3-Day Itinerary for Nainital

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Start your trip to Nainital by immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Naini Lake. In the morning, take a boat ride on the lake and enjoy the serene surroundings. Afterward, visit the Naina Devi Temple, located on the northern shore of the lake, which offers stunning views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the Mall Road, the main street lined with shops and restaurants. As the evening sets in, head to Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy's Seat, for a panoramic view of the Himalayas and the sunset.

• Naini Lake: Estimated Cost - Boat ride: INR 200, Estimated Time Spent: 2 hours
• Naina Devi Temple: Free entry, Estimated Time Spent: 1 hour
• Mall Road: Cost varies, Estimated Time Spent: 3 hours
• Tiffin Top: Estimated Cost - Rope-way ride: INR 150, Estimated Time Spent: 2 hours

Sunday, October 1, 2023

Embark on a nature-filled day in Nainital by visiting the Eco Cave Gardens in the morning. Explore the interconnected rocky caves and enjoy the thrill of crawling through them. After that, proceed to the Snow View Point, accessible via a cable car ride, to witness breathtaking views of the snow-covered peaks. In the afternoon, take a short trip to Nainital Zoo, home to a variety of Himalayan animals. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Thandi Sadak (Cold Road), a tranquil tree-lined path.

• Eco Cave Gardens: Estimated Cost - Entry fee: INR 60, Estimated Time Spent: 2 hours
• Snow View Point: Estimated Cost - Cable car ride: INR 200, Estimated Time Spent: 1.5 hours
• Nainital Zoo: Estimated Cost - Entry fee: INR 50, Estimated Time Spent: 2 hours
• Thandi Sadak (Cold Road): Free, Estimated Time Spent: 1 hour

Monday, October 2, 2023

Dive into the cultural and historical heritage of Nainital on your last day. Begin with a visit to the Governor's House, also known as Raj Bhavan, in the morning. Explore the beautifully maintained gardens and learn about its colonial architecture. Then, make your way to the Gurney House, the former residence of the famous author Jim Corbett, which now serves as a museum showcasing his life and works. In the afternoon, explore the Tibetan Market to indulge in some shopping for handmade crafts and souvenirs. As your Nainital trip comes to an end, spend a serene evening at Pangot, a hamlet located approximately 15 kilometers away, known for its birdwatching trails and natural beauty.

• Governor's House: Free entry, Estimated Time Spent: 2 hours
• Gurney House Museum: Estimated Cost - Entry fee: INR 30, Estimated Time Spent: 1.5 hours
• Tibetan Market: Cost varies, Estimated Time Spent: 2 hours
• Pangot: Estimated Cost - Taxi fare: INR 800 (round trip), Estimated Time Spent: 4 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

While exploring Nainital, make sure to visit the beautiful Sariyatal Lake, located about 5 kilometers from the city center. This serene lake surrounded by lush greenery is a perfect spot for a picnic. Another hidden gem is the Dorothy's Seat Trek, which takes you through picturesque landscapes to a viewpoint with panoramic views of Nainital. The Kainchi Dham ashram, nestled in the midst of the forest, is a spiritual oasis and a favorite among locals. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local delicacies like Bal Mithai (a sweet treat) and Bhatt ki Churkani (a traditional dish) during your stay.

For hotel and flight prices in Nainital, you can check here.