Uttarakhand, India · Trip plan

3 days in Nainital

A lake town ringed by seven hills, with Bhimtal and Sattal close by.

Best time: Oct – Jun
Ideal length: 3 days
A day, mid-range: ₹5,000 per person
Trip for two: about ₹30,000

Planning a 3-day trip to Nainital? Here's a day-by-day Nainital itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

October and November are crisp and clear, with views of the snow peaks from Snow View, before the cold of December.

Nainital is a lake town in the Kumaon hills, surrounded by forested peaks. Boating on Naini Lake, short hikes to viewpoints and day trips to quieter lakes like Bhimtal and Sattal make it great for families.

Jan: a good time to go
Feb: a good time to go
Mar: a good time to go
Apr: a good time to go
May: a good time to go
Jun: a good time to go
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct: a good time to go
Nov: a good time to go
Dec: a good time to go

October to November: 10–20°C and clear; December to February: cold with occasional snow.

Create my Nainital trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Nainital

01
Naini Lake
Rowing or a yacht on the lake.
02
Snow View
A ropeway up to views of Nanda Devi.
03
Tiffin Top
A short hike to a ridge-top viewpoint.
04
Bhimtal & Sattal
Quieter lakes with kayaking and birdwatching.

Day by day

Nainital itinerary for 3 days

D1
Day 1: The lake town
Morning
Boat ride on Naini Lake from the Mallital boat club.
Afternoon
Naina Devi temple and the Tibetan market.
Evening
Evening walk on the Mall Road and dinner.
Rowing boats are more peaceful than the paddle boats.
D2
Day 2: Snow View and Tiffin Top
Morning
Ropeway to Snow View for views of Nanda Devi.
Afternoon
Walk or ride a pony to Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat) through oak forest.
Evening
Back to town for bal mithai and dinner.
Ropeway queues are shortest in the morning.
D3
Day 3: Bhimtal and Sattal
Morning
Drive to Bhimtal for kayaking on the lake.
Afternoon
Sattal's seven connected lakes, great for birdwatching.
Evening
Drive down to Kathgodam for your train.
Weekends get very busy; go midweek.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Nainital in 2, 3 or 5 days

2 days in Nainital

Follow days 1 to 2 above and leave out “Bhimtal and Sattal”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

5 days in Nainital

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Auli.

Nainital trip from your city

From Delhi:Overnight train to Kathgodam

What it costs

Nainital trip budget

Style	Per person, a day	3 days for two
Budget	₹1,800	₹10,800
Mid-range	₹5,000	₹30,000
Luxury	₹15,000+	₹90,000

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Nainital is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Nainital for every budget

Budget
Guesthouses near Mall Road
Mallital
Close to the lake and the ropeway.
from ₹1,800 /night
Prices
Mid-range
The Naini Retreat
Ayarpatta
A former maharaja's summer house above the lake.
from ₹9,000 /night
Prices
Luxury
Lakeside resorts
Bhimtal
Quieter, with boats at the door.
from ₹12,000 /night
Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Nainital

Bal mithai
A brown fudge coated in sugar balls.
Kumaoni raita
Mustard-spiked cucumber raita.
Momos on the Mall
A local favourite.

Getting there

How to reach Nainital

Travel: Kathgodam station is 35 km away, with direct trains from Delhi.
Getting around: Walk the Mall; cycle rickshaws along the lake; taxis to Bhimtal and Sattal.

Book the ropeway early in the day.
Weekends get very busy; go midweek.

Before you go

What to pack for Nainital

Power bank and charging cables
ID (Aadhaar or licence)
Warm layers for the evenings
Comfortable walking shoes

Good questions

Nainital trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Nainital?

3 days are enough to see the highlights: Naini Lake, Snow View, Tiffin Top. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 3-day Nainital trip cost?

Roughly ₹1,800 a day per person on a budget, ₹5,000 mid-range and ₹15,000+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about ₹30,000 for 3 days.

What is the best time to visit Nainital?

Oct – Jun. October and November are crisp and clear, with views of the snow peaks from Snow View, before the cold of December.

Where should I stay in Nainital?

Budget: Guesthouses near Mall Road (Mallital), from about ₹1,800 a night. Mid-range: The Naini Retreat (Ayarpatta), from about ₹9,000 a night. Luxury: Lakeside resorts (Bhimtal), from about ₹12,000 a night.

How do I reach Nainital?

Kathgodam station is 35 km away, with direct trains from Delhi.

Is 2 days enough for Nainital?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 2 of the itinerary above and skip "Bhimtal and Sattal". 3 days is the comfortable length.

How do I plan a trip to Nainital from Delhi?

Overnight train to Kathgodam. Then follow the 3-day itinerary above; budget from about ₹1,800 a day per person plus travel.

What is the weather like in Nainital?

October to November: 10–20°C and clear; December to February: cold with occasional snow.

What food should I try in Nainital?

Bal mithai: A brown fudge coated in sugar balls. Kumaoni raita: Mustard-spiked cucumber raita. Momos on the Mall: A local favourite.

How do I get around Nainital?

Walk the Mall; cycle rickshaws along the lake; taxis to Bhimtal and Sattal.

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Best things to do in Nainital

Naini Lake

Snow View

Tiffin Top

Bhimtal & Sattal