On a 3 day trip to Nainital, you can visit a number of places such as the Naini Lake, Eco Cave Garden, Mall Road, Lands End, Waterfall, Himalaya Darshan,Snow View Point via ropeway, Golu Devata Temple, St Johns Church, Naini Devi Temple, Mukteshwar Temple, Nanital Zoo, Naukuchiatal,Sattal, Bhimtal Lake

By Rail: Kathgodham Railway Station, located around 34 km away, is the nearest railhead to Nainital. A number of trains connect Delhi to Kathgodam.

By Road: You can drive from Delhi to Nainital by your own vehicle or in a cab, which should take 7-8 hours. Alternatively you can opt for an overnight bus from Delhi to Nainital.

You should plan a trip of at least 2 Nights and 3 days to properly experience Nainital.

You are planning to book one of the Nainital packages, but unsure how to complete the rest of the journey after de-boarding at Kathgodam? Nainital's main Mall Road is about 35 kilometre from the Kathgodam railway station, and that journey can be covered by a hired taxi in approximately two hours via the NH109. There are buses by Uttarakhand State Road Transport Corporation on this route, and it is quite an economical way of arriving at the hill station. You can also find shared and private taxis from the railway station.

Sattal is about 22 kilometre from Nainital and Naukuchiatal about 27 kilometre from Nainital. It is very much possible to club both of Nainital's iconic lakes on the same day because they are about 17.5 kilometre apart. Begin early, hire a shared taxi from the Nainital Mall Road and explore the two lakes before returning by early evening. Else you can ask your hotel to help you with a private taxi to take you to both Sattal and Naukuchiatal on the same day. Usually, the two lakes are part of most Nainital travel packages.

Winter sets in Nainital from the last part to October and lasts till February. Within that December and January gets exceptionally cold recording sub-zero temperatures. Though not always but December and early part of January sees some snowfall in Nainital. The night temperature at this time of the year can slip to -10 degree Celsius. Visit around Christmas and New Years if you'd really like to see snow here.

It differs with the kind of boat you are riding. For rowboats the charges are INR 300 for half a round of the Naini Lake. You need to pay INR 480 for a rowboat doing a full round of the lake. It is INR 300 for a paddle boat on an hourly basis. You also have the option of taking a gondola ride on the lake where you need to pay INR 250 per person. You can boat between 06:00 am and 06:00 pm any day of the week.

The closest airport to Nainital is the Pantnagar Airport in Pantnagar about 69 kilometres away. You can take a taxi from the airport which will bring you around to Nainital's Mall Road in about 2 hours and 15 minutes. There are regular scheduled flights between the Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi and Pantnagar. There are flights by Alliance Air, Air Heritage (for Pithoragarh) and Deccan Charters.

On a holiday in the British-founded Nainital, you can round up Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Mukteshwar, Pithoragarh, Ramgarh, Ranikhet, Kausani, Almora, Khurpatal, and Jim Corbett National Park to name a few. From Nainital you can plan a few days stay in Ranikhet, Kausani and Almora.

The G B Pant High Altitude Zoo or the Nainital Zoo is about a kilometre from the Tallital bus station and is among the three high altitude zoos in the country - the others being in Darjeeling and Sikkim. To get here you are better off hiring a shared jeep from the Nainital Mall Road that will bring you to the zoo at INR 30 per person, or you are free to take a private taxi. The zoo also offers a shuttle service starting from the Tallital Boat Stand and Mallital State Bank of India. The zoo is open everyday except Mondays between 10:00 am and 04:30 pm charging an entry fee of INR 100 for adults and INR 50 for children. Camera fee is additional.

From open-air cafes with lakeside views, chic pizzerias in an open courtyard, colourful bakeries, tiny but ambient shake joints, snug restaurants serving speciality Indian fare, to an array of fast food chains and pubs, the Nainital Mall Road is buzzing with dining options. You have Cafe Lakeside, Viceroy - The Bar, Panorama, Tadka restaurant and Sakley's Restaurant & Pastry Shop aside from more pocket-friendly options like Zooby's Kitchen, Cafe Chica, Giannis pure veg restaurant, Machan restaurant, Baker's Hut, Pots & Stones Cafe and a whole bunch of junk food chains.

