Searching for the best places to visit in Nainital in summer? This Kumaon hill town in Uttarakhand is at its finest between March and June, when the plains are sweating and Nainital sits cool at around 2,000 metres. Here is a practical guide to the places worth your time, how to reach, and the day trips locals recommend for a summer holiday in 2026.
Key Highlights
- Naini Lake, Snow View Point (via the aerial ropeway), Tiffin Top, Naina Devi Temple and Mall Road are the five unmissable stops on any summer Nainital trip.
- Summer runs March to June with daytime temperatures of roughly 24–30°C and cool evenings around 10–14°C — carry a light jacket even in May.
- Kathgodam (about 35 km) is the nearest railway station and Pantnagar (about 65–70 km) the nearest airport; Delhi is roughly 300 km away by road.
- Two to three days cover the town’s main attractions; add a day or two for the lake circuit of Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Sattal and Khurpatal.
- Book hotels well in advance for summer weekends, start viewpoint visits early in the morning, and expect crowds and parking delays in peak season.
Why Visit Nainital in Summer
Summer is Nainital’s peak season, and for good reason. From March to June the weather stays pleasant — warm days, cool nights, and skies usually clear enough to see the Himalayan snow peaks from the viewpoints. The lake is full and every attraction is open. The trade-off is crowds: May–June weekends bring heavy traffic, so hotel prices rise. Visit on weekdays if you can.
Best Places to Visit in Nainital in Summer
Naini Lake
The lifeblood of Nainital, this kidney-shaped lake sits at the centre of town and is where almost every trip begins. A slow row-boat ride across its calm water, with the hills rising on all sides, is the classic Nainital experience. The lakefront walk between Mallital and Tallital is at its best in the early morning before the crowds arrive, and again at sunset. Rowing boats and paddle boats are the standard options in summer.
Snow View Point and the Aerial Ropeway
Snow View Point is the town’s best Himalayan viewpoint, sitting at about 2,270 metres. On a clear summer morning you can see peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot from here. The fun way up is the aerial ropeway — the short ride over the town is half the attraction. Go before 10 am for the clearest views.
Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)
A short trek from town brings you to Tiffin Top at about 2,290 metres, a rocky picnic perch with a wide view over the Kumaon hills. It is popular for sunrise and packed-picnic outings, and the walk up through pine and oak forest is as good as the viewpoint itself. Horse rides are available from town if you would rather not walk.
Naina Devi Temple
On the northern bank of Naini Lake stands the Naina Devi Temple, counted among the 51 Shaktipeeths of India and one of the most visited shrines in Kumaon. Devotees believe the temple marks the spot where the eyes of Goddess Sati fell. It comes alive during festivals and the evening aarti, and its position overlooking the lake makes it a fine stop for any visitor.
Mall Road
Officially Govind Ballabh Pant Marg, Mall Road runs along the lakefront connecting the Mallital and Tallital neighbourhoods. This is Nainital’s social spine — evening strolls, book stalls, cafés and the Tibetan Market’s woolens, shawls, candles and handicrafts. Vehicles are restricted during the evening hours, which makes the walk genuinely pleasant. Pick up Nainital’s famous candles and a box of Bal Mithai, the local chocolate-like sweet.
GB Pant High Altitude Zoo
One of the few high-altitude zoos in India, the GB Pant Zoo houses snow leopards, Himalayan bears, red pandas and other mountain species. It sits above the town and combines well with a morning at Snow View Point. The zoo stays closed on Mondays — check the board at the gate for current timings and entry fee. Nearby, the Eco Cave Gardens (natural caves turned into an adventure park with zip-lining) is a hit with families; go in the morning.
The Lake Circuit: Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Sattal and Khurpatal
Most first-timers see only Nainital town, but the surrounding lakes are worth a full day. Bhimtal (about 22–25 km) is bigger and calmer than Naini Lake, with an island aquarium. Naukuchiatal (about 26–28 km), the “nine-cornered lake”, is the deepest of the group and the spot for paragliding and kayaking. Sattal (about 23–25 km) is seven interconnected freshwater lakes set in forest — a quiet favourite for birdwatching. Khurpatal (about 12 km) is a small emerald lake that works as a quick scenic stop. A private taxi can cover two or three of these in a day.
