Nainital Tour Packages

1. About Nainital
2. Tidbits About Nainital
3. Nainital At A Glance
4. Essential Tips To Know Before Travelling To Nainital
5. Top Reasons To Visit Nainital
6. Best Time To Visit Nainital
7. Best Quick Getaways From Nainital
8. Top Things To Do In Nainital
9. Shopping In Nainital
10. Foods To Try Out In Nainital
11. Art And Culture In Nainital
12. Dos and Don’ts For Indian Travellers

An English merchant named P. Barron is said to have discovered Nainital back in 1841. This is when the presence of the Naini Lake became known to the world, initiating the journey of Nainital eventually becoming a popular tourist destination. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Nainital bloomed as a summer retreat for the elite population and the British officials. The ambience of this quaint town resembled that of a serene English countryside, and soon it developed into a place populated with schools, clubs, and churches. As more and more travellers discovered Nainital, the infrastructure of the town was developed for the convenience of the tourists. One such addition that was made was the establishment of the Nainital Yacht Club by the Britishers in 1910, with the hope of drawing in more vacationers.

While tourism and hospitality form the biggest aspects of Nainital’s economy, trading in goods and merchandise has been contributing to the town’s economy, too, for decades. This includes trading spices, pickles, jams, and baked goods. Agriculture is yet another sector that drives the economy of Nainital. Some of the crops grown in the town are maize, wheat, bhatt, and jhangora.

• The name of the town Nainital is derived from the words ‘naini’, which means ‘eyes’, and ‘tal’, which means ‘lake’. This is in reference to the Naini Lake.
• Nainital was founded by a businessman named P. Barron in 1841.
  According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Sati’s eyes fell at the spot where Nainital is now located.
• Nainital is often known as the ‘Lake District of India’.
• Nainital was the summer capital of the United Provinces during British rule.
• The famous Mall Road in Nainital has two parts, namely the Upper Mall and Lower Mall Road.

• ATMs of all the major banks are present in Nainital. Therefore, don’t carry a lot of cash when you go out.
• Driving around in a hill station like Nainital is risky due to the winding roads and the possibility of landslides. It’s better to let a local driver show you around.
• In order to avoid waterborne diseases, always drink only filtered or bottled water.
• The remote regions in Nainital may not always have clean bathroom facilities, so always carry the necessary items such as hand sanitisers, toilet seat sanitisers, and wet wipes.
• While hailing a cab, make sure it’s a registered vehicle.
• Avoid using plastic bottles and bags in the forested regions, as they could harm the environment. If you do carry them to a forest, don’t throw them just anywhere, and instead wait till you find a garbage bin to dispose of them.
• Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the main airport in Nainital.
• Stay mindful of the plants and vegetation in the area and make sure not to cause them any harm.
• The Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM) is the closest railway station to Nainital.
• While tipping is not mandatory in Nainital, it’s a way to show appreciation to those who help and serve you. This includes porters, drivers, waiters, etc. A 10% tip is usually considered appropriate.

Wondering why you should book GT Holidays’ Nainital tour packages? Let us convince you:

The discovery of Nainital has a deep spiritual and mythological significance. As per Hindu mythology, when Lord Shiva was carrying Goddess Sati’s body, her eyes fell at a particular spot. It’s at this spot that the Naini Lake was formed, which eventually led to everyone discovering this town. The religious importance of Nainital also stretches to the presence of the Naina Devi Temple, which is one of the revered 51 Shakti Peethas in the country.

Nainital’s cuisine is a delightful blend of Kumaoni food and influences from the various communities that reside in the region. The presence of locally sourced ingredients amplifies the taste of the dishes found in Nainital. If your preference is vegetarian food, then you can try out dishes like aloo ke gutke, bhatt ki churkani, and bhang ki chutney. For the ones who are fond of desserts, you must try out the famous bal mithai.

While Nainital has numerous tourist attractions for travellers to marvel over, it also provides you with opportunities to go for exciting getaways. There are, of course, several gems in Uttarakhand for you to visit, such as Dehradun and Mussoorie, but also other options located closer to Nainital. This includes the Jim Corbett National Park, Bhimtal, Mukteshwar, and Almora.

