Nainital is a picturesque hill station located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. While Nainital is renowned for its lush green hills, pleasant climate, and serene lakes, the small town has much more to offer. Nainital is also a spiritual hub, housing many magnificent temples. If you too are looking for the right Nainital tour packages to plan a trip for your next vacation, you should definitely add a temple visit in Nainital to your itinerary. Some of the top temples in Nainital that you can visit include the Naina Devi Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Golu Devta Temple, Hanuman Garhi, Kainchi Dham Temple, Pashan Devi Temple, Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple, Garjiya Devi Temple, Chota Kailash Bhimtal Temple, and the Digambar Jain Mandir. 

Which Are the Best Temples in Nainital that You Must Visit?

Nainital is a great destination for spiritual pursuits. The hill station blends history and religious devotion with the tranquillity of the Himalayas. Nainital is home to numerous ancient temples. Not only that, but the town also has several temples dedicated to various deities and even faiths, providing visitors with a rich and varied spiritual landscape. Here are some of the best temples in Nainital that you can consider visiting on your next trip: - 

• Naina Devi Temple 
• Mukteshwar Temple 
• Golu Devta Temple 
• Hanuman Garhi 
• Kainchi Dham Temple 
• Pashan Devi Temple 
• Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple 
• Garjiya Devi Temple 
• Chota Kailash Bhimtal Temple 
• Digambar Jain Mandir 

Naina Devi Temple 

An old temple in Nainital and a famous Hindu pilgrimage site, the Naina Devi Temple in Nainital is dedicated to Maa Naina Devi or Maa Sati. 

Location: 3 km from the Nainital city bus stand, on the northern edge of the Naini Lake. 

History: The original construction of the Golu Devta Templedates back to the 15th century. The idol inside the temple is believed to have been placed in 1842. The temple was rebuilt in 1883 after a landslide destroyed it in 1880. 

Significance: Golu Devta Temple is a holy site, where the eyes of Maa Sati are believed to have fallen. The temple is also one of the fifty-one Shakti Peeths that are dedicated to worshipping Goddess Shakti. 

Opening Hours: All days, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. 

Mukteshwar Temple

The Mukteshwar Temple in Nainital District is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple in Nainital offers a peaceful environment as well as panoramic views of the Himalayas. 

Location: Link Road, Simyal Gaon, Nainital District, approximately 51 km from the main town of Nainital. 

History: The temple is believed to be more than 350 years old. It is said that the Mukteshwar Temple was constructed by the Pandavas, who hoped to get salvation or ‘Mukti’ from their troubled life during their 12-year exile. 

Significance: The Mukteshwar Temple in Nainital holds a lot of significance. Many believe that praying here fulfils your wishes, childless couples visit to seek blessings, and many believe that the Shivling at the temple is the 12th Sub-Jyotirlinga. Even the temple’s name, ‘Mukteshwar’, means the “Lord of Salvation, which underlines the importance of the temple in the concept of Moksha. 

Opening Hours: All days, 5:00 AM to 7:30 PM. 

Golu Devta Temple

Also known as the Bell Temple in Nainital, Golu Devta Temple is a famous temple in Nainital, dedicated to Golu Devta, the god of justice, who is believed to grant the wishes of those devotees who come with sincere hearts. 

Location: Ghorakhal, around 10-15 km from the main Nainital town. 

History: The history of the Golu Devta Temple in Nainital is rooted in the Kumaon region. According to beliefs, the Bell Temple in Nainital was built in the 12th century by a commander from the Chand Dynasty. 

Significance: Golu Devta is a local deity in the region and is considered to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva, who took the form of Gaur Bhairav. A tradition at the temple involves devotees penning down their problems or wishes on paper, which is then tied to the temple, along with bells. Over the years, the temple has collected thousands of bells, which adorn it to date. 

Opening Hours: All days, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. 

  Hanuman Garhi 

Hanuman Garhi is a famous temple in Nainital, dedicated to Lord Hanuman and associated with the spiritual legacy of Baba Neem Karoli.  

Location: Haldwani Road, Nainital, around 2-3 km from Nainital town. 

History: Baba Neem Karoli chose the site for this temple in Nainital and initiated construction around 1950. The first temple to be established by Baba Neem Karoli, this was inaugurated in 1951. 

Significance: This is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site and a spiritual centre that is known for its symbolic representation of divine protection, serene atmosphere, and mesmerising natural backdrop. 

Opening Hours: All days, 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. 

Pashan Devi Temple 

The temple is dedicated to Pashan Devi, the Goddess of Stone-Pelters, who is worshipped as a representation of Nav Durga. The Pashan Devi temple is a complete stone structure, and the goddess is also worshipped in stone. 

Location: Tallital, around 1 km from the Nainital city bus stand. 

History: It is difficult to state when the temple might have been built originally, but it is a well-known fact that this ancient place of worship is one of the oldest temples in Nainital. 

Significance: Being one of the oldest regional temples, the Pashan Devi Temple holds a significant place in the cultural heritage of the region. The temple houses a naturally occurring stone idol of the goddess, and many believe that the goddess resides in this temple in her divine form. The temple also has a spring, the water of which is believed to have healing properties. 

Opening Hours: All days, 6:00 AM to 7:30 PM 

Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple 

The Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its strong spiritual ambience, intricate carvings, and its blend of Kumaoni and Nagara architectural styles. 

Location: Bhimtal, around 22km from Nainital town. 

