My Amazing Trip to Nainital

Nainital is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand, famous for its lake, mountains, and cool climate. It is a perfect place to escape from the heat and pollution of Delhi and enjoy some quality time with nature and family. I have always wanted to visit Nainital since I heard about it from my friends and saw its pictures on the internet. So, when my parents decided to take me there for a 3-day trip during the summer vacation, I was super excited and couldn’t wait to pack my bags.

Day 1: Delhi to Nainital by Train

We decided to travel by train from Delhi to Nainital, as it was the most convenient and affordable option for us. We booked our tickets online for the Ranikhet Express, which departs from Old Delhi Railway Station at 10:40 pm and reaches Kathgodam Railway Station at 5:05 am the next day. The train journey was comfortable and smooth, and we slept well in our berths.

Tip: If you are traveling by train, make sure to book your tickets well in advance, as they tend to get sold out quickly during the peak season. Also, carry some snacks, water, and entertainment options like books, games, or music for the journey.

Day 2: Kathgodam to Nainital by Taxi

We reached Kathgodam early in the morning and hired a prepaid taxi from the railway station to Nainital. The taxi ride was about an hour long and cost us Rs. 800. The road was scenic and winding, passing through pine forests, hills, and valleys. We enjoyed the fresh air and the views along the way.

Tip: If you are traveling by taxi, make sure to negotiate the fare before boarding the taxi. Also, avoid traveling during the monsoon season, as the road can get slippery and prone to landslides.

Day 2: Exploring Nainital

We checked into our hotel near Mall Road, which was a cozy and comfortable place with a lake view. We freshened up and had a delicious breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Then, we set out to explore the town and its attractions.

The first thing we did was to take a boat ride on the Naini Lake, which is the main attraction of Nainital. The lake is shaped like an eye and is surrounded by hills on all sides. The water was clear and calm, reflecting the blue sky and the green mountains. We hired a rowboat for Rs. 210 per hour and enjoyed the ride with our oarsman, who told us some interesting stories and facts about the lake and its history.

Tip: If you are taking a boat ride on the lake, make sure to wear life jackets and follow the instructions of the oarsman. Also, avoid going near the edges of the lake or feeding the fish or birds.

After the boat ride, we visited the Naina Devi Temple, which is located on the northern shore of the lake. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati. The temple attracts thousands of devotees every year, especially during Navratri and Chaitra festivals. We offered our prayers and received blessings from the priest.

Tip: If you are visiting the temple, make sure to dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering. Also, respect the culture there and do not hurt anybody's sentiments

After visiting the temple, we took a walk along the Mall Road, which is the main street of Nainital. It runs along the lake and connects the two ends of the town. It is a lively and vibrant place, where you can find many shops, restaurants, cafes, hotels, and other attractions. You can stroll along the road, enjoy the lake view, shop for souvenirs, taste local delicacies, or just soak in the atmosphere. The road is closed for vehicles during peak season and evening hours to facilitate pedestrian movement.

Tip: If you are walking on the Mall Road, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry a water bottle. Also, beware of monkeys and dogs that may snatch your food or belongings.

We stopped at a restaurant called Sakley’s Mountain Cafe, which is one of the oldest and most famous cafes in Nainital. It has a cozy and charming ambience, with wooden furniture, colorful cushions, and vintage posters. The cafe serves a variety of cuisines, such as Italian, Chinese, Thai, and Indian. We ordered some pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and cakes, and enjoyed them with hot chocolate and coffee. The food was delicious and filling, and the service was friendly and fast.

Tip: If you are looking for a place to eat in Nainital, you can try Sakley’s Mountain Cafe for its quality food and service. However, be prepared to pay a bit more than usual, as it is a bit expensive compared to other places. Also, make sure to reserve your table in advance or reach early, as it gets crowded during peak hours.

After having our lunch, we headed to Tiffin Top, which is another popular viewpoint in Nainital. It is also known as Dorothy’s Seat, as it is a stone bench built in memory of an English painter named Dorothy Kellet, who used to sit there and paint the scenery. The spot is located at an elevation of 2290 meters above sea level and can be reached by a 4 km trek or a horse ride from Mall Road. The spot offers a splendid view of the town, the lake, and the surrounding hills.

Tip: If you are going to Tiffin Top, make sure to carry some snacks and water for the trek or the horse ride. Also, wear warm clothes and sunscreen, as it can get cold and sunny at the top. You can also hire a guide or a photographer to accompany you and show you around.

We decided to trek up to Tiffin Top, as we wanted to enjoy the nature and exercise a bit. The trek was moderate and enjoyable, passing through pine trees, rhododendrons, and wildflowers. We also met some friendly locals and tourists on the way. We reached Tiffin Top after about an hour and a half of walking. We were amazed by the view from there. We could see the whole town of Nainital below us, the lake shining like a blue eye, and the mountains rising in the horizon. We took some pictures and selfies, and sat on the bench for a while. We felt peaceful and happy, and thanked Dorothy for her gift.

Tip: If you are at Tiffin Top, make sure to enjoy the view and the silence. Also, do not litter or damage the place, as it is a heritage site.

After having our dinner, we went back to our hotel and called it a day. We had a good night’s sleep in our cosy beds, dreaming of the next day’s adventures.

