A 4-day trip covering Nainital, Almora, and Ranikhet is a perfect way to experience the “Queen of Lakes,” the “Queen’s Meadow,” and the cultural heart of Kumaon.
Since these towns are relatively close (approx. 2–3 hours apart), you can minimize travel time and maximize sightseeing.
Highlights
- Nainital: Boating on Naini Lake, visiting Naina Devi Temple, and evening strolls on Mall Road.
- Nainital & Lakes: Lake tour (Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal), Snow View Point (via cable car), and Eco Cave Gardens.
- Almora: En route visit to Kainchi Dham; explore Kasar Devi Temple and Chitai Golu Devta Temple.
- Ranikhet: Visit the Upat Golf Course, Jhula Devi Temple, and Chaubatia Orchards before departure.
Nainital (2N) - Almora (1N) - Ranikhet (1N)
A 4-day trip to Nainital, Almora, and Ranikhet covers the heart of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand.
To make the most of your time, it’s best to use Nainital as your starting point, as it is the most accessible via the Kathgodam Railway Station.
Nainital Lake / Naini Lake
Duration of visit: 1 Hour
Timings: Boating Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
Naina Devi Temple
Duration of visit: 30 Mins - 1 Hr
Timings: 6 AM to 9.30 PM
Snow View Point
Duration of visit: 1 Hour
Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM, Closed on Saturdays
Mall Road
Duration of visit: 1 Hour
Timings: 6 AM to 10 PM
Himalaya Darshan Point
Duration of visit: 30 Mins
Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM
Lover's Point
Duration of visit: 30 Mins
Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM
Eco Cave Garden
Duration of visit: 1-2 Hours
Timings: 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM
Tiffin Top / Dorothy's Seat
Duration of visit: 2-3 Hours
Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM
High Altitude Zoo
Duration of visit: 1 Hour
Timings: 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM. Closed on Mondays and national holidays
Bright End Corner
Duration of visit: 30 Mins
Timings: 6 AM - 6 PM
Jageshwar Dham
Duration of visit: 2 Hours
Timings: 4 AM to 6 PM
Chitai Golu Devta Temple
Duration of visit: 1 Hour
Timings: 10.30 AM - 4.30 PM
Govind Ballabh Pant Government Museum
Duration of visit: 1 Hour
Timings: 10.30 AM - 4.30 PM on all days except Mondays, Second Sundays and national holidays
Nanda Devi Temple
Duration of visit: 30 Mins - 1 Hr
Timings: 6 AM - 10 PM
Katarmal Sun Temple
Duration of visit: 1-2 Hours
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Upat Golf Course
Duration of visit: 30 Mins
Timings: 7 AM - 7 PM
Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum & Memorial
Duration of visit: 30 Mins - 1 Hr
Timings: 9 AM - 6 PM
Mankameshwar Temple
Duration of visit: 30 Mins
Timings: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM
Binsar Mahadev Mandir
Duration of visit: 1 Hour
Timings: 7 AM - 7 PM
END OF THE TOUR
- Accommodation: 3 nights of stay in well-appointed hotels (usually 2 nights in Nainital and 1 night in Almora/Ranikhet).
- Meals: Daily breakfast and dinner at the hotels (MAP plan).
- Lunch is rarely included to allow flexibility during sightseeing.
- Transport: Private AC/Non-AC vehicle (like a Sedan or SUV) for all transfers and local sightseeing.
- Note: AC is typically switched off during hill climbs for safety and vehicle performance.
- Pickup & Drop: Door-to-door service from Kathgodam Railway Station or Delhi Airport/Station.
- Driver Charges: Fuel, driver allowance, parking fees, and toll taxes are usually covered.
- Local Sightseeing:
- Nainital: Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Eco Cave Garden, and Snow View Point.
- Almora: Bright End Corner, Chitai Golu Devta Temple, and Kasar Devi.
- Ranikhet: Chaubatia Gardens, Jhula Devi Temple, and the Golf Course.
- Transport to Base: Airfare, train tickets, or bus fares to reach the starting point (Delhi/Kathgodam).
- Lunch & Snacks: Any meals or beverages outside the fixed breakfast/dinner menu at the hotel.
- Activity Fees: Boating charges at Naini Lake, Cable Car/Ropeway tickets, and Horse riding fees at Tiffin Top.
- Entry Tickets: Entrance fees for museums (like the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum), Zoo, and Botanical Gardens.
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, tips for drivers/waiters, telephone calls, and room heater charges (often extra in winter).
- Government Taxes: A mandatory 5% GST is usually added to the final package price.
- Travel Insurance: Medical or travel insurance is rarely included.
March to June for pleasant weather; October to February for a chance of snow and clear Himalayan views. Avoid the monsoon (July–September) due to landslide risks.
Even in summer, carry light woolens as evenings can get chilly. Heavy woolens are essential for winter trips.
Don’t miss out on Bhatt ki Churkani and Aloo ke Gutke for an authentic taste of Kumaon.
