The hill station of Nainital beckons to nature-lovers, peace-seekers and those who want to soak in the traditional and rich culture of the town. Here are some unmissable activities you can indulge in.

Boating

Popularly known as the city of lakes, Nainital has a plethora of boating options. From yachts to paddle boats and rowing, you can indulge in a lot of fun. One of the major boating sites in the city is the Naini Lake. Surrounded by seven hills, it is a picturesque spot from where one can soak in in the natural beauty of the city. There is also a local Yacht club at Mallital and people can hire a yacht and explore the lake.

Boating

Aerial Ropeway

A great stopover for nature lovers and adventure-seekers, the cable car or aerial ropeway draws hundreds of visitors every year. The ropeway connects the city to Snow View Point (2,270 m), from where one can get breathtaking views of the area and the sapphire-like Naini Lake. It takes three minutes to reach Snow View Point from Mallital via the cable car.

Aerial Ropeway

Nainital Autumn Festival

Nainital is well-known for its lively fervour of celebrations. The Nainital Autumn Festival, also known as Sharad Festival, is celebrated with much vigour every October. It includes a number of activities such as folk arts, songs, dance and theatre performances. The four-day festival also hosts regional cuisines.

Nainital Autumn Festival

Munsiyari

Known for its picturesque beauty and trekking excursions, Munsiyari has truly emerged as a haven for adventure lovers and high altitude trekkers. Often referred to as 'Little Kashmir', Munsiyari shares its border with Tibet. Surrounded by the sun-kissed Panchachuli peaks, a group of five snow-capped Himalayan peaks, Munsiyari leaves you mesmerised with its natural beauty.

Situated on the banks of Goriganga river, Munsiyari means a place with snow. Lying at a height of 2,298 m, it is slowly becoming a popular skiing centre as well. The best way to explore the town is on foot as most of the scenic spots are located pretty close to the centre. Start with the Nanda Devi Temple that can be reached by covering an easy 3 km trek through the hidden alleys of the town.

Munsiyari

Nanda Devi Mela

One of the most important festivals in the region, Nanda Devi Mela takes place every September and sees a celebration of the local life through folk songs, dances and a big market with handmade products. It is held at various places such as Almora, Nainital, Bageshwar, Bhowali, and Kot and the far-flung villages of Johar. It is said that this festival has been celebrated since the rule of the Chand kings (13th to 18th centuries), who worshipped Nanda Devi as their family goddess. The temple of the goddess was built by king Dyot Chand in Almora in the 17th century and since then the festival has been organised to welcome the goddess of Kumaon, who is believed to bestow economic and cultural prosperity. During the festival, a procession is carried out in which people carry dola (palanquin) of the goddess and her sister, Sunanda. It is a lively and colourful festival that warrants a visit.

Nanda Devi Mela