Nainital, the "Lake District of India," is a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi, offering stunning lakes, lush hills, and pleasant weather. If you're planning a 2-day trip, here’s a well-curated itinerary covering the best places you should not miss!
📅 Day 1 – Exploring the Heart of Nainital
🌊 1. Naini Lake – The Jewel of Nainital
- Start your morning with a peaceful boat ride on Naini Lake.
- You can choose from rowing boats, paddle boats, or gondola-style rides (₹200 – ₹600).
- Enjoy the breathtaking views of surrounding hills and colorful houses reflecting in the lake.
📍 Location: Central Nainital
⏰ Best Time to Visit: Morning (8 AM – 11 AM)
💡 Tip: Book a Nainital Lake Tour One Day to visit all the major lakes like Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal.
🙏 2. Naina Devi Temple – Seek Blessings
- Located near Naini Lake, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi.
- It is believed to be one of the Shakti Peethas, making it a must-visit spiritual site.
📍 Location: Near Naini Lake
⏰ Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
🐯 3. Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo
- A paradise for wildlife lovers, this high-altitude zoo (2,100m) houses exotic animals like:
✅ Royal Bengal Tiger
✅ Snow Leopard
✅ Himalayan Black Bear
✅ Barking Deer
📍 Location: 2 km from Mall Road
⏰ Timings: 10 AM – 4:30 PM (Closed on Thursdays)
💰 Entry Fee: ₹100 (Adults), ₹50 (Kids)
💡 Tip: The zoo is on a steep hill, so be ready for a short uphill walk.
⛰️ 4. Snow View Point – Witness the Himalayan Peaks
- One of the best viewpoints in Nainital, offering panoramic views of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot.
- Reach the top via a ropeway (₹350 for adults, ₹250 for kids) or take a cab service in Nainital.
📍 Location: 3 km from Mall Road
⏰ Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
💡 Tip: Visit early in the morning for the clearest views of the snow-covered Himalayas.
🌳 5. Eco Cave Gardens – Adventure & Fun
- This attraction features six interconnected caves, shaped like animals (Tiger, Panther, Bat, etc.).
- Kids and adventure lovers will enjoy crawling through these natural rock formations.
- The gardens also have musical fountains in the evening.
📍 Location: 1 km from Mall Road
⏰ Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
💰 Entry Fee: ₹100 (Adults), ₹50 (Children)
🛍️ 6. Mall Road – Shopping & Food Walk
- End your first day with a leisurely walk along Mall Road, lined with shops and cafes.
- Buy souvenirs like handmade candles, woolen clothes, and wooden crafts.
- Try local street food like Bal Mithai, Momos, and Bun Tikki.
📍 Location: Alongside Naini Lake
⏰ Timings: Open all day, best in the evening
📅 Day 2 – Exploring Nearby Attractions
🏔️ 7. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat) – A Trekker’s Delight
- A 4 km trek from Nainital, Tiffin Top offers a 360° view of the Kumaon Hills.
- You can trek (moderate difficulty) or hire a pony ride (₹500 – ₹1,000).
- Best for photography and sunrise/sunset views.
📍 Location: 4 km from Nainital
⏰ Best Time: Early Morning
💡 Tip: Carry a small picnic; it's a perfect breakfast-with-a-view spot!
🏕️ 8. Sariyatal & Khurpatal – Hidden Gems
- Sariyatal: A serene lake with crystal-clear water and botanical gardens nearby.
- Khurpatal: A picturesque green lake, ideal for peaceful nature walks and photography.
📍 Location: 7 km from Nainital
⏰ Best Time: Morning or afternoon
💡 Tip: Hire Nainital taxi booking services for an easy trip.
🏡 9. Governor’s House (Raj Bhawan)
- This British-era mansion is inspired by Buckingham Palace and is open for tourists.
- Explore its vast golf course, gardens, and colonial architecture.
📍 Location: 3 km from Mall Road
⏰ Timings: 10 AM – 4 PM
💰 Entry Fee: ₹50
💡 Tip: Advance booking is required for guided tours.
🌄 10. Himalayan Viewpoint (Lover’s Point & Suicide Point)
- These two nearby points offer breathtaking views of the valleys and mountains.
- A perfect spot for romantic moments and scenic photography.
📍 Location: 5 km from Nainital
⏰ Best Time: Sunset
🚘 How to Travel Around Nainital?
- Cab Service in Nainital: Best for families and groups.
- Hire Nainital Taxi Service: For sightseeing & nearby places.
- Nainital Car Booking: Pre-booking helps in peak season.
- Local Nainital Sightseeing Tour Package: Covers all major spots in one go.
🗺️ 2-Day Nainital Itinerary Summary
Day 1
Day 2
Naini Lake Boating
Tiffin Top (Trek)
Naina Devi Temple
Sariyatal & Khurpatal
High Altitude Zoo
Governor’s House
Snow View Point
Himalayan Viewpoint
Eco Cave Gardens
Mall Road Shopping & Departure
🚖 How to Reach Nainital?
- From Delhi:
✅ By Cab: Book a Delhi to Uttarakhand Taxi Service (₹5,500 – ₹9,000)
✅ By Bus: Volvo/UTC Bus (₹800 – ₹1,500)
✅ By Train: Delhi to Kathgodam + Kathgodam to Nainital Taxi (₹1,200 – ₹2,500)
💡 Tip: For a comfortable journey, book a cab service in Uttarakhand from Nainital Cab.
Conclusion
A 2-day trip to Nainital is perfect for experiencing its lakes, viewpoints, adventure, and colonial charm. Whether you're a nature lover, adventure enthusiast, or a leisure traveler, Nainital has something for everyone!
🌟 Book a Nainital Sightseeing Tour Package and explore hassle-free! 🌟
4o
Also See: