Nainital – The Little Beauty in the Hills That Touches Your Heart

WHY NAINITAL

“Something for everyone” might probably be the line that best suits Nainital in India — a relatively small hill station packed with many places and activities for any kind of traveller.

Nainital was one name that caught my attention as a tourist spot while growing up, perhaps because of the sweetness of that name itself. And it didn’t disappoint either. It turned out to be a rare combination of natural and artificial beauty — the magnificent and mighty Himalayas, the telescopic views that let you capture hidden temples, a walk through man-made caves with hanging gardens, a horse ride up the mountain, a cable car gliding over the town — everything leaves a happy feeling at the end of the day.

WHERE IS NAINITAL

Nainital is one of the charming hilly towns of Uttarakhand in India, a state blessed with many famous spots like Dehradun, Mussoorie, Valley of Flowers, and Rishikesh. Sitting almost 2,000 meters above sea level, Nainital rests gracefully at the foothills of the mighty Himalayas.

From the trips I’ve made to other Himalayan locations, I’ve realized that the joy of visiting such places depends a lot on how the Himalayas reveal themselves to us — sometimes snowy like a white feather, sometimes glowing, sometimes clear like crystal, and sometimes emitting cloudy waves from its peaks. In that sense, Nainital too did not disappoint.

And for people who love traveling and sightseeing, life can’t get luckier than getting a job in Delhi, a city surrounded by destinations rich in history, adventure, and nature. When a few off days appeared during Holi, we packed our bags and decided to explore Nainital. Plenty of tourist buses leave from Delhi, and it takes only an overnight journey to reach this beautiful hill town.

HOW NAINITAL WELCOMED

As I opened my eyes in the morning hours, sitting on the side seat — my favorite place since childhood — it was a delight to see the morning sunrays stretching over the horizon, gliding through paddy fields and trees. That golden light made a perfect start to the trip, like a warm welcome offered by nature itself.

Early morning, Nainital looked different from what one might expect. Despite development and buildings here and there, the place hadn’t lost its original charm. It still carried the old-world touch that the British once planned and shaped in a way that any tourist would love to see. Many towns around Delhi were developed under British rule, and Nainital was one of them.

A SHORT HISTORY OF NAINITAL

Nainital, though small, carries its beauty in that very compactness — as the saying goes, small is beautiful.

Our hotel was close to the bus stop, and the pleasant climate didn’t allow us to stay indoors for long. By the time our pre-booked car arrived, we had already gathered some mythological insights about the place.

According to legend, this is where Sati Devi’s eyes fell when Lord Shiva carried her lifeless body across the universe — one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. The word Nain (or Nayan) means “eyes” in Hindi, and Tal means “lake.” Hence, the name Nainital — the lake of the eyes. That sacred lake still lies in the heart of the town, facing the famous Naina Devi Temple.

SURPRISE #1: SIX ARTIFICIAL CAVES AND A HANGING GARDEN

The first spot our driver-guide took us to was something I had never read about — six man-made caves, each themed after animals and trees: Panther Cave, Tiger Cave, Apes Cave, and so on.

These caves are interconnected, and right in between them is a small hanging garden that adds a splash of beauty. It’s hard to imagine something so adventurous and creative right inside a town.

Some passages were so narrow that one had to squeeze through sideways, and in others, climbing over rocks became tricky — but people helped each other, laughing and cheering. Kids and adults alike seemed to enjoy this unexpected thrill. It turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.

SURPRISE #2: A HORSE RIDE TO TIFFIN TOP

Nainital offers many ways to make your trip memorable — trekking, ropeways, and horse riding, among them. These days, I’m not exactly the adventurous type (perhaps age catching up!), but that wasn’t a reason enough to skip something so special.

So I decided to try horse riding for the first time — all the way to Tiffin Top. For someone who’s never been on a horse before, it can be quite a terrifying ride!

Before I even realized it, the horse had taken us onto a narrow path barely wide enough for two hooves, with a deep valley on one side. Fear and awe mixed as I held on tight, while the horseman walked calmly beside me. I couldn’t help but wonder how kings and queens in history were such expert riders, fighting battles on terrains far tougher than this. Truly, practice makes perfect.

After a few minutes, some light-hearted chatter with the horseman eased the tension and turned the fear into joy. It took about 20 minutes to reach the summit, where a small temple was located. The view from there was breathtaking — the majestic Himalayas stood in the distance, partly hidden by fog, yet grand enough to fill the heart with peace.

SURPRISE #3: TELESCOPIC VIEW OF THE GREAT HIMALAYA

In hilly places surrounded by the Himalayas, disappointment is impossible — as long as you keep your eyes open to the mountains.

