Nainital was established as a hill station in 1841 by the British. They chose it for its pleasant weather, beautiful lakes, and mountain charm, which reminded them of England. Over time, Nainital has evolved into a significant administrative and educational center during the British rule. Today, it remains one of Uttarakhand's most popular tourist destinations, known for its lakes, colonial heritage, and mountain views.

Here is the list of the best sightseeing places in Nainital:

Naini Lake

Naini Lake or Nainital Lake is a beautiful natural freshwater lake located in the centre of Nainital. One of the most well-known lakes in the Kumaon area, the lake has a kidney-like or crescent form. The Naini Lake is surrounded by snow-capped hills on the north, Tiffin Point on the south-west, and Naini Peak on the north-west. It provides an amazing view, particularly in the early morning and sunset. It is best known for boating and picnics.

Snow View Point

The Snow View Point is one of the most famous tourist spots in the region at an astonishing 2270 meters above sea level. As the name implies, Snow View Point provides an extensive view of the majestic Himalayas covered in a layer of snow. From this location, one can have a lovely view of the three major peaks—Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot.

Kainchi Dham- Shri Neem Karoli Baba Ashram

Situated on the Nainital-Almora route, the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram is a peaceful ashram and Hanuman Temple that is well-known to tourists as Kainchi Dham. This contemporary pilgrimage place was built by Shri Neem Karoli Baba Maharaj Ji in 1962. It is located 1400 meters above sea level. This place is named 'Kainchi' as a reference to the scissor-like formation of the hills surrounding the ashram. 
Shri Neem Karoli Baba was a devotee of Lord Hanuman, and he performed many miracles throughout his life and was thus also considered an incarnation of Lord Hanuman.  It is commonly known that Neem Karoli Baba had a significant following in the United States, which included prominent personalities such as Hollywood actress Julia Roberts, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Apple Inc. Chairman Steve Jobs.  Many years ago, Kottle and Steve Jobs had visited the Ashram and stayed for a while.  When they returned to the United States, they decided to launch Apple Inc.  Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO and co-founder of Facebook, had also visited the ashram before developing the concept for Facebook. Every year on 15th June, the Pratishtha Divas is celebrated at the ashram.

GB Pant High Altitude Zoo

The Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo also called the Nainital Zoo, was established in 1984 and is situated in Tallital, Nainital, on the Sher ka Danda hill. It is the only zoo that extends 4.6 hectares and rises to a height of 2100 meters. The zoo is a popular tourist attraction and is home to several endangered species. Some of the most common animals and birds found in the zoo include the Himalayan Bear, Himalayan Civet, Hill Partridge, Tibetan Wolf, Sambar, Barking Deer, and Royal Bengal Tiger.

Nainital Ropeway

The Cable Car Ride or Nainital Ropeway is the most popular tourist spot in the city and is considered one of the fastest ropeways in the country. Mallital and Snow Viewpoint are connected by an aerial ropeway that ascends 2270 meters from the ground. The aerial journey provides breathtaking views of the stunning surroundings while flying over the valley and Naini Lake.

Naina Devi Temple

One of India's 51 Shakti Peethas, Naina Devi Temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nainital. The presiding deity of the temple is the Maa Naina Devi, also referred to as Mata Sati. According to the Hindu mythology, the shrine is located at the place where the eyes of the Goddess Sati dropped when Lord Vishnu cut her body into fifty-one parts.

The two eyes that represent Goddess Naina Devi are placed in the centre of the Naina Devi Temple, surrounded by statues of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Kali. The Naina Devi Temple is the source of the city of Nainital's name.

Bhimtal Lake

Bhimtal Lake is 22 kilometres away from Nainital. It is a beautiful and peaceful place for boating. It is the largest lake in the Kumaon region, which is named after the Bhima of the Mahabharata and is surrounded by beautiful hills. Tourists come here to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings and stunning scenery.

Mall Road

Mall Road in Nainital was developed during the British era in the 19th century as a central space for officials and elite residents to walk, shop, and socialize. In those days, it was reserved mainly for the British, while locals had limited access. After independence, it became one of the most popular spots in Nainital, buzzing with tourists throughout the year.

