Family-Friendly Itinerary for 5 Days in Nainital

  • Day 1: Nainital Lake
    5 minutes (0.5 miles) from Nainital Bus Stand

    The Nainital Lake is a beautiful natural lake situated right in the heart of Nainital. Surrounded by lush green mountains, it offers activities like boating and yachting. You can also enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake and take in the scenic beauty.

  • Day 2: Naini Peak
    20 minutes (4.8 miles) from Nainital Lake

    Naini Peak is the highest point in Nainital and offers a stunning panoramic view of the town and the surrounding mountains. You can reach the peak by either trekking or riding a horse. The trek is mild and refreshing and the ride is perfect for inexperienced trekkers.

  • Day 3: Eco Cave Gardens
    10 minutes (1.8 miles) from Naini Peak

    The Eco Cave Gardens are a group of interconnected caves and hanging gardens, which have been designed to educate visitors on ecological conservation. The caves have been created in the shape of various wild animals, which adds to the fun and adventure of exploring the gardens.

  • Day 4: Nainital Zoo
    20 minutes (4.4 miles) from Eco Cave Gardens

    The Nainital Zoo is home to various species of animals, including snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, and Himalayan black bear among others. The animals are housed in spacious enclosures and visitors can observe them in their natural habitat. The zoo also serves as an educational center for nature enthusiasts.

  • Day 5: Tiffin Top and Land's End
    30 minutes (5.5 miles) from Nainital Zoo

    Tiffin Top and Land's End are scenic viewpoints located at a short distance from each other. Tiffin Top offers a bird's eye view of the town and the surrounding countryside. Land's End is a cliff overlooking the valley and offers breathtaking views of the sunset. The two places are perfect for a picnic or a relaxing stroll.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Nainital Lake (2 hours, free)
  • Naini Peak (4-6 hours, INR 300 per person)
  • Eco Cave Gardens (1-2 hours, INR 50 per person)
  • Nainital Zoo (2-3 hours, INR 50 per person)
  • Tiffin Top and Land's End (3-4 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: INR 700 per person

Transportation

Most of the attractions in Nainital are located within a short distance from each other, making it easy to walk or take a taxi. Taxis charge around INR 800-1000 per day for sightseeing. Alternatively, you can rent a car for around INR 2000 per day, which is more convenient if you're traveling with kids or older family members.

Useful Tips

If you only have 3-4 days in Nainital, skip the Nainital Zoo and Tiffin Top/Land's End, and add Bhimtal Lake and Snow View Point to your itinerary. If you have more than 5 days, consider planning a day trip to Ranikhet or a camping expedition in Pangot.

Airports

The nearest airport to Nainital is the Pantnagar Airport (PGH) located around 70km from the city center. The airport connects to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, with flight durations ranging from 1.5 to 3 hours. Taxis and buses are easily available from the airport to Nainital.

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