This beautiful mango shaped lake situated at Nainital, Uttarakhand in India is a very famous tourist spot especially for the especially for those who wish to spend some quality time with family away from the heat and hustle bustle of the metropolis. Every year people in huge numbers visit this place in the summers and even winters to play in the snow. And so did me and my friends decided to visit the place …….
Delhi to Haldwani by bus
A lot of buses ply from Delhi ( Anand Vihar ISBT) both directly to Nainital or Haldwani from where you can take a cab (easily found on the bus stand) for the remaining distance of 40 Kms (takes about 1 hr). One can also take a train to Haldwani and a cab thereafter.
We took a bus from Delhi at night and after a 6 hrs. journey reached Haldwani from where we took a cab to Nainital.
Day 1in Nainital
On reaching Nainital, we looked out for a place to stay. Luckily we found a nice decent hotel with the amazing lake view on the Mall road at a very very affordable price due to offseason.
After a small sleep we had an omelet for the breakfast and with still empty stomachs left to explore the city. Starting with a few minutes sitting next to the lake enjoying the breeze we were approached by a lot of cab drivers to take us to the around 13 viewpoints around the city. So we decided to take this which costs 700 per pax. The different points included few lakes, horse riding point( paid separately), barahpatthar ( a place where one can learn rock climbing), Lovers & Suicide point, a waterfall, caves (entry fee paid separately) and few more…One can find good options to fill the stomach at the waterfall. After 5 hrs. we were dropped back to the start point.
Next, we headed towards the famous market called The Bhotia Market where one can buy stuff from clothing to games and much more. Then we prayed at Naina Devi temple situated on the Lakeside. Now it was time to feed the stomach and the Bhotia market was the perfect place to eat at. A wide variety of options were available and we tried our hands on the Chinese food the place is known for. One must give a visit to Machan for eating.
Now, as the sun was down we took a walk on the Mall road which I found was better than that of Shimla. It was a really amazing walk with one after the other ice creams. There are lots of restaurants and branded shops one can try. At night the entry of cars is closed and the road is flooded with tourist in seasons.
We reached our hotel and made arrangements for some party. Then the late night Hookah on the terrace with a perfect lake view was the best part ( Because to buy that one HOOKAH we had to trek for about 2 hrs visiting the same place for thrice because of the great help we got from the local shopkeepers). That’s all for the day GOOD NIGHT…See you tomorrow.
Day 2 in Nainital
We started a little late because of the late night party. We took a boat ride to reach the other side of the Mall road from where we were to take a ropeway which took us to Snow View Point from where the view was as shown above. After enjoying for about an hour we returned back and took a shuttle to the Zoo. I must say it was a very nice one where we saw the tiger, beautiful birds, Chimpanzees and a lot more…
After returning back we filled up our stomachs as it was around 6 in the eve. Next, we took a walk on the Mall road to once again see the beauty and around 8 Pm took the bus back to Delhi.
For you have time in hand and want to extend your holiday then visit the much more serene and rejuvenating town of Mukteshwar at just 42 km from Nainital.
Cost
Coming over to the most important part we managed the trip at almost negligible cost i.e. Rs 2000 per pax.
Delhi – Nainital-Delhi = 800 per pax
Hotel ( 3 rooms) = Total 1200 per night Shared amongst 7
Boating + cab tour = 800 per pax
Food = 100 Rs per meal per head
I think we had a lot for that little amount and those two days went very well for all of us looking forward to which we soon planned our next trip to Agra.
One must give a visit to the Nanda Devi Mahotsav hosted every year. This time it’s from 6th to 11th of September 2016.
That’s all folks………..
What a beautiful lake, that photo taken from the view point is amazing. You guys didn’t go to the lake itself? Was it not allowed?
It is allowed and and we did went to it for boating the next day but don’t have an image to share.
Awesome getaway! The Lovers and suicide point sounded interesting! Why is it called like that? Would have liked to try rock climbing!
Its a straight vertical cliff where lovers enjoy proposing their partners and suicide because one can jump off the cliff straight down to the deep valley if proposal not accepted.. but now barricading has been done to reduce such incidents and place has become more of a tourists spot
This is an amazing lake and definitely a must visit place with the family to relax and get away from the bustling metropolis. i would love to being my family over there.
U sure must visit the place and let me know if needed anymore info..
Nainital is a lovely and picturesque town. The Naini lake indeed is its crowning glory with its shimmering waters, reflecting the colours of the sky. The entire region seems blessed by nature.
