Nainital in December

When planning your trip, Naini Lake deserves to be at the top of your list of places to visit in Nainital in December. Boating in Nainital remains operational in most weather conditions, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks reflect clearly on the surface. You can spot visitors enjoying paddleboat rides across the lake.

In the evening, decorative lights along the banks shimmer on the water, adding to the charming ambience. Photographers, families and couples can spend hours here absorbing the marvellous Himalayan scenery. Since it gets really cold, you can consider wearing woolens and jackets for a comfortable experience.

Distance from Nainital city center: 0–0.5 km (central lake).

Travel time from Nainital: 0–5 minutes on foot.

Must-Have Experiences:
• Enjoy a winter boat ride with clear reflections of surrounding hills.
• Take an evening lakeside walk and watch the lights along the promenade.
• Spend time at different ghats capturing winter sunsets.

Nearby Attractions:
• Mall Road – around 0.1–0.2 km
• Naina Devi Temple – around 0.3–0.5 km
• Eco Cave Gardens – around 2–3 km

Also Read: Lakes In Nainital

One among the top places to visit in Nainital in December, Snow View Point offers a stunning panorama of some of the greatest Himalayan peaks. The ropeway ride to reach here is as thrilling as the view itself, especially with snow-dusted forests below. Once at the top, you will see peaks like Nanda Devi, Trisul and Nanda Kot gleaming under clear winter skies.

There are also telescopes installed to help travellers take a closer look. December temperatures here can drop to 3°C, so warm layering is essential for a cosy experience. Kids can enjoy pony rides nearby, and there are small cafés where you can warm up with ginger tea while admiring the wide snowy landscape.

Distance from Nainital city centre: About 2.5–3 km.

Travel time from Nainital: 10–15 minutes by car; about 10 minutes by ropeway.

Must-Have Experiences:
• View Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi and Trishul on clear winter mornings.
• Enjoy the ropeway ride overlooking the lake and town.
• Watch colourful winter sunsets from the viewpoint.

Nearby Attractions:
• Naini Lake (Boat House area) – around 2 km
• Mall Road – around 3 km
• Naina Peak trail start – around 3–4 km

The peaceful aura of Naina Devi Temple feels stronger during a Nainital visit in December. Located at the northern end of Naini Lake, this sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi draws spiritual travellers year-round. In December, the surroundings become quieter, with crisp mountain air and mellow sunlight giving the temple a gentle glow.

Devotees can offer prayers inside the sanctum, where a silver idol of the goddess is worshipped. Incense mingles with the cool air, creating a meditative space, and temple bells ring softly as worshippers make offerings of prasad. The view from here also overlooks the lake, adding visual beauty to your visit.

Distance from Nainital city centre: Around 2–3 km from Tallital.

Travel time from Nainital: 10–15 minutes by rickshaw or a 20–25 minute walk.

Must-Have Experiences:
• Visit the lakeside Shakti Peeth with views over Naini Lake.
• See the temple complex lit up in winter evenings.
• Combine a visit with a lakeside walk around Mallital.

Nearby Attractions:
• Naini Lake ghats – 0.1–0.2 km
• Mall Road – around 1–1.5 km
• Eco Cave Gardens – around 2–2.5 km

Click To Book: Nainital Tour Packages From Mumbai

Mall Road is one of the best places to visit in Nainital for shopping, food, and evening strolls. This stretch is vibrant with cafes, souvenir shops, and woollen sellers offering locally made products like shawls and sweaters. The temperature in the evenings ranges between 6°C and 9°C, perfect for walking under twinkling Christmas holiday lights.

You can see street food stalls selling piping hot momos and roasted peanuts, and musicians playing flutes or guitars at Mall Road. There is also a festive atmosphere during December with pine garlands and warm lighting lining the street. 

Distance from Nainital city centre: Around 1 km from Tallital.

Travel time from Nainital: 5–10 minutes on foot.

Must-Have Experiences:
• Walk along the full lakeside stretch between Tallital and Mallital.
• Shop for winter clothes, candles, and local souvenirs.
• Enjoy hot beverages at lakeside cafés during winter evenings.

Nearby Attractions:
• Naini Lake – directly adjacent
• Naina Devi Temple – around 2 km
• Eco Cave Gardens – around 1–1.5 km

One of the most interesting places to include in any Nainital tour is the Eco Cave Gardens. This site has multiple interconnected rock caves named after animals, like Tiger Cave, Bat Cave and Panther Cave. In December, the cool air and pleasant weather make it easier to explore the narrow passages and hanging bridges.

The caves are lit with subtle lighting, which creates a mysterious vibe that all travelers find intriguing. Outside the caves, you will find landscaped gardens and a small musical fountain show that operates in the evening. Carry gloves and a flashlight if you plan to explore thoroughly, as some paths can be tricky.

