & Temple, Kainchi instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 25–80 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Nainital
1
Naina Devi Temple
2
Naina Lake
3
Neem Karoli Baba Ashram & Temple, Kainchi
4
Sariyatal Lake
5
Cave Garden
Budget travel
Free things to do in Nainital
Naina Devi Temple
Naina Lake
Neem Karoli Baba Ashram & Temple, Kainchi
Sariyatal Lake
Cave Garden
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Nainital itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Naina Devi Temple
- Visit Naina Lake
- Visit Neem Karoli Baba Ashram & Temple, Kainchi
- Eat at Embassy
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Sariyatal Lake
- Visit Cave Garden
- Eat at Kumaon
Budget
Nainital trip cost
Budget
USD 15–35
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 25–80
per person / day
Luxury
USD 90–150+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Nainital, India. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Nainital
Estimated total (USD)
$1,725
≈ $863 per person · $246 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $50/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Nainital mid-range ground costs (budget 15–35 · mid 25–80 · luxury 90–150+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Embassy
Kumaon
Machan
Purohit
Shiva
Sher-e-Punjab
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hidden Valley Camp & Resort Pangot
Mudras Grove Resort
Ashok Hotel
Hotel City Heart
Ayar Jungle Camp
Nightlife
- Chandni chowk
- Courtyard Bar
- Hotel Hill view Nainital
- Spirit
Museums & culture
- Naina Devi Temple
- Neem Karoli Baba Ashram & Temple, Kainchi
In pictures
Nainital gallery
Photos: Skalvanov, rohit gowaikar, David M., Photographer Praveen Singh Bisht — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Nainital travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Nainital?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Nainital?
Plan at least 2 days in Nainital for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Nainital?
Popular stays in Nainital include Hidden Valley Camp & Resort Pangot, Mudras Grove Resort, Ashok Hotel. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Nainital cost?
On the ground in Nainital (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 15–35 per person per day, mid-range about 25–80, and luxury about 90–150+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Nainital, India. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
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