About Nainital Lake
A mile-long emerald lake cupped by seven forested peaks in the Kumaon Himalayas. Victorian boathouses line the Mall Road. Yachts drift past the Naina Devi temple. The town still carries a postcard-from-1880 air — Boat Club, stained-glass churches and all.
History
Nainital was 'discovered' in 1841 by British sugar merchant P. Barron, who built the first European house on its shores and called it the finest lake view in Asia. By 1862 it was the summer capital of the United Provinces — generations of ICS officers spent April-to-October here, riding around the lake and attending dances at the Boat Club (still standing, still members-only). A 1880 landslide buried 151 people at the north end where the flats now stand — Naina Devi Temple was rebuilt atop the debris, giving the lake its modern name from Goddess Sati's eye (naina). St John's in the Wilderness Church, 1846, still uses its original stained-glass windows from London.
Best Time to Visit
March to June, September to November
Currency converter
Live INR rates, refreshed hourly. Type any amount you see on a ticket, menu or fare board to convert it.
Plan your visit
Stay, fly, or ride to Nainital Lake, Uttarakhand
Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Traveller photos
Photos from people who’ve been
Be the first to add a shot of how it really looks.
Got a photo from your visit? Add it here.
Uploading anonymously is fine — but sign in so your photos move with you across devices.
Loading photos…
Traveller reviews
What others say about Nainital Lake
Sign in to leave a review for Nainital Lake.
Sign inLoading reviews…
Travel Tips
- Avoid May 15–June 15 weekends — bumper-to-bumper traffic from Delhi
- Stay in Mallital (north end) for the market, Tallital for the lake views
- Take the ropeway to Snow View Point (₹150) — avoid the pony route for ethics
- Carry woollens after dusk even in summer — nights drop below 15°C
Famous Food in Nainital Lake
Trekking Routes
- Naina Peak trail — 3 hrs one way via Mallital
- China Peak trek — alternate name for Naina Peak
- Kilbury Bird Sanctuary trail — 11 km, 20 species
How to Reach Nainital Lake
Nainital Lake is located in Uttarakhand, India at coordinates 29.3919°N, 79.4542°E. You can reach Nainital Lake by air (nearest airport in Uttarakhand), train, or road. Use YatraJunction's free fare calculator to compare live train, bus and flight prices, and to build an AI-powered itinerary tailored to your budget and travel dates.
Planning Your Visit to Nainital Lake
Nainital Lake lies in Uttarakhand, India, and ranks among the state’s most-visited hill station destinations. The nearest major city and transport gateway is Dehradun, roughly 171 km away — most travellers route through Dehradun by air or rail before continuing on to Nainital Lake. Time your trip for March to June, September to November for the most comfortable weather.
Travelling from within India, Dehradun connects to every metro by daily domestic flights and the railway network, so Nainital Lake slots easily into a wider Uttarakhand itinerary.
Attractions closest to Nainital Lake
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Nainital Lake?
- The best time to visit Nainital Lake is March to June, September to November.
- What are the top travel tips for Nainital Lake?
- Avoid May 15–June 15 weekends — bumper-to-bumper traffic from Delhi. Stay in Mallital (north end) for the market, Tallital for the lake views. Take the ropeway to Snow View Point (₹150) — avoid the pony route for ethics. Carry woollens after dusk even in summer — nights drop below 15°C.
- What food is famous in Nainital Lake?
- Famous dishes in Nainital Lake include: Bhatt ki Churkani — Kumaoni black soybean curry at Machan, Aloo ke Gutke — spiced potatoes at Sakley's, Bal Mithai — Kumaon sweet at Sri Ram Sweets.
- Where is Nainital Lake located?
- Nainital Lake is in Uttarakhand, India, at 29.3919° N, 79.4542° E. The nearest major city and transport hub is Dehradun, about 171 km away.
- What are the best places to visit near Nainital Lake?
- Top attractions near Nainital Lake include Jim Corbett National Park (about 68 km away), Auli (about 127 km away), Rishikesh (about 138 km away) — all easy to combine on a Uttarakhand trip.
