Nainital, the glistening “Lake District” of Uttarakhand, rose to prominence in the 1840s when British officials fell for its emerald eye-shaped lake. At nearly 2,000 meters, it offers cool mountain air, terraced ridges, and cedar forests—an easy, restorative weekend from Delhi. At its heart sits Naini Lake, framed by temples, colonial bungalows, and the soft hum of oars.

Local lore centers on the sacred Naina Devi Temple on the lake’s northern shore, a pilgrimage site that gives Nainital its name. Days here are unhurried: a rowboat at sunrise, a cable-car up to Snow View Point, momos at the Tibetan Market, and an evening promenade along Mall Road as lamps shimmer on the water.

Practical notes: the zoo closes Mondays, monsoon (July–September) brings showers and occasional landslides, and Mall Road often restricts vehicles in the evening. Pack layers year-round, carry some cash for small stalls, and try Kumaoni dishes like aloo ke gutke, bhatt ki churkani, and the mountain-sweet bal mithai.

Nainital

Nainital blends lakefront leisure with pine-scented hikes and easy viewpoints. Top sights include Naini Lake boating, the ropeway to Snow View Point, the Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat) hike, Eco Cave Gardens, and the high-altitude zoo featuring Himalayan species. If you love birds, keep Pangot and Kilbury (about 45 minutes away) in mind for an early-morning excursion.

Eat your way around the lake: momos at Sonam’s in the Tibetan Market, honey-infused teas and desserts at Honey Hut, heritage North Indian plates at Embassy Restaurant, thin-crust pizzas and old-world bakery treats at Sakley’s The Mountain Café, and lakeside curries at Zooby’s Kitchen. For a leisurely brunch with a view, Cafe Chica at Abbotsford is a local favorite.

Where to stay (best areas: Mallital/Tallital lakefront or the quieter Ayarpatta slopes):

• Browse hotels in Nainital on Hotels.com – from boutique lake-view stays to hillside retreats.
• Browse cabins and villas in Nainital on VRBO – great for family groups or longer stays.

Getting there (most travelers route via Delhi):

• Fly to Delhi (DEL): Compare fares on Trip.com (flights) or Kiwi.com.
• Train to Kathgodam (KGM): 5.5–6 hours from Delhi on Shatabdi/Tejas; book via Trip.com (trains). Chair car typically ₹700–1,500 ($9–$18).
• Kathgodam to Nainital: 1–1.5 hours by taxi (₹1,500–2,500 / $18–$30) or shared jeep (budget option).
• By road from Delhi: 7–8 hours depending on traffic. Overnight Volvo buses run to Haldwani/Kathgodam; continue by local taxi.

Day 1: Arrival, Lakefront Strolls, and Temple Bells

Morning: Travel toward Nainital. If you’re on the morning train, grab a simple on-board breakfast and enjoy views as the plains give way to foothills. From Kathgodam, hail a prepaid taxi for the scenic climb—watch for terraced farms and deodar forests.

Afternoon: Check in and head straight to Naini Lake for a gentle rowboat (about 45 minutes; typical fares ₹500–800 per boat). Step into the sacred Naina Devi Temple (Mallital) for a glimpse of local devotion, then wander Mall Road for woolens, candles, and pine-cone crafts. Coffee break at Honey Hut—try the honey-ginger tea and the walnut brownie.

Evening: Ride the Nainital Ropeway up to Snow View Point (if skies are clear; round-trip around ₹300–400). Sunset paints the town in gold; look for Trishul and Nanda Devi ranges on crisp days. Back down, dinner at Sakley’s The Mountain Café (hand-tossed pizzas, chicken stroganoff, and classic pastries) or Embassy Restaurant for comforting North Indian curries and tandoori. Cap the night with a slow walk along Thandi Sadak—quiet, lantern-lit, and made for conversations.

Day 2: Tiffin Top Hike, Caves, Zoo—and Departure

Morning: Fuel up at Cafe Chica (Akuri eggs, pancakes, mountain views) or grab aloo-puri at Chandni Chowk (the themed eatery near the lake). Hike to Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat) from Ayarpatta (45–60 minutes up; ponies available if needed). The panorama—lake, ridges, and slate roofs—explains why locals picnic here. On the way back, stop at the Eco Cave Gardens to clamber through linked grottoes and learn about Himalayan fauna (tickets roughly ₹60–100).

Afternoon: Quick visit to the GB Pant High Altitude Zoo (closed Mondays) to see Himalayan black bear and, if you’re lucky, the elusive snow leopard (entry ~₹100). Lunch by the water at Zooby’s Kitchen (butter chicken, dal makhani, and lake views) or Simz Cafe for pastas and strong espresso. Pick up local sweets—bal mithai and singori—from a trusted mithai shop for the journey. Transfer to Kathgodam for your afternoon train, or depart by road.

Evening: If you have a late departure, browse the Tibetan Market for shawls and woolens, then grab steaming momos at Sonam’s. Otherwise, settle into your seat—mountain air still in your lungs—as you glide back toward Delhi.

Insider tips:

• During peak seasons, private vehicles may be restricted on Mall Road in the evening—use local taxis. Ropeway may pause in high winds; check at the lower station before queueing.
• Birders: a dawn drive to Pangot & Kilbury rewards with barbets, woodpeckers, and sometimes cheer pheasants. Hire a local guide via your hotel.
• Cooler months (Oct–Mar) can be chilly; bring a warm layer. Monsoon hikes get slippery—carry good shoes.

Optional pre/post-trip experiences from Delhi (great if you’re routing through the capital):

• Old & New Delhi City Tour – Half or Full Day Options Available

  

  Explore Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, and more with a private guide and flexible timing.

  
  
• Taj Mahal Day Tour from Delhi by Superfast Train

  

  Make the most of your layover or extra day—express train, host at departure/arrival, and guided visits to the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort.

Book your transport:

• Flights on Trip.com | Flights on Kiwi.com
• Trains on Trip.com (Delhi–Kathgodam)

In two days you’ll taste lake life, temple bells, forested viewpoints, and hearty Kumaoni cooking. Nainital’s spell is gentle but lasting—come for the weekend, leave with plans to return for longer hikes and nearby lakes like Bhimtal and Sattal.