Dreamz Nainital, the charming Himalayan lake town

5 (275 Reviews)

04D/03N

Uttrakhand

highlights

One of the most popular hill-stations in India
Picturesque colonial town
Centered around beautiful mountain lake
Surrounded by seven hills and snow-capped peaks
Home to Naina Devi temple

Overview

What to know

Nainital, the charming Himalayan lake town, is a picture-postcard perfect hill-station and one of the most popular in Northern India. Commonly known as the ‘Lake District’, Nainital is nestled high up in the Kumaon Himalayas at an altitude of around 2,000 m above sea level. This beautiful town in surrounded by seven hills, popularly known as ‘Sapta-Shring’ – Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Lariya-Kanta and Sher-Ka-Danda. The majestic mountains and the sparkling waters of the lake add an immense lot to the beauty of the town. The town is centred around the emerald mountain lake Naini, which on most days is dotted with colourful sailboats. According to mythology, the lake is believed to have been formed when the eyes of goddess “Sati” fell at this spot while her body was being carried by Lord Shiva after her death.

The summer capital of the United Provinces during the British era, the town has a strong colonial heritage with vibrant clusters of villas and bungalows. Homesick Britishers used to flock to this quaint town spread over a forested valley. It is also known for the revered Naina Devi temple, which stands on the edge of the lake. Nainital is not only a famous tourist destination but is also known for its prestigious educational institutions and schools, which have stood since the British era.

There are many renowned personalities who are either born here or have been associated with Nainital. Jim Corbett, author, and conservationist, was born in Nainital and was also educated here. Jim Corbett National Park in the vicinity is named after him, which is also the first National Park of India. Anoop Jalota, a popular classical singer and cricketer Manish Pandey were born in Nainital. Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee as well as legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan were educated at Sherwood College of Nainital.

Today, Nainital offers everything that's required for a perfect holiday. Plenty of hotels and resorts are set on the hillside; the Mall Road is a busy shopping hub; cafes and restaurants serve both local and global cuisine and there are innumerable forested trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can paddle in the lake or even try riding a horse in the town. Nainital is also a popular hot-air ballooning and mountaineering.

Best Time to Visit

Nainital is an all-year destination but the weather is the best between March and June. It receives heavy snowfall in winter and turns into a white wonderland, making it a popular Christmas and New Year destination.

What to do?

Water Sports:
The Naini Lake offers several water sports options, including kayaking, canoeing, yachting and boating. Kayaking and paddle boating are the two most popular activities here. You can also opt for a relaxing trip around the lake in a luxurious gondola. Also visit the British-era Nainital Boat House Club, sitting pretty at the edge of the water, for exclusive views of the lake, great food and its heritage ambience. The Nainital Yacht Club located at the Boat Club organises several annual boating events at the lake.
Trekking:
There are several trekking and hiking trails around Nainital. One of the most frequented treks in the area, the Naini Peak-Pangot trek, is the perfect two-day adventure for trekking enthusiasts. The trek starts at Mallital in Nainital and goes through the famous Snow View hill to reach Naini Peak (also known as Cheena Peak). The easy to moderately challenging three-day trek from Nainital to Betalghat offers magnificent views of rolling greens, dense forests and snow-capped peaks. The first stop is Binayak and then Kunjkharak. Another popular and easy route is the Nainital to Khurpa Tal Trek, a walk of around 6.7 km.
Paraglading:
Enjoy paragliding in and around Nainital, especially on the Bhimtal-Jangli Gaon road and Kotabagh. Come here to enjoy this sky adventure guided by experienced guides.
Hot-air ballooning:
Hot-air ballooning is another adventure attraction in Nainital. Hot-air ballooning camps are setup in and around Nainital, mainly at Sukhatal. Ride a colourful balloon as it takes you up above the hills and valleys.
Golfwing:
It's no wonder that the lush slopes of Nainital are home to unique golf courses. Golf tournaments are held annually at the course inside Raj Bhavan. The Raj Bhavan golf course is a breathtaking space offering a professional experience. Even if you are not a golfer, visit it for the views. There are other golf courses as well.

By Flight

Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport to Nainital. After that 70 kms distance has to be traveled by road through a bus or cab. People can also reach Delhi IGI Airport and travel another 300 kms by road.

