Nainital Tour tour package.
Escape to the beautiful lake district of Kumaon
Why travellers book this route.
This package is designed for travellers looking for a smooth, well-planned route with comfortable stays, clear pricing and a travel team that understands the destination.
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About the Journey
Nainital, the sparkling jewel of Uttarakhand's Kumaon region, is renowned as the 'Lake District of India.' Centred around the mesmerizing, pear-shaped Naini Lake, this picturesque hill station is cradled by towering emerald peaks, including Naina Peak, Deopatha, and Ayarpatha. At an altitude of 2,084 meters, Nainital offers a refreshing escape from the sweltering heat of the northern plains. Whether you are cruising on the calm waters of the lake, walking along the colonial-styled Mall Road, or paying homage at the ancient Naina Devi temple, Nainital delivers an enchanting blend of natural beauty, spiritual tranquility, and legacy charm. A 3-day customized tour from Kanpur provides the perfect mountain getaway for families, couples, and nature lovers alike.
History & Heritage
The history of Nainital is deeply intertwined with British colonial rule. Prior to 1841, the lake was a sacred sanctuary known only to the local hill tribes. It was 'discovered' by P. Barron, a British sugar merchant from Shahjahanpur, who was so captivated by the lake that he constructed a house named Pilgrim Lodge here. Nainital quickly grew into a popular sanatorium and summer refuge for British officers. In 1850, the municipal board was established, and by the late 19th century, it became the summer capital of the United Provinces. A catastrophic landslide in 1880 reshaped the lakefront, leading to the creation of the current flats and recreation grounds. Today, the town retains its colonial-era legacy through boarding schools, stone churches, and heritage clubs.
Cultural & Spiritual Significance
Spiritual legends associate Nainital with the goddess Sati. It is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peeths where Sati's body parts fell during Lord Shiva's dance of cosmic destruction (Tandava). Specifically, Goddess Sati's left eye (nayan) is said to have fallen here, creating the emerald, eye-shaped lake, from which the town gets its name — Naini-tal. The local Kumaoni people also revere Lord Golu Devta and other folk deities, creating a unique spiritual culture in the hills. In Hindu scriptures, the lake is also referred to as the Tri-Rishi Sarovar, where the sages Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha drank water and meditated.
Top Attractions & Landmarks
Naini Lake
The central attraction of the town, where visitors can enjoy row-boating, pedal-boating, or yachting. The lake is surrounded by a scenic promenade, offering spectacular views of the reflection of mountain lights on the water during sunset.
Naina Devi Temple
Located on the northern shore of Naini Lake, this ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi. It also houses deities of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Kali, serving as a peaceful site for prayer and meditation.
Snow View Point
Accessible via a scenic aerial ropeway, this viewpoint offers panoramic vistas of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. The summit features a children's amusement park and stalls.
Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat)
A popular picnic spot located on Ayarpatha Hill, offering a 360-degree view of Nainital town and the surrounding Kumaon hills. It is named after Dorothy Kellett, an English artist who loved this location.
G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo
One of the few high-altitude zoos in India, situated at 2,100 meters. It houses rare Himalayan wildlife species, including the snow leopard, Siberian tiger, red panda, Tibetan wolf, and golden pheasant.
Hidden Gems & Local Secrets
Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
Located 15 km from Nainital, Pangot is a tranquil village known for its dense oak forests and rich birdlife. With over 580 recorded bird species, it is a paradise for birdwatchers and hikers looking to escape the main town crowds.
Eco Cave Gardens
A network of interconnected natural rocky caves (named Tiger, Panther, Bat, and Monkey caves) that visitors can crawl through. It is an adventurous spot showcasing the geological patterns of the hills.
Raj Bhawan
The Governor's House, built in Victorian Gothic style in 1899, resembling Windsor Castle. It features a historic 18-hole golf course and sprawling gardens that are open to the public.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Nainital & Lake Walk
Drive from Kanpur to Nainital. Check into your lakeside hotel and rest. In the evening, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Naini Lake, followed by a walk along the illuminated Mall Road. Overnight stay in Nainital.
Scenic Peaks & Temple Tour
After breakfast, take the ropeway to Snow View Point. Visit Naina Devi Temple and the High Altitude Zoo. Hike up to Tiffin Top for lunch with a view. In the evening, visit the Eco Cave Gardens. Overnight stay.
Lake Tour (Bhimtal/Sattal) & Return
Embark on a tour of the nearby lakes — Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, and Sattal. Enjoy water activities at Naukuchiatal. Post-lunch, begin your return drive to Kanpur, arriving late at night.
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Festivals & Culture
The Nanda Devi Mela (September) is the most significant cultural festival, marked by traditional Kumaoni dance, music, and a grand procession carrying the idol of Goddess Nanda Devi. The Autumn Festival (Sharadotsav) features cultural events, folk performances, and sports competitions on the flats near the lake.
Food & Cuisine
Nainital offers a variety of Kumaoni dishes. Try Bhatt ki Churkani (a rich black bean curry), Aaloo ke Gutke (spiced mountain potatoes), and Chainsoo (a roasted black gram lentil). For dessert, sample Bal Mithai (a chocolate-like fudge covered in sugar beads) and Singori (sweet khoya wrapped in Maalu leaves). Mall Road is also famous for hot momos and thukpa.
Shopping Souvenirs
Buy locally made aromatic paraffin candles in unique shapes (fruits, flowers, animals), pine cone decorations, Kumaoni wooden handicrafts, and high-quality woollens (shawls, cardigans, stoles) from the Bhotia Market (Tibet Market) near the flats.
Weather & Climate
Nainital has pleasant summers (March to June, 15–28°C) that are ideal for sightseeing. The monsoon (July to September) brings mist and rain, transforming the hills into deep green but making travel slippery. Winters (October to February) are cold (0–15°C), with snowfall occurring between late December and January.
How to Reach from Kanpur
By road, Nainital is around 450 km from Kanpur (9–10 hours via Bareilly and Haldwani). The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (34 km), which connects to Lucknow, Kanpur, and Delhi. The nearest airport is Pantnagar (70 km), which has limited domestic flights. Rudra Tours offers direct AC cab services from Kanpur to Nainital.
Accommodation Info
Stays range from colonial-era heritage hotels (like The Manu Maharani and Alka The Lake Side Hotel) to boutique hill cottages and budget homestays. Government-run KMVN tourist rest houses offer scenic locations at reasonable rates.
Essential Travel Tips
- •Carry woollens even in summer, as evenings can get chilly near the lake.
- •Book boat rides only through authorized stands to ensure fixed pricing and safety gear.
- •Wear comfortable walking shoes; Nainital's topography involves steep walking trails.
- •Avoid traveling during peak monsoon due to the risk of landslides in the outer hills.
- •Keep food items covered to avoid attracting monkeys around Tiffin Top and Snow View.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to common queries regarding routes, planning, and logistics for this tour.