May 2025

Nainital and Bhimtal are two hill stations located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Both these hill stations attract thousands of travellers every year. These hill stations are perfect locations for those travellers who want to spend their time in the mountains filled with natural beauty, stunning lakes and pleasant weather. Nainital is known for its lively atmosphere, bustling market and colonial-era charm. On the other hand, Bhimtal is preferred for peace as it offers quieter places with fewer crowds who need a deeper connection with nature. In this article, we will explore both these hill stations on different aspects, including sightseeing, adventure, food and shopping, along with natural beauty.

Sightseeing In Nainital Vs Bhimtal

Nainital is one of the top-visited places for sightseeing in India. The Naini Lake, situated at the heart of the town, is its main charm. Due to this only it is also known as the “Lake District of India”. On the bank of this lake, the Naina Devi Temple is also an important place for Hindu devotees and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Apart from this, there are points like Snow View Point which offer a breathtaking view of the Himalayas. Tiffin Top and Naina Peak are also there, offering an amazing view to photography lovers.

On the other hand, when you visit Bhimtal, you experience a quieter and nature-centric sightseeing. Bhimtal has Bhimtal Lake surrounded by beautiful mountains and green trees along with an island aquarium. Visitors can explore Hidimba Parvat and Victoria Dam, both rich in natural beauty. Unlike Nainital, Bhimtal is less commercialised with less crowd offering peaceful environment. If you prefer bustling tourist spots, Nainital is ideal, but for a tranquil escape, Bhimtal is the better choice.

Nainital Or Bhimtal: Which One Is Better For Accommodation

While choosing the best location to stay between Nainital and Bhimtal, you will get multiple options according to different preferences. Nainital has a variety of accommodations, including heritage hotels as well as modern resorts. Most of the good hotels are near the Mall Road and Naini Lake, and hence, visitors get easy access to these locations. Hotel Woodland is among the top hotels offering a variety of rooms to visitors in Nainital. It is located at a 5-minute walk from Naini Lake. You can choose accommodation as per your preferences by selecting from a luxury room or an affordable room; Hotel Woodland offers both.

As far as Bhimtal is concerned, it is a quieter retreat. Resorts and homestays here are often nestled amidst nature, providing a peaceful escape. Bhimtal also has luxury hotels and mid-range 3-start hotels along with homestays. You can choose your stay as per your budget and choice for ambience.

Shopping And Food In Nainital Vs Bhimtal

Nainital is nothing less than a shopper’s paradise. You can get top brands as well as handicrafts here. The Tibetan Market and the Mall Road in Nainital have a series of showrooms as well as street vendors selling quality products. You can purchase handmade gift items such as candles and wooden artefacts. Food lovers also get a mix of tastes as Nainital has restaurants and street food to ensure that you remember the taste you get here. You can enjoy delicious street food like Bun Tikki, Bal Mithai, and traditional Kumaoni thalis. If you are staying in the hotel, the food served in the hotel is also good. Hotel Woodland offers a variety of food options, including North and South indians dishes made by experienced chefs. 

On the other hand, Bhimtal offers a more subdued shopping experience. The markets in Bhimtal are smaller with fewer options. Here, the local crafts get more importance than the branded products, which are available everywhere. For food too, Bhimtal is preferred for more tranquil dining experience. The food here is more about relaxation and less about variety. If you enjoy lively markets and diverse food choices, Nainital is better, but for a peaceful meal in nature, Bhimtal excels.

Nainital Or Bhimtal: Which One To Choose for Adventure

If you are an adventure lover, then you will get a variety of options for adventure in both places, Nainital as well as Bhimtal. In Nainital, you can experience a variety of adrenaline-pumping experiences. For example, paragliding, trekking and boating in Naini Lake are top adventure activities that visitors do in Nainital. The peaks like Naina Peak and Tiffin Top are loved by trekking enthusiasts. Along with this, you can also enjoy ropeway rides from Naini Lake to Snow View Point, which will give you an amazing view of mountains filled with greenery.

Bhimtal also offers equally engaging adventure activities with a quiet atmosphere. Hence, it can be said that the same adventure activity in Bhimtal will make you feel it as you do it quietly, without rushing. The expansive Bhimtal Lake is ideal for kayaking and boating. The surrounding forrest in Bhimtal brings an excellent opportunity for walking and birdwathcing. If you prefer high-energy adventure sports, Nainital is a better pick. However, if you seek peaceful outdoor activities, then Bhimtal can be an excellent choice.

How To Reach Bhimtal From Nainital

The best thing about both these hill stations is their locations. They are located at a distance of approximately 22 kilometres and hence if you visiting one place, it becomes easier for you to reach the second place as well. Whether you stay in Bhimtal or in Nainital, you can reach the next location easily by road. There are local taxies and public transport too operating frequently between both the places, making it easier for the travellers to reach the desired destinations.

Nainital Vs Bhimtal: Key Difference

Experience	Nainital	Bhimtal
Sightseeing	Famous for Naini Lake, Snow View Point, and Naina Devi Temple.	Known for Bhimtal Lake with its island aquarium, Hidimba Parvat, and Victoria Dam.
Accommodation	Wide range of hotels, resorts, and heritage properties. Ideal for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere.	Resorts and homestays in peaceful surroundings. Perfect for a quiet and relaxing stay.
Shopping And Food	Branded and local, both types of products are available. You can enjoy street food as well as delicious thalis in restaurants.	Limited options for marketing and shopping, but available to enjoy with natural beauty. Best for organic meals.
Adventure	Offers paragliding, boating, trekking and ropeway rides. Best for adrenaline seekers.	Kayaking, nature walks, and birdwatching. Suited for tranquil outdoor adventures.