By Train

You can reach Kathgodam Railway Station by train and it is 23 km away from Nainital. Any Major city of India has trains to Kathgodam railway station. A popular Train called Ranikhet Express runs from New Delhi & Kathgodam. After reaching there you can take a bus to reach Nainital.

By Road

If you are starting fromNew Delhi,the 300 kms road route has to be covered by a Bus. You can take a bus from Delhi kashmiri Gate ISBT and cover this journey in 7 hours approx.

Start your journey early in the morning from New Delhi to Nainital, which is approximately 300 kilometers away and takes around 7-8 hours by road.
Upon reaching Nainital, check into your chosen accommodation and freshen up.
After lunch, you can explore the Naini Lake, the heart of Nainital. Enjoy boating on the lake and soak in the scenic beauty surrounded by hills.
Visit the Naina Devi Temple located near the lake, which is a sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi.
In the evening, take a stroll along the Mall Road, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Enjoy shopping for souvenirs and sampling local delicacies.
Dinner and overnight stay in Nainital.

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Snow View Point, which offers panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi and Trisul.
Next, visit Nainital Zoo, also known as Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo, home to various Himalayan wildlife species like snow leopards, Himalayan black bears, and Tibetan wolves.
Explore Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat), a scenic hilltop viewpoint offering breathtaking views of Nainital town and surrounding mountains.
Visit the Eco Cave Gardens, a network of interconnected caves and hanging gardens, perfect for exploring with family and friends.
In the evening, you can enjoy a cable car ride to the Snow View Point or take a leisurely walk around the Thandi Sadak (Cold Road).
Dinner and overnight stay in Nainital.

After breakfast, embark on a day excursion to nearby attractions around Nainital.
Visit Bhimtal, located about 22 kilometers from Nainital, known for its serene lake surrounded by lush greenery. You can enjoy boating and visit Bhimeshwar Temple located on the lakeside.
Next, head to Naukuchiatal, a beautiful lake with nine corners, offering opportunities for boating, birdwatching, and nature walks.
Optionally, you can also visit Sattal, a group of seven freshwater lakes nestled amidst oak and pine forests.
Return to Nainital by evening and spend some time relaxing or shopping at Mall Road.
Dinner and overnight stay in Nainital.

After breakfast, check out from your accommodation and bid farewell to Nainital.
Start your journey back to New Delhi, cherishing the memories of your wonderful trip to the Lake District.
Arrive in New Delhi by late afternoon or evening, concluding your Nainital tour.

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Dreamz Nainital, the charming Himalayan lake town

FAQs:

Nainital is approximately 300 kilometers away from New Delhi. The distance can be covered by road in around 7-8 hours, depending on traffic conditions and the mode of transportation.

The most common transportation options from New Delhi to Nainital include: By Road: You can hire a taxi or drive your own vehicle. Regular bus services are also available from New Delhi to Nainital. By Train: The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam, which is well-connected to New Delhi by trains like the Ranikhet Express and Shatabdi Express. By Air: The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, located approximately 65 kilometers away. Flights from New Delhi to Pantnagar are available, followed by a taxi or bus journey to Nainital.

The best time to visit Nainital is during the summer months from March to June when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Monsoon (July to September) is also a good time to visit, especially for nature lovers and photographers, as the landscape becomes lush and green. However, it is advisable to avoid visiting during the winter months (December to February) as Nainital experiences cold temperatures and occasional snowfall.

Some of the must-visit attractions in Nainital include: Naini Lake Naina Devi Temple Snow View Point Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat) Eco Cave Gardens Nainital Zoo Mall Road Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, and Sattal (nearby lakes) Hanuman Garhi Temple High Altitude Zoo

It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (summer months). Nainital offers a range of accommodation options including hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and homestays to suit every budget and preference.

Nainital offers a variety of adventure activities such as: Boating on Naini Lake Paragliding Trekking to nearby viewpoints and peaks Horse riding Cable car ride to Snow View Point Rock climbing and rappelling Nature walks and birdwatching

It is essential to check the latest COVID-19 guidelines and travel restrictions issued by the authorities before planning your trip. This includes requirements for COVID-19 testing, vaccination certificates, quarantine rules, and any specific guidelines for tourists visiting Nainital.