Day 3: Visiting Nainital Zoo and Eco Cave Garden

We woke up early in the morning and had a hearty breakfast at our hotel. We then checked out of our hotel and left our luggage at the reception. We had planned to visit two more places in Nainital before leaving for Delhi: the Nainital Zoo and the Eco Cave Garden.

The Nainital Zoo is also known as Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo. It is one of the few high-altitude zoos in India, located at an elevation of 2100 meters above sea level. The zoo houses many rare and endangered animals, such as Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, red panda, Tibetan wolf, and Siberian tiger. The zoo is open from 10 am to 4:30 pm every day except Mondays.

Tip: If you are visiting the zoo, make sure to carry your identity proof and pay the entry fee of Rs. 50 per person. Also, follow the rules and regulations of the zoo, such as not feeding or teasing the animals, not making loud noises or flash photography, and not littering or smoking.

We took a taxi from Mall Road to the zoo, which cost us Rs. 150. The taxi dropped us at the entrance of the zoo, where we bought our tickets and entered. We were greeted by a friendly guide, who offered to show us around and tell us more about the animals. We agreed and followed him.

The guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the zoo and its inhabitants. He told us many interesting facts and stories about each animal we saw. He also answered our questions and doubts patiently. We learned a lot from him and enjoyed his company.

We saw many amazing animals in the zoo, such as the Himalayan black bear, which is also known as Baloo in Hindi; the snow leopard, which is also known as Barfani Tendua in Hindi; the red panda, which is also known as Chhota Panda in Hindi; the Tibetan wolf, which is also known as Changra in Hindi; and the Siberian tiger, which is also known as Amur Tiger in English. We also saw some birds, reptiles, and rodents, such as the Himalayan monal, the Himalayan pit viper, and the Himalayan marmot. We were amazed by the diversity and beauty of the wildlife in the zoo.

Tip: If you are at the zoo, make sure to listen to the guide and learn more about the animals. Also, do not miss the feeding time of the animals, which is usually around noon.

We spent about two hours in the zoo, and then thanked and tipped our guide. We then took a taxi to our next destination: the Eco Cave Garden.

The Eco Cave Garden is a unique attraction in Nainital, which consists of six natural caves that have been developed into an eco-park. The caves are named after different animals, such as Tiger Cave, Panther Cave, Bat Cave, Squirrel Cave, Ape Cave, and Flying Fox Cave. The caves are connected by narrow and dark tunnels, which have to be crawled or walked through. The caves also have some educational displays and models of animals and plants. The park is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm every day.

Tip: If you are visiting the Eco Cave Garden, make sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can get dirty. Also, carry a torch or a flashlight for the caves, as they can be very dark and slippery. You can also hire a guide or a photographer to accompany you and show you around.

We reached the Eco Cave Garden around noon and bought our tickets for Rs. 20 per person. We entered the park and started exploring the caves one by one. We had a lot of fun crawling and walking through the tunnels, which were sometimes narrow, sometimes steep, and sometimes wet. We also learned some interesting facts and trivia about the animals and plants that live in the caves. We felt like adventurers and explorers, discovering a new world.

Tip: If you are at the Eco Cave Garden, make sure to enjoy the thrill and challenge of the caves. Also, do not touch or disturb anything inside the caves, as it may harm the ecosystem or yourself.

We spent about an hour and a half in the park, and then exited. We were hungry and thirsty after our adventure, so we went to a nearby cafe called Cafe de Mall, which is located on Mall Road. The cafe has a nice view of the lake and serves a variety of snacks and beverages. We ordered some sandwiches, burgers, fries, and shakes, and enjoyed them with a view.

Tip: If you are looking for a place to relax and refresh in Nainital, you can try Cafe de Mall for its lake view and snacks. However, be aware that it can be crowded and noisy during peak hours. Also, avoid ordering too much food or drinks, Okay, I will continue writing the blog on the trip to Nainital from Delhi and end it with a generous conclusion. Here is the final part of the blog:

Day 3: Leaving Nainital for Delhi

After having our snacks, we went back to our hotel and collected our luggage. We then took a taxi to Kathgodam Railway Station, where we boarded the Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express, which departs at 3:35 pm and reaches Old Delhi Railway Station at 10:40 pm. The train journey was again comfortable and smooth, and we spent some time chatting, playing, and resting.

Tip: If you are traveling by train, make sure to check the train schedule and status before leaving. Also, carry some food and water for the journey, as the train may not have a pantry car or catering service.

We reached Delhi late in the night and took a cab to our home. We were tired but happy after our trip. We unpacked our bags and went to sleep, dreaming of Nainital and its beauty.

Conclusion: My Trip to Nainital from Delhi

My trip to Nainital from Delhi was one of the best trips of my life. I had a lot of fun and learned a lot from it. I saw some amazing places, met some wonderful people, and experienced some unforgettable moments. I also got closer to my family and nature. I would recommend everyone to visit Nainital at least once in their lifetime, as it is a place that will fill your heart with joy and peace.

Tip: If you are planning to visit Nainital from Delhi, make sure to do some research and planning beforehand. Also, be flexible and open-minded, as you may encounter some challenges or surprises along the way. But most importantly, enjoy every moment of your trip, as it will be a memory that you will cherish forever.

Thank you for reading my blog on the trip to Nainital from Delhi. I hope you liked it and found it helpful. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to comment below. I would love to hear from you. Until next time, happy traveling! 😊