About Nainital Lake
A mile-long emerald-green lake cupped by seven forested peaks in the Kumaon Himalayas — Victorian boathouses along the Mall Road, yachts drifting by the naina temple, and a British-era hill town that still feels like a postcard from 1880.
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
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.
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.
