Location: Located in the center of the lake city Nainital
Naini Lake, the angelic eye shaped water reservoir that comprises the center of the lake city Nainital is the thriving tourist hotspot that beckons millions of tourists every summer. This two miles long stretch of emerald green water reflecting the verdure of the seven imperial mountains that enclose Nainital yields a breathtaking panorama that enthralls its beholders to no extent. Naini Lake derives its name from the mythological allegory that an eye of the Goddess Sati had fallen at this place while Lord Shiva was carrying the half burnt body of Sati to Kailasa. The appellation ‘Nainital’ has been coined from the name of ‘Naini Lake’ itself. Moreover, Naini Lake is also believed to be the Tri-Rishi-Sarovar referred to in the Manas Khand of the Skand Purana. It is said that three holy sages Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha dug up a chasm and filled it with the water fetched from the Manasarovar of Tibet. Thus this Lake is also venerated as the ‘Lesser Manasarovar’. Naini Lake divides the city Nainital into two sections; Tallital and Mallital which are linked by a lake bridge. This bridge along with some shops holds a post office which happens to be the only post office in the world positioned on a bridge. Tourists enjoy taking a stroll around the tranquil Naini Lake or indulge in leisurely yachting, paddling or rowing in the placid waters. The grandeur of the Naini Lake even multiplies in the evening when the twinkling lights by the water’s edge reflect in the crystal clear waters of the lake and create a resplendent spectacle.

Location: Positioned Located just 4 kilometers from Bhimtal
Nakuchia Lake derives its name from its geographical structure of having nine corners. One of the most pulchritudinous lakes of this ‘Lake District’, Nakuchia Lake is comparatively less frequented by the tourists which actually helps it to retain its immaculacy and natural charm. Taking a stroll around the nine corners of the lagoon and unhurriedly sipping the beauty of the ambience can be an experience of ecstasy in its real sense. Boating, fishing or angling are other alternatives to be enjoyed at the Nakuchia Lake. An additional magnetism of this vicinity is that the lake attracts variety of migratory birds which renders an exciting opportunity to spot many rare birds of Himalayan regions. This masterpiece of Mother Nature is located just 4 kilometers from Bhimtal and visiting this ‘dream incarnated’ is indeed an unparalleled experience.

Location: Located at the distance of about 22 kilometers from Naini Lake .
Bhimtal Lake, located at the distance of about 22 kilometers from Naini Lake is the biggest lake of Nainital region. Owing to its ponderousness, this lake is named after one of the five Pandava brothers ‘Bhim’ acclaimed for his might and massiveness. The Bhimtal Lake bears an island within its precincts where a renowned temple of Lord Bhimeshwar dated back to 17th century AD is situated. Even from the embankments of the lake, the bells of the Bhimeshwar Temple are clearly audible. This perennial lake of Bhimtal apart from supporting a large array of marine life also furnishes as the winter stopover for the migratory Himalayan birds. Nestled amidst the luxuriant green Kumaoun Hills, Bhimtal Lake is the perfect retreat in the majestic cradle of Mother Nature.

Location: Just 5 kilometers away from Nainital on the way to Kaladhungi
Sariyatal Lake is a dainty little tarn located just 5 kilometers away from Nainital on the way to Kaladhungi. Characterized with its particularly cold and freezing water, Sariyatal is an astonishing tourist spot to hang out for some time before entering the dexterously laid down heavenly banquet of Nainital. Apart from the lake, Sariyatal is also reckoned for its Himalayan Botanical Garden which houses a butterfly Park, a fern house, a herbarium and a library.

