Nainital

Encircling a large green volcanic lake, Nainital was a favourite amongst homesick Brits for its resemblance to the Cumbrian Lake District. Nowadays it is mostly frequented by honeymooning couples and travellers looking for some relaxation. Our pick of the best places to stay in Nainital are within easy reach of the area's sights whilst still providing a peaceful stay.

Some of our Nainital Collections:

• Best Resorts in Nainital
• Best Hotels in the Corbett National Park

The lake itself has undergone a serious clean up operation in the last few years and is now home to a healthy carp population. A walk around will uncover a spider’s web of shops and bazaars, cafes, fairground type entertainment stalls, an archaic cinema and a busy mosque. All in one stroll.

Whilst Nainital is a quaint town, it is the largest in Kumaon and the narrow roads can get quite congested. We would advise staying slightly outside of the main thoroughfare.

Owing to good connectivity to Delhi, Nainital is a most popular weekend destination amongst Delhiites in the summer months. Providing respite from the gruelling heat, it can get very busy between April and September. October through to March it can be chilly but the town and lake is a winter wonderland covered in snow.

What Not To Miss

• Row across the lake and take a walk up to the affectionately named Tiffin Top. Travellers would walk up to Dorothy’s Seat, with their tiffins in hand for a serene lunchtime picnic. A comparatively easy and rewarding excursion.
• Just past the Nainital Boat Club, located on the main Mall road, is the antiquated Sakley’s café, its window filled floor to ceiling with freshly baked cakes and pastries. Those with a sweet tooth should go on an empty stomach and sample as many of its delights as possible.
• Nainital, meaning nine lakes, is far from the only lake town in the region. The more peaceful destinations of Bhimtal and Sattal are a great day trip for some idyllic walks.
• If you're here with family then the kids will love a trip to Nainital's High Altitude Zoo, home to a wide array of exotic animals.

Our pick of the best places to stay in Naintal can be very busy during peak periods, so get organised and book early!

For a homestay

• With delicious home-cooked food, comfortable rooms and an idiosyncratic owner, The Cottage provides a home away from home. Located in the little village of Jeolikot, there are plenty of great walks directly from your front door.

For heritage

• Dating back to 1830 and comprised of six individual ivy clad cottages, Neemrana’s Rambagh Bungalows provides a quintessential stay in the rural Kumaon region. Starting at under £40 a night, it's also excellent value.

For families

• With organised activity programmes and plenty of on site activities, the Shervani Hilltop hotel is ideal for keeping the little ones busy whilst the adults relax.
• Set amidst 22 acres of grounds and offering cosy, comfortable accommodation (including family suites), Infinity Corbett Wilderness is a great spot. There's a kids play area and a wide number of on site activities, as well as lovely restaurant.
• With colonial-style accommodation, an enviable location close to the area's best hiking spots and no less than four dining options, The Naini Retreat is somewhere the whole family will appreciate.
• Aahana The Corbett Wilderness is an eco-friendly hideaway set amidst the forest. Offering classically stylish accommodation (including two bedroom suites and four bedroom villas for families), there's a huge selection of activities and a spoiling spa. A dreamy stay!

For Country Exploring

• Namah, as well as providing smart rooms, enjoys the perfect location from which to spend your days exploring Jim Corbett National Park. Come back after a day out hiking to tuck into meals from the multi-cuisine restaurant before unwinding in the spa.

For a romantic stay

• Large, modern and chic cottages with rooms made for lingering in and enjoying the view. Jilling Terraces is a great stay for couples and perfectly secluded for your own little hideaway.

For total relaxation

• The clue is in the name with Soulitude in the Himalayas and Soulitude by the Riverside. Totally secluded, environmentally conscious retreats.
• The serene Solitude By The Riverside provides 7 rustic yet smart rooms in a peaceful setting. Get stuck into a good book by the banks of the stream, go for a dip in the waterfall or hire a bike to explore further afield.

For A Holiday Home Or Villa

If you think you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Nainital?

• Whilst never exactly chilly, Nainital's definitely nicest weather-wise in the summer months - with the average daily temperature rising to 18°C in May and June.
• However, this is peak tourist season, so expect the place to be fairly busy and for accommodation to be on the more expensive side of things. If you fancy a quieter and potentially cheaper alternative, consider visiting in May or September.
• International guests should fly into Delhi Indira Gandhi Airport before taking a connecting flight to Pantnagar Airport, located 68km south of Nainital, and then hopping on a bus.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still not sure?

• From family friendly to a couple’s hideaway, browse through our list of the best places to stay in Nainital to start to plan your trip.
• Alternatively, you can widen the net and check out all our recommended hotels in Uttarakhand.
• Or feel free to contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Nainital