Learn How to Reach Nainital - Use Our Tourism Handbook

A city with an eye-shaped lake surrounded by the great Himalayas situated in the Kumaon region is the charismatic hill station of "Nainital." Nainital at an altitude of 1,938 meters is stationed in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and was the summer capital of the united province. It is at a distance of 285 km from the state capital and 345km from Delhi itself. The valley of Nainital is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The valley is surrounded by various kinds of flora and fauna and home to some of the most beautiful and rare species of birds and flowers, which is only found in this region of the Himalayas. It is the perfect weekend getaway for anyone looking for peace and comfort in nature. 

Also Read: Why September is the Best Time to Visit Nainital

Now how to reach Nainital?

Just point out the mode of transport you find convenient and hop in your cars saying bye-bye to your city heat and hello to the cold Himalayan air.

Railway: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam railway station to reach Nainital and is about 23 Km from the city, from where taxis and buses are available throughout the day to enter the city. The railway station has direct trains from all metro cities, whether it is Delhi, Kolkata, Agra, or Lucknow, and the famous overnight Ranikhet express from New Delhi brings you to the city of lakes early in the morning.

Road: If you have time to spare for your trip, it is suggested to kill two birds with one arrow, Take a Road trip! From the capital of Delhi Nainital is a seven-hour scenic drive giving you a chance to have an experience for a lifetime with your family and friends and make memories to cherish forever. If you are traveling solo in search of peace and solitude, you can easily hop on a bus from the Kashmiri gate bus stop in Delhi and grab a window seat imagining yourself in an Imtiaz Ali movie and cherishing each moment. You can also find taxis and buses from Delhi airport and railway station, which will drive you straight to your destination without worrying about anything else on the way. The Nainital travel guide always suggests to stop and have a majestic view of Nainital and be stunned with the glittering city in the evening light as you enter into another world with a cold nose.

Airway:  You can also reach Nainital through the airways. The nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport, which is about 70 km away. You can find many taxis as you step outside the airport, which will take you to Nainital at minimal rates. There are always direct flights from the Indira Gandhi International Airport situated in New Delhi. Many tourists also come to Delhi airport and then take a drive till Nainital saving time and energy for treks and adventures ahead. The way by road to Nainital may be tiring but has a favorable view that will make your heart happy. And the distance from nearby railway stations and airports promises a noise-free stay from the hustle-bustle.

Things to do in Nainital:

Once you have entered Nainital and had a refreshing goodnight sleep or enjoyed a majestic sunrise on your way into the city, the city has lots of things to offer every person with every taste.

A perfect boat ride on the famous Naini lake is the best way to start your day. A thirty-minute ride on the blue waters and a chance to click the perfect cover picture with a blue sky with a backdrop of the Himalayas and a bright floating boat is just what your social media profiles need.

Have you always been stuck with awe looking at pictures of the high Himalayan ranges glittering in the sun, then Nainital will show you a real view. Tiffin Top, a four km trek from Nainital, will give you a surreal view of the Himalayas as the first rays of sunshine fall on its peaks. It's advised to start early so that you can see the change of colors in the sky.

After a hearty view, it will be time to have a hearty Tibetan breakfast in the Tibet market back in the city. The market is flooded with momos and local food options and the best spot for shopping. Are you falling short of winter clothes? These markets have it covered. You can buy bright sweaters, mufflers, and beautifully designed bags at reasonable rates. Using it best as momentous and gifts for friends back home, at the same time promoting local handicraft and handloom.

The famous Mall Road is another stop for shopping; one can collect candles of various forms, shapes, and sizes and is one of the best things to do in Nainital. The locals make amazing candles here in multiple designs and patterns that you have never seen. The best way to buy bulk is to bargain and strike a fantastic price. And don't forget to have ice cream softy to cool your nose in the cold weather.

Also Read: Best Time To Visit Corbett with Family

Nainital Ropeway:

Ever wondered how a city so beautiful with such natural beauty would look from the top as if you were a bird and looked down.  Nainital tourism has this covered for you. The  Nainital ropeway takes you to the small peaks in Nainital and also gives you a bird’s eye view of the entire hill station. It should be given a shot if you love high rise views. The cable car runs from Mallital range, passing through hills and over the beauty of Naini Lake and other scenic views.

Must visit Religion and historical places around Nainital:

Are you someone who is religious? Or someone interested to know about the traditions and cultures of the mountains, Nainital has some ancient temples with beautiful engravings and architecture which will give you an insight into the beliefs of the mountains.

The hanuman Garhi or the Hanuman temple is 3.5 km from the Nainital bus stop on the Haldwani road is a spot of belief for locals and presents a beautiful sunset view during winters.

It is also believed that Nainital got its name from the Naina Devi temple. One can soak in the divinity by visiting this divine Naina Devi Temple. Spend some quiet time here, and you will surely come back refreshed. The Naina Devi Temple is dedicated to the goddess Naina Devi, who is believed to be the governess of the famous Naini Lake. It is believed to be one of the 64 Shaktipeeth’s in India. The location of the temple is mesmerizing.