When you’re not busy unearthing every corner of this town with our Nainital tour packages, you must visit the many vibrant markets that Nainital plays host to. Mall Road has to be on top of your list from this category. Remember to shop for the vibrantly hued candles that can elevate the atmosphere of every room. For the food lovers out there, Nainital has a wide array of jams, pickles, and chutneys to pick from.

Nainital’s natural beauty includes majestic snow-capped mountains and mighty peaks. Due to this, adventure lovers get to participate in thrilling activities such as trekking and camping. Imagine being able to view the stunning Naina Peak or make your way to the Snow View Point. The latter offers you panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks covered in snow, such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot.

Nainital is known to have a subtropical highland climate. This means that it has pleasant summers and cold winters. Let’s take a look at what each season in Nainital is like so you can accordingly decide when to book our Nainital tour packages:

During the summer season, the temperature range in Nainital is usually between 11 degrees Celsius and 28 degrees Celsius. The weather is pleasant and comfortably warm during this season. With cool winds embracing you during the daytime, this is an ideal time to visit the Naini Lake and enjoy boating.

Since this is the peak tourist season, you will see plenty of travellers in Nainital during the summer. Therefore, we recommend you book our Nainital tour packages in advance so as to avail the best deals and get the accommodation of your choice. Remember to carry a mix of warm and light clothes at this time. Pack a lightweight jacket, too, since the evenings and nights can get chilly. The festival of Phool Dei is celebrated in Nainital during this season.

The temperature range you can expect in Nainital during the monsoon season is between 16 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius. If you want to visit the town while it’s less crowded, then this is the right season to do so. Our Nainital tour packages can be availed at discounted rates during this season, and it’s perfect to relish the lush greenery and picturesque landscapes while you enjoy a plate of steamed momos or noodles.

Remember to check the weather forecast before booking your trip as the rains can cause landslides. It’s better to book an accommodation that’s accessible and centrally located so that you don’t have to drive around when the roads aren’t in the best condition. The items you must pack for this season include a lightweight jacket, a torch, mosquito repellents, sports shoes, and windcheater jackets. Some of the festivals that occur in Nainital during the monsoon months are the Nanda Devi Fair, Khatarua, and Harela.

During the winter season, the temperature range in Nainital oscillates between 0 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius. The town transforms into a winter wonderland at this time, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. If the temperatures drop too low, the Naini Lake gets an icy layer. Since this is the off season, it’s less crowded. So, if you wish to enjoy a quieter time with the sight of snow all around, then book our Nainital tour packages for this period. Since snowfall can cause roadblocks in some routes, plan your holiday accordingly. Make sure to carry plenty of woollen items, including scarves, gloves, and mufflers.

• Cheapest time to fly to Nainital – July
• Best time for trekking – March to June
• Best time for boating – March to June

The Jim Corbett National Park, situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, is the oldest national park in the country. Established in 1936, it was initially known as the Hailey National Park. Covering an area of over 500 sq km, the park is home to about 450 different species of plants. You will come across a wide variety of wildlife at this park, including tigers, elephants, chital, sambar deer, wild boars, flying foxes, and hedgehogs. There are different kinds of safaris you can go on to explore the Jim Corbett National Park, such as jeep safaris, elephant safaris, and canter safaris.

Bhimtal is a lake town named after the character Bhima from the Mahabharata. Situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, it is perched at a height of 1,370 metres above sea level. Located about 22 km away from Nainital, the crowning jewel of Bhimtal is the Bhimtal Lake. It’s the largest natural lake in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region. Some of the other tourist attractions to visit in Bhimtal include the Folk Culture Museum, Nal Damyanti Tal, Victoria Dam, and Aquarium Island Café.

