Nainital is a popular hill station in Uttarakhand.
This is a charming lake town in the heart of the Kumaon Himalayas! This picture-postcard perfect hill-station is one of the most popular in northern India, and it’s not hard to see why. With its eye-shaped lake surrounded by seven majestic hills, Nainital is a feast for the senses.
Nainital was once the summer capital of the United Provinces during the British era and you can still feel its colonial heritage in the vibrant clusters of villas and bungalows. This town is famous for its prestigious educational institutions, and many renowned personalities have either been born or educated here, such as Jim Corbett, Anoop Jalota, Major Somnath Sharma, and Amitabh Bachchan.
Nainital is not just a famous tourist destination, it’s also a hub of activities. The Mall Road is a bustling shopping area, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants serving both local and global cuisine.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go paddle-boating in the lake, horseback riding in the town, or even try hot-air ballooning and mountaineering.
For the perfect holiday experience, Nainital has something for everyone. If you’re on a budget, there are plenty of budget hotels and resorts, or you can try homestays in nearby Bhowali or Pangot Village. If you’re looking for luxury, there are plenty of options around Mall Road and the Bus Stand.
A two-day itinerary is enough to explore Nainital, but if you want to visit nearby places, you’ll need an additional 1-2 days. A budget of INR 6000-7000 per day should cover your expenses for food, local transportation, entry fees for various attractions, and hotel accommodation. You can hire a bike or scooty for local transportation, with bike rentals costing around INR 1500 per day and scooty rentals costing around INR 600.
If you’re visiting Nainital during the peak season (May-June), make sure to book your accommodation in advance. And while you’re here, don’t forget to try the famous Bal Mithai from the local sweet shops, and pick up some souvenirs like wax candles, shawls, and woollens from Mall Road.
Happy travels!