Location: In the heart of the city yet far from the husle & bustle of busy city life
Nainital is believed to be one of the 64 Shakti Peethas dotted across Indian continent where an eye (Nain) of the Goddess Sati had fallen when Lord Shiva was carrying her half burnt body from the abode of Daksha Prajapati to Kailasa. An eye shaped lake was formed at the place where the eye of the Goddess fell. That revered lake is the Naini Lake of Nainital. A temple dedicated to Goddess Naina is positioned to the north of the blessed Naini Lake. The original Naina Devi Temple is assumed to be built in 15th century AD during the governance of certain Kushan King. At the same time another legend goes that the temple was erected by some Moti Ram Shah. This temple was destroyed in the notorious landslide of the year 1880. The present day temple of Naina Devi decorated with a red colored roof was reconstructed later. In the sanctum of the Naina Devi Temple, the Goddess Naina is worshipped in the form of a pair of eyes. This emblem of the Goddess is flanked by two more deities Goddess Mahakali and Lord Ganesha. This is a must visit shrine for Hindus and from here one can perceive the captivating vistas of imposing Himalayan sierras.

Location: located in the northern region of Nainital called Mallital
St. John in the Wilderness Church located in the northern region of Nainital called Mallital is an ancient church established by the Bishop of Calcutta, Daniel Wilson in the year 1844. This Christian place of worship stationed quite close to the Naina Devi Temple is one of the most peaceful and soothing places in the Lake City Nainital. An interesting story that forms the background of this church states that the Bishop; Daniel Wilson once fell ill on his visit to Nainital. He stayed in a nearby mud cabin built in the Himalayan woods of this terrain. As the founder of the church resided in the forest, the church was named St. John in the Wilderness Church. This church also stands as the commemorative plaque of the victims who lost their lives in the landslide of 1880. The names of these victims are inscribed on a brass tablet and preserved in this church. The noteworthy feature of this church is its stained glass windows and its ornately decorated interiors. St. John in the Wilderness Church is one of the earliest built edifices of Nainital and amongst the supreme churches present in an Indian Hill Station.

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Governor’s House, popularly known as ‘Raj Bhavan’ is an impressive reminiscent of British Epoch in India. This magnificent double storied building sprawling over an extensive area of 220 acres was fashioned after the Buckingham Palace of London. Architectured and engineered in ‘Early Victorian Gothic Style’, the Governor’s House is a giant structure accommodating 113 rooms in total. The foundation of the Governor’s House was laid on 27th April 1897 while the construction reached its completion in March 1900. Formerly the Raj Bhavan served as the residence of the Governor of North West province and later the United Province whereas presently it is used by the Governor of Uttarakhand as his official guest house in Nainital. The Governor’s House is an architectural wonder and multiplying its beauty are the well maintained lawns, a swimming pool and a golf course. Jhandidhar Modi Heights and Munshi Heights are also located within the premises of the Governor’s House which are also worth visiting. Tourists need to obtain prior permission to pay a visit to Governor’s House.

Location: Located atop the Ayarpatta Hill in Nainital
Gurney House, located atop the Ayarpatta Hill in Nainital is the celebrated domicile of Jim Corbett; the world famous hunter, particularly reckoned for killing a large number of man-eating tigers and leopards in India, conservationist, naturalist and author. Jim Corbett was born in Nainital who resided at Gurney House during the early years of his career as a hunter. Today the Gurney House has been converted into a museum where the memorabilia of Jim Corbett are on display. This museum throws light on the life and work of Jim Corbett.

Location: located at the distance of nearly 6 kilometers from the heart of the city
Naina Peak perched at the altitude of about 2611 meters above the sea level is the highest peak of Nainital. Also referred to as China Peak, Naina Peak is located at the distance of nearly 6 kilometers from the heart of the city. This precipice, overlooking the Naini Lake offers the most incredible vistas of Nainital and the surrounding terrain overloaded with tremendous natural beauty. The snow carpeted Himalayas to its west and the Api and Nari peaks to its east yield the most stupefying panoramas from the top of the Naina Peak. The emerald green Naini Lake nestled amidst the snow laden Himalayan cliffs looks flabbergasting from the top. The Naini Peak can be conquered by undertaking a 60 minutes of trek. Hiking up to the China Peak is an absolute delight for the adventure lovers. Even horses or ponies can be hired from Mallital or from Snow View Point of Nainital to reach the Naina Peak.

