15 Places to Visit in Nainital in 2023

Are you planning to visit Nainital this summer?  So here we have come up Best Places to visit in Nainital. Nainital is a popular tourist destination. Situated in the Indian state of Uttarakhand it is the favorite destination of both domestic and international tourists.

The town of Nainital is named after the Naini lake, which is situated at the center of the town. This lake is surrounded by hills and, is believed to be one of the 64 Shakti Peeths of the Hindus. The town of Nainital is famous for its pleasant weather, beautiful natural scenery, and adventurous activities.

There are a number of temples and churches, that are worth seeing.  It attracts visitors for several activities such as paragliding, horse riding, mountain biking, trekking and camping.

Nainital is also famous for its shopping and dining options. Here are different malls and markets where handcrafts, clothes and other things attract people. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes where Indian as well as international food is available.

As summer is approaching it’s a good option to escape the heat and enjoy a peaceful retreat in the lap of nature. You can visit Nainital in May because the weather is very pleasant at that time. May is an extremely hot month in India but you can feel the awesome climate in Nainital and this is the right time to visit the Nainital.

Weather in Nainital in May 2023

May is the perfect month to visit the Nainital because the weather of Nainital is pleasant and comfortable in this month. The average temperature of Nainital in May 2023 is estimated to be 14 to 22 degrees Celcius. This is the ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The days are usually sunny with a clear sky. But the nights may be cool so carry light woolen clothes.

During the winter season many areas become accessible due to snowfall but during May as snow has usually melted you can access those places also.

Likewise in monsoon, there are heavy rain and landslides. It can make it difficult to explore the town and you can’t enjoy it as you can in May. This is the time when the weather is pleasant and flowers are in bloom. You can make your trip memorable by choosing the right time to visit the Nainital. That’s the reason why most people visit Nainital in May.

15 Best Places in Nainital to Explore in May

Nainital is a beautiful hill station that offers something for everyone. There are temples and churches for religious people, activities like trekking, paragliding and camping for sports lovers, several wild sanctuaries and a national park for those who love wildlife and abundant natural beauty everywhere for Nature lovers.

You might have visited many hill stations but none of them could match the scenic beauty of Nainital. Here are the best places to visit if you are planning to go to Nainital.

1. Naini Lake 

Naini lake is a natural freshwater lake and situated in the heart of Nainital. It is this lake in Nainital that makes Nainital different from all other hill stations.

If Hindu mythology is to be believed the lake has the shape of an eye. The lake is one of the most popular tourist places in the Nainital. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills. This is a perfect place for tourists to relax and refresh their mood.

You can enjoy here boating also. There are several options available such as paddle boats, row boats and yachts. Although the Yacth option is available only for boat house club members.

Boating with the surrounding natural beauty attracts tourists. You can take amazing photos sitting on boats. On the Lakeside, you can find a troop of fish. That attracts visitors. You may feed them as well.

You may sit on the stairs that run beside the lake and can get soaked in the serenity of the environment. You can watch your loved ones go out boating even if boating isn’t your thing.

Any hill station is incomplete without Mall Road. It is the road that runs along the lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding Hills and lake.

The Mall Road is only for people on foot No vehicles are allowed. Although You can take the rickshaw. It has shops, restaurants, cafes, and hotels all along it. It is a popular place for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the road, do shopping, try local food, or just sit by the lake and take in the beautiful scenery.

As Nainital is famous among couples for Honeymoons, you can find numerous couples hanging around. The weather in Nainital in May is very amazing and you can visit these places without any problem.

2. Sattal lake  

Sattal lake as its name describes is a group of seven lakes. These lakes are Ramtal lake, Purnatal, Laxmantal, Sitatal lake, Nal Damyanti tal, Graudtal and Sukhtal.

Sattal is a popular tourist destination because of its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife in the surrounding forests. These seven lakes are interconnected and create a picturesque view of the surrounding hills and forests.

If you are a peace lover you can visit this place along with other Lakes in Nainital.

