Nainital, the jewel of Uttarakhand, is a picturesque hill station nestled in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. While Nainital itself is a popular destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and honeymooners, its surrounding areas are equally enchanting and deserve exploration.
If you’re planning an extended vacation or want to explore beyond Nainital’s lakes and scenic views, here are the top 15 best places to visit near Nainital that offer peace, beauty, adventure, and a break from the usual touristy spots.
1. Bhimtal (Approx. 22 km from Nainital)
Bhimtal is a serene lake town known for its vast and less crowded Bhimtal Lake. It is larger than Naini Lake and surrounded by dense forests and hills. Boating, birdwatching, and visiting the small island aquarium in the middle of the lake are popular activities here.
Highlights:
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Bhimtal Lake
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Butterfly Research Centre
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Hidimba Parvat
2. Naukuchiatal (Approx. 26 km from Nainital)
Naukuchiatal, meaning “lake of nine corners,” is a tranquil getaway perfect for kayaking, paragliding, and fishing. The pristine lake and the surrounding hills create a magical atmosphere for nature enthusiasts.
Highlights:
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Paragliding
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Boating on Naukuchiatal Lake
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Hanuman Temple
3. Sattal (Approx. 23 km from Nainital)
Sattal is a hidden gem composed of seven interconnected freshwater lakes. It’s an ideal destination for birdwatchers, nature lovers, and those looking to escape the commercial buzz of Nainital.
Highlights:
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Butterfly Museum
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Boating and Kayaking
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Birdwatching
4. Mukteshwar (Approx. 47 km from Nainital)
Mukteshwar is a small hill town famous for its 350-year-old Shiva temple, scenic vistas, and orchards. It’s a quiet, offbeat destination offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range.
Highlights:
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Mukteshwar Dham
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Chauli Ki Jali (for rock climbing)
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Bhalu Gaad Waterfall
5. Ranikhet (Approx. 58 km from Nainital)
Ranikhet, which means “Queen’s Meadow,” is a charming cantonment town surrounded by pine and oak forests. It offers mesmerizing views of the snow-capped Himalayas and has a rich colonial past.
Highlights:
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Jhula Devi Temple
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Chaubatia Gardens
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Golf Course
6. Almora (Approx. 63 km from Nainital)
Almora is known for its cultural richness, panoramic views, and centuries-old temples. The town is built on a horse saddle-shaped ridge and offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Highlights:
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Bright End Corner
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Kasar Devi Temple
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Deer Park
7. Kausani (Approx. 116 km from Nainital)
Called the “Switzerland of India,” Kausani is famous for its 300-km wide view of the Himalayan peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli. It’s a perfect escape for writers, poets, and peace-seekers.
Highlights:
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Anasakti Ashram
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Baijnath Temple
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Tea Gardens
8. Jim Corbett National Park (Approx. 65 km from Nainital)
If wildlife adventure is on your mind, a visit to Jim Corbett National Park is a must. Established in 1936, it’s India’s oldest national park and is home to the majestic Bengal tiger.
Highlights:
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Jungle Safari
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Corbett Museum
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Garjiya Devi Temple
9. Pangot (Approx. 15 km from Nainital)
Pangot is a tiny birdwatcher’s paradise located just outside Nainital. With more than 250 species of birds, it’s ideal for nature photography and enjoying tranquil forest walks.
Highlights:
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Birdwatching trails
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Kilbury Forest
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Nature Camps
10. Ramgarh (Approx. 35 km from Nainital)
Known as the “Fruit Bowl of Kumaon,” Ramgarh is dotted with orchards of apricots, apples, and peaches. It’s a peaceful destination perfect for soul-searchers, writers, and artists.
Highlights:
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Orchards
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View of the Himalayas
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Writers’ Bungalows (including one used by Rabindranath Tagore)
11. Jeolikot (Approx. 17 km from Nainital)
Jeolikot is a lesser-known gem ideal for those who love gardening and butterflies. It’s a horticultural haven and a great pit-stop on the way to Nainital.
Highlights:
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Butterfly watching
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Floriculture center
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Colonial architecture
12. Bhowali (Approx. 11 km from Nainital)
Bhowali is a health resort town known for its pleasant climate and scenic beauty. It serves as a central junction connecting Nainital with Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, and Ranikhet.
Highlights:
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Golu Devta Temple
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Fruit Market
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T.B. Sanatorium
13. Gaula River (Approx. 35 km from Nainital)
The Gaula River is a peaceful location ideal for riverside picnics and short nature treks. It’s perfect for people who want to enjoy some quiet time surrounded by nature.
Highlights:
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Fishing
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Riverbank picnics
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Scenic landscapes
14. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat) (Approx. 4 km from Nainital)
Though technically in Nainital, Tiffin Top deserves a separate mention. It’s a popular picnic spot that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas and the town of Nainital from a higher elevation.
Highlights:
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Horse rides
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Photography
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Trekking route from Mallital
15. Hanumangarhi (Approx. 3.5 km from Nainital)
Hanumangarhi is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located atop a hill. It is popular for its spiritual ambiance and spectacular sunset views.
Highlights:
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Hanuman temple
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Sunset Point
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Peaceful surroundings
Bonus Tips for Travelers
Best Time to Visit:
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March to June: Pleasant weather and ideal for outdoor activities.
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October to February: Great for snowfall experiences in higher regions.
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Monsoon (July-September): Avoid travel due to landslides, though the greenery is at its peak.
How to Travel Around:
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You can hire a local taxi from Nainital or use shared jeeps.
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Buses and private cabs are available from Kathgodam and Haldwani as well.
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Self-driving is also an option if you enjoy road trips and mountain views.
Conclusion
The charm of Nainital doesn’t end within its boundaries. The nearby destinations offer a variety of experiences—serenity, spirituality, wildlife, and culture. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, a family on vacation, or a group of friends looking for adventure, these top 15 places to visit near Nainital have something unique to offer. So, pack your bags and let the magic of the Kumaon hills sweep you off your feet!