Governor’s House: Nainital is not just well known for its wildlife and natural beauty but has its iconic monument making it stand out. The Nainital Governor's House gives a feel of Buckingham Palace London and is a treat to visit, mostly if you are a lover of museums. The two-story mansion has 113 rooms, but visitors are only allowed in its vast lawns and the 18-hole golf course on the premises. It was constructed by the British in 1924 and is surrounded by forests that are home to several rare species of plants and animals. It is always in the to-do list of history lovers and intellectual minds.

Must watch wildlife around Nainital:

Coming to the city of lakes itself introduces you to the natural surrounding and clean air like never before. Still, as you enter into the forests, one will find nature and animals in their original natural habitat living with peace and nurturing each other.

The Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary are one of the best things to do in Nainital to visit this sanctuary to witness some of the rare species of birds and animals. They will make you feel like going back to your younger days and enjoy them in a childlike manner. Forests of Kilbury provide sufficient opportunities to bird watchers to spot the bird they have been looking for since forever and make Kilbury a perfect birding viewing destination. Every bird lover and birdwatcher has this sanctuary in their list and makes sure to visit and spend a reasonable amount of time here. There are even trips planned, especially to visit this sanctuary to view some rare birds migrating from different regions of the world.

Corbett National Park: If it is Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary for bird lovers, the best place to spot the national animal the tiger is the Corbett National Park. A 3-hour ride from Nainital will take one into the most significant Tiger Reserve in India, and it will surely be a visit worth it if you are lucky to spot a tiger. Enjoy watching different species of animals and make this safari memorable. The best time to visit Nainital sanctuary is from November to June. Book nearby resorts and restaurants in Nainital to manifold the experience. An early morning ride in the Cobbett National park and a relaxing stay in a nearby resort itself can be a separate calming weekend getaway in Nainital.

Nainital zoo- If you can't spear enough time and have already visited the park, you can also visit the Nainital zoo to spot some mountain animals. It is a high-altitude home for wild animals, Nainital Zoo is 2100m above the sea level. It is also known as Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo. It houses animals like Tibetan wolves, leopard cat, Sambar, Lady Amherst pheasant, red junglefowl, rose-ringed parakeet. Located in Tallital, the zoo is open from Friday to Wednesday between 10 AM and 4:30 PM.

What Nainital has to offer for adventure seekers:

If you are interested in adventure sports and exploring new trails, you can take up rock climbing in the Himalayan ranges of Nainital. There are several rock-climbing schools in the area where you can learn and try the sport even if you have not done it before. Nainital Mountaineering Club (NMC) is one of the first places that one should check out if you are looking for adventure activities in Nainital. The fee starts from INR 600. One can even trek to nearby mountains and have a beautiful view of the city and nearby mountain ranges.

Where to stay in Nainital:

Nainital is a bustling tourist town and is flooded with hotels and guest houses, but the new trend of homestays and renting opportunities give you the freedom to lay in bed and read a cozy book in the mountain sun. Homestays make you feel at home and provide an unadulterated mountain experience. The resort near Nainital aims at bringing peace to you so that you destress from your busy city life and fill you with new energy. Tourists can opt to stay and relax at Club Mahindra resorts in Nainital, these resorts provide comfort and hospitality at a whole new level and even have their personal Nainital travel guides to give you tours of the city and plan special activities like meditation and breakfast in the forests for you. The most famous Club Mahindra resort in Nainital is at Bohra Gaon in Naukuchiatal for a comfortable and rejuvenating stay. Whether you have a pre-planned itinerary or just hoping to have a free flow about places to visit in Nainital, the city has so much to offer that you will never find yourself lost.

Also Read: 7 Awesome Adventure Weekend Getaways from Delhi!

The Cheena peak is the highest point in Nainital and is also a popular trekking point. For a rewarding view alongside rows of Cypresses, Deodars, and Rhododendrons, you should head to the top of the peak. It is also called Naina Peak and is the perfect spot to view the Himalayas. The city of Nainital seems truly splendid from the top, and almost every picture you saw of the beautiful mountain city has been taken from here. You can quickly end your trip looking at the beautiful sunset from here and witness the darkness take up the mountains and the little houses lighting up the valley. Barbecue parties and stargazing are also something through which tourists end their trip to Nainital. The clear skies and the chance to have warm hot chocolate at any time of the year makes people yearn for another opportunity to walk in this paradise. No matter how many times you have visited this town or for how long you will always find a new trek or new bird species to see and explore in Nainital, still calling you back in its peaceful land.

About Mahindra Holidays

Mahindra Holidays & Resorts India Limited (MHRIL), India’s leading player in the leisure hospitality industry, offers quality family holidays as also stated by Club Mahindra Resort Reviews, primarily through vacation ownership memberships. While Club Mahindra Membership Fees gives you opportunity to explore your holidays across world, the other brands offered by the company are – Club Mahindra Resorts Fundays and Svaastha Spa. As on Mar 31, 2019, MHRIL has 61+ resorts across India and abroad and its subsidiary, Holiday Club Resorts Oy, Finland, a leading vacation ownership company in Europe has 33 resorts across Finland, Sweden and Spain. Visit us at www.clubmahindra.com.

Indulge in several activities and experiences on your next stay at our Nainital resort, Mussoorie or any of the other Club Mahindra resorts in Uttarakhand. With several things to do at our resorts, and nearby places to visit in Nainital, Mussoorie, and other destinations in Uttarakhand, a magical family holiday is assured.