Naini Lake Must visit
The heart of Nainital: boating, the lakeside walk and evening lights on the water.
- Best time
- March–June and October–December
- Days needed
- 3–4 days
- From Patna
- Train to Kathgodam (via Lucknow or Delhi) + 1.5 hrs
- Good for
- Families, couples, devotees
About Nainital
Why visit Nainital
Nainital is a lake town in the Kumaon hills, built around the pear-shaped Naini Lake at about 2,000 m. Boating on the lake, walking the Mall Road, the ropeway to Snow View and pony rides to Tiffin Top make it one of North India's favourite hill stations.
A short drive away is Kainchi Dham, the ashram of Neem Karoli Baba, which draws devotees from across India and abroad. The lakes of Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal nearby are quieter, and Almora and Mukteshwar are an easy add-on.
Places to visit
Top places to visit in Nainital
9 places, best first. Timings and fees change often, so check before you go.
Kainchi Dham Must visit
The ashram of Neem Karoli Baba in a quiet valley, 17 km from Nainital.
Naina Devi Temple Must visit
The temple of the goddess the lake is named after, on the north shore.
Mall Road Must visit
The lakeside promenade for shopping, food and evening walks.
Snow View Point and Ropeway
A cable car up to views of the snow peaks on clear days.
Tiffin Top
A viewpoint reached on foot or by pony, with views over the hills.
Bhimtal
A bigger, quieter lake with an island aquarium, 22 km away.
Sattal
A group of seven connected lakes in the forest, good for birdwatching.
Eco Cave Gardens
Small natural caves and gardens that children enjoy.
Nearby, add to the same trip: Kainchi Dham, Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Mukteshwar and Almora.
Travel with Ghumo Bihar
Trips to Nainital
(3N/4D) Delhi to Nainital & Kainchi Dham Private Tour
Explore Bhimtal, Nainital and the spiritual destination of Kainchi Dham on a comfortable private family trip from Delhi.
From ₹15,500 /person See prices
No group date announced yet. Tell us when you'd like to go and we'll let you know first, or plan a private trip below.
Private trip
Your dates, your group, your pace
- A plan made for you: families, friends, schools and companies
- Car, hotels, tickets and guide arranged
- Pay in parts by UPI, with a GST invoice
- Rated 4.9 on Google by 175+ travellers
When to go
Best time to visit Nainital
March to June is the main season, with cool days. October to December brings clear skies and Himalayan views. Winters can bring snow.
Spring and summer
March–June
10–25°C
Peak season; book early for May and June.
Monsoon
July–September
Heavy rain, landslide risk
Green and quiet, but roads can close.
Autumn
October–November
Clear, cool
Best views of the Himalaya.
Winter
December–February
Cold, possible snow
Carry heavy woollens; snowfall days are busy.
Festivals worth planning around
- Kainchi Dham foundation day (15 June)Lakhs of devotees visit the ashram; expect very heavy traffic.
- Nanda Devi MelaA Kumaoni festival around August–September at the Naina Devi temple.
Getting there
How to reach Nainital
Travel by train to Kathgodam, the railhead for Nainital, then drive about 35 km (1.5 hours). From Patna, connect via Lucknow or Delhi.
- PatnaTrain to Lucknow or Delhi, then to Kathgodam
About 20–24 hours in total
Overnight trains run from Lucknow and Delhi to Kathgodam.
- KathgodamCar or taxi
About 35 km, 1.5 hours
Shared taxis and buses also run.
- Pantnagar or DelhiFlight
Pantnagar is about 65 km away
Flights from Delhi; most visitors fly to Delhi and take a train.
On the ground
Getting around, stay and food
Getting around
Walk the Mall Road between Mallital and Tallital, or take a cycle-rickshaw.
Hire a car for Kainchi Dham and the lakes; parking in town is limited.
Where to stay
Stay near the Mall Road for walking, or in Bhimtal for a quieter lakeside stay.
- Hotels on the Mall RoadMallital and Tallital · Walking to the lake
- ResortsBhimtal and Sattal · A quiet break
- Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) rest housesNainital and nearby · Value
Food to try
- Bal mithai: Kumaon's famous chocolate-like sweet, best from Almora but sold here too.
- Bhatt ki churkani and aloo ke gutke: simple Kumaoni dishes at local eateries.
- Maggi and momos: on the Mall Road and at viewpoints.
Travel tips
- Visit Kainchi Dham early in the morning; avoid 15 June unless you plan for huge crowds.
- Book boats at the official counters on the lake.
- Carry a light jacket even in summer; evenings are cool.
- Traffic into town is heavy on long weekends; plan your entry early.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How do I reach Nainital from Patna?
Take a train to Lucknow or Delhi, then an overnight train to Kathgodam, and drive 35 km to Nainital.
How far is Kainchi Dham from Nainital?
About 17 km, roughly 45 minutes by road.
How many days are enough for Nainital?
Three to four days covers Nainital, Kainchi Dham and the nearby lakes. Add a day for Almora.
Does Ghumo Bihar run trips to Nainital?
Yes. We plan group and private trips including Kainchi Dham.
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