Just picture yourself walking into a world where nature’s beauty and human creativity blend into a breathtaking spectacle. This is the Eco Cave Gardens in Nainital, where rocky tunnels turn into an enchanting animal kingdom. It is interesting to know that these caves, such as the Panther Cave and Tiger Cave, were once closed areas and were playgrounds for local wildlife. And here’s the twist: the garden has a fairy-tale-like feel to it complemented by old-fashioned petroleum lamps. This beautiful garden, situated a stone’s throw from the commercial hub of Nainital, Mall Road, is a perfect combination of thrill and serenity that makes it one of the most sought-after gems of Uttarakhand.
Eco Cave Gardens Nainital History
Image Credit: Rajarshi MITRA for Wikipedia
The Eco Cave Gardens in Nainital were created to combine the natural and the man-made. This garden is situated in Mallital on the Kaladungi Road; originally, it was a rocky terrain, but now it is a well-developed garden.
Owned by Nainital Tourism, the place has caved in the form of animals and has become an integral part of Nainital tourism. The garden’s construction symbolises the unity of nature and technology, giving the visitors a view of the fauna of the Kumaon area.
Also Read: Nainital In Winter
Eco Cave Gardens Timings And Ticket Price
Eco Cave Park is open every day of the week from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Eco Cave Gardens ticket price is INR 60 for adults, INR 25 for children, and INR 25 for cameras.
The evening hours are complemented by an electrifying musical fountain show, which adds more beauty to the garden. The petroleum lamps are a bonus, giving the experience a nostalgic feel.
Tourist Attractions Near Eco Cave Gardens Nainital
While the Eco Cave Gardens itself is a famous tourist attraction in Uttarakhand, there are ample sites nearby that are worth exploring. If you have made your way to this beautiful lake city of Nainital, you should most certainly check out all or some of the following well-known destinations.
1. Pangot And Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
Image Credit: SusmitaDebnath for Wikimedia Commons
A few kilometres from the Eco Cave Park, the Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary is a green paradise for bird watching and nature tripping. The sanctuary has over 200 avian species, including the colourful Himalayan griffon and the beautiful red-billed blue magpie. Located amidst thick forests and undulating terrain, the refuge offers picturesque tracks ideal for birding and nature strolls. It is a quiet place with a lot of birdlife, which makes it perfect for a day out in the natural world.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: Free entry
Related Post: Camping In Nainital
2. Nainital Zoo
Image Credit: Ruchir Patel for Wikimedia Commons
Located close to the beautiful lakes of Nainital, the Nainital Zoo is an ideal place for learning and leisure. It has a collection of animals such as snow leopards, Tibetan wolves, and other animals indigenous to the Himalayan area. Located in a large territory, it has clean terrains designed to resemble the animals’ environments. The zoo also has information boards on wildlife conservation, and therefore, it is a fun and informative place for families and lovers of animals.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: 100 INR for Adults, 50 INR for Children
3. Naini Lake
Image Credit: Nickk Bisht for Wikimedia Commons
Naini Lake is just one kilometre from the Eco Cave Gardens and is the heart of Nainital. The beautiful lake surrounded by green hills offers tourists a calm boat ride or a pleasant walk along the lake. There are paddle boats or row boats for rent, giving you a vantage point from which to view the surrounding environment. The area around the lake is also very lively, with local shops and restaurants, which enhance the liveliness of the place. The location and the water of Naini Lake are very suitable for leisure and scenic views.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: Free entry
Related Post: Resorts Near Nainital
4. Naina Devi Temple
Image Credit: Praveen Singh Bisht for Wikimedia Commons
The Naina Devi Temple, situated at a distance of 1. 8 km from Eco Cave Gardens, is a famous religious shrine for the goddess Naina Devi. This is one of the most sacred temples, and it draws pilgrims and tourists due to its architecture and scenic view of Naini Lake and the hills. The environment is calm, and the place is a temple, which gives a feeling of calmness and tranquillity away from the crowded town. The temple also offers visitors a feel for the religious practices of the people in the region, thus enhancing the cultural experience.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: Free entry
5. Hanging Gardens
Image Credit: Nichalp for Wikimedia Commons
Right next to the Eco Cave Gardens are the Hanging Gardens, a quiet haven of clean flower beds and green grass. This well-maintained garden is filled with different types of plants and flowers, making it a perfect place for a stroll or just to relax. The gardens are laid out to complement the natural landscape and offer a place for relaxation to visitors. The flowers are bright in colour and give off a nice fragrance, which makes the gardens more attractive and a nice addition to the Eco Cave Gardens.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: 60 INR for Adults, 25 INR for children
Related Post: Offbeat Places In Nainital
6. Neem Karoli Baba Ashram
Image Credit: 25 Cents FC for Wikimedia Commons
Kainchi Dham Neem Karoli Baba Ashram is a holy site in the Nainital, Kainchi, Uttarakhand, India, established by the famous Hindu saint Neem Karoli Baba. The ashram was founded in 1964 and has since grown to be a home for many devotees who want to be closer to the divine and attain a state of serenity. The ashram is in a very calm and peaceful area with hills and the Kosi River, making it perfect for meditation. It draws thousands of tourists from all over the world, including Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. The ashram still follows the principles of Neem Karoli Baba, which include love, compassion, and service to others.
