If you are looking for a quick weekend getaway from Delhi, then the picturesque hill station of Nainital is where you need to head. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, this pear-shaped wonder is surrounded by scenic hills with breathtaking views and is one of the most spectacular hill stations in North India.

All you need is a quick 6-hour drive from the hustling city of Delhi to reach the rejuvenating hills of Nainital. This location was developed as a hill-station by the British in the 1800s and became very popular as a place to escape to from the heat and dust of the Delhi summers. It was even declared the summer capital of the ‘United Provinces’ due to its magnificent climate and panoramic hills. Nainital is now an ideal destination for a small break or weekend getaway. Let’s take a look at the places to visit in this gorgeous hill station.

Nainital Lake

Nainital Lake is the main tourist attraction of this quintessential town. It is a stunning blue lake located amidst the tranquil mountains. Soak in the beauty of nature with a casual stroll around this scenic water body. You can even go boating and take pictures in front the spectacular backdrop to give your social media followers something to be intrigued about. End the day with a spiritual visit to the Naina Devi Mandir, located by the lake, to recharge your mind, body and soul.

nainital lake

Naina Peak

Nainital is surrounded by quaint mountains on all sides, making every frame a breathtaking one. With the Naina Peak in the North, the Deopatha in the west and the Ayarpatha in the south, there are a plethora of peaks to visit. Naina peak is the highest point of Nainital. At a whopping height of 2600 meters, it is the perfect getaway for an adrenaline-pumping trek. The trek ends with some great views of the lake and the multitude of mountain ranges nearby.

naina peak

Tiffin Top / Dorothy’s Seat

There are a number of beautiful viewpoints you can visit to admire the beauty of the mountains and valleys. Tiffin top, also known as Dorothy’s seat, is one such location. Situated on the Aryapatha Mountain, this spot is also popularly known as the point where the famous painter Dorothy Kellet used to go to paint, which coined the name ‘Dorothy’s seat’.

dorothys seat

St. John in the Wilderness

The St. John church is one of the oldest buildings of Nainital and is a must-visit for all tourists and travellers. It was established in 1844 and is set in a beautiful location in the forests. The stunning architecture and breathtaking greenery are guaranteed to take your breath away.

St Johns Church

B. Pant High Altitude Zoo

The G. B. Pant high altitude zoo is a one-of-a-kind zoo that specializes in housing high-altitude animals which cannot survive in the plains. Treat your little ones to a day out in the wild and have fun spotting exotic animals like the Snow Leopard, the Himalayan Bear and the Tibetian Wolf, to name a few.

G B Pant Zoo

Gurney House

Take a step back in time and revisit your history lessons with a visit to the Gurney House. This stunning location was the residence of ‘Carpet Sahib’ – the famous hunter-turned-conservationist, Jim Corbett – and is worth striking off your bucket list. It is now privately owned, but tours can be done on request.

Gurney House

Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

Bring out the bird-lover in you and visit the spectacular Kilbury bird sanctuary with your family and friends. This sanctuary is home to several species of local and migratory birds. It is located near a beautiful forest village called Pangot and is the ideal spot for a casual evening stroll.

Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

With such incredible things to do, make sure you visit this natural splendour for the vacation of a lifetime. Stay at the gorgeous Bhawanipur Greens and wake up to a stunning view of the tranquil hills.