Think of yourself in the midst of the daily grind in Delhi, surrounded by traffic honks, sky high buildings and never ending rush. Your phone screen flashes a travel post about a serene hill town with emerald green lakes, misty peaks and crisp mountain air. The urge to escape becomes overpowering. That is when you decide it’s time for a road trip from Delhi to Nainital.
As you leave Delhi behind the wide roads open up and you pass through rustic villages, bustling towns and dense forests. The smell of roadside dhabas fills the air and as you inch closer to the hills, the temperature drops and the fresh mountain air greets you.
But before you hit the road, you need to know everything, the best routes, travel time, hidden stops, where to eat and what to do in Nainital. This is your ultimate guide, full of real travel experiences, local tips and everything you need to make this trip unforgettable.
The distance from Delhi to Nainital is 301 km. But numbers do not tell the real story. The journey takes you through an ever changing landscape, from Delhi’s busy streets to smooth highways to winding hill roads.
If you are wondering if the trip is tiring, here is the good news. The road is mostly smooth and you can cover the entire distance in one go. But the last 50 km before Nainital can be tricky. The road starts winding through the hills, with sharp turns and blind curves that require slow and steady driving. If you are not used to hill driving, hiring a Tempo Traveller in Delhi with an experienced driver is a good idea.
If you search on Google it will show you around 6 hours to reach Nainital from Delhi. But the actual time depends on when you leave and how many times you stop. If you leave early say before 6 am then you can avoid Delhi’s traffic and reach faster.
If you leave in the morning, expect delays near Moradabad and Rampur where traffic will slow you down. Also during weekends and long holidays, the roads to Nainital get choc-a-bloc with tourists, especially near Bhimtal and Bhowali.
Planning to drive at night? Think again. While the highways are well lit, the hilly stretch after Rampur is dark and foggy, so night driving is not recommended especially if you are not familiar with mountain roads.
Every season paints Nainital in a different colour, but the best time to visit depends on what kind of experience you are looking for.
If you want to enjoy the weather and explore freely, March to June is the best and the temperature ranges between 10°C to 27°C. The sun is warm but not hot and the lake breeze is perfect for sightseeing. This is the peak season so expect a lot of tourists and slightly higher hotel rates.
If you love monsoons, July to September is the best. The clouds will hug the hills and waterfalls will form along the roadsides. But landslides are common and the roads can be slippery.
October to February Nainital turns into a winter wonderland. The temperature drops to freezing as low as -2°C and if you are lucky you might even see snow. It is the best time for honeymooners and snow lovers but the cold can be intense so pack accordingly.
Nainital is not just about sitting by the lake and taking in the views. If you are an adventure junkie this hill town will not disappoint.
First on your list should be boating in Naini Lake. Whether you choose the paddle boat or the vintage rowboat. If you are in the mood for some adrenaline rush try paragliding in nearby Bhimtal. Flying over the green valleys with a bird’s eye view of the lakes is an experience like no other. at Bhimtal you can also take part in Parasailing and Water Zorbing.
Trekkers should head to Tiffin Top or Naina Peak. These trails are not just about hiking but about seeing some of the most stunning views of the Himalayas. And if rock trekking is your thing then Eco Cave Park is the place to test your skills that feels like an adventure straight out of an Indiana Jones movie.
For something unique, there is a ropeway ride from Mall Road to Snow View Point. Apart from these activities, you can try camping at Pangot, Rappeling and Angling at Sattal Lake.
There is one main route to Nainital and that is via NH9. This 301 km long route is the fastest and most beautiful and covers major towns and popular halts.
You start from Delhi and head towards Ghaziabad. The Delhi-Meerut Expressway gives a smooth start and makes it easy to leave the city behind. As you reach Hapur, you can take a quick break at a dhaba and have fresh parathas with homemade butter.
From Hapur the road takes you through Amroha and Moradabad, which is famous for its brassware, so if you have time, stop by the local markets. After Moradabad comes Rampur, a city with a rich Mughal history and delicious kebabs that are worth trying.
As you cross Rampur the flat roads start giving way to gentle slopes. Just before entering the hills, make a stop at the Jim Corbett Museum. This historical site is dedicated to the hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett and gives a glimpse into the region’s wildlife history.
After that the road becomes narrow, the air gets cooler and the landscape changes completely. You pass by Khurpatal, a lesser known but stunning emerald green lake. Many travellers miss this spot but if you love peaceful offbeat locations, it is worth stopping for a while.
The final stretch is full of hairpin bends but with every turn, the views get more breathtaking. And after 6 hours of travel, you finally reach Nainital.
The road trip from Delhi to Nainital is an experience in itself and how you choose to travel will decide your experience. Depending on your comfort, group size and budget here are the best ways to reach Nainital by road.
Driving from Delhi to Nainital in your car gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want, explore hidden gems and travel at your own pace. The roads are good, except for the last hilly stretch, the journey is smooth. But if you are not experienced in hill driving the sharp turns and narrow roads near Nainital can be tough. So it is best to go for Car rental Services and choose an SUV or a car with a powerful engine as some steep inclines may require extra power.
Pro Tip: Leave Delhi early morning to avoid traffic and take a break in Moradabad or Rampur before the final stretch. Keep a check on fuel stations as there are fewer in the hilly areas.
