Looking for a break from the scorching heat in Lucknow? How about a trip to Nainital, the City of Lakes? Featuring breezy nights under the starry night sky along with views of the snow-covered Himalayas, it can be the perfect weekend getaway from Lucknow amid the rising mercury.

To help you plan your itinerary, we've compiled this list of 7 must-visit places in Nainital to make your trip as rewarding as possible!

A delight for photographers and nature lovers, Tiffin top in Nainital offers a spellbinding panoramic view of the hill station. Depending on how much of an adventure mood you're in, you can either trek up the hills to reach the place or take the horse ride to get there.

In case you do choose the former, every step is going to be worth it when you take in the view from the top!

Home to a whopping 580 migratory and endemic bird species, Kilbury bird sanctuary is frequented by birders from across the country and overseas. And if you're looking for a place in Nainital that offers a lot of peace and quiet, this one's a must-visit for you.

You will have to hail a cab to get to the Kilbury Bird Sanctuary as it is about 13 KM from the town.

Located towards the upper end of Nainital at about 2 km from the bus stand, the aerial ropeway in Nainital offers breathtaking views of the hills and the mango lake while carrying you from Mallital to the Snow view point.

The cost for the dream-like ropeway ride is- ₹300 for adults and ₹200 for children.

After the unforgettable 3-minute ropeway ride, you'll reach the Snow View Point. As the name suggests, you can take in the mesmerizing view of the snow-clad Nanda devi, Nanda kot and the Trishul peak.

The place also has giant binoculars if you wish to take a closer look at the mountains.

What's a trip without a shopping spree, right? Luckily, Nainital's Tibetan market has you covered on that front. Located close to Naini lake and mall road, this market is a shopaholics paradise, featuring unique Tibetan-style jewellery, clothing and a bunch of artsy handicrafts.

Once you're tired of all the shopping here, don't forget to fill up on some delicious Tibetan Thukpa served in the market.

These rocky caves have gained immense popularity among tourists visiting Nainital of late. Here you can explore a multitude of caves and there's also a new mechanical bull ride installed in the caves that's gradually becoming a favorite of tourists.

The entry fees to enter the Eco Cave Gardens is ₹60 for adults and ₹25 for children. You'll have to pay an additional ₹25 if you wish to carry your camera inside.

Located at an altitude of 6900 ft above sea level on the Sher ka Danda hill, Nainital Zoo is home animals like the Tibetan Wolf, Himalayan Bear, and the Japanese Macaque. The place also houses a range of bird species like the Golden Pheasant and Rose-ringed Parakeet.

The entry fee for the zoo is ₹50 for adults and ₹20 for children with an additional ₹20 for a still camera and ₹200 for a professional video camera.

Heatwave and temperatures above 40°C are here to stay for a while. But you can beat the heat and escape to Nainital, the closest hill station to Lucknow. So, call your buddies and make good use of the weekend with a trip to the Jewel of Kumaon.