3. Khurpatal Lake

 Khurpatal is situated about 10 km from the town of Nainital. It is famous for its picturesque. This lake is a popular spot for tourists for boating and fishing.

Here you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as camping & trekking. You can enjoy birdwatching in the surrounding areas. Temperature of Nainital in May 2023 is most suitable to enjoy these places.

4. Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal is a lake approximately 26 km far from the town of Nainital. The Naukuchiatal literally means “nine cornered lakes”. This lake is indeed like a nine-cornered star. Naukuchiatal is also popular for boating, fishing and bird watching.

Tourists enjoy here a range of outdoor activities like trekking & camping. You can also enjoy nature walks in the surrounding areas. Naukuchiatal has several temples and religious sites.

Here are Butterfly Research Center, which is dedicated to the study of butterflies and the Himalayan Botanical Garden, a house of a wide variety of plant species. Naukuchiatal is a peaceful destination.

5.Naina Devi Temple 

Naina Devi temple is a famous temple located in Nainital. The temple is situated on the northern shore of the Naini lake and is surrounded by beautiful hills. This temple is dedicated to Naina Devi, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati according to Hindu mythology.

The temple complex has several small shrines dedicated to various deities such as Lord Hanuman, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Kali. The main deity of the temple is Mata Naina Devi, who is represented by two eyes on a rock. Actually “Naina” means “eye”.

According to Hindu mythology, the temple is built on the place where Devi Sati’s eyes (Naina) had fallen. This temple has great significance for people. You can sit at this temple and enjoy the weather in Nainital in May.

6. Golu Devta Temple 

This temple of Nainital is dedicated to Golu Devta, a local deity who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is surrounded by beautiful hills and forests.

This temple is famous for its unique architecture and intricate wooden carvings. So, it is famous for its religious as well as architectural point of view. Here are several other small shrines dedicated to various deities.

 The main deity Golu Devta is represented by thousands of bells and brass plates. Devotees can offer bells and brass plates to the deity.

 7. Naina Peak  

Naina Peak that is also known as China Peak is the highest peak in the Nainital. It provides a stunning all-around view of the entire Nainital and the surrounding of Himalayan mountains. To reach there you can either take a pony ride or trek up the hill from the Mallital. The trek is about 6 km long and takes around 3-4 hours to complete.

 The trail passes through beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. This place is a favorite for adventure lovers. You can enjoy trekking, hiking and camping amid natural beauty.

This is the best place far from the busy and tiring life of the city. The best time to visit Naina Peak is from March to June. You can come here in May at that time Naina Peak temperature is between 15 to 25 degree Celsius, which is perfect for outdoor activities.

8. Eco Cave Gardens

Next on the list of Places to visit in Nainital comes Eco cave gardens. It is a famous tourist place in the Nainital. It is a natural park. There are interconnected caves and hanging gardens.

The park has six caves. These caves are named after various animals and insects such as Tiger cave, Panther cave, Flying cave, Fox cave and Squirrel cave. Each cave is uniquely designed and provides a glimpse of the natural habitat of the animals after which they are named.

The Eco Cave Gardens also has several hanging gardens and a musical fountain which enhance the beauty and charm of the park. This is a must-visit garden for everyone. If you are a nature lover or interested in wildlife, this is especially for you.

9. St. John Wilderness Church  

St. John church is a historic church located in the Nainital. The church is situated in the forest area of the Nainital and is surrounded by deodar and pine trees.

It was built in 1844. The church was named after St. John the Baptist and was constructed in memory of the victims of a tragic landslide that occurred in the 19th century. It is one of the oldest buildings of the Nainital.

This church is famous for its Gothic architecture and stained glass windows. You can enjoy from the church a beautiful view of the Himalayas.

The church has a peaceful atmosphere that makes it popular for meditation. The church is popular for meditation. The church is a popular destination for tourists as well as for locals as it is located just 2 km from the Nainital.

10. Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

This is a popular tourist place located about 12 km from the Nainital town. This is a home of a wild range of bird species such as woodpeckers, flycatchers, magpies, thrushes, bulbuls and others. This sanctuary is also home to mammals like deer, leopards and wild boars.

You can enjoy here bird watching, nature walks and trekking. This is surrounded by lush green forests. Here are breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

11. Governor’s House

The next place to visit in Nainital is Governor’s house. It is a historical building in the Nainital. This is also known as Raj Bhawan. This building was built during the British era in the early 20th century. It was the summer residence of the Governor.

It is a splendid building. It is a blend of British, Victorian and Gothic architectural styles. It is surrounded by well-defined gardens.

It provides a remarkable view of the Nainital town and the hills. Governor’s house is a popular tourist place because of its history as well as architectural significance. It is situated on the hilltop. It provides a panoramic view of the Nainital town.

12. Sitabani Wildlife Reserve

This is a popular wildlife sanctuary. The Sitabani Wildlife Reserve is named after the legendary Hindu Epic Ramayana, which depicts that Goddess Sita took shelter here when she was exiled from the kingdom.

This sanctuary is situated on the banks of the Kosi River.it is surrounded by lush green forests. This must be in your list of places to visit in the Nainital.

There are a wide variety of animals such as elephants, tigers, leopards, deer, monkeys and numerous species of birds. This sanctuary is home of several endangered species such as the Himalayan black bear, barking deer and others.

Tourists enjoy here jeep safaris and nature walks. They love to explore dense forests and its natural beauty. It’s a favorite place for those who love birdwatching and wild photography.

13. Jim Corbett National Park  

Jim Corbett National Park is a wildlife sanctuary. It was established in 1936 as the Hailey National Park and in 1957 it was renamed after Jim Corbett, a legendary hunter who played an important role in establishing the park. This park is home to a variety of flora and fauna.

There are Bengal Tigers, elephants, leopards, deer and over 600 species of birds. It is the most popular national park in India. Throughout the year thousands of tourists come here.it is popular for different activities such as bird watching, trekking, fishing and camping.

Jim Corbett National Park has played a significant role in the preservation of India’s natural heritage. It is known as a Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger, a wildlife conservation program launched by the Government of India to protect the Bengal Tiger. The park’s vivid landscape and rich wildlife make it a must-visit destination for wildlife and nature lover.

14. G B Pant High Altitude Zoo  

This is a very popular zoo in the Nainital. It is the only high-altitude zoo in the country. This zoo is established in 1984. It is named after Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, a well-known freedom fighter.

There are a wide variety of animals including the endangered snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, Tibetan wolf, barking deer and many others. It has a large collection of birds such as the Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant and Kalij pheasant.

This is a popular destination for animal lovers. It provides a unique opportunity to see the various animals in their natural habitats. You can know about the flora and fauna of the region.

15.  Hanuman Garhi

Temple This is a popular temple of Lord Hanuman, who is known for his devotion and strength in the Hindu religion. Hanuman Garhi is located around 3.5 km from the main city of Nainital.

The temple is surrounded by beautiful hills. You can see from here a stunning view of the sunset. The temple complex has Hanuman Museum, which showcases various artifacts related to Lord Hanuman. Many people come here to get the blessings of Lord Hanuman. The Old Bollywood movie “Kati Patang” is shooted here.

Final words

The above-mentioned Places to visit in Nainital, are just meant to guide you. Apart from it, many other places can be explored by you. Nainital is also known as “Lake District”. It’s famous for its natural beauty.

Its glory attracts people to come here again and again. You can explore here many other hidden gems as there are so many places worth seeing. These include Mukteshwar temple, Tiffin top, Binayak, Pangoat and many other places to visit.

Overall Nainital is a perfect destination for adventure and nature lovers. Apart from it. Nainital is popular among religious people due to its temples and churches. People visit to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and spend peaceful time in the lap of nature.

Visit the Nainital, take a break from the life of gadgets and make moments of your life memorable.