Location: Located approximately 2.5 kilometers from the downtown Nainital
Nested atop the Sher-Ka-Danda Ridge at the elevation of roughly 2270 meters, the ‘Snow View Point’ of Nainital, true to its name offers the most astounding panoramas of the ethereal peaks of the Himalayas extravagantly clad with the icy white snow. The white crowned Nanda Devi Peak and Naini Peak also look tremendously charismatic from here. Reckoned as one of the coldest regions of Nainital, the Snow White Point is located approximately 2.5 kilometers from the downtown Nainital and happens to be one of the most easily accessible vantage points of the region. To reach the Snow View Point you can either invoke the adventurer in you and trek all the way up there or hire a horse or avail the chair lift ropeway called ‘the Aerial Express’. The most ideal time to pay a visit to the Snow View Point is during the months of October and November when the entire snow carpeted terrain that enfolds Nainital offers excessively mesmerizing spectacle.

Location: Positioned just 4 km from the heart of the city
Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy's Seat is a famous viewing point of Nainital nested at the altitude of about 2292 meters atop the Ayarpatta Hills. Positioned just 4 km from the heart of the city, this terraced hill top had been constructed in the fond memory of a prolific English artist Dorothy Kellet, after her untimely death in a plane crash. Her husband and her admirers came together and laid this stonework picnic berth at her favorite hill top. Dorothy's Seat gained prominence particularly during the British era when the British Army Officials frequently visited this recreational point. Tiffin Top is a Utopian spot for the aspirant artists as well as the photographers who want to capture the pictorial vista of the scenic countryside. To reach Tiffin Top you can drive up to Sherwood College and then undertake a short walk through the picturesque setting of the flourishing Himalayan woods.

Location: Situated about 13 kilometers from Nainital
Kilburi Hill, situated about 13 kilometers from Nainital is the only viewing point from where you can perceive the complete bird’s eye view of the beautiful Naini Lake. Characterized with its remarkably cold and composed ambience, Kilburi Hill is also acknowledged for the majestic views of the Himalayas perceived from here.

Location: Located in Pangot
Guano Hills, located in Pangot region are commended for the incredible hiking trails that it offers. These walkways, much cherished by the adventure lovers and explorers lead you through the dense Himalayan forests clad with oak, deodar and bamboo foliage. On the way you will also find a fantastic opportunity to spot some of the rare birds of the Himalayan terrains such as black-chinned babbler, grey woodpecker and many others.

Location: Located about 4 kilometers from Nainital
Alighted at an altitude of nearly 2118 meters above the sea level and located about 4 kilometers from Nainital, ‘Land’s End’ is yet another viewing point listed in the priority catalogue of a tourist visiting this ‘Lake District’. Accredited for the enthralling views of the adjoining hills and the surrounding green valleys it offers, the ‘Land’s End’ is predominantly recognized for the marvelous sight of the Khurpatal lake beheld from here. As suggested by its name, the Land’s End is a place that marks the dead end. There is no further path inaugurating from this spot. This is an easily reachable site and doesn’t involve any long or hazardous climb. You can take a vehicle and reach Barapatthar and then take a small stride of a kilometer to reach Land’s End.

Location: Positioned on the northern end of the Naini Lake at the edge of the Alma Hills
The Flatts, positioned on the northern end of the Naini Lake at the edge of the Alma Hills is a recreational hub of Nainital developed as a tribute to the 151 victims of the notorious landslide of the year 1880. This site of the fatal landslide was later flattened and tiled which coins its name ‘The Flatts’. Today, ‘the Flats’ is a vast leisure ground where most of the sporting activities of Nainital including Cricket, Polo and Hockey matches are commonly organized. Schools as well as local clubs participate in these games and compete with immense enthusiasm and sportsman spirit. This is also a favorite hangout of the tourists as well as the locals who come here in the evening or on weekends and spend time in some frivolous activities. The Flatts is a harbor where many attractions of Nainital city including a fountain, band stand, Chat Bazaar, Bhotia Market, Boat House Club, the New Club, a statue of Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant, Masonic Hall, a Mosque, a Gurudwara, the Roller Skating Ring, Capitol Cinema and so on are docked. Moreover, even the famous Naina Devi Temple of Nainital is also located at the Flatts. This is one of the must visit destinations of Nainital if you want to savor the real taste of Nainital City life.

