Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, sunrise
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hoursplaces to visit in Nainital
Tickets: Offline
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station, about 38 km away
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport, about 71 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Tallital Bus Stand, about 3 km away
Eco Cave Gardens in Nainital is a fascinating mix of geology, ecology, and adventure that is only 1 km from Mall Road, and one of the best . KMVN takes care of this naturally formed rocky park, which has six caves shaped like animals: Tiger, Panther, Bat, Ape, flying fox, and Squirrel. These caves are connected by tunnels that let people crawl, climb, and explore.
The caves are dimly lit by oil lamps and have hanging gardens that make them look like wildlife habitats. They are a lot of fun and teach you a lot about Kumaon's animals. After exploring the caves, relax in the beautiful hanging gardens that look out over Nainital's green valley. There are benches there that are great for relaxing and taking pictures.
As night falls, the musical fountain comes to life, mixing light, water, and sound into a beautiful show that lasts all night long. The combination of adventure, nature, and beautiful scenery makes it a perfect place to explore or simply relax in.
• Visit Eco Cave Gardens, a perfect blend of nature and adventure in the middle of the city of Nainital.
• Crawl through six natural caves, named after different animals, which are dimly lit by traditional petroleum lamps, mimicking Himalayan wildlife habitats.
• Wander through lush hanging gardens atop the caves, adorned with indigenous flora, benches, and sweeping valley views.
• Learn about Kumaon biodiversity via informative panels and effigies depicting rural folk, blending adventure with eco‑education.
• Explore optional adventure additions like zip‑lining or rock‑climbing on adjacent rock formations for extra thrill.
By car/taxi: Eco Cave Gardens is about 2 km away from the Nainital city centre, via Nainital High Court Rd. It will take you around 10 minutes to get there.
Peak Season (March-June & September-October):
Moderate Season (November-February):
Low Season (July-August):
You can explore six naturally formed caves: Tiger, Panther, Bat, Ape, Flying-Fox, and Squirrel, through dark tunnels that you have to crawl and climb through. The interiors lit by oil lamps look like places where Himalayan animals live, making it a fun and educational experience for people of all ages.
The only musical fountain show in Nainital happens in the evenings from May to June. It features water jets, lights, and music. After exploring the cave, families often stay to enjoy this colourful and fun show.
Walk through the lush hanging gardens that are on top of the caves. These flower terraces have benches for sitting and looking out over the Nainital Valley, making them a great place to think and take pictures.
Yes, you can hire local guides on the spot for a small fee. There are signs in the caves and hanging gardens that explain Kumaon's wildlife, geology, and cave formation. This makes the visit fun and educational, which is great for kids and nature lovers.
No, the caves have narrow, uneven tunnels that are hard to walk through, so they aren't good for older people, toddlers, or people with mobility issues. External pathways are easier, but they can be slippery during monsoons, so be careful.
March to June is a great time to visit because the weather is nice, and November to December is a good time to visit because it snows lightly. Stay away from monsoons because the ground is slippery. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and dress in warm layers, especially if you plan to go in the morning or evening.