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Rustic wooden cottages, prestigious colonial establishments, meandering cobblestone paths. Little gifts left behind by the British. Memoirs of a thriving summer retreat. Tokens of a once conquered land. Nainital, may have been the prodigy of a curious European trader, but it is nonetheless a product of Indian soil. A… read more
Nainital is ethereal, with its timeless beauty residing within the frozen lakes and snow-capped mountains of this hill town attract tourist almost all throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Nainital is from March to June which is the summer/spring season. The Himalayan ranges call out to you as they watch every step that you take like a guardian angel. The quaint streets of Nainital may fall asleep early but the twinkling stars in the clear night sky dance on into the night. Nainital’s picturesque viewpoints, pristine lakes and towering pine trees can be seen in different shades and colours as each season changes. Which shade to witness Nainital in is totally your choice. Each season in Nainital has something different to offer.
Take a look!
Peak Season – March to June
Shoulder Season – October to February
Low Season – July to September
| Travel Season | Min./Max. Temprature | Season |
| March - June | 11-28 °C | Comfortably Warm Days |
| July - September | 10-18°C | Slightly cooler with frequent rain showers |
| October - February | 0 to 15°C | Cool winds with heavy snowfall |
Temperature - The air temperature during the season of summer fluctuates between 11°C and 28°C.
Weather - As beautiful a town as Nainital is, its beauty is brought to light in the summer season. Nainital in summer is in a constant state of motion and excitement fills the air as the early rays of the sun wake up the hamlet with a jolt. The sun spreads joy to the town as the light kisses the mountains. The weather is comfortably warm at this time of the year with cool winds being a constant in the air. The warm mornings with a slight chill in the air invite you to indulge in some sightseeing. The Naini lake calls out to you to meander your way across it as you engage in some boat pedalling with your family. This is the best time to visit Nainital if you wish to head outdoors and acquaint yourself with the surroundings.
Significant Events - It is not just the year-round mystical charm that attracts tourists from all over the globe to Nainital, but also a number of activities and festivals that makes it more inviting. The pleasant weather makes it a good time to engage in some adventure activities and explore the surroundings. However, the main highlight of this time of the year is the festival of Phool Dei in the month of March. This festival celebrates the harvest in Uttarakhand, hoping for a good crop year. Walk along the streets of this town and you will notice little kids decorating the thresholds of their homes with fresh, handpicked flowers. Nainital, at this time of the year, is dotted with colours and flowers of many a kind. The key food at this time of the year is a ceremonial pudding that is prepared from jaggery, coconut and white flour that is offered to everyone. Young girls are spotted going door to door and offering plates full of rice, jaggery, coconut with a finishing touch of flowers and green leaves. Locals take to the streets; singing and dancing to the tunes of their folk songs to celebrate the onset of spring. One can hear constant prayers for prosperity and happiness during this festival.
Why you should visit now - This time of the year is bustling with activities and tourists that breathe life into Nainital. Since it is the peak season; festivals, celebrations and colours light up the quaint streets of this region. This is a good time to visit Nainital’s various tourist attractions such as Land’s End, Caves Garden and Naini Lake. If you simply wish to sit with your family, overlooking the beautiful view of the sunrise, head to Tiffin Top. This spot accentuates the beauty and re-establishes the prominence of the Himalayan Range. If you are up for a challenge, you could trek your way to the top! Tiffin Top is just four kilometres from the main city centre of Nainital and makes for a rather doable and easy trek.
Things to know before the visit – Since this is a preferred tourist destination by people from all over the globe, the summer season invites the highest number of tourists to this region. Hence make sure that you book your tickets and accommodation well in advance. Also, be warned that the summer season in Nainital is cooler as compared to the plains.
Tips – Since this is the peak season, be mindful of the fact that discounts may not be available and hence weigh your options carefully before booking your accommodation. Plan your activities and itinerary according to the weather. While you pack, make sure you include both warm and cool clothes as well as sunscreen and some glasses. Carry a lightweight jacket since nights tend to get cooler. Also, book accommodation that is centrally located and accessible.
Temperature - The air temperature during the season of winter ranges between 0°C and 15°C.
Weather – Nainital in Monsoon is all about freshly bathed streets and smoky clouds bowing down to you. The raindrops knock at the door as you listen to their incessant pitter-patter. The weather is a lot cooler now with the ravishing beauty of the hill town exposed after getting drenched in the rain. This is also a good time to relish a hot plate of steamed momos and some lip-smacking noodles available at every nook and corner of the town.
Significant events –The beauty of Nainital flourishes and thrives in the monsoon season. However, if you do not wish to sit back and relax with a cup of hot tea clasped between your hands as you enjoy the picturesque view and wish for something edgier; you could make your way to the Monsoon Mountain Marathon. This event takes place every year on the last Sunday of August. If you are up for a challenge and are an adventure seeker, running on Nainital’s rugged, hilly and slightly wet terrain will surely give you the much-needed thrill in the gloomy monsoon. All you have to do is pay INR 1000 and you are good to go! Another festival that is celebrated with grandeur is Khatarua which is considered to be a special festival of the agricultural Kumaon society. This is also better known as the festival of bonfires where cucumbers are thrown into the fire of Khatarua as children indulge in some merriment by waving their flags in the air.
Why you should visit now – This time of the year is characterised with misty mornings and dewy droplets of water making the greens of the hamlet twinkle even in the day. Nainital is quieter, a lot more peaceful and one can enjoy its pristine beauty in isolation, away from the hustle bustle of the crowds during the off-season. Nainital in monsoon is a quiet little retreat on your own, away from the rush of the tourists. You will also find a host of hotels offering you cheap discounts with it being the off season.
