Nainital is built around Naini Lake and is among the most popular hill stations in Kumaon. It has boating, viewpoints and a busy Mall Road, and it gets very crowded in May-June. It is a good base for the nearby lakes and hill villages.
About this page: Compiled from general knowledge and secondary sources. Distances and times are approximate and were not checked against an official page. Confirm road, permit and opening status before you travel.
Things to see
- Naini Lake. Boating on the lake; the Mall Road runs along its shore.
- Naina Devi Temple. Temple at the northern edge of the lake.
- Snow View Point. Viewpoint reached by cable car or walk; views depend on the weather.
- Tiffin Top. Walk to a viewpoint above the town.
- Mall Road and Tibetan market. Shopping and street food.
How to reach Nainital
By road
About 300 km from Delhi, 6-7 hours in normal traffic via Haldwani and Kathgodam. Vehicle entry into the core of the town is restricted at peak times.
By rail
Kathgodam station, about 35 km from Nainital, with trains from Delhi and other cities.
By air
Pantnagar Airport has limited flights; check current schedules.
Where to stay
Hotels around Mall Road and Tallital. For a quieter stay, look at Bhimtal, Sattal or Pangot.
Food
Cafes on Mall Road, Tibetan food and local sweets.
Budget
No verified price list is published on this page. Use the budget estimator and replace its placeholder rates with real quotes. Open the budget estimator.
Season and weather
Peak crowds in May-June and winter holidays. Monsoon rain causes landslides on approach roads.
Tips
- Book hotels well ahead for May-June.
- The approach road can have long queues on weekends.
Plan around Nainital
Itineraries that include it
- Nainital sightseeing in one day (1 day)
- Nainital and the nearby lakes (2 days)
- Nainital, Bhimtal and Mukteshwar (4 days)
- Kumaon in a week (7 days)
- Family holiday: Nainital and Corbett (7 days)
Map
Approximate location at town level. Use an official or navigation map for exact directions.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Nainital?
Two nights covers the main sights; add a day for Bhimtal and Sattal.
Sources and verification
Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Prices, opening dates, road status and permits change often. Confirm with an official source before you travel.