Where to stay in Nainital: the short guide
Nainital wraps around its lake, with Mallital at the northern end and Tallital at the southern end, joined by the 1.5 km Mall Road. Staying on or just above Mall Road puts the lake, restaurants and boating at your door, and many hotels have lake views.
Parking is scarce and traffic jams are common on summer weekends. If you are driving or want peace and quiet, nearby Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal and Mukteshwar have more space and resort-style stays.
Best areas to stay in Nainital
Mall Road
The lakeside promenade with the most hotels, cafés and shops. Ask for a lake-view room.
Mallital
The northern end, near Naina Devi Temple, the Flats and Bara Bazaar. Lively and central.
Tallital
The southern end, near the bus stand and the taxi stand. Practical and often cheaper.
Snow View and Sukhatal
Hillside hotels above the town, with views and quieter evenings.
Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal
Lakes about 20 to 25 km away with resorts, more space and easier parking.
Mukteshwar and Pangot
Quiet hill stays and nature resorts with Himalayan views.
Hotels near Kathgodam station and getting to Nainital
Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, about 35 km away and roughly 1 to 1.5 hours by taxi. Overnight and day trains run from Delhi.
Pantnagar Airport, about 65 to 70 km away, has limited flights. Many visitors drive from Delhi, about 300 km and usually 7 to 8 hours depending on traffic.
Vehicle entry and parking in Nainital can be regulated during peak season. Check with your hotel about parking before you arrive.
Find the right kind of hotel in Nainital
Lake-view hotels in Nainital
Hotels on Mall Road and the slopes above it; confirm the room category includes the view.
Hotels near Naina Devi Temple
Mallital hotels within a short walk of the temple and the Flats.
Honeymoon stays in Nainital
Lake-view rooms in town, or quieter resorts in Bhimtal, Sattal and Mukteshwar.
Couple-friendly hotels in Nainital
Many hotels accept couples with valid photo ID for both guests. Check the policy before booking.
Family hotels in Nainital
Hotels near Mall Road and resorts in Bhimtal with family rooms and parking.
Budget hotels in Nainital
Tallital and the lanes off Mall Road have simpler rooms.
Hotels for every budget in Nainital
Budget hotels
Tallital and the lanes off Mall Road. Rates jump on summer weekends.
Mid-range hotels
Mall Road and the hills above it, many with lake views.
Resorts and heritage stays
Bhimtal, Sattal, Mukteshwar and a few colonial-era hotels in town.
Rates change with season, day of the week and local events, so search your exact dates to see live prices.
What to do near your hotel
- Naini Lake: rowing, paddle boats and yacht rides on the lake.
- Naina Devi Temple: the lakeside temple at Mallital.
- Snow View Point: reached by cable car, with Himalayan views on clear days.
- Tiffin Top and Lands End: short hikes with views over the valley.
- Mall Road evenings: shopping, cafés and lakeside walks.
- Bhimtal and Sattal: lake trips for boating and quieter scenery.
- Kainchi Dham: the popular ashram about 17 km away; expect crowds on festival days.
- Mukteshwar: the Mukteshwar Dham temple and orchards with Himalayan views.
When to visit Nainital
| March to June | Peak season, with pleasant days and busy weekends. |
|---|---|
| July to August | Monsoon with landslide risk on hill roads; lower prices. |
| September to February | Clear autumn skies, then cold winters with occasional snow in December and January. |
Good to know before you book
- Avoid arriving on Friday evenings in summer, when traffic is heaviest.
- Check parking with your hotel; it is limited near Mall Road.
- Lake-view rooms cost more and sell out first.
- In winter, check that rooms have heaters.
See live prices for Nainital
Travelyne checks Booking.com, Agoda, Tripadvisor and direct hotels in one search. You book on the supplier's own page.
Compare hotels in NainitalFrequently asked questions
Which is the best area to stay in Nainital?
Mall Road for lake views and convenience. Mallital is lively and central, and Tallital is near the bus stand.
Are there lake-view hotels in Nainital?
Yes, many hotels on Mall Road and the slopes above it offer lake-view rooms.
How far is Kathgodam from Nainital?
About 35 km, usually 1 to 1.5 hours by taxi.
Is Bhimtal better than Nainital for a stay?
Bhimtal is quieter, with easier parking and resorts, while Nainital has more restaurants, shops and activity.
How far is Nainital from Delhi?
About 300 km, usually 7 to 8 hours by road.
When is the best time to visit Nainital?
March to June and September to November.