Nainital is a popular tourist destination, which makes it very easily accessible for visitors, no matter where they are travelling from.

By Air

The nearest airport to Nainital is the Pantnagar Airport. It is situated at a distance of 70 km from the main town of Nainital and is approximately a 2-hour drive from the city. Direct flights to Pantnagar Airport are only available from New Delhi, from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). You have to book a bus or a car from the airport to take you to Nainital.

By Road

Nainital is very easily accessible by road, especially from Delhi, which is the closest access point. You can take a bus or a car or a private taxi from Delhi, or Kathgodam (which is much closer to the town) to take you to Nainital. The distance between the two places is approximately 235 km, which takes 7-8 hours to traverse.

The most convenient, clean and safe route between Delhi and Nainital is via Ghaziabad, then Moradabad, Rampur, Suar, Bazpur after which you can make your way to Kaladhungi, the stop right before Nainital.

By Train

The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam, situated at a distance of 23 Kilometres. There are several direct trains which run daily from major cities like Kolkata, New Delhi, Lucknow, Agra to Kathgodam. If you want to reach in a shorter time, you can avail the Ranikhet Express from New Delhi, which reaches Kathgodam on an overnight journey. There are prompt bus and taxi services available from Kathgodam to Nainital.

• 1. The Eco Cave Garden
• 2. Naina Devi Temple
• 3. Mall Road, Nainital
• 4. Snow View Point
• 5. Tiffin Top
• 6. Naina Peak
• 7. Neem Karoli Baba Ashram
• 8. Himalayan View Point

While Nainital is famous for its snow-capped landscape, there are innumerable lakes that have formed in the foothills of the Himalayas. These are some of the most stunning natural elements in Nainital, and there are a few lakes in particular that you must visit when you are there.

1. Naini Lake

Naini Lake is the most popular lake in Nainital, and also the most beautiful. In fact, the town of Nainital is named after this lake itself. The clear blue, pristine lake is surrounded by seven hills which makes it an incredibly romantic destination for travellers. Boating, yak-rides, paddle-boating and yachting are some popular activities that are conducted on the lake, which can be included in your customized Nainital tour package.

2. Bhimtal Lake

The beautiful Bhimtal Lake is situated 21 km from Nainital within the Kumaon region, it is the largest lake within the area. The picturesque lake is named after the legendary mythological character of Bhima, from Mahabharata. Set amongst the spectacular green mountains of the lower Himalayas, this is a perfect place to enjoy a picnic, go on a photography trail, or engage in exciting water sports like boating and paddling.

3. Sattal Lake

Sattal lake consists of a cluster of seven freshwater lakes together. Due to its unique geography and peaceful environment, it attracts thousands of migratory birds from the Himalayas during the summertime. This makes it the perfect place for photographers and bird-watchers to catch some incredible natural moments.

4. Sariyatal Lake

The Sariyatal Lake is situated 5 km from the town of Nainital. This is an ideal place to visit with family and friends, since you can access other exciting places from this lake including Dynasty Resort, Himalayan Botanical Gardens- which has a library auditorium and also Butterfly Park.

All-encompassing and particularly crafted Nainital Tour Packages can help you tour this picturesque town like never before. There are innumerable activities you can engage in when you are there that are exciting, adventurous and memorable. You can experience all this in addition to taking in the surreal natural beauty of this quaint hill town.

1. Boating on Naini Lake

Naini Lake is a crescent shaped natural wonder, that is surrounded by hills and dark green forests. While there are several activities that are conducted on the lake, you have to definitely try your hand at boating. It is one of the most unique ways to take in the natural surroundings of Naini Lake.

2. Picnics at Tiffin top

Tiffin Top is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nainital. After an extensive bout of trekking and sightseeing, you can take a day off to relax and unwind at Tiffin Top, which is also known as Dorothy's Seat. This place is located on the top of a hill, which allows you to get an elevated view of the beautiful natural surroundings while enjoying a picnic with your loved ones in the midst of a breathtaking view.