Distance from Nainital city center: Around 3 km from Tallital.

Travel time from Nainital: 10–15 minutes by car.

Must-Have Experiences:
• Explore the sequence of rocky caves designed to represent wild animals.
• Enjoy hillside views and garden paths in cool winter weather.
• Visit before dark for easier cave navigation.

Nearby Attractions:
• Mall Road (Mallital end) – around 1 km
• Naini Lake (north end) – around 1.5–2 km
• Naina Devi Temple – around 2–2.5 km

Tiffin Top is a rewarding spot to visit during a Nainital trip, especially for those who enjoy panoramic views of Himalayan peaks and valleys. Also known as Dorothy’s Seat, this viewpoint offers clear views in December, ideal for capturing wide-angle photographs of snow-covered peaks.

 A short hike or pony ride leads you through rhododendron and oak forests, with the cold air enhancing the freshness of the trail at Tiffin Top. At an altitude of around 2,290 metres, you can enjoy uninterrupted views and sunlight, perfect for winter picnics. The peacefulness of this place in early winter is unmatched, and it gives you time to truly soak in the surrounding beauty.

Distance from Nainital city centre: Around 4 km from Mallital.

Travel time from Nainital: 30–45 minutes by trek; 20–30 minutes by horse from Bara Pathar.

Must-Have Experiences:
• Trek through pine, oak and deodar forests to the 2,290m viewpoint.
• Enjoy 360-degree winter views of Nainital and the Himalayan foothills.
• Watch winter sunsets with clear sky conditions.

Nearby Attractions:
• Nainital town (Mallital) – around 4 km
• Land’s End viewpoint – around 3–4 km
• Naina Peak trail start – around 4–5 km

A visit to Raj Bhawan adds a touch of history and grandeur to your experience of touring Nainital in December. The Gothic-style architecture stands tall against misty lawns and lightly frosted hedges that reflect the winter mood perfectly. The building’s interiors are open for guided tours where you can explore vintage furniture, colonial decor, and long corridors filled with history.

The golf course within the premises often stays blanketed in morning fog, while the surrounding deodar trees stay dusted with cold dew. It is a visually impressive attraction that offers insight into British-era administrative life in Nainital during its time as the summer capital of India.

Distance from Nainital city centre: Around 3 km from Tallital.

Travel time from Nainital: 10–15 minutes by taxi.

Must-Have Experiences:
• Take a guided tour of the Gothic-style 19th-century building.
• Explore the landscaped gardens and surrounding forested area.
• View the adjoining golf course set against hillside terrain.

Nearby Attractions:
• Naini Lake (Tallital) – around 3–3.5 km
• High Altitude Zoo – around 2–2.5 km
• Hanuman Garhi Temple – around 4–5 km

For those who are curious to learn about Himalayan wildlife, the Nainital Zoo is one of the best places to visit. In Nainital in December, you can witness snow leopards basking in the sun, red pandas climbing the trees, and barking deer running around. Located at 2,100 meters, this zoo provides natural enclosures that mimic real forest conditions.

The walk uphill can be exciting in the cold weather; however, shuttle services are also available. Inside, you can read detailed plaques about endangered species and observe them closely without the crowd interference common in peak seasons. 

Distance from Nainital city center: Around 1.5–2 km uphill.

Travel time from Nainital: 10–15 minutes by jeep; 25–30 minutes walking uphill.

Must-Have Experiences:
• See Himalayan species such as snow leopards, hill foxes, and pheasants.
• Enjoy hillside views overlooking Nainital town and the lake.
• Visit on winter mornings for clearer visibility and active animals.

Nearby Attractions:
• Mall Road – around 2 km
• Naini Lake – around 1.5–2 km
• Raj Bhawan – around 2–2.5 km

Also Read: Nainital Tour Packages From Bangalore

Raking amongst the best things to do in Nainital in December, exploring Kilbury Bird Sanctuary can offer you a great chance to view unique winter migratory birds. Located around 12 kilometres from the main town, the sanctuary sits at a height of 2,528 metres and becomes a refuge for pheasants, woodpeckers, and laughingthrushes.

Morning walks along its forest trails are peaceful, with only the rustling of leaves and bird calls breaking the silence. The air is cool and crisp, averaging 5°C, so dressing warmly is essential. You can spot over 200 species of birds during this season, especially near fruiting trees.

Distance from Nainital centre: ? 12–13 km by road

Activity Highlights:

• Spot Himalayan birds like laughing thrushes, forktails and wood-owls on forest trails

• Enjoy a peaceful winter forest walk among oak, pine and rhododendron trees

• Capture scenic valley and peak views filtered through crisp winter air

Sattal is a scenic gem that can add a charming touch to your Nainital visit in December. Meaning “seven lakes,” this destination lies about 21 kilometers from Nainital and remains less crowded in the winter months. The interconnected freshwater lakes reflect pine forests and winter skies with striking clarity.

