Nainital Trip Plan: 3 Days of the Lake, Viewpoints and Bhimtal

A 3-day Nainital plan: Naini Lake, Mall Road, Snow View, and a lake day at Bhimtal and Sattal, with the best season to go.

MountainsNainital, UttarakhandBy Ashish GoyalUpdated 15 November 2026
NainitalPhoto by Angshu Purkait on Unsplash

A 3-day Nainital trip plan can cover Naini Lake, Mall Road, Snow View, and a lake day at Bhimtal and Sattal. The best season to visit Nainital is from March to June and September to November. Nainital is a popular hill station in Uttarakhand, known for its scenic lakes and viewpoints.

At a glance

  • 3 days are enough to see Nainital
  • best time to visit is March to June and September to November
  • nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 65 km away
  • walking level is moderate, with some steep roads
  • parents and elders should carry warm clothing

How many days do you need in Nainital?

Nainital can be covered in 3 days, with a day for the lake and viewpoints, a day for Bhimtal and Sattal, and a day for shopping and relaxation.

  • 3 days are enough to see the main sights
  • 2 days can be enough for a quick trip
  • 4-5 days can be good for a relaxed trip with elders

Best time to visit Nainital

The best season to visit Nainital is from March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and sunny.

MonthWeatherActivities
March to JunePleasant and sunnyBoating, trekking
July to AugustRainyIndoor activities
September to NovemberPleasant and sunnyBoating, trekking
December to FebruaryCold and snowySkiing, snowboarding

3-day Nainital plan

  1. Day 1 · Day 1: Naini Lake and Viewpoints. Start the day with a boat ride on Naini Lake, followed by a visit to Snow View and the Naina Devi Temple. After lunch, take a walk on Mall Road and visit the High Altitude Zoo.
  2. Day 2 · Day 2: Bhimtal and Sattal. Take a day trip to Bhimtal and Sattal, with a boat ride on Bhimtal Lake and a visit to the Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple. After lunch, visit the Sattal Lake and take a walk in the surrounding forest.
  3. Day 3 · Day 3: Shopping and Relaxation. Spend the day shopping for souvenirs and relaxing in the town. Visit the Tibetan Market and the Bara Bazaar, and take a walk in the Raj Bhavan gardens.

How to reach Nainital

The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 65 km away, and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 35 km away.

ModeTimeCost
Flight to Pantnagar1 hour5000-10000
Train to Kathgodam6-8 hours1000-3000
Bus from Delhi8-10 hours500-1500

Getting around

Nainital can be covered on foot, or by hiring a taxi or taking a bus.

  • Walking is a good option for short distances
  • Taxis can be hired for a day or half-day
  • Buses are available for longer distances

Where to stay

There are many hotels and resorts in Nainital, ranging from budget to luxury.

  • Budget hotels start from 1000-2000 per night
  • Mid-range hotels cost 3000-5000 per night
  • Luxury resorts cost 5000-10000 per night

Food

Nainital has a range of restaurants serving Indian, Chinese, and continental cuisine.

  • Local specialties include momos and thukpa
  • Restaurants are available near the lake and on Mall Road

Nainital with parents and elders

Nainital is a good destination for parents and elders, with many scenic viewpoints and lakes.

  • Parents and elders should carry warm clothing
  • There are many parks and gardens for relaxation

Good to know

Yatrika is a free AI trip planner for India, which can help plan a trip to Nainital.

Questions people ask

What is the distance from Nainital to Bhimtal?

The distance from Nainital to Bhimtal is about 23 km, and takes about 1 hour by road.

What are the places to visit in Nainital?

The main places to visit in Nainital are Naini Lake, Snow View, the Naina Devi Temple, and the High Altitude Zoo.

What is the best time to visit Nainital?

The best season to visit Nainital is from March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and sunny.

How to reach Nainital from Delhi?

Nainital can be reached from Delhi by flight to Pantnagar, or by train to Kathgodam, or by bus.

What to do in Nainital with parents and elders?

Nainital is a good destination for parents and elders, with many scenic viewpoints and lakes. They can take a boat ride on Naini Lake, visit the Naina Devi Temple, and take a walk on Mall Road.

How many days are enough to see Nainital?

3 days are enough to see the main sights in Nainital, but 2 days can be enough for a quick trip, and 4-5 days can be good for a relaxed trip with elders.

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