3. Tibetan Market

The Tibetan Market, also known as the Bhotia Market, is located very close to the city centre in Nainital. If you are looking to shop for something unique when you are in town, then this is definitely the place you should head to.

Nainital has a vibrant street food culture where you can find numerous local delicacies prepared by inhabitants of the place. Here are some of the places where you can find the best street food:

1. Mall Road

Mall Road is one of the busiest areas in Nainital, where apart from indulging in some shopping, you can also sample food like sizzlers, pizzas, pies, coffee, pastries, sandwiches and even stop by a local Mughlai restaurant.

2. Tibetan Market

The Tibetan Market is the perfect place to check out the food that is consumed by the locals and also eat food that is prepared according to local culture and ancient recipes. The Tibetan Market is littered with food stalls that sell items like momos, thukpas, vegetables, chowmein, buns, and various other exciting steamed, stir-fried and deep-fried delicacies.

With its mountains, lakes and the valleys, Nainital is considered a perfect romantic getaway for couples and married folks. Moreover, there are several Nainital Honeymoon Packages perfectly designed for the newlyweds. Here is list of things you can do to spice up your romantic vacation:

1. Spend an evening at Nainital Lake

Nainital Lake is one of the most beautiful places in Nainital, surrounded by green trees and snow-capped mountains. Whether you want to take a walk or conduct a picnic or enjoy activities like boating and paddling on the lake, you can do it all with your significant other.

2. Trek to Naina Peak

The Naina Peak is the highest hilltop of the region and is also known as the China Peak. Due to its high altitude the view from this Peak is absolutely breathtaking. The romance of the hills is heightened by the beautiful trekking paths and hiking trails that lead to the peak.

3. Enjoy a stint at the Nainital Ropeway

The Nainital Ropeway which extends from Mallital to the Snow View Point, takes around 3 minutes to cross from one side to the other. The thrill of flying over Naini Lake and getting a bird's eye view of Nainital city is a truly unforgettable experience. The Nainital Ropeway along with its adrenaline filled experience is also one of the most romantic things to do in Nainital.

4. Go for a picnic at Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat)

Tiffin Top or Dorothy's Seat is the perfect romantic destination for couples. This elevated picnic spot is cosy, secluded, comfortable and breathtaking. You can relax, unwind and enjoy a small picnic, surrounded by the sprawling natural beauty of Nainital. Spending a romantic dawn/dusk at Tiffin Top will surely become one of your most cherished memories with your loved ones.

Nainital is home to many beautiful lakes, where you can enjoy a host of exciting activities such as boating. However, there are some lakes which are exclusively known for their boating infrastructure and here are the best places to go:

1.Naini Lake

Boating in Nainital Lake is one of the major activities in Nainital for tourists and general public. Various types of boats like paddle boats, rowing boats and decorated boats are available as per the choices of the tourists with charges varying from INR 160 TO INR 310 as per the boat types

2. Bhimtal Lake

Situated in Kumaon, Nainital, the Bhimtal Lake is one of the most popular tourist destinations in this region. An unparalleled view of the green mountains that surround the crystal-clear, blue lake attracts thousands of nature-lovers, tourists and adventurers who can witness this sight while boating on the surface of the lake.

3. Khurpatal

The Khurpatal Lake is a picturesque blue-green lake that is surrounded by tall pine forests and ancient cedar trees along with ranges of green mountains making it the ideal spot for boating.

4. Naukuchiatal

The Naukuchiatal Lake is a beautiful boating destination in Nainital that has nine sides. All sides of the lake are surrounded by incredible natural features such as forests, shrubs and mountains ranges, which makes your boating experience even more memorable.

Different Nainital travel packages offer an unforgettable camping experience in one of the many campsites that you can find in Nainital. Here are some of the famous places you can go camping in Nainital.

1. Pangot Village

Pangot village is a small village in Nainital which is the ideal place to go camping. If you are in the mood for a relaxing vacation, you can check out camping tours organized here, where you can go for nature walks, trekking and bird watching.

