Here are ten nearby places to visit from Nainital, including their locations, how to reach them, key attractions, and interesting facts:
Bhimtal
Location: 22 km from Nainital
How to Reach: By car or bus via NH109.
Attractions: Bhimtal Lake, Bhimeshwar Temple, Aquarium on the island in Bhimtal Lake.
Facts: Bhimtal is named after Bhima, one of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
Sattal
Location: 23 km from Nainital
How to Reach: By car or taxi via NH109.
Attractions: Seven interconnected freshwater lakes, butterfly museum, Methodist Ashram.
Facts: Sattal means “seven lakes” in Hindi, and it’s a paradise for bird watchers.
Naukuchiatal
Location: 26 km from Nainital
How to Reach: By car or bus via NH109 and Bhimtal Road.
Attractions: Naukuchiatal Lake, boating, paragliding, fishing.
Facts: The lake has nine corners, hence the name “Naukuchiatal.”
Mukteshwar
Location: 48 km from Nainital
How to Reach: By car via NH109 and SH 65.
Attractions: Mukteshwar Temple, Chauli Ki Jali (rock formations), Indian Veterinary Research Institute.
Facts: Offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range and is known for its serene environment.
Ranikhet
Location: 56 km from Nainital
How to Reach: By car or bus via NH109 and Almora-Ranikhet Road.
Attractions: Chaubatia Orchards, Jhula Devi Temple, Upat Golf Course.
Facts: Ranikhet means “Queen’s Meadow” and was developed by the British as a hill station.
Almora
Location: 63 km from Nainital
How to Reach: By car or bus via NH109.
Attractions: Kasar Devi Temple, Nanda Devi Temple, Bright End Corner.
Facts: Known for its rich cultural heritage and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Kausani
Location: 119 km from Nainital
How to Reach: By car via NH109 and Bageshwar-Kausani Road.
Attractions: Anasakti Ashram, Baijnath Temple, tea gardens.
Facts: Known as the ‘Switzerland of India’ for its stunning views of the Himalayas.
Jim Corbett National Park
Location: 65 km from Nainital
How to Reach: By car via NH109 and Ramnagar.
Attractions: Wildlife safaris, Corbett Museum, Garjiya Devi Temple.
Facts: India’s oldest national park, established in 1936, and home to the Bengal tiger.
Binsar
Location: 95 km from Nainital
How to Reach: By car via NH109 and Almora-Bageshwar Road.
Attractions: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Zero Point, Binsar Mahadev Temple.
Facts: Offers stunning 360-degree views of the Himalayan peaks from Zero Point.
Pangot
Location: 15 km from Nainital
How to Reach: By car or taxi via Kilbury Road.
Attractions: Bird watching, Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, trekking.
Facts: Known for its rich avian population, with over 580 bird species recorded.
These destinations offer a variety of experiences from wildlife adventures to serene nature escapes, making them perfect for day trips or short getaways from Nainital.
Places to Visit Near Nainital
Bhimtal
Distance from Nainital: ~22 km
Attractions: Bhimtal Lake, Bhimeshwar Temple, Aquarium on the island in Bhimtal Lake.
Facts: Bhimtal Lake is larger than Nainital Lake and offers boating and other water activities. The town is named after Bhima from the Mahabharata.
Sattal
Distance from Nainital: ~23 km
Attractions: A group of seven interconnected lakes, Butterfly Museum, Subhash Dhara.
Facts: Known for its pristine and serene environment, Sattal is a paradise for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
Naukuchiatal
Distance from Nainital: ~26 km
Attractions: Nine-cornered lake, boating, paragliding, and fishing.
Facts: The lake is believed to have nine corners, and it is said that whoever sees all nine corners at once will attain Nirvana.
Mukteshwar
Distance from Nainital: ~50 km
Attractions: Mukteshwar Temple, Chauli Ki Jali, Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow.
Facts: Famous for its breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and fruit orchards. The town has a history tied to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute.
Ranikhet
Distance from Nainital: ~56 km
Attractions: Jhula Devi Temple, Chaubatia Gardens, Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum.
Facts: Known as the “Queen’s Meadow,” Ranikhet is a charming hill station with colonial architecture and lush green meadows.
Almora
Distance from Nainital: ~64 km
Attractions: Kasar Devi Temple, Bright End Corner, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
Facts: Almora is a cultural hub of Kumaon with its unique temples, handicrafts, and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Kausani
Distance from Nainital: ~120 km
Attractions: Anasakti Ashram, Rudradhari Falls and Caves, Tea Gardens.
Facts: Known as the “Switzerland of India,” Kausani offers a 300 km-wide view of the Himalayan peaks including Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli.
Jim Corbett National Park
Distance from Nainital: ~65 km
Attractions: Wildlife safaris, Corbett Museum, Garjia Temple.
Facts: India’s oldest national park, established in 1936, known for its Bengal tigers and diverse flora and fauna.
Ramnagar
Distance from Nainital: ~65 km
Attractions: Corbett Museum, Garjia Temple, River Kosi.
Facts: The town serves as the gateway to Jim Corbett National Park and is known for its beautiful landscapes.
Bageshwar
Distance from Nainital: ~125 km
Attractions: Bagnath Temple, Chandika Temple, Saryu River.
Facts: Known for its spiritual significance and scenic beauty, Bageshwar is situated at the confluence of the Gomti and Saryu rivers.
Binsar
Distance from Nainital: ~95 km
Attractions: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Zero Point, Bineshwar Mahadev Temple.
Facts: Binsar offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and is a haven for nature lovers and trekkers.
Jageshwar
Distance from Nainital: ~97 km
Attractions: Jageshwar Temples, Dandeshwar Temple, Vriddha Jageshwar.
Facts: An important pilgrimage site with a cluster of around 125 ancient temples dating back to the 9th to 13th centuries.
These places near Nainital provide a variety of experiences, from serene lakes and adventure activities to wildlife safaris and historical temples, catering to diverse interests and preferences.