Hanuman Garhi Nainital

Dedicated primarily to Lord Hanuman, the temple also houses shrines for Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Goddess Sita, Neem Karoli Baba, and Sheetla Mata, making it a spiritually vibrant destination for devotees seeking darshan and blessings from multiple deities.

The temple is recognized as a living heritage temple, built in the modern era by Neem Karoli Baba. Its location atop a hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding Nainital landscape and provides a serene atmosphere for prayer and meditation.

Hanuman Garhi is well-known for its ashram-like ambiance, attracting pilgrims and spiritual seekers throughout the year. Devotees can participate in various poojas and rituals conducted in Hindi and Sanskrit. The temple opens daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and again from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Morning Aarti (Mangala/Shringar) is held from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, while the Evening Aarti (Sandhya) takes place between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM.

Special recitations such as the Tuesday Sunderkand and Saturday Hanuman Chalisa are highlights for visitors, with community bhandaras (free meals) organized on these days and during major festivals.

Hanuman Garhi celebrates important Hindu festivals including Ram Navami (March–April), both Sharad and Chaitra Navratri (March–April, September–October), Hanuman Jayanti (April), and Guru Purnima (July), drawing large numbers of devotees during these auspicious periods.

Prasad, typically sweets and batashe, is distributed after aartis. For those planning a visit, the temple is accessible by arriving at Kathgodam (32.7 km) or Haldwani (38 km) railway stations, or Pantnagar Airport (67 km).

From Nainital’s Tallital bus stand, the temple is about 3.5–4 km uphill; visitors can hire a local taxi, auto, or walk to the entry gate. Limited parking is available near the temple, but most park further down and ascend about 70 steps to reach the shrine.

Dress code guidelines are observed, requiring men to wear full-length trousers or jeans with shirts or kurtas, and women to opt for sarees, salwar kameez, or modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main shrine but permitted in outer courtyards.

Accommodation options range from luxury hotels like The Naini Retreat and Shervani Hilltop to mid-range and budget stays near Naini Lake in Tallital and Mallital.

Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as Mall Road, G B Pant High Altitude Zoo, Khurpatal Lake, Tiffin Top, and Kainchi Dham Ashram, making Hanuman Garhi Nainital an enriching spiritual and travel experience.