Family-Friendly 7-Day Itinerary in Nainital

Friday, September 1: Arrival in Nainital

Welcome to Nainital! After arriving at the airport, take a scenic drive to your hotel and check-in. In the morning, explore the famous Naini Lake by taking a boat ride and enjoying the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the Nainital Zoo, home to various animal species. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along Mall Road, lined with shops and restaurants offering delicious local cuisine.

• Naini Lake: Boat ride - INR 200, 2 hours
• Nainital Zoo: Entrance fee - INR 100, 1.5 hours
• Mall Road: Shopping and dining - Cost varies, 2 hours

Restaurants

• Breakfast: Head to the popular Embassy Restaurant, known for its delicious omelettes and pancakes. Average cost for a meal is about 200 INR per person.
• Lunch: For a tasty Indian meal, try Moti Mahal Restaurant. They serve a variety of authentic North Indian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.
• Dinner: Indulge in a fine dining experience at the Machan Restaurant. They offer a mix of Indian and international cuisines, with stunning views of the surrounding hills. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 INR per person.

Saturday, September 2: Nainital Sightseeing

Start your day by visiting the famous Naina Devi Temple, located on the northern shore of Naini Lake. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Snow View Point in the afternoon. In the evening, explore the beautiful Governor's House, a colonial-era mansion now converted into the official residence of the Governor of Uttarakhand.

• Naina Devi Temple: Free entry, 1 hour
• Snow View Point: Cable car ride - INR 200, 2 hours
• Governor's House: Free entry, 1.5 hours

Restaurants

• A popular breakfast spot in Nainital is Cafe Lakeside, offering a variety of freshly baked pastries and sandwiches. Average cost for a meal is about 250 INR per person.
• For a delicious lunch, head to Nanak Restaurant, serving authentic Punjabi cuisine including butter chicken and naan bread. Average cost for a meal is about 400 INR per person.
• In the evening, dine at Giannis Pure Veg Restaurant, known for its wide range of vegetarian dishes and stunning lake views. Average cost for a meal is about 500 INR per person.

Sunday, September 3: Adventure at Pangot

Embark on an exciting day trip to Pangot, located about 15 kilometers from Nainital. Enjoy birdwatching and nature walks in this picturesque village known for its rich biodiversity. Spend the day exploring the lush forests and spotting various bird species, including colorful Himalayan birds.

• Pangot: Day trip - INR 1,500 (including transportation), 6 hours

Monday, September 4: Visit Bhimtal

Discover the tranquil beauty of Bhimtal, a nearby town famous for its stunning lake. Take a boat ride on Bhimtal Lake, surrounded by lush green hills. Visit the Bhimtal Island Aquarium, home to a variety of exotic and indigenous fish species. Enjoy a picnic by the lake and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

• Bhimtal Lake: Boat ride - INR 150, 2 hours
• Bhimtal Island Aquarium: Entrance fee - INR 60, 1 hour

Tuesday, September 5: Excursion to Mukteshwar

Embark on an excursion to Mukteshwar, a scenic town known for its breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Visit the ancient Mukteshwar Temple and enjoy panoramic vistas from the Mukteshwar viewpoint. Engage in adventure activities like rappelling and rock climbing for an adrenaline rush.

• Mukteshwar Temple: Free entry, 1 hour
• Mukteshwar viewpoint: Free entry, 2 hours
• Adventure activities: Cost varies, 3 hours

Wednesday, September 6: Explore Nainital's Caves and Waterfalls

Discover the natural wonders of Nainital by exploring the famous Eco Cave Gardens, a network of interconnected caves. Enjoy the thrill of crawling through narrow passages and admire unique rock formations. Afterward, visit the beautiful waterfall of Sattal, surrounded by lush greenery.

• Eco Cave Gardens: Entrance fee - INR 50, 2 hours
• Sattal Waterfall: Free entry, 1.5 hours

Thursday, September 7: Relaxation and Shopping

Indulge in a day of relaxation and shopping. Visit the Tibetan Market, known for its colorful handicrafts and clothing items. Explore the local shops to purchase souvenirs and traditional wooden artifacts. In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants and soak in the mesmerizing views.

• Tibetan Market: Shopping - Cost varies, 2 hours
• Local shops: Souvenir shopping - Cost varies, 2 hours
• Lakeside Restaurant: Dinner - Cost varies, 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For off the beaten path attractions, visit the Tiffin Top viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. Take a short trek to Guano Hills, known for its peaceful trails and birdwatching opportunities. Families can also enjoy a visit to the High Altitude Zoo, where you can see rare Himalayan fauna up close.

Check here to find the best hotel and flight deals for your trip to Nainital.