The Naini Lake, Colonial Heritage & Kumaon's Lesser-Known Lakes
Nainital (2,084m) is the queen of the Kumaon hills — a colonial-era retreat built around the crescent-shaped Naini Lake, surrounded by seven hills that the British likened to the English Lake District (hence the nickname). This 4-day tour gives unhurried time to properly enjoy the town and its surroundings without the rush of a single overnight.
The lake itself is the centrepiece — boating in the morning mist, the Naina Devi Temple on its shore, and Mall Road running along one edge with its colonial buildings, bakeries, and Kumaoni handicraft shops. Snow View Point (reached by cable car) and Naina Peak (2,611m) offer two contrasting panoramas — one easily accessible, one requiring more effort but rewarding with Nanda Devi views on clear days.
A day excursion to Bhimtal and Sattal — two of the quieter lakes in the Kumaon lake district, less commercial than Nainital and surrounded by pine forest — rounds out the tour with a genuinely peaceful contrast to the town's more active atmosphere.
What makes this journey special
Your journey, unfolded
Depart Delhi early morning for Nainital (290 km, ~7 hrs). Arrive by evening and check in to your lakeside hotel. Evening stroll along Mall Road and the lake promenade.
Morning boat ride on Naini Lake. Naina Devi Temple on the lake's northern shore. Snow View Point (cable car) for Nanda Devi views on clear days. Afternoon: Naina Peak (2,611m, the highest point above Nainital) for the most expansive panorama, or a relaxed walk through the Mall Road's shops and bakeries.
Drive to Bhimtal (22 km) — a larger and quieter lake than Naini, with a small island temple (now a Lake Aquarium) reached by boat, and a more relaxed, less commercial atmosphere. Continue to Sattal (10 km further) — a cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes set in dense pine and oak forest, one of the finest birdwatching locations in Kumaon (over 580 species recorded in the wider region). Optional walk around the lakes or simple boating. Return to Nainital for the evening.
A final relaxed morning by the lake — perhaps one more boat ride, or breakfast at a Mall Road café with views over the water. Drive back to Delhi (290 km, ~7 hrs). Tour concludes.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Included ✓
- ✓ 3 nights accommodation in handpicked lakeside hotels
- ✓ Daily breakfast throughout
- ✓ Private vehicle for all transfers
- ✓ Naini Lake boating
- ✓ Bhimtal & Sattal excursion
- ✓ All applicable taxes
Not Included ✗
- ✗ Flights / trains (not required — included drive from Delhi)
- ✗ Travel insurance
- ✗ Lunches & dinners
- ✗ Snow View cable car ticket (optional, payable locally)
- ✗ Personal expenses & gratuities
Your questions, answered
Both are popular Uttarakhand hill stations, but with different characters. Nainital is centred entirely around its lake — boating, lakeside walks, and views of the water from almost everywhere in town — and is closer to Corbett National Park, making it easy to combine with a wildlife safari. Mussoorie is a ridge-top hill station with sweeping valley views (the 'Queen of the Hills') and is closer to Haridwar/Rishikesh, making it the natural choice if you want to combine hills with the Ganges pilgrimage circuit. If you have time for only one, choose based on whether you want lakes + wildlife (Nainital) or ridge views + the Ganges (Mussoorie).
March–June: pleasant temperatures, rhododendrons in bloom, clear mountain views. September–November: post-monsoon clarity, the best Himalayan visibility of the year, crisp air. December–February: cold, occasional snow in Nainital/Mussoorie, atmospheric but some activities limited. Avoid July–August (monsoon) — heavy rain, landslide risk on hill roads, and reduced visibility.
Absolutely — every tour is fully private and tailored to you. We can adjust duration, add Ranikhet, Almora, or Kausani, or combine with a Char Dham pilgrimage. Enquire at no obligation.
Most of our tours include private vehicle transfers throughout from Delhi. Alternatively, Kathgodam (for Nainital/Corbett) and Haridwar/Dehradun (for Mussoorie/Rishikesh) have direct train connections from Delhi — a comfortable overnight or day train followed by a short drive is a popular option.
60+ days: full refund minus admin fee. 30–59 days: 75% refund. 15–29 days: 50%. Under 15 days: no refund. Travel insurance strongly recommended.
