Nainital is a picturesque hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, famous for its scenic lake, temples, and colonial charm. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and honeymooners who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. If you are planning to visit Nainital, you might be wondering how to reach there from different parts of India. The best ways to reach Nainital are by flight, train, bus, or car.
How to Reach Nainital By Flight
- The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, which is about 65 km away from the hill station. This airport has limited connectivity and only operates flights from Delhi. Book Your Flight Online.
- From Pantnagar Airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Nainital in about 2 hours. The taxi fare is around Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000 and the bus fare is around Rs. 100 to Rs. 200.
- Alternatively, you can also fly to Delhi or Dehradun airports, which have better connectivity and more flight options. Delhi Airport is about 300 km away from Nainital and Dehradun Airport is about 250 km away from Nainital. From these airports, you can take a train or a bus to reach Nainital as explained below.
How to Reach Nainital By Train
- The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is 35 km away from the hill station. There are several trains that run daily from Delhi and other major cities to Kathgodam. Every day trains are the Shatabdi Express, the Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express, and the Ranikhet Express. The train journey takes around 5 to 6 hours and offers scenic views of the countryside.
- From Kathgodam Railway Station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Nainital in about an hour. The taxi fare is around Rs. 800 to Rs. 1000 and the bus fare is around Rs. 50 to Rs. 100.
How to Reach Nainital By Bus
- Another option to reach Nainital is by bus. There are many private and state-run buses that operate on this route. You can book your bus tickets online or through RedBus or MakeMyTrip. The buses usually depart from ISBT Kashmere Gate or Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi and arrive at Tallital Bus Stand in Nainital. The bus journey takes around 7 to 8 hours and costs around Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 depending on the type of bus.
- The buses are comfortable and safe, but they may get delayed due to traffic or weather conditions. You can also opt for a Volvo or AC bus for a more luxurious ride.
How to Reach Nainital By Car
- If you want to have more flexibility and freedom, you can also drive your own car or rent a car from Delhi or other cities to Nainital. The road distance between Delhi and Nainital is about 300 km and it takes around 7 hours to drive. You can follow the NH9 and NH34 route via Hapur, Moradabad, Rampur, Rudrapur, and Haldwani. The road is well-maintained and has toll booths, petrol pumps, restaurants, and hotels along the way.
- You can also take a detour and visit some of the nearby places such as Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Mukteshwar, Almora, Ranikhet, Corbett National Park, and Kausani on your way.
- Driving your own car or renting a car gives you the opportunity to explore Nainital and its surroundings at your own pace and convenience. You should also be aware of the driving rules, traffic conditions, weather conditions, parking facilities, and road taxes before you embark on your road trip.
Nainital is a beautiful hill station that has a lot to offer in terms of sightseeing, activities, culture, and cuisine. Some of the must-see places in Nainital are the Naini Lake, the Naina Devi Temple, the Snow View Point, the Mall Road, the Tiffin Top, the High Altitude Zoo, and the Lands End. You can also enjoy boating, trekking, horse riding, cable car riding, shopping, and eating in Nainital.
If you are interested in visiting Nainital Uttarakhand, you can book your tickets, hotels, and packages online with ease. You can also order food by train from RailRestro if you are traveling by train to Kathgodam.
