With almost One million visitors a year, The Lake District of India ' Nainital ' remains one of the most sought after vacation destinations in India. Nainital is known as the “Switzerland of India” because of its picturesque lakes & also due to similarity in landscape.

Compared with other cities its size, the Lake District of India is relatively safe, Major tourist areas in and around Nainital are safe. The streets can be easily walked at night.

However, some basic knowledge of the area before you go can significantly increase your enjoyment of your visit to the region.

We've developed a list of "Do's and Dont's" based on our own experience.

Don't take a lot of cash with you, there are many ATM's of almost all major banks in Nainital. Banks in Nainital & ATM Machines

Driving in hilly area is risky, always keep control of your speed especially in the curves if possible avail services of a driver.

In Hilly road please dont take over form the wrong side as it is very very risky.

Avoid miss behaving as authorities have installed Closed-Circuit Television cameras at several crowded places as precautionary measure and to keep a watch on untoward incidents. About 5 CCTV cameras have been installed across the Nainital hill resort for keeping a watch on the everyday incidents.

Nainital has an enormous range of weather conditions, as it can be largely warm and hot in summer (day time), and mild to pleasant cold in winters. Please Note :- Heavy Wollen & Jackets will be needed in winter season Like any hill station Nainital, experiences unpredictable and sudden changes in weather. Do check the type of clothing and other equipment you may require for the The Five Seasons Of Nainital you are visiting.

The District Administration of Nainital has made it mandatory for all visitors at the popular Naini Lake to wear life jackets while enjoying boat rides here. The directive has been issued in public interest to prevent drowning incidents, which are common place particularly during summer. For hiring the boats always use perpaid booths located in the shores of the lakes.

Always keep your Identity Card to avoid hasselment in hotels. etc.. Things to Pack

Do try to get away from the Taxis/Cars, Use vehicles to a minimum. Nainital is hectic and exhausting, but ultimately safe and exciting and known for its salubrious climate and scenic beauty. Just walk. Some of your best experiences will come at unexpected turns.

Do not encourage beggars and always beaware of strangers.

Use dustbin in public places as you are also responsible for clean environment. While on Hills / Hill slopes & forests trekking avoid throwing cigarette buts on leaf litter as they are an important cause for forest fires. Dispose all litter carefully. Avoid using Plastic Bags or Plastic Bottles in the forest area as plastic does NOT decay itself & harms the natural enviroment. If you do use plastic kindly dont throw in the forest and carry back. The use of Plastic Polythene Bags is banned in Nainital. Do not park car on the Mall Road. Mall Road is a No Parking area. Violation of this restriction is an offence. While boating Do not pollute the Lake in any way. Violation is a punishable offense. Swimming is banned in Nainital Lake. Avoid loud music and noise. Do respect people's privacy while taking photographs. Ask for prior permission before taking a photograph. In March-April you can avail discounts in hotels of Nainital or avail Special Packages for Nainital but in May-June its better to do reservation of hotel in Nainital of your choice in advance as its a peak season & Nainital is a comparetively a small place. While traveling to high Hills always carry Camera, Goggles, Sun screen lotion and Sports Shoes incase you like nature walks (Binoculars are optional).

You can make your Nainital trip easier by following the simple travel tips. Do not drive vehicles on your own. Hire a taxi with a hill trained driver. If you have your own vehicle, then request for driver at your hotel or travel agents. Have slow speed while driving through valleys, mountains and turns.

Note Regarding Parking in Nainital - Parking Places in Nainital :- Parking is strictly prohibited on the Mall Road except designated parking places.

Parking near Nagar Palika Nainital
Parking in the Flats
Parking opposite SBI Nainital
Parking at Tallital Haldwani Road.
Parking at Sukhatal, Opposite Petrol Pump Mallital.

Traffic shall be strictly prohibited on Mall Road between 6 - 9 p.m during season. Only one way route from Tallital to Mallital for LMV during the 6 - 9 pm. During Off Season the Mall Road is closed between 6 - 8 p.m.

Nainital is an eco-friendly hill station. To keep it neat and clean, do not leave any non-biodegradable items. Do not scribble on trees, rocks and buildings. Do not destroy any type of vegetation or plants during your visit here. If your follow certain travel tips in Nainital you are bound to have the time of your life in this tiny yet exciting place.


Last but not Least : - Do live the dream, relax and enjoy your time in Nainital.