Location: Approximately 15 kilometers from Nainital
Pangot, a small village located approximately 15 kilometers from Nainital is yet another renowned hill resort of the state of Uttarakhand. To reach Pangot from Nainital you can follow the road that leads through the wooded area of Cheena Peak Range via Snow View Point and Kilburi. Pangot is especially celebrated for the variety of Himalayan bird species spotted here. This is a paradise for bird watchers and photographers. Nearly 150 bird species are reported to have been sighted here. Some of the birds spotted in the woods of Pangot are: Lammergeier, Blue-Winged Minla, Himalayan Griffon, Spotted & Slaty-Backed Forktail, Rufous-Bellied Niltava, Rufous-Bellied Woodpecker, Khalij Pheasant, Variety of Thrushes, etc. The abundant permanent & seasonal creeks of Pangot serve as a home to an astounding variety of flora and fauna together with leopards, Himalayan palm civets, yellow-throated Himalayan martens, barking deer, ghorals and sambhar.

Location: Located near methodist church
The Nainital Boat House Club solely holds the management of yachting in Nainital. Presently, the Nainital Boat Club possesses 10 yachts. The Nainital Boat House Club is the second oldest club in the country and has the unique distinction of sailing the boats which are not glided anywhere else in the world. Till 1970, yachting was the exclusive advantage of the club's members but now even non-members can avail the facilities of the Boat House Club of Nainital.

Location: Stationed in the hills of Sher ka Danda just 1 kilometer away from the city bus stand
Also popularly known by the name ‘Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo’ the Nainital Zoo is stationed in the hills of Sher ka Danda just 1 kilometer away from the city bus stand. True to its name, this zoo is perched at the elevation of 2100 meters above the sea level. Favorite amongst tourists, students and kids, this zoo offers a secured shelter to high altitude animals residing in the Himalayan regions. Some of the wildlife housed at the Nainital Zoo include Siberian Tiger, the Snow Leopard, Wolf, Himalayan Black Bear, Hill Fox, Sambhar Deer, Barking Deer, Palm Civet Cat, Ghoral, Rose Ringed Parakeet, Silver Pheasants, Eagle, Owl, and multiple other rare Himalayan animals and birds. The zoo observes a holiday on Mondays and on all the national holidays.

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Much loved by the tourists of all ages and by children in particular, the Eco Cave Garden of Nainital is a most recent entry to the attractions of this Lake City. This garden introduces you to an eco-friendly way of living. A trip to the Eco Cave Garden can be extremely informative for the students who can learn all about ecosphere and also take a peep into an adventurous life in the hills. The garden houses a cluster of 6 underground natural caves namely a tiger cave, a panther cave, a flying fox cave, bats cave, a squirrel cave, and the apes cave. These caves are illuminated with petromax lamps from inside and the routes within the caves are so narrow that at times you need to crawl on all fours. The eco caves of this garden provides an excellent approach of getting kids interested in exploring things and take a liking to the Mother Nature. A musical fountain is also set up in the garden which is operational during the peak seasons. Even though, these caves are not meant for the claustrophobic people.

Location: Atop the Ayarpatta Hill amidst the lush Kumaon valley
Sri Aurobindo Ashram, situated atop the Ayarpatta Hill amidst the lush Kumaon valley is a center of learning the art of perseverance and Yoga. During your stay at the Aurobindo Ashram you can practice yoga and meditations and enjoy the elevating experience of self awakening and introspection. You need to obtain prior permission to be able to stay at this hermitage. The panoramic views and the serenity of ambience multiply the magnetism of the Ashram.

Location: Located on the Manora peak
The State Observatory of Nainital is located on the Manora peak at the elevation of 1951 meters about 5 kilometers from the heart of the city. Reckoned as ARIES (Aryabhata Research Institute of Observational Sciences), this Observatory has been established with the primary objective of undertaking the optical tracking of artificial earth satellites and developing facilities for modern astrophysical researches in solar, stellar and other theoretical branches of astrophysics. This astronomical observatory was established here in the year 1955. Tourists can pay a visit to this Observatory in the evenings with prior permission and enjoy observing the celestial objects through the telescope.