Nainital Lake Tours and Activities

Nainital Lake featuring a lake or waterhole and kayaking or canoeing
Nainital Lake featuring a lake or waterhole and mountains
Nainital Lake featuring street scenes and a small town or village
Nainital Lake which includes a lake or waterhole and mountains
Nainital Lake


During the day this crescent-shaped lake is spotted with vibrantly colored boats. At night, see the reflections of thousands of lights dance on its surface. 

Nainital Lake enchants visitors with its serene beauty and crystal-clear reflections of surrounding snow-capped mountains. Slow down and take some time to truly appreciate this Himalayan lake's soul-stirring views.

The first records of the lake come from an English businessman who was enamored by its beauty in 1839. It lies an extraordinary 6,837 feet (2,084 meters) above sea level, between the peaks of the soaring Kumaon Hills. Spot Naina Peak rising to the northwest and Tiffin Top ascending to the west. 

During the day, this lake acts as a mirror for these surrounding peaks. Delight in the dramatic reflections of snow-capped summits and dense forested slopes, which appear almost lifelike on its surface.

Walk around the lake to experience the natural environment. Spot chestnut trees and weeping willows dotted with water birds. At the northern end, take a detour to find a series of caves inhabited by bats and flying foxes. 

Trek up Tiffin's Top to enjoy views of the serene lake below. On misty days the still water takes on an ephemeral, almost mystical beauty. This gentle walk takes just about half and hour. 

Due to its high elevation, the lake’s water temperatures range from cool to cold. Courageous swimmers can try braving the cold. Otherwise, admire the stunning views from the water on a paddleboat. These vessels are available for rent at the north and south ends of the lake. 

Along the shore, at the Nainital township end of the lake, a multicolored collection of boats brighten the still surrounds. Speak to a local boat owner to arrange a tour around the lake or try fishing. The lake is populated with trout and carp, though the most popular edible fish is the yellow-finned mahseer.  

Although the daylight hours are a great time to see the lake, it is at night that the water reveals its true beauty. Pick out a good sunset lookout and watch as the water's surface transforms, glowing with the dancing reflections of thousands of lamps and house lights.  

There is a bus station and taxi stand at the southern end of the lake, providing easy access to the delights of this gorgeous part of India’s Uttarakhand state.

Plan a trip to see Nainital Lake

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Hotel Horizon By Shanti
Tyche Boutique & Suites
Hotel Godwin Deluxe

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Nainital Lake

Namah Nainital, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats

Namah Nainital, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats

5 out of 5
The Grassmere Estate, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Namah Nainital, a member of Radisson Individuals Retreats
Hanric by Eight Continents Ikshana Luxe

Hanric by Eight Continents Ikshana Luxe

2.5 out of 5
Kenfield Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Hanric by Eight Continents Ikshana Luxe
Hotel Himalaya

Hotel Himalaya

3 out of 5
Near Bus Stand Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Hotel Himalaya
The Pavilion

The Pavilion

3 out of 5
Near High Court Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand
The Pavilion
The Naini Retreat, Nainital

The Naini Retreat, Nainital

4 out of 5
Aayarpatta Slopes, Nainital, Uttarakhand
The Naini Retreat, Nainital
India Hotel - Mall Road Nainital - Lake View

India Hotel - Mall Road Nainital - Lake View

2 out of 5
Mall Rd, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand
India Hotel - Mall Road Nainital - Lake View
Foxoso The Mall Road

Foxoso The Mall Road

3 out of 5
Mall Rd, Nainital, UT
Foxoso The Mall Road
Manu Maharani Regency

Manu Maharani Regency

3 out of 5
Thandi Rd, Nainital, UK
Manu Maharani Regency
Aamod Feather Touch

Aamod Feather Touch

2 out of 5
Near Raj Bhawan, Tallital, Nainital,, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263002, Nainital, UK
Aamod Feather Touch
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Nainital Lake

Nainital Lake, a stunning gem in Uttarakhand, offers a variety of activities for visitors. Enjoy serene boating on the lake's inviting waters or explore scenic hiking trails that showcase the area's natural beauty. Additionally, local sightseeing opportunities abound, allowing you to discover enticing lakes and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Nainital. This picturesque destination promises a memorable experience for every traveller.

Recreation

Explore the Cave Garden, a recreation park 1.3km from Nainital Lake, where you can unwind amidst nature's beauty. For a sporty day, head to the Ranikhet Golf Course, located 30.6km away, offering outdoor activities and stunning landscapes perfect for golf enthusiasts.

Adventure

In Nainital, hike the Tiffin Top Trail, located 805m from the lake, offering breathtaking outdoor scenery. Experience the thrill of the Nainital Aerial Ropeway, situated 483m from the lake, providing an adventurous ride perfect for families while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding hills.

Find the best attractions near Nainital Lake

Nainital Lake offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures, stunning scenery, and rich cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the breathtaking Naini Lake, which is renowned for its beauty, and discover local temples and scenic viewpoints. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an active day out, Nainital's attractions cater to all, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

  • China Peak: Located 1.6km from Nainital Lake, China Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Perfect for hiking enthusiasts, the trek to the summit immerses you in lush greenery and vibrant flora, providing a refreshing outdoor experience.
  • Mall Road: A mere 322m from Nainital Lake, Mall Road is the bustling heart of the town. This lively street is lined with shops, cafes, and local eateries, making it an ideal spot to experience the vibrant city vibes while indulging in local delicacies and shopping for souvenirs.
  • Naina Devi Temple: Situated 322m away from Nainital Lake, this sacred temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich cultural heritage and spirituality of the region, enjoying the serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture of this revered site.

Best time to go to Nainital Lake

The best time to visit Nainital Lake can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Nainital Lake falls in June, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with frequent rain. The coolest average temperature around Nainital Lake falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowAverage
February51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainSunnyModerately LowAverage
March59.9°F (15.5°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
April67.5°F (19.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly Low
May72.0°F (22.2°C)Light RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
June74.3°F (23.5°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July70.7°F (21.5°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August69.6°F (20.9°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September68.0°F (20.0°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
November56.1°F (13.4°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately LowAverage
December49.8°F (9.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Nainital Lake

When planning your visit to Nainital Lake, consider timing your trip for April or August to September for the best savings, as these months offer lower accommodation rates. Saturdays are the least expensive days to stay, while Mondays tend to be pricier. Enjoy free activities at nearby attractions like Kainchi Dham and Mall Road. For transportation, use local buses to keep costs down. Utilize Expedia to find deals on hotels, flights, and activities, and consider bundling them to save even more. Don't forget to check for special offers on hotel stays!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Nainital Lake are April and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Nainital Lake is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Nainital Lake is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your Nainital Lake hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.