Conclusions

Nainital and Bhimtal are both beautiful hill stations located in Uttarakhand at a distance of 22 kilometres from each other. For sightseeing and adventure activities, Nainital offers a variety of options with an adrenaline-pumping experience. On the other hand, Bhimtal is more preferred by peace lovers. Here you will enjoy walking and bird watching. Hence, there is no clear winner for Nainital vs Bhimtal. It depends on your preferences for ambience and activities.

Snow View Point in Nainital is filled with natural beauty, surrounded by the Kumaon hills. The point offers a breathtaking view to the tourists, which they will remember forever. Snow View Point is located at an elevation of about 2270 meters and is one of the most visited places in Nainital. As the name suggests, this point presents a spectacular view of the snow-clad Himalayan ranges. The peaks that you can view from here include Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. 

The uniqueness of the Snow View Point is its natural beauty, along with its accessibility. This place offers something to every traveller, a perfect shot to a photographer and a peaceful environment to a peace-loving person. If you are fun-loving, you will also get an amusement park with rides for children and snacks to enjoy.

A binocular station is also here that lets visitor enjoy the scenic view of the Himalayan Ranges close to their eyes. If you are visiting this place during a clear day, you won’t even require binoculars to see the peaks. Before visiting the Snow View Point, ensure that the weather is clear so that your eyes can capture the beauty of snow on the peaks of the Himalaya for a lifetime. There is a temple near the Snow View Point, dedicated to Dev Mundi. You can visit the temple and pray in a peaceful environment. Generally, such viewpoints in different hill stations require trekking to reach them, but in Nainital, the Snow View Point is near the Mall Road. You can easily reach here in just 10 minutes from Mall Road by bike or car.

How To Reach Snow View Point

The point is approximately 1 KM from the city centre and you can reach here easily by road. You can also come here via the ropeway. If you want to enjoy riding a bike on the roads of Nainital, simply rent a bike. Different bikes are easily available for tourists on rent. With a bike, it will take a maximum of 10 minutes to reach Snow View Point from Nainital city. 

Alternatively, you can also take public transport. Since it is a must-visit place for all Nainital tourists, public transport is also available all the time, which will help you reach the point without any hassle.

Another way to reach here is the aerial ropeway. This is the most preferred medium to reach the Snow View Point in Nainital, because it not only helps you reach the location easily but also gives you an experience of adventure. The best thing about the ropeway is its starting point. It is available in front of the Naini Lake, which is the most visited tourist destination in Nainital. Hence, if you are travelling to Nainital, you will certainly go to the Naini Lake and Naina Devi Temple, and from here only, you can take the ropeway to go to the Snow View Point. This way, you can cover three destinations easily. The charges of the ropeway are also nominal. A two-way ticket will cost you Rs. 300 for adults and Rs. 200 for children.

Also, while planning your stay in Nainital, consider booking a hotel near Mall Road and Naini Lake. Hotel Woodland can be a perfect choice for a stay as it is close to the Naini Lake and Naina Devi Temple. One can easily reach the lake from the Woodland hotel in just a 5-minute walk. Snow View Point from the Hotel Woodland is also within the reach of 10 minutes via road.

Best Time To Visit Snow View Point

The best time to visit Snow View Point is the time when the sky is clear. During March to June and September to November, the sky is clear and the visibility is fine. If you visit Nainital during these months, you will get a clear glimpse of the Himalayan ranges from the Snow View Point, as the weather is pleasant during this time. It is advised that you visit this place between 10 AM to 5 PM, even if you are travelling when the sky is clear.

If you visit Nainital during winter, from December to February, then there are chances that you will miss the scenic view of the Himalayan ranges because most of the time in these months, the fog covers the view. The temperature gets too low during winter, generally between zero degrees to 15 degrees. These months could be the best months for those visitors who love snow in the hills. Monsoon months, July and August, are best avoided due to heavy rainfall and reduced visibility. Plan your visit wisely to ensure a memorable experience amidst the majestic mountains.

Things To Do Around Snow View Point In Nainital

1. Capture Panoramic Views: Those who love photography will get countless opportunities to capture the beautiful scenery with their camera. Don’t forget to bring a DSLR or a phone with a good camera.
2. Enjoy View From Telescope: Yes, with a low charge of just Rs 30 to Rs 50 per person, you can enjoy the view of the Himalayan Peaks from here.
3. Visit the Amusement Park: Don’t forget to visit the amusement park near the Snow View Point. It’s a great place to visit for snacks, relaxing and fun for the kids.
4. Explore the Temple: There is a temple near the Snow View Point that you must visit; it will offer you a peaceful environment for prayers and meditation.

Things To Consider Before Visiting Snow View Point

1. Check Weather Conditions: ensure to check the weather conditions before leaving for Snow View Point, as the fog or rain can reduce the visibility.
2. Dress Comfortably: Since the temperature is low and it goes to zero degrees as well during winters, ensure that you wear warm clothes.
3. Take Care of Transportation: You can reach here by road on a bike, by car or via public transport. However, ensure that you have the availability of public transport for going back as well.

Snow View Point in Nainital is a must-visit place, offering memorable beauty. Close to Nainital city, this beautiful place is easily accessible via bike, car or public transport. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the Himalayan ranges.