Our next stop was the Himalayan View Point (or Himalayan Darshan), about 4 km from town. Unfortunately, the cable car wasn’t operating that day, so I missed seeing Nainital from above — but the drive itself was scenic.

The viewpoint was crowded with visitors and vehicles, but what awaited there made it worthwhile — a dazzling panoramic view of the snow-covered Himalayan range. It was surprising to know that nearly 350 km of the Himalayas could be seen from this single point.

There were locals with high-power binoculars offering closer views of the peaks for just ₹30. Through them, we saw Nanda Devi, Nanda Koot, Trishul, and even two temples nestled within the mountains.

I even tried to take a photo through the binoculars using my camera’s viewfinder — and after several tries, managed to capture one!

That evening, our driver wanted to leave early for Holi the next day. Luckily, our hotel was close to the lake, so I could stroll around on my own.

MALL ROAD & EVENING STROLL

Mall Road is another highlight of Nainital — running parallel to the lake with rows of shops selling local crafts and souvenirs. The road connects the two ends of the town.

Visiting in the late evening turned out to be a wise decision — the air was cooler, the crowd thinner, and the lake reflected the street lights like scattered jewels on dark water.

DAY 2: BOAT RIDE ON HOLI DAY

The second day was kept aside for two must-do activities — boating in Naina Lake and visiting the Naina Devi Temple.

It was Holi morning, and being in North India during Holi is an experience one never forgets. All shops were closed till evening, and the streets were alive with colours and laughter.

Children armed with water guns, grown-ups smearing colours on each other, and even people on balconies joining in by sprinkling coloured water on friends below — it was pure chaos, but full of affection and joy.

That scene took me back to my college days when a Holi celebration on campus had caused such a stir that it ended up being banned forever. I still wonder if that ban ever got lifted!

By noon, the crowd around the lake had thinned. The boatmen, who had been busy celebrating, started calling tourists with cheerful discounts. With only a few boats on the lake, it turned into a peaceful, almost private experience.

Our boatman, relaxed and talkative, shared stories while other tourists waved from nearby boats. Cameras clicked everywhere — strangers turning into friends just to exchange pictures. The ride ended near the Naina Devi Temple, the spiritual heart of the town.

When it was time to leave, we realized the buses wouldn’t resume till evening due to the festival. Luckily, our taxi driver agreed to drop us off early and stopped at several scenic points along the way. Each stop gifted us another beautiful photograph — another moment to carry home.

By the time we boarded the evening bus back to Delhi, Nainital had already etched its charm deep within — a perfect blend of nature, mythology, and memories.

Closing Note

Some places stay with you not because of how grand they are, but because of how complete they make you feel. Nainital is one such place — small, serene, and soulful — that truly has something for everyone.

How to Reach Nainital

By Air

• Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (around 70 km from Nainital)
• Travel from Airport: You can hire a taxi or take a bus to Nainital (approx. 2 hours).
• Alternative: For better connectivity, you can fly to Delhi Airport (approx. 300 km) and continue by road or train.

By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station (about 35 km away)
• Major Trains: Ranikhet Express, Bagh Express, Uttar Sampark Kranti Express (from Delhi, Dehradun, etc.)
• From Kathgodam: Taxis and shared cabs are easily available to Nainital (takes about 1 hour).

By Road

• From Delhi: Approx. 300 km, 7–8 hours by car.
• Route: Delhi – Hapur – Moradabad – Rampur – Haldwani – Kathgodam – Nainital
• Bus Service: Regular Volvo, deluxe, and state buses (run by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation) operate from Delhi’s Anand Vihar ISBT.

Travel Tips for Visiting Nainital

1. Best Time to Visit:
   • March–June: Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and boating.
   • October–February: Cool and serene, perfect for honeymooners and those who enjoy chilly weather.
   • Avoid July–September: Monsoon can bring landslides.
2. Local Transport:
   • Walking is the best way to explore the Mall Road and nearby areas.
   • Shared taxis and rented scooters are available for longer distances.
3. Must-Visit Places:
   • Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Nainital Zoo, Bhimtal, and Sattal.
4. Clothing Tips:
   • Summer: Light woolens for evenings.
   • Winter: Heavy woolens, gloves, and warm shoes.
5. Altitude & Health:
   • Nainital is at about 2,000 meters (6,600 ft); stay hydrated and take it easy if you feel altitude discomfort.
6. Food & Shopping:
   • Try local dishes like Aloo ke Gutke, Ras, and Bal Mithai.
   • Shop for woollens, candles, and handmade souvenirs on Mall Road.
7. Safety Tips:
   • Drive cautiously on hilly roads.
   • Avoid boating in bad weather.
   • Carry cash, as card payments may not be accepted everywhere.