Nainital is Kumaon's most popular hill station, built around the green, eye-shaped Naini Lake at about 2,080 m. It is about 35 km from Kathgodam railway station and 310 km from Delhi. Most people come for boating on the lake, the Naina Devi temple, Mall Road, cable car views from Snow View, and day trips to nearby lakes and Kainchi Dham. Two to three days are enough for Nainital and its surroundings.
Nainital at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 2,080 m |
| Nearest railway station | Kathgodam, 35 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes) |
| Nearest airport | Pantnagar, about 65 km |
| From Delhi | About 310 km, 7 to 8 hours |
| From Haridwar | About 290 km, 7 to 8 hours |
| Best time | March–June and October–November; December–February for chance of snow |
| Days needed | 2 to 3 |
Top places to visit in Nainital
1. Naini Lake
The heart of the town. Take a rowing boat, paddle boat or the traditional yacht ride, especially in the morning when the water is calm. The lake has two ends: Mallital (north, with the Flats and the temple) and Tallital (south, near the bus stand).
2. Naina Devi Temple
On the northern shore at Mallital, this temple is one of the Shakti Peethas, where the eyes (nain) of Mata Sati are believed to have fallen. The town takes its name from the goddess. Visit early in the morning to avoid queues.
3. Mall Road
The 1.5 km road between Mallital and Tallital, lined with shops, cafes and hotels. In peak season, evening traffic on Mall Road is restricted, so walking is the best way to enjoy it.
4. Snow Viewpoint (by cable car)
A ropeway from Mallital takes you up to Snow View, about 2,270 m. On a clear day you see Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot. October to February has the clearest views. Queues are long in summer, so go early.
5. Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat)
A viewpoint of about 4 km from town, reached by a forest walk or pony ride from near Mallital. Great views of the lake and the plains.
6. Naina Peak (China Peak)
At about 2,615 m, the highest point around Nainital. An early morning trek of 5 to 6 km (return) gives wide Himalayan views.
7. Eco Cave Gardens
A set of small natural caves linked by tunnels, named after animals. Fun for children. There is also a musical fountain in the evening in season.
8. High Altitude Zoo
The Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo is home to Himalayan animals such as snow leopard, Himalayan black bear and leopard. A steep uphill walk from Mallital.
9. Raj Bhavan
The Governor's summer residence, built in the style of a Scottish castle in 1899. Guided tours are allowed at fixed times; carry an ID.
10. St. John in the Wilderness Church
One of the oldest churches in Nainital, built in 1846 in a quiet forest setting near Mallital.
Places to visit near Nainital
| Place | Distance from Nainital | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Kainchi Dham | 17 km | Neem Karoli Baba's ashram; read our Kainchi Dham guide |
| Bhimtal | 22 km | Bigger, calmer lake with an island aquarium |
| Sattal | 23 km | Seven connected lakes in an oak forest; birding |
| Naukuchiatal | 26 km | Nine-cornered lake, paragliding and quiet stays |
| Pangot | 15 km | Birdwatching village in the forest |
| Mukteshwar | 50 km | Himalayan views and Mukteshwar Mahadev temple |
| Ranikhet | 60 km | Quiet cantonment town; golf course |
| Jim Corbett | 65 km to Ramnagar | Tiger safari |
How to reach Nainital
By train
Kathgodam is the nearest station, 35 km away. The Delhi–Kathgodam Shatabdi and the Ranikhet Express are popular trains. Taxis and shared cabs wait outside the station.
By air
Pantnagar airport is about 65 km away, with limited flights. Many people fly to Delhi and take the train.
By road
- Delhi to Nainital: about 310 km via Moradabad, Rampur, Haldwani and Kathgodam. Start early to avoid traffic at Gajraula and Rampur.
- Haridwar to Nainital: about 290 km via Najibabad, Kashipur and Kaladhungi or Haldwani.
- UTC Volvo and ordinary buses run from Delhi's Anand Vihar ISBT.
Peak-season traffic rules
On summer weekends, long weekends and around New Year, Nainital police often stop outside vehicles at parking areas on the edge of town and run shuttle services. Hotels with parking may get a pass. Check the latest Nainital Police traffic advisory before you drive up and reach before 10 am.
Best time to visit Nainital
| Season | Months | Temperature | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March to April | 8 to 22°C | Pleasant, flowers, fewer crowds |
| Summer | May to June | 15 to 27°C | Peak season, crowds and traffic |
| Monsoon | July to September | 15 to 22°C, rain | Green and misty; landslide risk |
| Autumn | October to November | 7 to 20°C | Clear views, comfortable, our favourite |
| Winter | December to February | -1 to 12°C | Cold; snow on some days in Jan–Feb |
Snowfall in Nainital: not guaranteed. In most winters there are a few days of snow between late December and February. Snow View and Naina Peak get it more often than the lake area.
Suggested 3-day Nainital itinerary
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive from Kathgodam. Naina Devi temple, boating on Naini Lake, evening on Mall Road. |
| 2 | Morning cable car to Snow View; Tiffin Top or Naina Peak walk; Eco Cave Gardens and the zoo. |
| 3 | Lake tour: Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal, with Kainchi Dham darshan. Return to Kathgodam. |
Add Ranikhet, Almora or Kausani for a longer Kumaon trip, or Jim Corbett for a safari.
Where to stay in Nainital
- Mallital: close to the temple, the Flats and the cable car; busy and lively.
- Tallital: near the bus stand; good for budget stays.
- Mall Road: lake-facing hotels; book early for summer.
- Ayarpatta and Sukhatal hills: quieter heritage cottages with views.
- Outside town (Bhimtal, Sattal, Pangot): calm resorts for those who want peace and easier parking.
Ask if your hotel has parking. Many hotels on Mall Road do not.
Food to try
- Bal mithai and singori, Kumaon's famous sweets
- Bhatt ki churkani and aloo ke gutke at local eateries
- Momos and thukpa at the Tibetan market
- Hot chocolate and bakery items at Mall Road cafes
Travel tips
- Book hotels at least 3 to 4 weeks ahead for May, June and the Christmas–New Year week.
- Carry a light jacket even in summer; evenings are cool.
- Keep cash for boating and small shops.
- Do not feed the monkeys and keep food out of sight near Snow View and Tiffin Top.
- Avoid driving up on Friday evenings in peak season.
Plan your Nainital trip with Gokeys
We arrange Nainital trips with Kainchi Dham, lake tours, Corbett and the rest of Kumaon from Kathgodam, Delhi and Haridwar. See our Mussoorie–Nainital tour package or contact us.
Last Updated: Oct 2026
Best Time to Visit
Summer (March–June): Cool and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing.
Monsoon (July–September): Lush greenery, but travel with caution due to rains.
Winter (October–February): Cold and perfect for honeymooners; snowfall possible in December–January.
Popular Activities
Boating at Naini Lake
Shopping at Mall Road
Trekking to Snow Viewpoint & Tiffin Top
Cable Car Ride to Snow View Point
Bird Watching at Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
Horse Riding to Tiffin Top
Nearby Attractions
Kainchi Dham: Famous spiritual centre dedicated to Neem Karoli Baba.
Bhimtal: Larger than Naini Lake, great for boating and scenic walks.
Bhowali: Known for orchards and as a gateway to Kumaon hill stations.
How to Reach
By Air: Pantnagar Airport (70 km). Taxis available to Nainital.
By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station (34 km). From there, taxis and buses are available.
By Road: Well-connected to Delhi (300 km), Dehradun, and Haridwar. Regular buses and taxis available.
