Scenic Kumaon Tour: Nainital, Mukteshwar, Almora & Binsar in 3 Days from Lucknow

Day 1: Night Journey

Lucknow to Kathgodam, India on July 11, 2025

8:00PM

Train Departure from Lucknow

Board the Ranikhet Express (15013) or Bagh Express (13019) from Lucknow railway station for an overnight journey to Kathgodam. Ensure to check the latest timings on IRCTC before departure.
INR 300-450 (approx.), Overnight
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Day 2: Nainital & Almora Tour

Kathgodam - Nainital - Mukteshwar - Almora, India on July 12, 2025

6:30AM

Arrival at Kathgodam

Arrive at Kathgodam early morning and meet your pre-arranged taxi for the onward journey.
Included in transport, 30m

7:30AM

Taxi to Nainital

Drive about 35 km to Nainital, enjoying scenic views en route, approximately 1 hour drive.
INR 800-1200, 1h

8:30AM

Breakfast at Gingerbread Cottage, Nainital

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Gingerbread Cottage, famed for its bakery treats and coffee, open from 8 AM.
INR 300-500, 1h

9:30AM

Nainital Sightseeing

Explore Naini Lake with a short boat ride, visit Naina Devi Temple, and stroll along Mall Road for shopping and the local vibe. Most shops and boating facilities open by 9 AM.
Boat ride approx. INR 150, 2h

11:30AM

Drive to Mukteshwar

Depart Nainital and drive roughly 50 km (2 hours) to Mukteshwar, a quiet hill station known for its pleasant climate and scenic nature.
Included in taxi hire, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at The Birdwatcher's Inn, Mukteshwar

Enjoy fresh, local Kumaoni cuisine at this cosy inn nestled in nature, specialising in organic ingredients. Open till 3 PM.
INR 400-700, 1h

2:30PM

Mukteshwar Sightseeing

Visit the Mukteshwar Dham Temple, Chauli Ki Jali cliff area for panoramic views, and if time permits, a quick visit to Bhalugaad Waterfall.
Free entry, 2h

4:30PM

Drive to Almora

Depart Mukteshwar and drive approximately 50 km (2 hours) to Almora, arriving in the early evening.
Included in taxi hire, 2h

6:30PM

Evening Walk in Almora

Visit the Kasar Devi Temple and Bright End Corner for spectacular sunset views over the Himalayas.
Free entry, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Sonam's Kitchen, Almora

Enjoy local Kumaoni and Indian dishes in a friendly ambience. Sonam’s Kitchen is well known for its authentic flavours. Open till 10 PM.
INR 400-600, 1h

8:30PM

Overnight Stay in Almora

Rest overnight at a hotel in Almora to prepare for the next day’s trip.
Varies with hotel, Overnight
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Day 3: Binsar and Return

Almora - Binsar - Kathgodam - Lucknow, India on July 13, 2025

7:00AM

Drive to Binsar

Set out early from Almora, driving 30 km in about 1 hour to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, a serene natural area famous for Himalayan flora and fauna.
Included in taxi hire, 1h

8:00AM

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Visit

Spend your morning exploring Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, including stops at Zero Point for breathtaking Himalayan views, and temples like Bineshwar Mahadev and Gairar Golu Devta.
INR 250 entry fee, 4h

12:00PM

Visit Mary Budden Estate (optional)

If time allows, take a short detour to Mary Budden Estate, a tranquil location offering colonial charm and pleasant walks.
Free, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch En Route or Almora

Have lunch at a local restaurant on the way down to Kathgodam or back in Almora. Recommended: Honey Hut (Almora) for simple, wholesome meals.
INR 300-500, 1h

2:00PM

Drive to Kathgodam

Travel approximately 90 km (3 hours) back to Kathgodam to catch the night train.
Included in taxi hire, 3h

5:00PM

Relax at Kathgodam

Arrive early at Kathgodam to rest, grab snacks or tea near the station before the overnight journey.
Varies, 3h approx.

8:00PM

Train Departure to Lucknow

Board the Ranikhet Express or Bagh Express night train leaving Kathgodam for Lucknow, concluding your scenic Kumaon trip.
INR 300-450, Overnight
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