Any trip to Nainital feels incomplete without a walk in Nainital Mall Road, where the town truly breathes. On one side, the lake glimmers quietly under the mountain sun, and on the other, a constant flow of life—shoppers, street food vendors, honeymooners, kids tugging at their parents for toys, and locals who seem to know every corner by heart.
Mall Road (or Govind Ballabh Pant Marg, if you want to sound official) isn’t just a place to walk—it’s where Nainital shows its character. The British built it, and you can still feel that old-world touch in the colonial-style buildings and railings, but today it’s full of everyday chaos and charm. There’s something oddly comforting about dodging rickshaws while nibbling on a spicy bhutta (roasted corn) or ducking into a tiny cafe for momos and chai when the breeze picks up off the lake.
It connects Mallital and Tallital, the two ends of town, but honestly, you’ll lose track of where you’re headed—because every few steps, something will catch your eye. Maybe a wooden souvenir shop with handcrafted trinkets, or a small bakery filling the air with the smell of fresh pastries.
What to Expect:
- Victorian-era charm blended with local culture
- Lakefront benches perfect for watching the beauty of lake
- Bustling with activity from morning till late evening
The road becomes pedestrian-only during peak hours (6 PM to 9 PM) in the tourist season to manage traffic and allow for relaxed strolling.
Things to Do at The Mall Road in Nainital
Looking for things to do in The Mall Road in Nainital? Here’s what you can’t miss:
1. Shop Local
- Woollen clothes, candles, wooden handicrafts
- Tibetan souvenirs, handmade jewelry
- Popular markets: Bhotia Bazaar and Tibetan Market
2. Cafe-Hopping
- Sakley’s Restaurant and Café Lakeside offer great coffee and food with a view
- Don’t miss local treats like bal mithai and fruit cream
3. Lake View Walk
- Stroll along the lake during the golden hours
- Take scenic photos, ride a horse, or just relax by the waterfront
4. Boating in Naini Lake
- Starts right near Mall Road
- Choose from paddle boats, row boats, or decorated gondolas
- Check timings and rates on Nainital Lake Boating Association’s official page
Local Tips & Travel Hacks
- Visit in evening when traffic movement stop between 6-9 PM
- Bargain at street stalls, but politely
- Carry light woollens, even in summer—it gets chilly after dark
