What to buy in Nainital
Handmade candles
Nainital is known for decorative candles in every shape and size, sold all along Mall Road and in Bara Bazaar.
Jams, squashes and fruit products
Homemade jams, pickles, squashes and juice concentrates from Kumaon's orchards, sold in Bara Bazaar and Mall Road shops.
Woollens
Shawls, sweaters, caps and socks, including hand-knitted pieces sold in the Bhotia market.
Tibetan handicrafts
Prayer flags, jewellery, bags and small curios from the Tibetan market in Mallital.
Wooden items and cane sticks
Carved wooden showpieces and walking sticks, sold in Bara Bazaar and on Mall Road.
Bal mithai
Boxes of Kumaon's famous khoya sweet make an easy edible souvenir.
Markets in Nainital
Mall Road
Mallital to TallitalThe main shopping street by the lake, with candles, woollens, souvenirs, sweets and branded shops.
Bara Bazaar
Mallital, behind The FlatsThe old local market for candles, jams, wooden items, spices and sweets.
Tibetan and Bhotia market
Mallital, near the lakeStalls selling woollens, jackets, bags, jewellery and Tibetan handicrafts.
Tallital bazaar
Near the bus standSmaller shops for everyday goods, snacks and last-minute souvenirs.
Shopping tips
- Bargain politely at market stalls; fixed-price shops won't.
- Check wool content on cheaper shawls and sweaters.
- Candles can melt in a hot car on the way down; pack them well.
- Carry some cash; many stalls in the Tibetan market take only cash.
Shopping in Nainital: FAQs
What is famous to buy in Nainital?
Handmade candles, homemade jams and fruit products, woollens, Tibetan handicrafts and bal mithai.
Which is the main market in Nainital?
Mall Road, along with Bara Bazaar and the Tibetan and Bhotia market at the Mallital end of the lake.