Things to know before the visit – Do not forget to check the weather reports before booking your tickets and accommodation. Book a hotel that is centrally located and accessible. Carry some cash in case you plan to travel to remote areas. Watch out for some discounts on accommodation since this is not really the peak season. Make sure you carry salt to protect yourself from leeches. Beware of the fact that rains do bring with them the risk of threatening landslides, hence keep your eyes on the road at all times while travelling.
Tips – Do carry a lightweight jacket. Carry wind cheaters, sunscreen, sports shoes, mosquito repellents and torches when you plan to venture outdoors. Try not to travel on roads that are poorly constructed.
Temperature - The air temperature during the season of winter fluctuates between 0°C and 15°C.
Weather – Nainital in winter is in a state of ice, with the sight of frozen lakes and snow-capped mountains, timeless beauty is what comes to one’s mind. This hill town is blanketed in snow during this time of the year and it is a good time to engage in some playful snowball fights with the family. Cold winds shall bite at your skin occasionally and the presence of the sun in the day will send warmth all the way to your soul. However, always carry sunblock and some glasses with you for protection.
Significant events – Though this time of the year is deemed to be less touristy and quieter, Nainital’s festivals are what makes this season exciting and worth visiting. Plenty of festivals are in store for you if you are planning to head to Nainital in the summer season. One of the main highlights of this season is the Winter Fair known as Sharadotsav. Held in the month of October, this festival attracts tourists from all over the globe to witness the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. Comprising various cultural dances, performances and varieties of food, this is your chance to get an essence of the core culture of Nainital. Another festival that is celebrated is the Chota Kailash Fair in commemoration of Mahashivratri during the month of February.
Why you should visit now – If you would rather take the road less travelled, this is the best time to visit Nainital. Nainital in the winter season is all about roads draped in snow, frozen lakes and stains of white and green. This is also a good time to head to Naini Lake and play around in the snow with your family, nestled amidst the Himalayas. Famous for its boat rides, as the weather gets cooler, the lake begins to freeze and hence boating depends on how cold it gets.
Things to know before the visit – Do check for discounts that may be available at this time of the year since this is the offseason. Plan your activities and itinerary keeping the weather in mind. Book a hotel that is centrally located and is accessible. Make sure the hotel you have booked has a central heating system and all the basic amenities to keep you warm.
Tips – Carry woollen clothes. Some routes may be blocked due to heavy snowfall and hence plan your itinerary accordingly. Stay hydrated by sipping on water, tea or a hot beverage. Do carry shawls, mufflers and gloves to keep yourselves warm.
If you are intrigued and tempted to pack your bags right away, visit our website and go through the Nainital packages that we offer. If you have any more questions, you will get the answers that you are looking for on our page. Contact us immediately to book your tickets and accommodation!
The closest airport to Nainital is the Pantnagar Airport in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is situated approximately two hours away from the city centre. Located at a distance of 70 kilometres, direct flights to Pantnagar are available only from New Delhi. However, you can drive down to Nainital or book a cab/taxi or get on to a bus from the Indira Gandhi International Airport which is 300 kilometres away. Hence, tourists must plan their schedule accordingly since Delhi to Nainital is a seven-hour-drive. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is well connected with all the major cities in the country such as Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune and Kolkata. The Pantnagar Airport also offers flights to Dehradun and Pithoragarh.
Being the only commercial airport in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Pantnagar Airport is well equipped with various amenities and services. It comprises luggage facilities such as baggage services that can be availed by the passengers at the Pantnagar terminal. Snacks and refreshments are also available to make sure you don’t remain hungry as you wait for your flight to arrive.
Once you reach the airport, you could hire a taxi or cab to your desired destination. You can also avail state and private buses to Nainital and other frequented tourist destinations such as Almora, Ranikhet and Jim Corbett.
A few places to visit near the Pantnagar Airport are the Corbett Falls, Mukteshwar, Kainchi Dham, Garjiya Temple, Naukuchiatal, Naini Lake and Nainital Zoo.
It would be advisable to book your tickets well in advance, especially if you are travelling in the peak season.
The nearest railhead to Nainital is the Kathgodam Railway station, situated 34 kilometres from the main city centre. It is located in Haldwani in the Nainital district of the Uttarakhand State of India. This railway station also enjoys good connectivity with cities such as New Delhi, Lucknow and prominent places such as Howrah.
Ranikhet Express, Uttar Sampark, Kranti Express, Bag Express, Dehradun Kathgodam Express and Anvt Kgm Shatabdi Express are some of the trains that run to and from Nainital.
Reach Nainital and you will find a number of options to travel to Nainital from plied outside the station. Some of them are shared cabs, taxis, buses that will take you to the city.
Choose best places to visit in Nainital here with Thomas Cook
If you are looking for a road trip and wish to enjoy the journey as much as the destination; Nainital is the perfect travel destination for you. It is well linked to all the major cities and towns around it, especially with National Highway 87 that connects it to Rampur and Rudrapur. You are in for a treat if you are travelling from Delhi, with Nainital being only a six to seven-hour drive from the capital along with a few halts en route. You could also hire a private taxi or cab with a local driver who would be able to get you through the uphill climb and narrow roads as you make your way to Nainital. You can also avail multiple bus services to and from important destinations in North India. Daily state and private buses are available from New Delhi to Nainital. This also gives you a list of options to choose from such as air-conditioned, non-air-conditioned, Volvo and sleeper buses. Keeping your budget, comfort and safety mind, weigh your options carefully before you choose your mode of transport. The most preferred and convenient way to reach Nainital is to board an overnight bus, however you could also hop on to buses that operate during the daytime as well.
