Nainital, with its serene lakes, lush hills, and quaint charm, is an ideal destination for budget travelers. I recently embarked on a 3-days, 2-night journey to Nainital and managed to keep my expenses to just Rs. 3000. Here’s a detailed Nainital Itinerary for 3 Days, 2 Night on how you can enjoy a similar budget-friendly trip.
Day 1: Journey from Delhi to Nainital
My adventure began with booking a train from Delhi Cantt to Kathgodam, costing approximately Rs. 220. The overnight train journey was comfortable, and I reached Kathgodam early in the morning, refreshed and excited to explore. This marked the start of my Nainital Itinerary for 3 Days, 2 Nights. The train journey itself was a pleasant experience, passing through picturesque landscapes that set the tone for the trip.
There are many options to reach Nainital:
- By Road, Nainital is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, with regular bus services and the option to hire taxis for a more comfortable journey.
- By Rail, the nearest station is Kathgodam, about 34 kilometers from Nainital, with frequent train services from Delhi and other major cities.
- By Air, the closest airport is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 70 kilometers from Nainital, with taxi services available for the onward journey.
Visiting Neem Karoli Baba Mandir
From Kathgodam, we did not go directly to Nainital. First, we took a bus to Kainchi Dham to visit the famous Neem Karoli Baba Mandir. The bus, which we caught from the road outside the railway station, cost around Rs. 110, making it an economical choice.
You can also take a cab if you prefer. After traveling for about an hour, I arrived at Kainchi Dham at approximately 5 AM. The serene early morning atmosphere was perfect for a spiritual start to the day. The temple, nestled in the hills, offered a tranquil environment ideal for meditation and reflection. The early morning view from the bus was beautiful.
Keep in mind, if you reach Kathgodam, you can go directly to Nainital by bus or cab. Once you reach Nainital, you can rent a scooter to visit other places at your own convenience, including the Neem Karoli Baba Mandir.
Finding Accommodation
Upon arrival, my first task was to find a place to freshen up and store our luggage. We found a cozy homestay for Rs. 600 for three people for 3-4 hours. This was ideal for resting briefly and keeping our belongings safe. The homestay was basic but clean and comfortable, providing all the necessities we needed for a short stay.
Exploring Kainchi Dham
After a quick rest and getting fresh with a bath, we locked the room and walked to the Neem Karoli Baba Mandir, which was nearby. The peaceful ambiance of the temple was calming, and it was a wonderful place to start our Nainital Itinerary. We took some memorable photos at the main gate of the temple, capturing the serene beauty of the place. Keep in mind that photography is not allowed inside the temple, so keep your camera in your pocket. After taking Prasad, we felt a lot of positivity.
For breakfast, we found a local restaurant and enjoyed Aloo Paratha (Rs. 60) and Chai (Rs. 20). The simple, hearty meal was delicious and gave us the energy we needed for the day ahead. Beside the restaurant, the River was flowing, so we went down there and clicked a lot of photos and videos.
Travel to Nainital
After breakfast, we checked out of the homestay and took a bus to Bhowali from the temple road, costing around Rs. 25. The bus ride through the winding mountain roads offered breathtaking views. After waiting for some time, we took another bus from Bhowali to Nainital, with a fare of Rs. 65-75. The scenic journey took about 45 minutes to an hour, and we arrived at the Nainital bus stand. The cool, crisp air of Nainital was a refreshing change from the city heat.
Finding a Hotel in Nainital
Upon arrival, several agents approached us offering hotel rooms. After checking out a few options, we negotiated a room for Rs. 1000 per night and booked it for two nights, totaling Rs. 2000. The room was basic but comfortable, perfect for our budget trip. It had all the necessary amenities, including a clean bathroom, comfortable beds, and a decent view of the surrounding hills.
Though hotels on Mall Road are available, we preferred this budget-friendly option since we were traveling with friends. If you’re good at negotiation, you can save some money. Otherwise, you can learn negotiation skills from your mother. Just kidding! The hotel road is located right in front of Naini Lake.
You can call them:
Exploring Nainital
After settling in and resting for an hour, we ventured out to explore Mall Road and the local market. We try some street food like momos and veg kebabs, which were tasty and affordable. The bustling streets were filled with shops selling local handicrafts, clothes, and souvenirs.
