Things To Do
There are plenty of activities in and around Nainital to keep you busy.
Because of Ashdale’s prime central location these activities are even more accessible by foot and by car.
For nature lovers
Tiffin top
One of the popular picnic spots in Nainital, the Tiffin Top is a place where you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of Nainital from its highest point. Also called the Dorothy’s Seat, it is located on the Ayarpatta Hills, offering a gorgeous 360 degree view of the Lake District. It also has a cafe where you can enjoy snacks and sip on warm tea.
Proximity – 30mins slight uphill walk from ayarpatta hill.
We recommend – You walk this path to soak in the forest views
Eco Cave Garden
The Eco Cave Garden offers an interesting sneak peek into the Himalayan way of life. The caves here are of different dimensions, narrowing down further into the tunnels which give it a natural look. So if you’re looking to discover the kind of spaces where animals reside in the Himalayas, this is the place to visit.
Proximity – 7 min walk from the Hotel
We recommend – exploring the caves
Naina Devi Temple
The Naina Devi Temple is one of the most revered temples in Northern India. It is a famous Shakti Peeth of Hindu religion and draws devotees from all over the country. It is believed this was the place where eyes of Sati’s corpse fell when Lord Shiva carried her. The temple organizes a big fair during Nanda Ashtami which runs for 8 days.
Proximity – 10 mins downhill walk from the Hotel
We recommend – Visiting all the small temples within the complex
Thandi Sadak
The Thandi Sadak is surrounded by dense trees and therefore is always a few degrees cooler than the rest of Mallital. It is a pleasant place for a morning jog or a leisure stroll. It is a nice place to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle.
Proximity – 10 mins downhill walk from the Hotel
We recommend – Walking here in those hot sunny days
Please note It is only 1 km long and is meant for pedestrians only .
For the Adrenaline seekers
Cheena peak
It is the highest peak in Nainital .The trek to Cheena peak is healthy and relaxing as you can get a birds eye view of Nainital from the top of this peak. You can trek up or hire horses from Bara Pathar .
Proximity – 6 km walk from Mallital
We recommend – Trekking up only during daytime as there have been some bear spottings on this hill. Don’t forget to carry packed picnics as there are no restaurants there.
Please note: The hotel can arrange for picnic boxes. Contact reception for more details
SNOW VIEW
Snow view is one of the most visited tourist spots of the town. It provides an enchanting view of the 350 km long Himalayan range.
Proximity – 3 km walk from Mallital
We recommend – wearing well fitted comfortable shoes, know some basic first aid, carry energy boosters like chocolates, candies, dry fruits, glucose etc.
Please note: The hotel can arrange for picnic boxes. Contact reception for more details
ROCK CLIMBING
Rock climbing is a physically and mentally demanding sport. Knowledge of proper climbing techniques and usage of specialized climbing equipment is crucial for your safety. The Nainital Mountaineering Club offers rock climbing courses at Piteria behind Bara Pathar Nainital.
Proximity – 3 km drive from the hotel
We recommend – Contacting The Nainital Mountaineering club for bookings and information
GOLF
Drive up to the Raj bhavan which is spread across 220 acres and was built in the line of Buckingham Palace, London. It consists of a marvellous 18 hole golf course where you can spot peacocks and deers while enjoying your game of golf.
Proximity – 10 min drive from the hotel.
We Recommend – Contacting us to arrange a visit as it is not open to general public.
AERIAL ROPEWAY
Nainital Ropeway is one of the main attractions of Nainital. This ropeway connects Snow-View Point (at 2270 Mts.) with Nainital near the flats.
Aerial ropeway starts at Mallital, there are only two trolleys to carry passengers.
Proximity – 10 mins downhill walk from the Hotel
We recommend – booking in advance as it gets quite busy during the summer months. Tickets can be arranged for guests if you let us know a few days in advance.
Please note : Tickets are non-refundable.
NAINITAL LAKE
offers boating in the form of Venice like ‘Gandolas’, along with Sailing and Peddal boats ,which can be hired near the boat house club.
Proximity – 10 mins downhill walk from the Hotel and 5 second walk from the boat house club.
We recommend – sitting back and enjoying the stillness of the lake.
HORSE RIDING
Horses can be hired at Bara Pathar. People use horses as their mode of transport when visiting the different peaks of Nainital
Proximity – 20 mins walk from the Hotel and a 7 min drive from the hotel.
