Nainital is a beautiful valley known for its unique pear-shaped lake and stunning surroundings, located in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. Mountains encircle the town and are rich in plant and animal life, providing a peaceful escape from the city’s noise.
The lake, about two miles around, is a hub for tourists. You can go boating or yachting, which are fun ways to see the calm water. Nainital also has old colonial buildings and a deep cultural history, making it a top spot for those who love nature and want a bit of quiet and beauty in their travels.
| Mode of Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| By Road | Well-connected from Delhi (320 km, 6-7 hrs) with buses and taxis. |
| By Train | Nearest station: Kathgodam (34 km), with taxis and buses available. |
| By Air | Nearest airport: Pantnagar (70 km), with taxis and buses available. |
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Reaching Nainital by Air
Nearest airport details
Pant Nagar Airport is the closest airport to Nainital, about 72 kilometers away. It’s a small airport but handles domestic flights well, making it easy to reach Nainital from major Indian cities. You can catch a regular flight from New Delhi. Once you land, either a taxi or bus can take you to Nainital in around two hours. The drive is quite scenic, showcasing the beautiful landscapes of Uttarakhand.
Reaching Nainital by Train
Details on the nearest railway station
Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Nainital, just 34 kilometers away. It’s convenient for travelers coming from big cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata, and it is a crucial stop for those heading to the beautiful hill station of Nainital.
You can catch several trains to Kathgodam including the Ranikhet Express from Delhi, the Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express, and the Bagh Express from Kolkata. Once you’re at Kathgodam, finding a taxi or bus to Nainital is easy. It’s a quick drive. This makes Kathgodam an excellent starting point if you want to enjoy Nainital’s peaceful scenery and cool weather.
Reaching Nainital by Road
Driving routes from major cities
If you’re heading to Nainital from major cities, you’ll be glad to know the roads are in great shape and well-linked. Starting from New Delhi? Here’s a simple plan:
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- Take NH9 to Moradabad.
- Switch to NH109 through Haldwani to Kathgodam.
- Hit the local road straight to Nainital.
This route covers about 300 kilometers and will take you around seven hours.
| City | Distance to Nainital (km) | Approx. Travel Time (hrs) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 320 km | 6-7 hours |
| Dehradun | 285 km | 6-7 hours |
| Haridwar | 225 km | 5-6 hours |
| Kathgodam | 34 km | 1 hour |
| Haldwani | 40 km | 1.5 hours |
| Ranikhet | 55 km | 2 hours |
| Jim Corbett | 65 km | 2-3 hours |
Coming from Lucknow? You’ll start on NH30 to Bareilly, then pick up the same route from Moradabad to Nainital. It’s a bit longer, about 400 kilometers, and should take you about nine hours. Plus, you’ll see the beautiful transformation from the northern plains to the stunning Kumaon hills. A real treat for the eyes!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nainital is the perfect mix of beautiful scenery and easy access. It’s an excellent spot for anyone looking to relax or seek adventure. Located in Uttarakhand, it’s easy to get to by plane, train, or car. The nearby Pantnagar airport and Kathgodam railway station make it even more convenient for visitors. You can enjoy a peaceful time by the lake or go on exciting mountain adventures. Either way, Nainital offers a memorable trip where you can enjoy nature without much hassle.
Deepak Sharma is a passionate writer and avid traveler who specializes in uncovering the beauty and history of India’s attractions and temples. A graduate of Delhi University, Deepak has a deep-rooted love for his country and its rich cultural heritage.