We bought some woolen sweatshirts for Rs. 200 each, which were both stylish and practical for the chilly evenings. We then visited Naina Devi Temple and a nearby Gurudwara. The spiritual and cultural experience was enriching, and the temples provided a sense of peace and tranquility.
Dinner
For dinner, we had tandoori roti and shahi paneer, which cost Rs. 400 for three people. The food was delicious and satisfying, giving us a taste of the local cuisine. We returned to our hotel by 7 PM as everything in Nainital closes by 8 PM, ensuring we had ample time to rest and relax before the next day.
Get the scooty for Rs. 600 in the off-season, but you’ll need to fill up on petrol. In the peak season, the price goes up to Rs. 800 or more. You can contact,
Mahanada Cyber Cafe Bhanu Scooty at +91 79832 39696 to inquire about the current rates. They offer scooty and bike rentals.
Day 2: Temples and Boating
Morning at Shankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir
We started our day early, leaving the hotel around 8:30 AM for Shankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir, as part of our Nainital Itinerary. We decided to walk, enjoying the fresh air and nature. The walk took about 25 minutes, followed by a short trek up to the temple. The serene environment and the aarti filled us with positivity. The temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, is situated on a hilltop and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
Discovering the Hidden Temple
After exploring the main temple, we found a board about the hidden temple at the back of the main temple. Following directions from the Pujari ji of the Mandir, we trekked for about 15 minutes to reach it. The effort was worth it, as we were rewarded with breathtaking views.
We found the hidden location for the viewing point, overlooking Nainital, and we named this viewpoint “Kela’s Gang.” The hidden temple and the trek provided a sense of adventure and exploration, adding to the charm of the day. We clicked some awesome photos there, which you can find on Instagram.
Boating in Naini Lake
After returning to Nainital, we had lunch before heading for a boat ride on Naini Lake, which cost us Rs. 340 for 45 minutes. The lake’s tranquility and the surrounding hills made for a perfect afternoon as part of our Nainital Itinerary. The boat ride was a serene and relaxing experience, allowing us to take in the natural beauty of Nainital from the water.
Evening Activities
In the evening, we revisited Naina Devi Temple and the market. Instead of sweatshirts, this time we bought a shawl for my mother. The markets in Nainital offer a variety of local products and souvenirs, making it a great place for shopping as we continued our Nainital Itinerary.
We skipped a heavy dinner as we had snacked throughout the day but bought momos and veg kebabs to enjoy at the hotel. This time, we reached the hotel room late, around 7:30 pm, as every shop was closing. The evening was spent leisurely, enjoying the cool weather and the peaceful ambiance of Nainital.
Night at the Hotel
We returned to the hotel late and relaxed, enjoying the food we had bought. The peaceful night was perfect for resting before our final day of exploration. While resting in bed before sleep, we explored our photos and videos on my iPhone. We found that we had over 700 photos, and my iPhone was out of storage. We went to sleep, ready for the last day, which was Day 3.
Expenses on Day 2
| Category | Total Expenses (Rs.) | Per Person (Rs.) (Divided by 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Activities | ||
| – Temple Visit (Shankat Mochan Hanuman Mandir) | Free | Free |
| Lunch | Rs. 300 (Approx.) | Rs. 100 |
| Boating in Naini Lake | Rs. 340 (Total for 45 minutes) | Rs. 113 |
| Evening Shopping | Rs. 500 | |
| Snacks (Momos & Veg Kebabs) | Rs. 250 | Rs. 83 |
| Miscellaneous Expenses | Rs. 100 (Approx.) | Rs. 33 |
| Total Expenses | Rs. 1490 |
Day 3: Exploring More and Heading Back
Golu Devta Temple, Ghorakhal
Our day began at 7:30 AM with a shared taxi ride to Bhowali, which cost us Rs. 50 from the Nainital bus stand. From Bhowali, we took another taxi to Golu Devta Temple, Ghorakhal. The temple is famous for its numerous hanging bells, with each bell representing a wish made by a devotee. People say this temple represents (God of Justice), meaning if a person is facing a case and is not guilty, they can come here, hang a bell at the temple with their wish, and after some time, they will find relief.
We spent some time exploring and appreciating its unique charm before heading back to Nainital. The temple’s serene environment and unique traditions made it a memorable visit.