If you are travelling in a group then Tempo Traveller from Delhi to Nainital is the best option. Whether you are travelling with family, friends or colleagues a tempo traveller ensures everyone can travel together without worrying about driving fatigue. These vehicles have spacious seating, ample luggage space and professional drivers who are familiar with the hilly roads.
Another advantage of a tempo traveller is that you can enjoy the road trip without any stress. You can play music, share stories and even take naps while the driver takes care of the road. It’s also a cost effective option if you split the fare among a large group.
Taking a bus is the cheapest option. Several private and government run buses operate from Delhi to Nainital with both AC and non AC options. Most buses depart from ISBT Anand Vihar and take around 8 to 9 hours to reach Nainital.
But one disadvantage of taking a bus is that you miss out on the flexibility of stopping at interesting places en route. Also, buses don’t go all the way into Nainital town, so you may have to take a taxi from the drop off point at Tallital.
If comfort is your priority opt for a Volvo or sleeper bus. If you are looking for the most budget friendly option, an ordinary Uttarakhand Roadways bus will get you there at a low fare.
Shiva Tourist Dhaba, Hapur - Known for its authentic North Indian food as well as Chinese dishes and it serves some of the best dal makhani and stuffed parathas in the region.
Tandoori Chai at Moradabad - If you have never tried tea served in a hot clay cup, Moradabad is the perfect place to experience it. The smoky aroma of tandoori chai is a game-changer.
Rampur Kebab Shops - Rampur is famous for its Mughlai cuisine, and if you are a non-veg lover, stopping here for some kebabs or mutton stew will be worth every minute.
Jim Corbett Highway Cafes - As you near the Jim Corbett area, you will find a few scenic roadside cafes like Jungle Fiesta restaurants with open seating, offering fresh juices, sandwiches, and local snacks.
Pro Tip: While eating at dhabas is an experience to have but avoid consuming heavy or oily food before the hill drive as the winding roads might cause motion sickness.
Did you know Nainital gets its name from the famous Maa Naina Devi Temple? This temple is situated near the northern shore of Naini Lake and is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. According to Hindu mythology, the eyes (Nayan) of Goddess Sati fell at this very spot.
Tiffin Top is also called Dorothy’s Seat and is one of the best view points in Nainital. But did you know it was named after Dorothy Kellet, an English artist and was a favourite breakfast picnic spot for British officers during the British rule? If you are a trekker, the 4 km trek from Mall Road will be an adventure in itself even pony rides to the top are available.
Eco Cave Park is a thrilling experience that takes you through a series of natural caves, each representing a different Himalayan wild animal. The caves are narrow, dark and at times you will have to crawl through small openings.
The lake is believed to be a reflection of the mythological Mansarovar Lake in Tibet and is one of the most iconic spots in Nainital. A boat ride here especially at sunset is a must.
Just next to the lake is the bustling Mall Road which is the town’s commercial hub. Whether you are looking for souvenirs, woollen clothes or mouthwatering street food, this is the place to be. Hot Momos, Roasted Bhutta (corn) and steaming Maggi from local vendors will make your walk down the road enjoyable.
Located at 2,270 meters above sea level, this point offers breathtaking views of snow covered peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul. And the best part? You can reach here by ropeway. Early mornings especially during winter are the best time, so start your day early for the best experience.
Bhimtal is 22 km away and is named after Bhima from Mahabharata who is believed to have visited this region during the Pandavas’ exile. If you want to escape the Nainital crowd, Bhimtal is the place to relax and get close to nature.
The high altitude Govind Ballabh Pant Zoo, commonly known as Nainital Zoo is one of the best maintained zoos in India. Situated at 2,100 meters above sea level, this zoo is home to rare Himalayan wildlife including snow leopards, Himalayan black bears and Tibetan wolves.
A visit to Raj Bhawan, also known as the Governor’s House is like stepping into the past. Built in 1899, this architectural wonder was once the summer residence of the British governors. Its Scottish style castle design, with lush green lawns and a private golf course makes it the most elegant structure in Nainital. Visitors can take guided tours inside the palace and see old furniture, vintage paintings and a library that has rare books of the British era.
Nainital is the gateway to some of the most beautiful and spiritual places in Uttarakhand. Just a short drive of 49 Km is Mukteshwar which is a peaceful hill station famous for its apple orchards, dense forests and the 350 year old Mukteshwar Dham Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The cliffside viewpoint of Chauli ki Jali is a must visit place.
If you are an animal lover then Jim Corbett National Park which is just 63 km from Nainital is your place to be. It’s the oldest national park in India and home to the elusive Bengal tiger. Exploring the dense Sal forests on an early morning safari can be a lifetime experience. If you are lucky you might even spot wild elephants, leopards or gharials basking near the Ramganga River.
If you seek spiritual growth then Kainchi Dham is a hidden gem just 20 km from Nainital. This ashram established by Neem Karoli Baba has been visited by famous personalities like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. The temple’s peaceful surroundings make it a perfect place for meditation and introspection.
Lastly, if adventure and spirituality is what you are looking for then Rishikesh is the place to be. Known as the Yoga Capital of the World Rishikesh is famous for its ashrams, Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat and thrilling adventure activities like river rafting and bungee jumping. You can visit the iconic Laxman Jhula and Beatles Ashram.
