5-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary for Nainital, India

Day 1: Explore Nainital

Nainital, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Dilli Darbar

Start your day with the famous aloo parathas and a sweet lassi at this budget-friendly eatery.
Head to Mall Road after breakfast.
INR150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Boat Ride on Naini Lake

Enjoy a serene paddleboat ride on Naini Lake surrounded by stunning hills.
Access the lake directly from Mall Road.
INR250, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit Naina Devi Temple

Pay a visit to this revered temple located on the northern shore of the lake.
Walk for 15 minutes from the lake shore.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Sonam's Kitchen

Savor delicious and affordable momos and noodles at this cozy spot.
Return to Mall Road.
INR200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Snow View Point

Take a local cable car to Snow View Point for breathtaking views over Nainital.
Head to the ropeway station from Mall Road.
INR200, 2 hours

4:30PM

Shopping at Mall Road

Stroll along Mall Road, checking out local handicrafts and woolen garments.
All stores are easily accessible.
INR100 (for souvenirs), 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Taste of Nainital

Indulge in a hearty thali meal that offers a variety of local flavors.
Just a short walk from Mall Road.
INR300, 1 hour
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Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Nainital, India

7:30AM

Breakfast at Friend's Restaurant

Enjoy a tasty sandwich and tea to fuel your adventures ahead.
An easy walk from your accommodation.
INR150, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike to Tiffin Top

Embark on a scenic hike to Tiffin Top, offering stunning panoramic views of the region.
Trailhead begins near Mall Road.
Free, 3 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch at Tiffin Top

Have a packed lunch while enjoying the picturesque views from atop.
Bring your own lunch or pick up sandwiches before the hike.
INR100 (for packed lunch), 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Eco Cave Gardens

Explore the Eco Cave Gardens and interact with the unique rock formations and animal caves.
Descending back to Mall Road.
INR150, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Nainital Zoo

Visit the small yet enlightening Nainital Zoo featuring several endangered species.
The zoo is a short rickshaw ride away.
INR50, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Woodside Restaurant

Dine on a scrumptious plate of local fish curry complemented by rice.
It's located near the zoo.
INR300, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Discoveries

Nainital, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Lakeside

Try the butter toast and pumpkin soup for breakfast at this lakeside café.
It's located near the boat dock.
INR150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Governor's House

Take a guided tour of the impressive Governor's House that boasts colonial architecture.
15-minute walk from Mall Road.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Stroll through Thandi Sadak

Enjoy the scenic pathway of Thandi Sadak, perfect for nature lovers.
Easily reached by foot.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Bhojanalya

Feast on daal, rice, and sabzi at this value-for-money local eatery.
Located on Mall Road.
INR250, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore the local Tibetan market

Check out the Tibetan market for unique souvenirs and handmade goods.
Just off Mall Road.
INR100 (for shopping), 2 hours

4:30PM

Attend Cultural Show at Naina Devi Temple

Experience cultural performances near the temple if timing allows.
Check timings in advance.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at The Mall Road Diner

Try local specialties like bhutte ka kees and chaulai ka saag.
Just a walk away on Mall Road.
INR300, 1 hour
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Day 4: Day Trip to Nearby Attractions

Nainital, India

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Hotel’s Diner

Enjoy a warm meal at your accommodation before heading out on your day trip.
Conveniently located in your hotel.
INR150, 1 hour

8:00AM

Visit Bhimtal Lake

Take a local bus or shared taxi to the beautiful Bhimtal Lake, a peaceful spot to unwind.
Local transport can be found at the bus station.
INR80 (transport), 2 hours travel + 2 hours stay

1:00PM

Lunch at a Local Dhabha

Enjoy affordable yet tasty dhaba food including roti and sabzi.
Look for options near Bhimtal Lake.
INR200, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Bhimtal Island

Visit the small island in the middle of Bhimtal Lake, home to a quaint temple.
Boat rides are available for this short trip.
INR150, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Nainital

Head back to Nainital by local bus, enjoying the scenic views.
Catch the bus back from Bhimtal.
INR80, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Renowned Restaurant

Cap off the day with a hearty dinner featuring dishes like chicken curry.
Back in Nainital, near your accommodation.
INR300, 1 hour
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Day 5: Relax and Reflect

Nainital, India

8:00AM

Breakfast at Prakash Restaurant

Relish a traditional North Indian breakfast of poha and chaas.
Located near the bus station.
INR150, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Sattal Lake

Spend your last day in Nainital exploring the scenic Sattal Lake, a serene spot for nature lovers.
Local transport can be hailed to Sattal.
INR100 (transport), 2 hours travel + 2 hours stay

1:30PM

Lunch at a Lakeside Café

Choose from various cafes by the lake offering light snacks and chai.
Cafes are located along the Sattal Lakeshore.
INR200, 1 hour

3:00PM

Relax and Reflect at the lake

Spend time reflecting and taking in the tranquility of Sattal Lake.
Stay at the lake area.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Nainital

Travel back to Nainital by local transport.
Catch a local bus back.
INR100, 2 hours

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Nainital

Celebrate your trip with a farewell dinner, sampling local dish like paneer butter masala and naan.
Pick a restaurant you loved most during the trip.
INR300, 1 hour
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