Nainital

Kumaon's lake town — boating, Mall Road, cable cars and an easy overnight train from Delhi.

verifiedLast verified: August 27, 2026

Getting There

• From Delhi by train: overnight Ranikhet Express to Kathgodam (sleeper ~₹280, 10:30pm→5:05am) or morning Shatabdi (chair car ₹650+, 5h 20m). Kathgodam is 34 km below Nainital.
• From Kathgodam: shared jeep/bus ₹70–₹300 per seat, private taxi ₹800–₹1,500 (1–1.5h uphill).
• From Delhi by bus: overnight UTC Volvo/deluxe ₹900–₹1,800, ordinary buses ₹499–₹800 (7–10h, drop at Tallital bus stand).

Typical Budgets

• Backpacker: ₹1,200–₹2,000/day — hostel/homestay, shared jeeps, street food.
• Mid-range: ₹2,500–₹5,000/day — hotel room, private taxi for a day, sit-down restaurants.

Practical Tips

• Hotels in Tallital are cheaper than Mallital (the lake-view side); the Mall Road walk connects both.
• Cable car to Snow View Point ~₹400–₹500; Naini lake boating ~₹150–₹400 depending on boat type.
• May–June weekends: book trains and stays well ahead — it’s the peak family rush.
• Scooty/bike rentals (~₹700–₹900/day) make the surrounding viewpoints (Bhimtal, Sattal, Pangot) easy.

What I Wish I Knew

• The lake looks best early morning before the boats crowd in. And shared jeeps from Kathgodam leave only when full — factor in a wait.

Permits & Notes

• No permits needed.