2. Village Mangoli

This is also a small settlement very close to the main town of Nainital, which is considered ideal for camping. You can engage in adventure activities like valley-crossing, trekking, rappelling, night hiking and much more.

3. Kumaon Village

If you are in the mood for some high-end luxury camping, then you can definitely check out the camping tours organized in Kumaon Village. This place is at an elevation, offering a panoramic view of Nainital's natural beauty from the many luxury camps and tents that are set up here.

4. Chapora, Sattal

Chapora is one of the most beautiful places in Nainital, offering an exclusive view of the Nainital Lake from its vantage point. You can also observe the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas during the days and watch the stars light up the night sky.

The total distance between Nainital and Mussoorie is 366 km. The easiest route to commute between these two places is via NH734, which is the smoothest and fastest route to take. It takes approximately 10 hours to travel from Nainital to Mussoorie or vice-versa.

Nainital has a vibrant local culture which yields several unique local products that are home-grown and crafted by hand. These make for the perfect souvenirs for you to take back home. Here are some of the things you must buy when you are in Nainital:.

• Hand-made candles
• Pine Art Crafts
• Woollen shawls and sweaters
• Local ethnic jewellery and accessories
• Garden-fresh fruits such as strawberries, mulberries, peaches, apples and cherries
• Local food items and spices

If you are planning to enjoy some adventurous activity in Nainital, then trekking is your best option. Situated in the midst of hills, one can get close to the beauty of Himalayas while trekking. The trekking trails range from easy to difficult. The Nanda Devi trek, China Peak, Tiffin Top and few others are worth options to choose and trek. Every trail will take you through the flora and fauna of the region. The panoramic view through the trek is perfect to find some solace amidst the verdant forests.

If you are in Nainital and want to trek, then there are some good options. For adventure junkies, it is worth exploring. So pack your bags and head to these trekking locations like:

• Pangot near Nainital
• Bhameshwar Temple Trek
• Naini Peak and Pangot
• Trek to Tiffin Top
• China/ Naina Peak

There are a number of Nainital packages, which one can opt for. Ranging from INR 2500 to 24,500 per pax including stay and food one can make a selection as per their choice.The basic Nainital tour packages, begin from 32500 in which you can explore most of the attractions on your own, and can also travel like a backpacker!

Nainital offers some amazing range of cuisines with the mix of international and north. There are restaurants and street food stalls where you can have a food tour to enjoy various food items. Don't miss the Momos. Some of the food tour options are:

• Boat House Club- Entry With Permission only
• Sonam's Momos
• Chandni Chowk Restaurant, Mall Road
• China Town
• Embassy Restaurant
• Machan Restaurant
• Sakelys Pastry Shop & Bakers
• Anupam Restaurant-Newly Opened but probably best in town for non-veg food

Nainital has got plenty of spots considered as a birdwatcher's paradise offering view of various species of birds. Himalayan Kingfisher, Gourd Sunbird, Rufous Babbler, Buzzards, Woodpeckers are some of the options. Nainital Zoo, Pangot & Kilbury, Binsar Bird Sanctury 90kms from Nainital,Sattal Forests are the options that you can choose for the birding activity in Nainital.Some of the listed places of bird watching are:

• Binsar & Jageshwar
• Ramgarh
• Sattal
• Jim Corbett National Park
• Mukteshwar
• Kilbury & Pangot
• Mahesh khan

Travelling anytime of the year is a given, yet the best season to visit is Summer from March to June, while the average season is from October to February to explore Nainital. The cheapest season is the monsoon between July to September.

The Right Clothes

Nainital is usually colder in summers as compared to plains. Choose your clothes carefully so as to suit the climate. Always carry some warm clothes like shawl, socks, jackets, gloves and a muffler, in order to beat the chill. DON'T keep sleeveless tops if you don't want to get tanned!

Seven lakes

There are seven lakes in and around Nainital, these are Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Malwatal, Harishtal and Lokhamtal. Bhimtal is the biggest one, Nainital is the most visited and Sattal is the most beautiful and least visited.Naukuchiatal is the deepest lake