Uttarakhand
Nainital Travel Guide
A pear-shaped lake, boating and a ring of quiet lakes nearby.
- Best months Mar–Jun, Sept–Nov
- Ideal trip length 2–3 days
Nainital is a lake town in Uttarakhand, set around the pear-shaped Naini Lake at about 2,000 metres. Boating, hillside viewpoints, the lively Mall Road and a ring of smaller lakes nearby make it one of the most popular hill getaways from Delhi. Plan two to three days, and a day more if you want to explore the surrounding lakes and villages.
Best time to visit
Recommended
March to June and September to November are the most pleasant seasons. Summers are busy, and December to February is cold, with occasional snow on the higher ridges. July and August bring heavy monsoon rain and a risk of landslides on the access roads.
How to reach
Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the nearest airport, about 65 km from Nainital, with limited flights. Delhi is the usual gateway for most visitors, followed by a long road or rail journey.
Kathgodam, about 35 km away, is the nearest railhead, with trains from Delhi and other cities. From there, taxis and buses climb to Nainital.
Nainital is reached by road from Delhi via Moradabad and Haldwani, and from Kathgodam by a winding hill road. Traffic can be slow on weekends and holidays.
Where to stay
Stays near the lake and the Mall Road put you close to restaurants and boating, though prices are higher and rooms can be busy. Quieter options are in the hills above the town or in Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal, which are good for slower stays.
Top things to see and do
- 1
Naini Lake
The central lake of the town, with boating, a lakeside promenade and views of the hills.
- 2
Naina Devi Temple
A temple on the northern shore of the lake, an important pilgrimage site.
- 3
Snow View Point
A hilltop viewpoint reached by ropeway, with views of the Himalayan peaks on clear days.
- 4
Tiffin Top
A short trek to a viewpoint with views over the town and the surrounding hills.
- 5
Bhimtal and Sattal
Quieter lakes a short drive from Nainital, suited to a day trip with boating and lakeside walks.
- 6
Kainchi Dham
An ashram near Nainital founded by Neem Karoli Baba, popular with devotees and very crowded around its annual gathering in mid-June.
Food to try
Along the Mall Road you will find North Indian dishes, momos, hot snacks and bakeries. Try local Kumaoni food such as bhatt ki churkani, aloo ke gutke and bal mithai, a brown chocolate-like sweet.
Travel tips
- Avoid arriving on peak weekends if you can, because traffic and parking are difficult.
- Vehicle movement and parking near the Mall Road and the lake are regulated, so check local rules before you drive in.
- Carry layers and a rain jacket, as the weather can change quickly.
- If you plan to visit Kainchi Dham, check for crowds on festival dates and travel early.
Frequently asked questions
How many days are enough for Nainital?
Two days cover the lake, the Mall Road and Snow View Point. A third day lets you visit Bhimtal, Sattal or Kainchi Dham.
Is Nainital good in winter?
Yes, for those who like the cold and quiet. Snow is possible on higher ridges, but the town itself sees snow less often. Check the forecast before travelling.
How far is Nainital from Delhi?
Nainital is a long day's journey from Delhi by road or a combination of train and road. Many travellers take an overnight train to Kathgodam to save time.
Official sources
Timings, fees, permits, closures and transport change often. Please confirm current details with the official sources above before you travel.