History: There are some historical sources that attribute the construction or renovation of this temple to the Chand Dynasty ruler, Baaz Bahadur, during the 17th century. The temple also has strong connections to the Mahabharata, with legends stating that the temple was established by Bhima, the Pandava who visited this place during their 12-year exile. 

Significance: The temple is an important sacred site among Hindus because it is believed that this was where Lord Shiva meditated after he defeated the demon, Bhima. Furthermore, the intricate carvings, ancient structure, and sculptures of the temple offer you a unique peek into the history and the spiritual past of the region. 

Opening Hours: All days, 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM. 

Kainchi Dham Temple 

This temple in Nainital is a popular spiritual retreat and ashram located in the Kumaon Hills. The temple is named after the two scissor-shaped bends formed by the surrounding hills. 

Location: Nainital-Almora Road, approximately 18 km from Nainital town. 

History: The Kainchi Dham Temple and ashram were established in 1962 by Baba Neem Karoli. 

Significance: Kainchi Dham is a spiritually charged place that attracts thousands of devotees each year. It also serves as a sacred pilgrimage site and has drawn attention from all across the world. 

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM during the summers (April to October) and 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM during the winters (November to March). 

Garjiya Devi Temple 

The temple is located on the Kosi River and is known for its picturesque setting on top of a rock formation. The Garjiya Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Girija, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. 

Location: Garjiya Village, atop a large rock formation on the banks of the Kosi River, and at a distance of around 50 km from Nainital town. 

History: The temple was discovered in 1840 by the Katyuri rulers. Over the years, the infrastructure of the temple has been rebuilt several times to accommodate the rising number of devotees. 

Significance: The Garjiya Devi Temple is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peeths and an important pilgrimage site dedicated to the incarnation of Goddess Parvati. To reach the main temple, visitors are required to cross the bridge over Kosi River and climb around 60 steps. Devotees visit this temple to experience the sacred atmosphere and deep-rooted mythology and to pray for the blessings of happiness and prosperity. 

Opening Hours: All days, 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. However, the timings may vary at times, so it is a good idea to call ahead and confirm the same with the temple. 

Chota Kailash Bhimtal Temple

This is a famous temple in Nainital District, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple offers visitors a spiritual retreat that is known for its serenity, for being a miniature version of the sacred Mount Kailash, and for its splendid scenic beauty. 

Location: On a hilltop in the Salyura region, 22-23 km from Nainital town. 

History: The specific date of construction of this temple is not clear, but several legends and beliefs surround it. 

Significance: There is a belief among locals that this spot was once a resting place for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, which is why the temple is highly revered among the locals. It is also an important religious and cultural site for Hindus. The temple also holds a lot of spiritual value as a home of Lord Shiva. It is marked by an eternal flame, dhuni, which has been burning there for a long time now. 

Opening Hours: The temple generally remains open till 8:00 pm. However, being a mountaintop shrine that is reached after a trek, the temple does not keep traditional opening hours. It is always better to call ahead and confirm the timings beforehand. 

Digambar Jain Mandir

Located in Mukteshwar, Nainital District, the Digambar Jain Mandir was the very first Jain temple in Nainital and the Kumaon region. The complex was developed with an aim to provide facilities for visiting Digambar Jains and tourists. 

Location: Mukteshwar, 50-60 km from Nainital town. 

History: The Digambar Jain Mandir was constructed by the Digambar Jain Mandir Committee, potentially around 1990. 

Significance: The temple is an important site of pilgrimage for the Digambar Jain Community and offers a peaceful place for reflection and worship. Apart from its religious significance, the temple has also become a popular tourist destination thanks to its serene atmosphere. 

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours. 

Nainital Indian Tourism has a lot to offer. From adventure activities to spiritual experiences and the chance to unwind, this hill station in Uttarakhand can be an amazing destination for your next holiday. Apart from the many awe-inspiring temples, Nainital also has a number of other places to visit, like Naini Lake, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Mall Road, Eco Cave Park, Naina Peak, Lands End Picnic Point, and much more.  

FAQs 

Q1. What makes Naina Devi Temple unique?

The Naina Devi Temple, dedicated to Goddess Naina, is one of India’s Shakti Peeths. It’s said that Sati’s eyes fell here, and the temple offers stunning views of Naini Lake. The idol is believed to be self-manifested, adding to its spiritual significance. 

Q2. What’s the legend of Bhavishya Badri Temple? 

The Bhavishya Badri Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is believed to have been established by the Pandavas. Its name means "future," as it is believed that Lord Vishnu will return here in the future, making it a unique prophetic site. 

Q3. How is Gurudwara Nanakmatta Sahib connected to Nainital? 

Though not in Nainital, Gurudwara Nanakmatta Sahib is linked to Guru Nanak’s travels. Located in Nanakmatta, it is a peaceful site for reflection, where pilgrims come for spiritual purification and divine blessings. 

Q4. Why is Kainchi Dham Temple a hidden spiritual retreat? 

Kainchi Dham, established by Neem Karoli Baba, is known for its spiritual significance. Located by the Kosi River, it’s a peaceful spot for meditation and healing, attracting devotees seeking inner peace and divine connection. 

Q5. How does Sattal Lake Temple enhance spiritual experiences? 

Situated by Sattal Lake, this temple provides a serene, natural setting perfect for meditation and reflection. The peaceful atmosphere and purity of the lake are believed to enhance spiritual healing.