Photo spot in Nainital
Naina Devi Temple
Nainital, Uttarakhand
A revered Shakti-peeth temple on the north shore of Naini Lake, colourful and busy, with lake views from its steps.
Best time
Early morning, when the temple is quiet and the lake behind it is still; evening for the lights on the water.
Best angle
Stand on the lakeside path to one side and take a wide photo of the temple entrance with Naini Lake and the hills beyond.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Crowd level
High
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Naina Devi Temple
Early morning, when the temple is quiet and the lake behind it is still; evening for the lights on the water. Crowds here are typically high. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Naina Devi Temple
Stand on the lakeside path to one side and take a wide photo of the temple entrance with Naini Lake and the hills beyond. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
On the temple steps by the lake
At the decorated entrance
Outfit guide
What to wear at Naina Devi Temple
For photos at Naina Devi Temple, red, saffron and yellow work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Nainital.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Naina Devi Temple.
Eat nearby
Food near Naina Devi Temple
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for bhatt ki churkani nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Go soon after the doors open in the morning, before tour groups arrive.
Leave your shoes at the stand outside and keep the token safe.
Keep your phone away near the inner shrine, where photography is not allowed.
Wear socks in winter, as the stone floor gets very cold.
Visit the gurdwara next door too, with your head covered.
Walk through the Tibetan market beside the temple for woollens and hot momos.
Expect the temple to be packed during the Nanda Devi Mahotsav in late August or September.
The goddess of the lake
Naina Devi stands at the water's edge at Mallital, at the north end of the lake. The goddess is worshipped as a pair of eyes, and the word naina, eyes, gives both the lake and the town their name. Devotees count it among the Shakti Peethas, where parts of the body of the goddess Sati are believed to have fallen. A large peepal tree shades the courtyard, and bells hang along the entrance.
Rebuilt after 1880
The first temple was lost in the landslide of September 1880, which buried much of this end of town. The debris became the Flats, the open ground next door, and the temple was rebuilt nearby. Today it is the busiest place in Nainital, with a steady stream of pilgrims and families from early morning.
The camera rule
Photography is not allowed near the inner shrine. Take your pictures outside: from the lakeside path, from the courtyard entrance, or from a boat looking back at the temple.
Around the temple
A Sikh gurdwara stands right beside it, and the Tibetan market runs close by, with woollens, prayer flags and momo stalls. The start of the Mall Road and the ropeway station are a short walk away. In late August or September, the Nanda Devi Mahotsav turns the temple into the centre of a week-long festival.
Visiting
Dress modestly and leave your shoes at the stand. Mornings are calmest; weekends and holidays bring long queues for darshan.
Questions
Naina Devi Temple — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Naina Devi Temple?
Early morning, when the temple is quiet and the lake behind it is still; evening for the lights on the water. Stand on the lakeside path to one side and take a wide photo of the temple entrance with Naini Lake and the hills beyond.
Is there an entry fee at Naina Devi Temple?
Entry to Naina Devi Temple is free.
What are the opening hours of Naina Devi Temple?
Naina Devi Temple is open 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
What should I wear at Naina Devi Temple?
Red, saffron and yellow photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Naina Devi Temple get?
Crowd levels are typically high. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the temple is quiet and the lake behind it is still; evening for the lights on the water.
What food should I try near Naina Devi Temple?
Try bhatt ki churkani, available at nearby restaurants.
Why is Naina Devi Temple important?
It is the town's own goddess temple and, for devotees, one of the Shakti Peethas, where Sati's eyes are believed to have fallen.
Can I take photos inside Naina Devi Temple?
Not near the inner shrine. You can photograph the temple from outside, from the lake path or from a boat.
Is Naina Devi in Nainital the same as Naina Devi in Himachal?
No. There is another well-known Naina Devi temple in Bilaspur district, Himachal Pradesh. This one is on Naini Lake in Uttarakhand.
How do I get from Tallital to Naina Devi Temple?
Walk the Mall Road along the lake, about 1.5 km, or take a rowing boat across to the Mallital end.