A 3-Day Itinerary for Nainital

1. Day 1: Explore the City
   Estimated travel time from Delhi: 6 hours (300 km)
   • Naina Devi Temple: Begin your journey by visiting the famous Naina Devi Temple situated at the northern end of the Nainital Lake. The temple holds significant cultural and spiritual value and is surrounded by mesmerizing scenic beauty. Spend a few moments in tranquility here.
   • High Altitude Zoo: Walk your way to the High Altitude Zoo, located just 2.5 km uphill from the temple. This well-maintained zoo showcases a wide variety of animals including red panda, snow leopard, and Himalayan black bear. Do not forget to capture some exotic pictures.
   • Mall Road: End your day by taking a walk on the famous Mall Road which is lined up with vibrant shops, restaurants, and cafes. Savor the local delicacies and collect some souvenirs.
   Time and distance: Total estimated time of 6 hours for the entire journey.
2. Day 2: Water Sports and Lake Tour
   Estimated travel time: 1 hour (5 km) depending on the location of the hotel
   • Bhimtal Lake: Start your day by visiting Bhimtal Lake, situated 23 Kms from Nainital. Engage yourself in adventurous water sports like kayaking, paddleboats, and fishing, or simply relax in the tranquil surroundings of the lake.
   • Sattal Lake: Head over to the beautiful Sattal lake, located 11 km from Bhimtal. It is the cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes known for a peaceful atmosphere, bird-watching, and nature walks.
   • Naini Lake: End your day by visiting the pristine Naini Lake. Enjoy the sunset boat ride while admiring the serene beauty and fresh breeze.
   Time and distance: The estimated time for the entire journey is 6-7 hours.
3. Day 3: Trekking and Sightseeing
   Estimated travel time from Nainital: 1-2 hours (depending on location)
   • Tiffin Top: Start your day with a 3 km trek to Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy's Seat. This viewpoint offers a panoramic view of the town with distant Himalayan Peaks.
   • St. Johns Wilderness Church: Visit the historic St. Johns Wilderness Church built in colonial times in 1844. The church has an ancient classic vibe and has beautiful stained-glassed windows with a peaceful and calm aura.
   • Governor's House: End your day by visiting Governor's House, also known as Raj Bhawan, it's a British architectural legacy. Take a tour of gardens, golf links, and swimming pools situated amidst the lush green mountains, and colonial building.
   Time and distance: Estimated time for the entire journey is 6-7 hours.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Naina Devi Temple (1-2 hours, Free)
• High Altitude Zoo (2-3 hours, INR 150 for adults, INR 75 for children)
• Mall Road (2-3 hours, the cost varies based on purchases)
• Bhimtal Lake (2-3 hours, prices vary based on the type of activity, shops, and restaurants around)
• Sattal Lake (2-3 hours, Free)
• Naini Lake (2-3 hours, INR 210 per person for boating)
• Tiffin Top (2-3 hours, INR 10 per person for entry)
• St. Johns Wilderness Church (1-2 hours, Free)
• Governor's House (2-3 hours, Free)
Total Estimated Costs: INR 500-800 per person, depending on activities and attractions visited.

Useful tips

There are plenty of good options for nature lovers and adventure seekers. However, a week is an ideal time to explore all the gems of Nainital. In case of limited days, visit the must-see sites like Naina Devi Temple, Bhimtal Lake, and Tiffin Top. You can also add more activities like camping at Pangot and bird watching at Kilbury. In addition, try the local dishes and sweets of Nainital to explore the rich culture of the town.