Mukteshwar is a hill station situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It’s located about 51 km away from Nainital and is nestled at an altitude of 2,285 metres above sea level. Whether you’re passionate about birdwatching or would like to see pretty birds all around, this quaint little hill town is a paradise for birdwatchers. Some of the birds you can spot here include woodpeckers, Himalayan bulbuls, the great Himalayan barbet, and the Himalayan eagle. A trip to Mukteshwar will be incomplete without paying your respects at the Mukteshwar Temple. Built about 350 years ago, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The other attractions to witness in this hill station with our Nainital tour packages are Bhalu Gad Waterfall, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Sitla, and Chauli ki Jaali.

Almora is a town located about 61 km away from Nainital. Perched at an elevation of 1,651 metres, it sits on a ridge at the southern edge of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon Hills. Almost everyone who visits Almora does so with the intention of experiencing the serene and holy ambience of the Kasar Devi Temple. The roots of the temple can be traced back to the 2nd century CE and are dedicated to Goddess Kasar Devi, a deity who is a form of Durga or Shakti. Swami Vivekananda is known to have visited Almora multiple times during his lifetime. While you’re in the town, remember to visit the Chitai Golu Devta Temple, Katarmal Sun Temple, and Nanda Devi Temple.

When you visit Nainital with GT Holidays’ Nainital tour packages, here are some of the tourist attractions to explore and the adventures to participate in:

Naini Lake, or Nainital Lake, is a natural freshwater lake located in the heart of Nainital. Perched at an altitude of approximately 2,000 metres above sea level, it’s engulfed by seven beautiful peaks, namely Ayarpatta, Handi Bandi, Alma, Cheena Peak, Laria Kanta, Sher Ka Danda, and Deopata. An English businessman named P. Barron founded Naini Lake in 1839. It’s one of the four major lakes in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, and is distinguished by its crescent-shaped appearance. The lake can be divided into two sections. While the southern part is called Tallital, the northern part is called Mallital. According to legend, the lake was formed from the tears of Goddess Sati, thereby enhancing the spiritual significance of Naini Lake. You can enjoy boating in this lake while relishing the peaceful surroundings.

Naina Peak is the highest peak in Nainital. Also known as China Peak, it’s situated at a height of 2,615 metres. When you visit the town with our Nainital tour packages, make sure to enjoy the mesmerising sunrise and sunset views from this point. Naina Peak is also popular among adventure lovers for hiking and trekking. It is located about 6 km away from the city centre and gives you a panoramic view of the entire city along with the surrounding Himalayan peaks. You can either hike to this point or avail ponies to get to the peak from either the Snow View Point or Mallital. For the trekkers who want to visit this tourist attraction on foot, note down that it takes anywhere between one and two hours to complete the 6 km climb, depending on your pace.

The Naina Devi Temple in Nainital is dedicated to Mata Naina Devi, who is one of the forms of Goddess Parvati. Situated on the northern shore of Naini Lake, it’s one of the most revered 51 Shakti Peethas in the country. Legend says that when Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of Goddess Sati, her eyes fell at a particular spot, and that is where this temple was erected. This is how the temple gets its name, since ‘naina’ means ‘eyes’. In fact, the entire town is named after this legend, and so is the Naini Lake.

There are the idols of three deities located within the temple. In the centre are the eyes of Goddess Naina Devi, to the left is Goddess Kali, and to the right is Lord Ganesha. The festival of Nanda Ashtami takes place at this temple for eight days, usually during August and September. Drawing in thousands of devotees each year, you can witness this spiritual spectacle with our Nainital tour packages.

The Snow View Point is located about 2.5 km away from the town of Nainital. Nestled at a height of 2,270 metres, it offers spectacular views of snow-clad Himalayan peaks, such as Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Trishul. When you reach this tourist attraction, you will find a pair of binoculars that has been installed at this spot so that the visitors can get a closer look at the majestic Himalayan peaks. As you look closely, you can view a small temple that houses pictures of various Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, and Lord Hanuman.

Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy’s Seat, is situated in Nainital’s Ayarpatta Hill. You can enjoy this famous picnic spot with GT Holidays’ Nainital tour packages. It offers a panoramic view of the entire town and the surrounding hills. This stone bench was built by an English army officer named Col J.P. Kellet in memory of his wife, Dorothy Kellet. She was an English painter who passed away in a plane crash, and that’s how the spot derived its name. You can enjoy activities such as rock climbing and rappelling at Tiffin Top.