Days Needed: 1 day
Entry Fee: Free entry
Best Time To Visit Eco Cave Gardens Nainital
Nainital is nice and comfortable all year round, mainly because it’s a hill town and also does not have a very high altitude. Almost throughout the year, the temperature and humidity of the city are at a very comfortable level.
So you can plan a visit to the gardens at any time of the year. However, the peak time for tourists is usually right after the rains in September and October or even during summer.
Related Post: Honeymoon In Nainital
How To Reach Eco Cave Gardens
Image Credit: Ekabhishek for Wikipedia
By Road: Eco Cave Gardens is easily accessible and is just 1 km away from the Nainital Mall Road. You can easily walk from there to reach the gardens, but auto-rickshaws and comfortable cabs can also be rented from here.
By Air: The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, which is about 70 km away. After arriving at the airport, one can hire a taxi or book a transfer service to take him/her to Eco Cave Gardens.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 34 kms away from Nainital. Auto-rickshaw or taxi from Nainital to Eco Cave Gardens is easily available, however, direct buses from Kathgodam to Eco Cave Gardens are not available, one has to take a taxi or auto-rickshaw from Nainital.
You May Also Like To Read: Adventure Sports In Nainital
Eco Cave Gardens in Nainital offers a trip to a world where the creations of nature and man are intertwined. This attraction is interesting for everyone because of the caves, musical fountain, and beautiful scenery. If you are planning a trip to Nainital, do not miss the chance to visit the Eco Cave Gardens.
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Source: Pexels
Frequently Asked Questions About Eco Cave Gardens
What is the opening and closing time of Eco Cave Gardens?
The garden operates from 9:30 in the morning to 5:30 in the evening, from Mondays to Sundays. You must make sure to go at the designated time.
What is the cost of getting into Eco Cave Gardens?
The entry fee is INR 60 for adults, INR 25 for children and INR 25 for cameras. You need to pay the appropriate fee to enjoy the scenic view of the garden.
Is there an option for an accommodation nearby?
Yes, there are different hotels and lodges in Nainital, near the Eco Cave Gardens. So book the same in advance at the time of planning a trip.
Is it possible to visit the Eco Cave Gardens in the evening?
Yes, the garden is open the whole day while the musical fountain show is performed in the evening. You can plan your visit accordingly.
What are the recommended dressing codes for Eco Cave Gardens?
It is suggested that one wears comfortable shoes for walking as there is a lot of walking done. It is also recommended to take a water bottle and warm clothes for the evening.
People Also Read:
Mandore Garden Mughal Garden Harwan Garden
Unveil the hidden treasures of the globe and turn every travel dream into reality. As a Content Writer, I am passionate enough to craft stories from ancient wonders to modern marvels. My words paint the picture-perfect itinerary for unforgettable experiences. Let my words be your trusted guide to immerse in the diverse culture and discover the beauty of the unknown.