Check-Out and Tiffin Top Trek
We had a light breakfast before checking out of the hotel. In Nainital, the checkout time for all hotels is 10 AM. We checked out and approached the owner for our luggage. The owner kindly allowed us to leave our luggage at the main office while we trekked to Tiffin Top.
The trek, starting from Naina Devi Temple Road, took about 2-2.5 hours. The panoramic views from the top were stunning, and we captured many photos. The trek was a bit challenging but rewarding, offering beautiful views and a sense of accomplishment.
Final Meal and Departure
After the trek, we had bun tikki and noodles at a new restaurant we randomly found. You must try it if you get the chance. Then, we said goodbye to the momo vendor and bought some momos and kebabs to eat on the train. The food was delicious and provided a perfect end to our trip.
We collected our luggage, thanked the hotel owner, and headed to the bus stand. We took a bus to Kathgodam Railway Station, arriving around 7:30 PM. The journey back was smooth and gave us time to reflect on our wonderful trip.
Return to Delhi
We enjoyed chai and snacks outside the station before boarding our train back to Delhi, which departed at 8:35 PM. The train journey was a relaxing end to our trip, allowing us to rest and reminisce about the wonderful experiences we had in Nainital.
Budget Breakdown
Let’s break down the major expenses of our trip, considering transportation, accommodation, and activities for three people. Initially, our total expenses amounted to 8650 rupees for all three of us. When split evenly, each person’s share came to approximately 2883 rupees.
| Category | Total Expenses (Rs.) | Per Person (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation | Rs. 690 (Approx. Rs. 750) | – |
| – Train (Delhi to Kathgodam and back) | Rs. 440 | – |
| – Local Transport | Rs. 250 | – |
| Accommodation | Rs. 2600 | Rs. 870 (per person) |
| – Homestay (2 nights) | Rs. 2600 (Total) | Rs. 867 |
| Boating | Rs. 340 | Rs. 120 (per person) |
| – Naini Lake (45 minutes) | Rs. 340 | Rs. 113 |
| Food & Miscellaneous | Rs. 700 | – |
| Prasad for Temples | Rs. 400 | – |
| Total (Without Additional) | Rs. 2840 | – |
| Total (With Additional) | Rs. 3840 |
After considering all major expenses, including transportation, accommodation, boating, and additional expenses such as food, miscellaneous items, and Prasad for temples, our total expenditure for the trip ranges from Rs. 2840 to Rs. 3840 per person, depending on personal spending habits and preferences.
Tips for Travelers:
- Negotiate: Always bargain for hotel rooms and transportation to get the best deals.
- Public Transport: Use buses and shared taxis to save money and experience local life.
- Timing: Return to your hotel before 8 PM as most places in Nainital close early.
- Documentation: If renting bikes or scooters, make sure to record a video of the condition of the vehicle for any pre-existing damages to avoid extra charges. Having a valid driving license is important.
- Utilize train travel: Trains are often a cost-effective and comfortable mode of transportation for long distances. Booking train tickets in advance can help secure lower fares, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.
Conclusion
Nainital, with its serene lakes, majestic mountains, and spiritual temples, offers a delightful escape for budget travelers. By following these tips—negotiating for deals, utilizing public transport, being mindful of timing, and ensuring proper documentation—exploring this beautiful destination becomes both affordable and enjoyable.
Whether it’s bargaining for hotel rooms, taking scenic bus rides, or savoring local delicacies, Nainital provides an enriching experience without breaking the bank. So, pack your bags, plan wisely, and embark on a memorable Nainital Itinerary to this charming hill station. With careful planning and budget-friendly choices, Nainital awaits to enchant you with its natural beauty and cultural treasures.
Disclaimer
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FAQ’s
What is the best time to visit Nainital?
The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
How can I reach Nainital from Delhi?
You can reach Nainital from Delhi by bus, train, or car. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 34 km away.
What are the must-visit places in Nainital?
Must-visit places include Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, and Tiffin Top.
Are there budget accommodations in Nainital?
Yes, Nainital offers several budget accommodations, including guesthouses, hostels, and budget hotels.
What are the best activities to do in Nainital?
Popular activities include boating on Naini Lake, trekking, visiting the zoo, and exploring local markets.
Is Nainital safe for solo travelers?
Yes, Nainital is generally safe for solo travelers, with friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere.