If you’re looking for a spot in Nainital that is an amalgamation of shopping, culture, and dining, then Mall Road is the place to head to. It connects the two ends of the town, which are Mallital and Tallital, and runs parallel to the Naini Lake. Built during the British colonial rule, it was officially renamed to Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. This commercial area is filled with cafes, restaurants, shops, department stores, and hotels. It’s maintained by the Public Works Department (PWD) and is subject to strict traffic regulations so that the visitors face no issues even during the peak travel season.

The Nainital Zoo was established in 1984 and was opened to the public in 1995. Nestled at a height of 2,100 metres above sea level, it’s located above the hills of Sher ka Danda. It holds the honour of being one of the only three high-altitude zoos in the country. The name of the zoo was changed to Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo in 2002. Some of the animals you can find at the zoo are barking deer, Tibetan wolves, leopard cat, the Himalayan black bear, Japanese macaques, and the Royal Bengal Tiger. The zoo organises several special events throughout the year that you can take your kids to with our Nainital tour packages. These include the World Environment Day in June, the Wildlife Week which takes place during the first week of October, and the Ozone Layer Conservation Day in September.

The Nainital Ropeway, also known as the Aerial Ropeway Nainital, is a popular cable car ride that connects Snow View Point to Mallital. The ropeway begins to operate at around 10 AM and goes on till somewhere between 4 PM and 5 PM. Located at a height of 2,275 metres above sea level, it takes anywhere between three and four minutes for one side of the journey to be completed.

The Eco Cave Gardens is a group of interconnected hanging gardens and rocky caves. This set of six small caves is shaped in the form of different animals. This includes the Tiger Cave, Panther Cave, Bat Cave, Squirrel Cave, Flying Fox Cave, and Ape Cave. This particular tourist spot is especially fun to visit with your kids, as you can do with our Nainital tour packages. The site also has a musical fountain that’s known to display a stunning combination of music, lights, and water.

• Paragliding in Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal
• Trekking to Naina Peak and Tiffin Top
• Rappelling at Sattal Lake
• Camping in Pangot
• Boating in Naini Lake
• Kayaking in Sattal Lake
• Horse riding to the Naina Peak

Nainital offers a wide range of souvenirs for tourists to shop from, all of which reflect the town’s cultural heritage. The following are some of the best things to buy from Nainital and the places to shop from:

Given the cool climate of Nainital, it isn’t really surprising that candles are among the bestselling souvenirs. Candles of various shapes and colours are available to be purchased from the markets of Nainital. Not only can you get these for yourself, but you can also get them as gifts for your friends and family.

Showpieces and decorative items made out of pine cones are some of the most unique souvenirs to grab during your trip with our Nainital tour packages. Available at affordable prices, you will find such pieces both in Nainital and Bhimtal.

One cannot leave Nainital without buying some warm and comfortable woollen items. These include sweaters, shawls, scarves, and mufflers. Don’t forget to check out the Panama hats and tiaras while you’re in Nainital.

If you’re looking for something edible to carry back with you from Nainital, then there are a number of homemade eatables to choose from. This includes jams, chutneys, pickles, and preserves. Make sure to try out the chilli pickle, lemon pickle, buransh squash, and apple chutney while you’re in Nainital.

• Mall Road: For clothes, candles, woollen items.
• Bara Bazaar: For jams, pickles, candles, spices.
• Tibetan Market: For woollen items, bags, accessories.

• Bargaining is common in the markets of Nainital. Negotiate respectfully with the shopkeeper till you arrive at a price that suits you both.
• While some of the stores accept credit and debit cards and online payments, it’s better to carry cash, especially while shopping at the smaller shops.
• If you want to shop at a time when the crowds are fewer, it’s better to go during the mornings and late evenings.
• Make sure to double-check the quality of the items you purchase, especially woollen items.