THis place looks like a real gem. A pitty you don´t have more pictures. We are heading to India next week and I put this place on my list to maybe visit. 🙂 Thanks
Well I live close by so will update with pics when visit again. You are most welcome to visit this place. The weather is also nice as winters approaching. You may wake up to a foggy morning to enjoy your cup of tea…
Nanital is a very beautiful place. Would love to visit it once 🙂
Yes you should definitely give it a visit
Nainital sounds to be an interesting place to explore. But I have also heard it gets quite crowded. Which is the best time to visit?
Don’t visit in months of May, June, July, December, January to avoid crowd. Stays and shopping gets heavy on pocket
I like how you write your travel story with the awesome beauty of the lake. Very detailed by the way, which I seemed to be like I’m traveling with you. I like how you included the cost as well to go there so we can have an idea of how much money to prepare. Thank you so much for sharing!
LaiAriel
Thanks and that’s what I want my readers to travel along with me while they read
We have heard a lot about Naini Lake but is the first time we are getting to read something on it. The colors of the lake and the abundance of surrounding nature makes it a heavenly location. Hope to visit someday 🙂
Naini is such a beautiful lake! It sounds like all the activities are surrounded by the lake or have this lake in the background. What a nice place for relaxation!
Very beautiful place. I wish there was a little more pictures since I have never been there, it would be great to see more of it. Sounds like you guys had a great trip!
Sorry for the lack of Images. Will soon try to visit again and gather more as many viewers are saying the same thing.
This lake looks very beautiful & peaceful. It sounds like there are quite a few things to do around the area too. It looks like a great place to go horseback riding & rock climbing, did you try any of those activities?
Ya I did horse riding but a quite back in time not on this trip
It sounds like an enjoyable 2 day trip. I love anytime I can spend near a beautiful lake!
Im highly considering India on my bucketlist and looking for a nice place to travel outiside the city. Hnmm 6hrs travel is not bad. The lake looks stunning! Ill consider this as a place to see in India 🙂
Sure you must visit once
Hey Mohit, we are actually making a winter holiday plan to really ‘cool’ (cold) places 🙂 Nainital is also under consideration. What are the places to explore near Nainital? How much time to Auli?
Connect with me on facebook and message me. Will be happy to detail out everything for you as I belong to this place.
http://www.facebook.com/mohitarts16
India is such a charming place! i would love to visit it very soon and go hiking there. Pure natural beauty!
What a view! I’d love to go and visit the lake myself, I do enjoy nature, particularly when lakes, rivers, seas or waterfalls are involved. This summer in Scotland was amazing for this 🙂
Heard a lot about scotland…will someday visit there too
What a gorgeous view! It looks like it would be such a wonderful place to relax near. India keeps getting higher and higher on my list of places to visit. There is so many different kinds of beauty to be seen!
Ya India is full of vividness….you must come with a plenty of time in hand to explore all….and rest assured you will love it
Great views, I would totally check this place out! Thanks for breaking down costs 🙂
Thanks but the cost varies a lot from time to time so do check before you visit….nd feel free to ask for any help while you visit
This lake really looks beautiful and pristine! I was in Delhi and didn’t know about the opportunity to go and explore this! Thank you for posting this. I hope to get there next time.
Ya you should add that to your list ….
This looks like a lovely place to spend a few days especially with good friends! We don’t smoke hookahs often, but every once in a while we imbibe & always have a great time. Sounds like you managed this trip without breaking the bank!
That valley looks like such a beautiful and peaceful place. If one is not far is really a nice spot to visit. Thank you for sharing both information and photos.
thanks…
Another nice thing about this lake is, if you are in Delhi, you can visit Naini Lake without flying. It’s also situated in the residential area of model town, one of the posh areas in Delhi. I love that boating can be enjoyed at this place with your family and friends.
Didn’t knew that there’s one in delhi too that in a residential area
Beautiful itinerary. Perfect for a weekend getaway. I have heard a lot about the naini lake, hope to make there soon
yes its a perfect destination…
Ha, the lake is indeed mango-shaped! I bet the boat ride is a fun activity to do there, I’d certainly enjoy it. Nainital looks like a great weekend getaway.
Its one of the most famous hill stations in India
This looks beautiful!!! We are obsessed with traveling which is why we decided to travel the entire US as a full time RV family!!! Ty for sharing your travels with the world!
Feels good to see appreciation from viewers..thanks
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Great article. Love the pictures. very inspiring.
Glad to hear that…
Beautiful view and it is a very affordable trip.
Thanks and yes it was pretty much affordable…probably because of weekday