Boating in the lakes of Sattal is open for tourists in December, and you can also enjoy birdwatching along the trails around the lakes. Campers often pitch tents near the water for a rustic winter camping experience. Some areas also offer ziplining and rock climbing activities, depending on the weather. The peaceful setting and minimal tourist noise make this location ideal for travelers seeking solitude in nature.

Distance from Nainital centre: ? 23–25 km by road (via Bhimtal–Sattal route)

Activity Highlights:

• Walk around the interconnected lakes amidst winter greenery and quiet waters
  

• Bird-watch or paddle in calm lake waters under clear December skies
  

• Enjoy a peaceful picnic or nature stroll in serene surroundings

Naukuchiatal stands out as a popular pick in many Nainital itineraries for its peaceful lake surroundings and adventure options, especially in winter. Naukuchiatal , known for its nine corners, lies about 26 kilometres from Nainital and feels even more tranquil in December. Morning mists rise gently from the water, where visitors enjoy quiet paddle boating with views of the wooded hills.

The winter temperature usually stays between 5°C and 10°C, making it perfect for long walks along the banks. Paragliding remains operational as well, making a visit to Naukuchiatal a must thing to do in Nainital in December. 

Distance from Nainital centre: Around 26 km by road (via Bhimtal–Naukuchiatal road)

Activity Highlights:

• Go for boating or paddling on the nine-cornered lake on a cold but calm winter day
  

• Relax on the lakeshore and take in panoramic hill reflections against water
  

• Enjoy a quiet getaway - light breeze, clear water and relaxed lakeside ambience

One of the most scenic stops included in any Nainital tour is Bhimtal Lake, situated at an altitude of 1,370 metres and roughly 22 kilometres from the main town. December here is calm and foggy in the mornings, offering perfect reflections of nearby hills on the lake surface.

The island in the centre of the lake houses an aquarium which can be reached via short boat rides, depending on weather conditions. There is also a temple on the banks, and you will find fewer crowds here than at Naini Lake. Also, you can enjoy hot meals in small restaurants overlooking the lake, making Bhimtal a relaxing winter day-trip destination.

Distance from Nainital centre: ? 22 km by road

Activity Highlights:

• Walk around the lake promenade or take a boat ride to the island in the middle
  

• Enjoy winter views of hills reflected on water and serene lake atmosphere
  

• Visit small lakeside cafés or gardens to spend a calm afternoon by the water

A winter hike to Land’s End can be a memorable part of a Nainital trip, offering unobstructed views of the valleys below. The cliff lies just 4 kilometres from Nainital and is reachable via a short hike through forested trails. December brings thinner air and sharper views of Khurpatal Lake and the surrounding snow-lined hills.

The viewpoint has a raw, open atmosphere with no barricades, so caution is important, especially with kids and aged adults. It is an ideal place to catch a dramatic sunset with minimal crowding, and many travellers combine it with nearby trekking routes for a complete half-day experience in cool December weather.

Distance from Nainital centre: ? 4–5 km uphill by trek or ride

Activity Highlights:

• Trek through forested hills for panoramic sunset views over valleys and peaks
  

• Watch winter clouds and clear skies - perfect for photography and calm views
  

• Take in quiet, less crowded evening air away from town bustle

A visit to Pangot can be an enriching break in nature during your trip to Nainital in December. This small hamlet lies about 15 kilometres from Nainital and is known for its untouched oak and pine forests. This month is ideal for spotting birds like cheer pheasants, Koklass and Himalayan griffons here.

The village often sees light snowfall around Christmas, adding a quiet white charm to the terrain. Most stays here are eco-lodges with fireplaces and views of the wooded slopes. While in Pangot, you can spend your mornings hiking and evenings by a bonfire, away from the distractions of town life.

Distance from Nainital centre: Approx. 13–15 km by road

Activity Highlights:

• Go for forest treks and nature walks among tall pines and rhododendrons in winter chill
  

• Spot over 250–500 bird species - a birdwatcher’s paradise with winter clarity
  

• Stay in hillside cottages for a quiet, nature-immersed winter retreat

Hanuman Garhi deserves a spot among the best places to visit in Nainital in December for its spiritual aura and dramatic views. Located just 3.5 kilometres from the town centre, this temple complex is set at 1951 meters and is known for offering views of beautiful sunsets.

The climb involves several steps, but you can also access it by road. Winters here feel deeply calming, with chants echoing through the cold air and the scent of incense drifting through the temple premises. The main temple features a large idol of Lord Hanuman, and evenings often include short prayer gatherings.