We recommend – Using your feet for walking wherever you can! However, if you really like horse back riding then there are plenty to choose from here.
RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING
BHUTIA MARKET
Located near the Naina Devi Temple, Bhutia Market is one of the most famous shopping destinations. This place is every shopaholic’s delight as you can buy amazing clothing at giveaway prices. If you are looking for beautiful scarves, fashionable bags, winter clothes, ethnic items, this is the place to visit .The woollen wear offered here is famous for being intricately woven by the Women of Kumaon.
Proximity – 10 min downhill walk from the hotel.
THE MALL ROAD
Is filled with shops and restaurants.
Proximity – 10 mins down hill walk from the Hotel
Please contact reception for timings
BADA BAZAAR
Or, Big bazaar is a lovely street filled with shops offering local produce. Here you can find locally made candles, jams, snacks and wollen garments
Proximity – 7 min downhill walk from the hotel.
We Recommend – Ramlal and Sons for authentic wollen garments and the Shiva restraunt to relieve those snack cravings.
Please note: this is a pedestrians only street.
BOAT HOUSE CLUB
is a members only club but if you are a guest at Ashdale entry can be arranged. It is located by the beautiful kidney shaped lake. Guests can enjoy Lunches and dinners on the sun deck along with access to the beautiful charming indoor bar. –
Proximity – 10 min downhill walk from the hotel
We recommend – Magaritas and chilli chicken on the sun deck.
Please note the club is members only. If you wish to visit please contact us to make arrangements.
PLACES NEAR NAINITAL WORTH VISITING
OBSERVATORY
Also known as the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences is a place for doing astronomical studies. It was built in the year 1955 to enhance the study in this field. This institute is funded by the Department of Science and Technology.
Proximity – 4.5 km drive from Nainital
We recommend – Arranging a visit in advance by calling them or visiting their website
PANGOT
Pangot is a lovely quaint village. The drive to here passes through the forested area of Cheena Peak Range and Kilbury, which are ideal for bird spotting.
Proximity – 20 min drive from the hotel.
We recommend – Taking packed picnics and exploring the village on foot while mingling with the locals.
Please note: The hotel can arrange for picnic boxes. Contact reception for more details
KILBURY
Kilbury is a forest guest house & a bird sanctuary. Due to this reason, it is also called as the bird watcher’s paradise.
We recommend – Taking packed picnics and exploring the place on foot
Please note: The hotel can arrange for picnic boxes. Contact reception for more details
SATTAL
Sattal is a unique group of freshwater lakes which has loads of migratory birds adorning the town. It is an ideal destination for nature buffs, bird watchers and anyone who wishes to relish the panoramic views of the place. It is one of the ideal places to visit around Nainital.
Proximity – 45 min drive from the hotel.
We recommend – Carrying your binoculars to spot those featured beauties.
Please note: The hotel can arrange for picnic boxes. Contact reception for more details
BHIMTAL
Bhimtal is an exquisite location nestled in the Himalayas, 1370m above sea level. The dense forests of Oak and the pristine lakes along with a pleasant weather makes Bhimtal a magical location
Proximity – 44 min drive from the hotel.
We recommend – Boating and enjoying scenic walks
NAUKUCHIATAL
Naukuchiatal is a picturesque village suitable for those who seek tranquility and relaxation. The village has a 9 cornered lake which is 1 kilometer in length and 40 meters deep. Legend has it that if a person views all the 9 corners of the lake with his feet on the ground, he attains nirvana.
Proximity – 44 min drive from the hotel.
We recommend – Boating and enjoying scenic walks
MUKTESHWAR
Mukteshwar is famous for its 350 year old temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Proximity – 1 hr , 36 mins drive from the hotel.
We recommend – Visiting the temples
KAINCHI DHAM
Your visit to Nainital will remain incomplete if you do not pay a visit to this renowned pilgrimage center of Kainchi Dham. The ashram of the famous Shri Neem Karoli Baba Maharajji which has given this place prominence. It is situated at an altitude of 1400 meters, just 17 km away from the main city of Nainital. The place was founded in 1962 and ever since has remained an important center for followers of Shri Neem Karoli Baba.
Proximity – 30 min drive from the hotel.
We recommend – Relish the silence you feel at the temple
Please note: The hotel can arrange for picnic boxes. Contact reception for more details
Off the beaten track
Looking to explore Nainital like a true ‘Local’?
Get in touch with us and we can suggest routes and places that will make you feel like a real explorer!