Nainital Travel Guide: Lakes, Viewpoints and a 3-Day Itinerary

Nainital, the "Lake District of India", wraps around the pear-shaped Naini Lake at about 2,000 m. It is one of the easiest hill stations to reach from Delhi and makes a great base for exploring Kumaon.

Things to Do in Nainital

• Naini Lake: rowboats, paddle boats and yachts; evening walks along the lake.
• Mall Road and Tibetan Market: cafés, woollens and candles.
• Naina Devi Temple: a Shakti peeth on the lake's northern shore.
• Snow View Point: reached by a ropeway from the Mall; Himalayan views on clear days.
• Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat): a short hike or pony ride for sweeping views.
• Eco Cave Gardens and the High Altitude Zoo – good for kids.

The Lake Circuit

Spend a day driving to the nearby lakes:

• Bhimtal – larger, with an island aquarium
• Naukuchiatal – the "nine-cornered lake", calm and great for kayaking
• Sattal – a cluster of seven lakes in oak forest, loved by birdwatchers

Beyond Nainital

• Mukteshwar (50 km) – orchards, the Chauli ki Jali cliff and Himalayan sunrises
• Ranikhet – a quiet army town with golf and pine forests
• Jim Corbett – combine for a jungle safari; see our Uttarakhand holiday guide

How to Reach

• Rail: Kathgodam (about 35 km) – the Shatabdi and overnight trains from Delhi.
• Road: about 300 km from Delhi, 7–8 hours.
• Air: Pantnagar (about 70 km).

Best Time

• March–June: pleasant, peak season.
• July–September: monsoon, landslides possible.
• October–November: clear views.
• December–February: cold; occasional snow in late December–January.

Traffic and Parking Tip

In peak season, vehicle entry into Nainital is regulated and parking is scarce. Park at the designated lots and walk or use shuttle services.

3-Day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive, boating, Naina Devi, Mall Road.
2. Day 2: Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Eco Cave; evening at the Flats.
3. Day 3: Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Sattal; depart.

Nainital Packages

Browse Uttarakhand tours:

• Kumaon Grand Tour – Nainital, Kausani & Jim Corbett, 6 Nights / 7 Days
• Nainital & Kausani – Kumaon Hills, 4 Nights / 5 Days
• Jim Corbett & Nainital Lakes Tour – 3 Nights / 4 Days from Delhi
• Holi Celebration at Jim Corbett – 2 Nights / 3 Days
• Nainital New Year Party Stay – 2 Nights / 3 Days

Related reading: Auli travel guide · Mussoorie travel guide · Rishikesh travel guide

Official information: Uttarakhand Tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days are enough for Nainital?

Two to three days covers Nainital and the nearby lakes.

Does it snow in Nainital?

Occasionally, usually between late December and February.

Which is the nearest railway station?

Kathgodam, about an hour's drive away.

Is Nainital good for a honeymoon?

Yes – stay near Sattal or Mukteshwar for quieter, romantic surroundings.