Day Trips Around Nainital
With an extra day, head to Kainchi Dham (about 17 km), the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba; Mukteshwar (about 50 km) for quieter Himalayan views and the 350-year-old Mukteshwar Dham temple; or Ranikhet (about 60 km), another cantonment-town escape. Birdwatchers should visit Pangot and Kilbury (about 15 km) — carry binoculars. Sunrise seekers can head to Hanuman Garhi temple (about 3 km from Tallital) or trek Naina Peak (about 2,615 m), the highest point around town.
How to Reach Nainital
By Air
The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 65–70 km from Nainital, with flights from Delhi and a few other cities. Taxis and buses cover the remaining distance in about two hours.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 35 km away, with direct trains from Delhi, including overnight options. Shared and private taxis reach Nainital from Kathgodam in about an hour and a half.
By Road
Nainital is about 290–320 km from Delhi, a 7–8 hour drive. Government and private buses run from Delhi’s Anand Vihar and Kashmere Gate terminals, and many travellers self-drive or hire a taxi. The road climbs steadily after Haldwani, about 43 km from town.
Best Time to Visit Nainital
Summer — March to June — is the most popular season: daytime temperatures generally stay between 24°C and 30°C, nights drop to 10–14°C, and the weather is mostly clear. April and May are ideal; June is warmer and more crowded. The monsoon (July–August) brings rain and occasional landslides, while October–December offers the clearest mountain views but much colder weather.
Things to Do in Nainital in Summer
- Boat on Naini Lake — rowing, paddling and yachting are all available in season.
- Ride the aerial ropeway to Snow View Point and trek to Tiffin Top for sunrise.
- Try paragliding at Naukuchiatal or walk the quiet Thandi Sadak lakeside path.
- Shop for woolens, candles, jams and handicrafts on Mall Road and in the Tibetan Market.
- Taste Kumaoni food and Tibetan momos, and carry home Bal Mithai.
- Take a jeep safari in nearby Jim Corbett National Park — book well in advance in summer.
Travel Tips for a Summer Trip to Nainital
- Book early: summer weekends sell out; hotel prices spike in May–June. Book rooms and Corbett safaris weeks ahead.
- Pack a jacket: days are warm but evenings and viewpoints get chilly — a light woollen layer is essential even in June.
- Start early: do Snow View Point and Tiffin Top before 10 am for the clearest views and smallest crowds.
- Stay 2–3 days minimum: two days cover the town; four days let you add the lake circuit and a day trip.
- Carry cash: small shops and taxi stands may not accept cards or UPI everywhere.
Pair this trip with more ideas from our guides: check the best tourist attractions near Delhi NCR, try paragliding in Shimla, browse honeymoon ideas in the Andaman islands, or see our roundup of stunning places in India to rejuvenate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Nainital?
March to June (summer) is the most popular time, with pleasant weather and all attractions open. September to November offers clearer mountain views, while December to February is cold with occasional snowfall. Avoid the monsoon months of July and August because of rain and landslide risk.
How many days are enough for a Nainital trip?
Two to three days are enough for Nainital town’s main attractions — Naini Lake, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, the zoo, Mall Road and the temples. Add one or two more days if you want to cover the lake circuit (Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Sattal) and day trips like Mukteshwar or Kainchi Dham.
How do I reach Nainital from Delhi?
The easiest rail option is Kathgodam station, about 35 km from Nainital, with overnight trains from Delhi; taxis cover the last stretch in about 90 minutes. By road, Nainital is roughly 300 km from Delhi (7–8 hours) with regular government and private buses. The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 65–70 km away.
Which are the must-visit places in Nainital for first-timers?
First-timers should not miss Naini Lake (boating), Snow View Point (ropeway), Tiffin Top, Naina Devi Temple and Mall Road. With more time, add the GB Pant Zoo, Eco Cave Gardens, Hanuman Garhi and the Bhimtal–Naukuchiatal–Sattal lake circuit.
How hot does Nainital get in summer, and what should I pack?
Summer days in Nainital generally stay between 24°C and 30°C, with nights cooling to 10–14°C. Pack light summer clothes for the day plus a jacket or light woollens for evenings and viewpoints, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Do I need a cab for local sightseeing in Nainital?
The lakefront and Mall Road are walkable, but you will need a taxi for the zoo, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Hanuman Garhi and the lake circuit. Shared taxis are economical; private cabs give you flexibility for day trips to Bhimtal, Sattal or Mukteshwar.
Weather
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