Nainital, a beautiful hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is a perfect weekend getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its serene lakes, lush greenery, and pleasant weather, it’s no wonder that tourists from all over flock to this picturesque town. Whether you’re coming from Delhi or Lucknow, here are the various ways to reach Nainital:
. How to Reach Nainital from Delhi
Delhi, being the capital city of India, has excellent connectivity to Nainital. The distance from Delhi to Nainital is approximately 300 kilometers, and it takes around 7 to 8 hours to reach Nainital by road, depending on traffic conditions. There are multiple ways to get there:
By Road (Self-Drive / Cab)
Distance: ~300 km
Time: 7-8 hours
Best Route: The most popular route from Delhi to Nainital is via the NH9 (National Highway 9) or NH 44, passing through the towns of Ghaziabad, Hapur, Moradabad, and Rampur before reaching Nainital.
By Bus
Distance: ~300 km
Time: 8-10 hours
Types of Buses: There are several state-run (Uttarakhand Transport Corporation) and private buses that run from ISBT Anand Vihar or Kashmere Gate to Nainital. The bus journey is affordable, but it can be slightly uncomfortable for long durations.
By Train
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station (35 km from Nainital)
Train Options:
From Delhi: Trains like Ranikhet Express and Kathgodam Express run daily from Delhi’s Hazrat Nizamuddin or New Delhi Railway Station to Kathgodam.
Time: 6-7 hours to Kathgodam
After reaching Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Nainital, which is approximately an hour away.
By Air
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (70 km from Nainital)
Flight Availability: Although the airport is small, there are limited flights from Delhi to Pantnagar. Once you arrive at Pantnagar, you can hire a taxi to Nainital, which will take approximately 2 hours.
2. How to Reach Nainital from Lucknow
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, is another city with good access to Nainital. The distance from Lucknow to Nainital is about 350 kilometers, and it takes approximately 8 to 9 hours to reach by road.
By Road (Self-Drive / Cab)
Distance: ~350 km
Time: 8-9 hours
Best Route: The most common route from Lucknow to Nainital is via NH 27 or NH 9, passing through cities like Bareilly and Haldwani.
By Bus
Distance: ~350 km
Time: 9-11 hours
Bus Options: While there aren’t many direct buses from Lucknow to Nainital, you can travel via Bareilly or Haldwani. From there, you can either take a local bus or hire a taxi to Nainital.
By Train
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
Train Options:
From Lucknow, you can take trains like Satyagrah Express to Bareilly and then switch to a local train or bus heading to Kathgodam.
From Bareilly, you can take a bus or taxi directly to Nainital.
Time: Approx. 7-8 hours by train to Bareilly, followed by a bus or taxi to Nainital.
By Air
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport (70 km from Nainital)
Flight Availability: You can take a flight from Lucknow to Delhi, and then a connecting flight to Pantnagar Airport, though this might be more time-consuming than traveling by road.
Travel Tips for Nainital
Weather: Nainital’s weather can be unpredictable, so carry some warm clothes even during summer months, especially in the evenings.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June (for pleasant weather) and September to December (for winter vibes).
Travel Essentials: Carry some water, snacks, and a power bank. While traveling by bus or train, these will come in handy, especially during long trips.
Road Condition: Although the road to Nainital is scenic, be prepared for narrow and winding roads, especially as you get closer to the hill station.
Conclusion
Whether you’re traveling from Delhi or Lucknow, getting to Nainital is an easy and rewarding journey. From comfortable train rides to scenic road trips, you have a range of options to explore. Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views, peaceful lakes, and a chance to unwind in nature’s embrace.
Now, pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy your adventure to one of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful hill stations!
