Weekend Trip: A complete plan for a trip from Delhi to Nainital—know everything from the route to the budget..
- byShikha Srivastava
- 03 Oct, 2026
Delhi to Nainital Travel Guide: If you wish to escape the hustle and bustle of Delhi for a few days and enjoy the cool mountain air, lakes, and scenic beauty, Nainital makes for a fantastic weekend getaway. The distance from Delhi to Nainital by road is approximately 300 kilometers, making it a popular hill station destination for travelers driving there. It is easy to plan a 2-3 day trip here during a long weekend.

The best part about this trip is that you do not need to take a long leave from work. You can depart from Delhi on a Friday evening or night and reach Nainital the next day. Once there, you can plan visits to Naini Lake, Mall Road, the Naina Devi Temple, and other beautiful nearby spots.
However, Nainital can get crowded during long weekends, so it is advisable to book your hotel and travel arrangements in advance. It is also important to keep the weather and local traffic conditions in mind during your trip.
There is a long weekend coming up in early October. Friday, October 2nd, is a holiday for Gandhi Jayanti, followed by the Saturday and Sunday weekend. If you are planning a trip from Delhi to Nainital during this long weekend, here is essential information regarding the route, mode of travel, a 2-3 day itinerary, places to visit, food, and budget.
How to reach Nainital from Delhi?
Traveling by Car
Traveling by road is one of the most convenient options for getting from Delhi to Nainital. The route typically goes from Delhi via Meerut, Moradabad, Rampur, and Haldwani before reaching Nainital. Travel time may vary depending on traffic and weather conditions.
Before setting out on a long weekend, be sure to check live traffic updates on Google Maps or a reliable navigation service.
Nainital by Train
There is no railway station in Nainital. The nearest major railway station is Kathgodam. You can take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam and then reach Nainital by taxi or bus. This option is convenient for those who prefer not to undertake a long drive.
**Traveling by Bus**
You can travel by bus from Delhi to Haldwani or Kathgodam and then take a local taxi or bus for the onward journey. It is advisable to book tickets in advance, especially during long weekends.
**3-Day Nainital Trip Plan**
**Day 1**
**Journey from Delhi to Nainital and an evening stroll**
Leave Delhi early in the morning to avoid potential traffic along the way. Upon reaching Nainital, check into your hotel and rest for a while. In the evening, you can take a walk around Naini Lake and Mall Road. The atmosphere around the lake and the evening lights make the place truly special.
**Day 2**
**Explore Nainital's tourist attractions**
Dedicate the second day to visiting Nainital's major tourist attractions. You can include places like Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, Eco Cave Gardens, and other viewpoints in your itinerary. If time and weather permit, you can also visit other nearby locations.
**Day 3**
**Explore nearby areas and return to Delhi**
On the third day, after breakfast, take some time to explore the surroundings. You can then begin your return journey to Delhi in the afternoon or evening. If you only have a two-day weekend, you can prioritize the key attractions on the second day and return the same day.
**Places to visit in Nainital?**
There are many popular places to visit in Nainital, such as:
Naini Lake
Mall Road
Naina Devi Temple
Snow View Point
Eco Cave Gardens
Naina Peak
Tiffin Top
Governor's House
Nearby lake areas
Please keep in mind that the accessibility of certain activities or tourist spots may vary depending on the weather, local regulations, and tourist crowds.

When should you book a hotel for a long weekend?
Nainital can attract a larger number of tourists during long weekends compared to regular days. Therefore, it is better to book your hotel in advance rather than waiting until the last minute. When choosing a hotel, do not look at the price alone.
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