A Week of Family Fun in Nainital

Monday, November 13: Arrival in Nainital

Welcome to Nainital! Start your trip with a leisurely walk along the Mall Road, the main street in town. Enjoy the stunning views of Naini Lake and the surrounding hills. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the tranquil Naini Lake. As the evening sets in, explore Tibetan Market for some souvenir shopping.

• Mall Road: Free, 2 hours
• Naini Lake Boat Ride: INR 200 per boat, 1 hour
• Tibetan Market: Varies, 1-2 hours

Tuesday, November 14: Nainital Zoo and Eco Cave Gardens

Begin your day with a visit to the famous Nainital Zoo, home to various Himalayan animals like snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and Tibetan wolves. In the afternoon, explore the Eco Cave Gardens, a network of natural caves where you can learn about the region's ecology. End the day with a relaxing stroll around Lover's Point.

• Nainital Zoo: INR 50 per adult, INR 20 per child, 2-3 hours
• Eco Cave Gardens: INR 60 per adult, INR 25 per child, 1-2 hours
• Lover's Point: Free, 1 hour

Wednesday, November 15: Naina Devi Temple and Tiffin Top

Start your day with a visit to Naina Devi Temple, a revered Hindu shrine located on the northern shore of Naini Lake. Afterward, take a scenic drive to Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy's Seat, for panoramic views of the Himalayas. Spend the evening at Raj Bhawan, the governor's residence, and enjoy the beautiful gardens.

• Naina Devi Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
• Tiffin Top: INR 150 per person, 2-3 hours
• Raj Bhawan: Free, 1-2 hours

Thursday, November 16: Day Trip to Bhimtal

Take a day trip to Bhimtal, a picturesque town located around 22 kilometers from Nainital. Visit Bhimtal Lake, the largest lake in the Nainital district, and enjoy boating or paddleboarding. Explore Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple, a 17th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and don't miss the Butterfly Research Center for a unique experience.

• Bhimtal Lake: INR 150 per boat, 2-3 hours
• Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple: Free, 1-2 hours
• Butterfly Research Center: INR 50 per adult, INR 25 per child, 1-2 hours

Friday, November 17: Naini Peak and Snow View Point

Embark on a trek to Naini Peak, the highest peak in Nainital, for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Naini Lake. Afterward, take a cable car ride to Snow View Point, offering splendid vistas of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Spend the evening at Mallital for shopping and trying local delicacies.

• Naini Peak: Free, 3-4 hours
• Snow View Point: INR 150 per person, 2-3 hours
• Mallital: Varies, 2-3 hours

Saturday, November 18: Cave Garden and Hanuman Garhi

Explore the Cave Garden, a cluster of interconnected natural caves, and marvel at the geological formations. In the afternoon, visit Hanuman Garhi, a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Take a leisurely walk along the Thandi Sadak, a scenic trail known for its cool breeze and beautiful views.

• Cave Garden: INR 60 per adult, INR 25 per child, 2-3 hours
• Hanuman Garhi: Free, 1-2 hours
• Thandi Sadak: Free, 1-2 hours

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Cafe Chica, a charming cafe known for its delicious pancakes and hearty breakfast platters. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• For lunch, try Machan Restaurant, a popular spot offering a wide variety of Indian and Chinese dishes. Don't miss their mouthwatering biryanis. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• For dinner, treat yourself to a memorable dining experience at The Pavilion, an elegant restaurant known for its gourmet cuisine and scenic views of the lake. Average cost for a meal is about 800 INR per person.

Sunday, November 19: Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

Embark on a bird-watching adventure in Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, located around 15 kilometers from Nainital. Spot a wide variety of resident and migratory birds amidst the lush greenery. Afterward, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature. In the evening, relax and indulge in some local cuisine at a lakeside restaurant.

• Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary: Free, 4-5 hours
• Picnic Lunch: Varies, 1 hour
• Lakeside Restaurant: Varies, 1-2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For a unique experience, visit the Governor's House, also known as Raj Bhawan, a colonial-era building with beautiful gardens and stunning architecture. Take a peaceful walk along the Himalayan Botanical Garden to discover a wide variety of flora. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local street food, such as momos and thukpa, at Tibetan Market.

Check hotel and flight prices on Kayak.com.