The Mall Road in Nainital is the central location for eating, shopping, and arts in the city. There are hundreds of restaurants and shops along the 1-1.5 km road that circles Naini Lake. It is well-known for eating local cuisine and purchasing handicrafts. During peak season, vehicles are not permitted. The Mall Road in Nainital was built by the British, and it is formally referred to as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg.

The Sakley's Restaurant & Pastry Shop

You must visit The Sakley's Restaurant and Pastry Shop in Nainital, Mallital. It is located near Rope Road. You can enjoy fresh-baked goods and delicious desserts there. The cosy interior and wooden elements will make you feel pleased.

Tiffin Top

Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy's Seat, is not only a popular picnic spot but also a famous location for movie shootings in Nainital. Its breathtaking views of Naini Lake and the surrounding hills have made it a favourite backdrop for filmmakers. The Bollywood movie Aandhi was shot here. This site offers an extensive view of the town of Nainital and the surrounding hills in the Kumaon region. Tiffin Top also offers adventure sports like rock climbing and rappelling.

Tibetan Market

Tibetan Market is the most famous street market in Nainital, and it is located next to Mall Road. Along with a vast collection of winter clothing and woollen articles, the market is well-known for its delicious Tibetan cuisine. The regional foods include delicious momos and thukpa sold in the roadside stands and restaurants.

Jim Corbett Gurney House

Gurney House is the former home of Jim Corbett, the famous hunter, naturalist, and conservationist. Close to the Nainital Lake, the little colonial cottage has a small museum featuring the life story and achievements of Jim Corbett.  Despite being private property, tourists are allowed to enter the Gurney House with an advance permit. The friendly proprietors also give the Corbett lovers a free tour of the house.

Pangot

Pangot is located on the Kosiyakutoli tehsil of Nainital district of Uttarakhand, which is just 15 kilometres away from Nainital. The village is 6,300 feet above sea level, and it is known throughout the country as being home to diverse and rich bird life. In the harsh winters of the upper Himalayas, hundreds of various species of birds come to Pangot and settle temporarily in this place, making it an ideal location for photography.

Pro Tip: Book your luxurious stay at Atulyam Resort in Pangot, where you can enjoy home-cooked meals and breathtaking mountain views at a budget-friendly price.

Bird Watching and Trekking in Pangot

The whole journey leading to this remarkable place passes through the wooded areas of the Chenna Peak Range and Kilbury, which are two popular and excellent birdwatching sites. A large variety of birds can be seen on the roads to Pangot. These are the Himalayan Griffon, Khaleej pheasant, Rufous-bellied Woodpecker and the Spotted and Slaty-backed Forktail. You can also see Mammals, including Himalayan Goral, Sambhar, Leopard Cat, Serow, and Red Fox, as well as Yellow-throated Himalayan Marten.
The treks to Corbett National Park and Naina Peak from Pangot are the most popular trekking routes.

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences

The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Science (ARIES) or the Astronomical Observatory is situated in Beluwakhan, Nainital, on the crest of Manora Peak. It was established in the year 1954. It operates large, imported telescopes, which assist visitors in viewing the stars, moon, and other heavenly bodies. You have to book an appointment before visiting the centre.

St John Wilderness Church

The oldest and best church in the hilltown is St. John Wilderness Church, which is located in Mallital, Nainital, next to the Uttarakhand High Court. The church was constructed in the Neo-Gothic style, with beautiful stained glass windows and is located on top of a hill with beautiful pine and deodar trees.

Anita Restaurant

Anita Restaurant is located near the football ground in Nainital. It is an old restaurant famous for its authentic non-vegetarian food. Their food is freshly cooked, incredibly delicious, and the perfect thing to have on cold winter days. You can enjoy a variety of classic and local non-veg specialities over there. It is a place few people know, but the locals admire it.

Nakuchiatal

Naukuchiatal is a small and beautiful lake village that is a popular holiday spot for people looking for peace under the canopy of natural beauty. As the name implies, the major attraction here is the nine-cornered lake, which is up to 1 km long and 40 m deep.