While the natural beauty of Nainital is surely among its top attractions, the cuisine of this idyllic town, too, is enough to bring in travellers from around the world. Making use of locally sourced ingredients, Nainital’s cuisine has earthy tones and recipes that have been passed down from one generation to another. Since the town is located in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, you will get to taste its Kumaoni cuisine when you visit with our Nainital tour packages.

From fresh pulses to spices such as hemp seeds and mustard seeds, the food of Nainital is delicious while also being simple, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage and the resourcefulness of those residing in the mountains. The following are some of the dishes you must try out during your trip to Nainital:

Bhatt ki churkani is a traditional Kumaoni dish, which is basically a curry made from black soybeans (known as ‘bhatt’ in Uttarakhand). It’s slow-cooked, and some of the ingredients that go into making the dish are onions, tomatoes, and spices. The concoction is then topped up with chopped onions, ghee, and fresh herbs. It can be served with either rice or roti.

For those with a sweet tooth, you must try out bal mithai in Nainital. It can be called the chocolate fudge of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Made using roasted khoya, it is coated in small sugar balls and has a rich caramel flavour. The texture of this dessert is such that it just melts into your mouth.

Aloo ke gutke is a spicy dish and snack made using potatoes. Some of the ingredients that go into making this are turmeric, red chillies, coriander, and mustard oil. It’s usually served alongside rotis, puris, and bhang ki chutney.

Baadi is a nutritious and wholesome dish whose primary ingredient is black gram flour or urad dal. It’s cooked in water and ghee until the mixture turns creamy and thick. The dish pairs well with bhang seed or sesame seed chutney.

Kumaoni raita is a unique kind of raita that originated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The raita consists of grated cucumber, mustard seeds, roasted cumin powder, coriander powder, black salt, and a bit of green chilli. It was originally meant to serve as a cooling companion to balance out the spicy flavour of many Kumaoni dishes. However, as its popularity spread across the region, people started to consume it more because of its healthy properties and distinctive flavour. The cooling effect of the raita is what makes it perfect to be eaten during the summer months.

Kafuli is a popular dish in Uttarakhand, particularly among the Pahari population. This thick gravy is made through a mixture of leafy vegetables. Spinach and fenugreek leaves are primarily used to make this dish. These are mixed along with garlic, yoghurt, and various spices.

The festivals that take place in Nainital throughout the year reflect the rich culture of the region. There is the Nanda Devi Mela, also known as the Nanda Devi Mahotsav, which is celebrated in September. It is dedicated to the goddesses Nanda and Sunanda and lasts for five to seven days. The state of Uttarakhand conducts the Uttarayani Fair every year, usually in January, and it overlaps with the holy festival of Makar Sankranti. It marks the end of the harvest season. Some of the other festivals that are celebrated in Nainital include Bikhauti, Khatarua, and Ghee Sankranti.

The married women in Nainital are usually seen spotting sindoor or vermillion on their foreheads. When special occasions come along, you will see many of the married women wear large nose rings known as naths. Ghagra cholis and lehenga cholis are common attire for women in this region. Traditional chokers, known as hansulis, are commonly worn by women, and these could be in gold or silver. You will find many of the houses in Nainital to be made of bricks and stones, with some of the older architecture containing wood as well.

• When you go hiking or trekking, always follow the designated trails and stick to your group.
• Nainital has a diverse array of wildlife species, so avoid travelling to the dense forests alone. Don’t disturb any of the animals you see, and always stay alert.
• Although Nainital is usually considered safe, it’s better to avoid going out at night, especially for women.
• Nainital often faces water issues due to limited resources, particularly in the remote areas. Hence, be mindful of your energy and water usage.
• Dress appropriately and cover yourself up adequately while visiting a religious or holy site.
• While interacting with someone in Nainital, the common way to greet them is by saying ‘namaste’ or ‘namaskar’.
• Remove your shoes before entering a temple or any other sacred spot. Some places also ask visitors to wash their feet before entering the premises.
• When visiting a spiritual place, avoid using your phone and taking photographs wherever it’s prohibited.
• Always ask for permission before taking someone’s photograph. The same goes for when you want to photograph festivals, spiritual events, and religious places.