Amit Khanna
Sameer Staff answered 6 months ago
Reaching Nainital, a popular hill station in Uttarakhand, India, can be done via several modes of transportation. Here’s a detailed comparison of the various options, including the time taken, pros, cons, and cost considerations:
1. By Road
Options:
Self-Drive: Renting a car or driving your own vehicle.
Bus: Taking a state-run or private bus.
Time Taken:
From Delhi: Approximately 7-8 hours (300-350 km).
From Dehradun: Approximately 6-7 hours (300 km).
Pros:
Self-Drive: Flexibility to stop en route, enjoy scenic views, and travel at your own pace.
Bus: Cost-effective, no need to navigate or drive yourself.
Cons:
Self-Drive: Requires dealing with traffic and mountain driving.
Bus: Less flexibility, possible discomfort during the journey.
Cost:
Self-Drive: Fuel costs + tolls (approximately ₹2,000-₹3,000 for a round trip from Delhi).
Bus: ₹500-₹1,500 per person, depending on the type of bus (ordinary, semi-deluxe, or Volvo).
2. By Train
Options:
Train to Kathgodam: The nearest railway station, 34 km from Nainital.
Time Taken:
From Delhi: Approximately 6-7 hours to Kathgodam.
From Kathgodam to Nainital: 1-2 hours by road.
Pros:
Comfortable journey with scenic views.
Avoids the hassle of driving through traffic.
Cons:
Limited direct trains to Kathgodam.
Additional travel time from Kathgodam to Nainital.
Cost:
₹500-₹2,500 per person, depending on the class of travel (sleeper, AC chair car, or AC 3-tier).
3. By Air
Options:
Flight to Pantnagar Airport: The nearest airport, 70 km from Nainital.
Time Taken:
From Delhi: Approximately 1 hour by flight to Pantnagar.
From Pantnagar to Nainital: 2-3 hours by road.
Pros:
Fastest way to reach the nearest point to Nainital.
Convenient and comfortable.
Cons:
Limited flight options.
Additional travel time from Pantnagar to Nainital.
Cost:
₹2,000-₹5,000 per person for the flight, plus ₹1,000-₹2,000 for a taxi or shared vehicle from Pantnagar to Nainital.
Comparison Summary
| Mode | Time Taken (From Delhi) | Cost (Approx.) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-Drive | 7-8 hours | ₹2,000-₹3,000 (round trip) | Flexibility, scenic stops | Traffic, mountain driving |
| Bus | 7-8 hours | ₹500-₹1,500 per person | Cost-effective, no driving required | Less flexible, possible discomfort |
| Train | 7-9 hours (including road) | ₹500-₹2,500 per person | Comfortable, scenic views | Limited direct trains, additional road travel |
| Air | 4-5 hours (including road) | ₹3,000-₹7,000 per person | Fastest, convenient | Limited flights, additional road travel, higher cost |
—————–
Budget Travelers: Bus or train are the best options.
Comfort Seekers: Train provides a good balance of comfort and cost.
Time-Conscious Travelers: Flying to Pantnagar and then driving to Nainital is the quickest but also the most expensive option.
Adventure and Flexibility Enthusiasts: Self-driving offers the most flexibility and the chance to explore en route.
Choose the option that best fits your preferences, budget, and time constraints.
Nidhi Staff answered 4 months ago
Reaching Nainital, a popular hill station in Uttarakhand, India, is convenient through various modes of transportation. Here are the different ways to reach Nainital:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, located about 70 km away. However, this airport has limited connectivity. A more common option is to fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and then travel to Nainital by road or train.
By Train:
The nearest major railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is about 34 km away. Kathgodam is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Nainital.
By Road:
Nainital is well-connected by road to major cities in North India. Here are some options:
From Delhi: Nainital is approximately 300 km from Delhi. You can drive via NH9, which takes about 7-8 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from ISBT Anand Vihar or book a private cab.
From Dehradun: Nainital is around 285 km from Dehradun, and the journey takes about 7-8 hours by car via NH734 and NH109.
By Bus:
Uttarakhand Roadways and private operators run regular bus services from Delhi, Dehradun, and other nearby cities to Nainital. You can choose from ordinary, deluxe, or Volvo buses.
Local Transport in Nainital:
Once you reach Nainital, you can use local taxis, auto-rickshaws, or rent a bike to explore the town and nearby attractions.
Suggested Routes and Travel Tips:
From Delhi:
By Train: Take a train to Kathgodam and then a taxi or bus to Nainital.
By Bus: Overnight Volvo or deluxe buses are available from ISBT Anand Vihar.
By Car: A scenic road trip via NH9.
From Kathgodam:
Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the railway station and take about 1-1.5 hours to reach Nainital.
Bus: Regular bus services are available from Kathgodam to Nainital.
Best Travel Tips:
Book in Advance: Especially during peak tourist seasons, it’s advisable to book your transport and accommodation in advance.
Check Weather Conditions: Nainital experiences varying weather conditions, so check the forecast and carry appropriate clothing.
Travel Light: Due to hilly terrain, it’s easier to travel with light luggage.
By following these tips and choosing the most convenient mode of transport, you can have a smooth journey to Nainital.