Explore the Best Time to Visit Nainital For a Perfect Family Vacation

Looking for an ideal place to visit for a summer retreat? Nainital the beautiful city of lakes is the perfect destination for a summer getaway. For people who want to go on a boating ride on numerous lakes and take a break from the blistering heat, summer is considered the best season to visit Nainital. Nainital is a small hill town in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. This hill station is set around Nainital Lake near the Naina Devi Temple. Interestingly, the best time to travel to Nainital to view the gorgeous Naini Lake is during the summer months. This place is home to many holiday escapades namely Bhimtal, Khurptal, Naukuchiatal, and Sattal (Seven Lakes). To visit popular tourist sites such as Hanumangarhi, Khurpatal, and Kilbury, you can book a Nainital tour package. Some of the famous spots that you can visit here include: -

1. Naina Devi Temple

One of the most important places of devotion in Uttarakhand is the Naina Devi Temple. Situated in front of the Naini Lake, this temple is one of the famous Indian pilgrimage sites and is one of the 51 shaktipeeths in India. According to Hindu mythology, the Goddess Sati’s eyes fell at this place and created the Naini Lake. This temple was erected in the Kushan period i.e. in the 15th Century.

2. Nainital Zoo

Nainital Zoo is one of the popular tourist spots in Nainital. The best time to go to Nainital Zoo is during the spring season to see animals such as Bengal Tiger, Himalayan Black Bear, Red Panda, Himalayan Palm Civet, Kalij Pheasant, Snow Leopard, Rose Ringed Parakeet, and Barking Deer. It has many exotic species of birds such as Eurasian Jays, Black-Headed Jays and Laughing Thrushes. India’s only Siberian Tiger is found in this zoo.

3. Tiffin Top

If you wish to sit with your family, overlooking the beautiful view of the sunrise best time to visit Nainital is between March and April. At that time, you can head to Tiffin Top which accentuates the beauty of the Himalayan Range. If you are feeling adventurous, you can even trek your way to the top. It is just 4 Km from Nainital and is quite a doable and easy trek.

If you are wondering what is the best season to visit Nainital, you can read the below-mentioned brief description of each season. It will help you determine the best time to travel to Nainital.

1. Summer season in Nainital (March to June)

Nainital is one of the most visited hill stations in Uttarakhand and a summer resort for many. People from nearby states often book Nainital Bhimtal tour packages during the months starting from March to June as it has pleasant weather at this time of the year and gives travellers respite from the scorching heat in the summers. The ideal time to get on the Mall Road for shopping in Nainital is during the evening. If you want to go sightseeing you can visit places like the Eco Cave Garden or boating in Bhimtal Lake. The Caves Garden has many Himalayan animal caves that depict the natural habitat of animals such as tigers, panthers, bats, squirrels, and flying foxes. It is the perfect spot to add to your Nainital family tour package as it has many fun activities full of adventure in each cave.

The timings of Eco Cave Garden are from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm so make sure that you schedule your visit accordingly. Also, its entry fees are very minimal so you do not need to worry about it. It is located at a distance of 1 Km from the main Mall Road in Sukhatal in Nainital.

2. Visiting Nainital in the monsoon season (July to September)

If you are someone who loves rain and wants to take a break from the pollution in the city, then for you, the rainy season is the best season to visit Nainital. It is also the perfect time for pocket-friendly deals for budget travellers. You can enjoy good discounts on food and hotels, flight tickets and much more, whether you are booking a Nainital tour package from Mumbai, Pune or Chandigarh. During this time of the year in Nainital, the temperature is low and the mountains are covered with mist and clouds. It becomes a delightful view for those who want to go here for a romantic getaway. This time of the year is deemed to be less touristy and quieter as it is off-season in Nainital. Lesser crowds are seen at this time so lovebirds can cherish some privacy in the beautiful landscapes of Nainital.

A famous festival is held every year in this time that you can witness too called Nanda Devi Mela. It is organized every year in September in other parts of Uttarakhand as well such as Almora, Bageshwar, Bhowali, and Kot. It is celebrated to worship the Goddess of Kumaon, Nanda Devi which symbolizes the economic and cultural prosperity of the region. So, if you want to experience the traditional festivals of the Kumaon region September is the best time to go to Nainital.

3. Nainital In Winter Season (October to February)

The best time to visit Nainital for snowfall is during the winter months, especially during December and January. During the winter season, the temperature in Nainital lies between 0°C and 15°C. This hill station is blanketed in snow during winter and is the perfect time to play snowball fights with your friends and family. December and January is the best time to visit Nainital for snowfall and to see frozen lakes and snow-capped mountains. Make sure that while you are travelling to this hill town do remember to carry sunblock and some glasses with you for protection at all times during the day. Whereas during the evening hours, you must have a coat or a jacket, cap, muffler, warm socks and gloves.

It is the best season for Nainital tours for those who want to have an exciting vacation. It is worth visiting around this time as Nainital hosts many festivals such as the Winter Fair known as Sharadotsav. It is held every year in October to showcase and celebrate the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. It comprises of various cultural dance performances and a variety of authentic Uttarakhand food. There are many things to do in Nainital and one of those is to take part in the Chota Kailash Fair in in commemoration of Mahashivratri in Nainital if you visit this place during the month of February.

Nainital is famous for its boat rides on various lakes in the city.

Things to Know Before You Visit Nainital

1. Winter is the best season to visit Nainital as you can get good deals and discounts.
2. You should plan your activities and places you need to visit keeping the weather and road conditions in mind. Do watch the news for recent updates.
3. Look for a hotel to book which is centrally located and accessible to major spots in Nainital,  Preferably the best season for visiting Nainital to visit all famous spots will be from February to April as it has pleasant weather.
4. If you are checking in during the winter months check whether the hotel or resort you are staying in has a central heating system and other basic amenities.
5. Winter season can be the best time to visit Nainital but make sure that you carry woollen clothes. Also, do check the routes and whether they are blocked or not due to heavy snowfall.
6. Stay hydrated, sip on water, tea or a hot beverage whenever you want.

Are you still thinking if you should take this trip or not? Give yourself a break, pack your bags right away, and book your tickets – you ought to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of lakes in Nainital!