Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, famous for its scenic lake and pleasant weather. Kerala, in southern India, is known for its lush greenery and backwaters. Traveling from Kerala to Nainital is a popular route for those seeking a cool retreat from the southern heat.

This guide will help you understand the best ways to travel from Kerala to Nainital using different modes of transport. You will get detailed information on trains, buses, cars, and flights, along with practical travel tips to make your journey smooth and comfortable.

Getting from Kerala to Nainital – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a popular and economical option for long-distance journeys in India. From Kerala to Nainital, trains connect you to nearby major railway stations, followed by local transport to Nainital.

• You can board trains from major Kerala stations like Ernakulam Junction, Thiruvananthapuram Central, or Kozhikode to reach Kathgodam Railway Station, the closest railhead to Nainital, approximately 35 km away.

• The train journey covers around 2,800 to 3,000 kilometers and takes roughly 40 to 48 hours depending on the train and route, with fares ranging from INR 800 to 2,500 for sleeper and AC classes.

• Popular trains include the Lucknow Express and Ranikhet Express, which connect northern India to Kathgodam; booking tickets via IRCTC well in advance is recommended due to high demand.

• Train travel offers comfort with sleeper and AC coaches, but expect crowding during festivals and holiday seasons; monsoon delays are rare on this route.

• At Kathgodam station, you can find prepaid taxis, shared jeeps, and buses to Nainital; the last 1-hour drive is scenic but involves hilly roads with occasional traffic jams during peak tourist seasons.

Bus

Bus travel from Kerala to Nainital is less common due to the long distance but possible with multiple changes. It suits travelers on a budget who prefer road travel.

• Buses from Kerala cities like Thiruvananthapuram or Kochi connect to Delhi or Lucknow via state transport or private operators, covering around 3,000 km in 50 to 60 hours with fares between INR 1,200 and 2,500.

• From Delhi or Lucknow, you can take direct Volvo or deluxe buses to Nainital, which take about 7 to 8 hours, running frequently from ISBT Anand Vihar or Charbagh Bus Stand.

• Bus travel involves multiple transfers and can be tiring; night buses are available but may lack comfort compared to trains or flights.

• Road conditions on national highways like NH 44 and NH 9 are generally good, but expect slow movement in hilly stretches near Nainital, especially during monsoon or winter fog.

• Bus stops in Nainital are near Tallital or Mallital areas, where local taxis and auto-rickshaws are available for last-mile connectivity to hotels.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Kerala to Nainital is an adventurous option for those who enjoy road trips and want flexibility in travel plans.

• The distance by road is approximately 3,000 km, taking about 50 to 55 hours of driving time via NH 44 and NH 9, crossing multiple states including Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

• Major toll plazas on the route require cash or FASTag payments; plan for regular breaks at highway dhabas and rest stops for food and refreshments.

• Driving through the plains is smooth, but the last 30 km to Nainital involves narrow, winding mountain roads that require careful driving, especially in monsoon or winter.

• Self-drive offers freedom to explore en route, but ensure your vehicle is well-serviced; carry a physical map or GPS with offline maps due to patchy network in some areas.

• Plan overnight stops in cities like Nagpur, Kanpur, or Delhi to avoid fatigue; booking hotels in advance is advisable during peak seasons.

Flight

Flights are the fastest way to cover the long distance from Kerala to northern India, combined with road travel to reach Nainital.

• Kerala has several airports including Kochi International Airport, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, and Calicut International Airport offering flights to Delhi, the nearest major airport to Nainital.

• Flight duration from Kerala to Delhi is approximately 3 to 4 hours, with fares ranging from INR 3,000 to 8,000 depending on the airline and booking time.

• From Delhi Airport, you can hire prepaid taxis, app-based cabs like Ola or Uber, or take buses to Nainital; the road journey takes about 7 to 8 hours covering around 320 km.

• Alternatively, you can fly to Pantnagar Airport, about 70 km from Nainital, but flights are limited and less frequent; from Pantnagar, taxis and buses are available for the final leg.

• Booking flights early and checking for seasonal discounts can reduce costs; avoid traveling during foggy winter mornings in Delhi as flights may be delayed.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Kerala to Nainital, helping you manage connections and local transport smoothly.

• Book your train or flight tickets in advance through IRCTC or airline websites to secure preferred dates and classes, especially during holidays and summer vacations.

• If traveling by train, choose a train that arrives at Kathgodam during daylight hours to avoid last-mile travel in the dark; pre-book a taxi or shared jeep for the 1-hour drive to Nainital.

• For flights, select a Delhi arrival time early in the day to allow ample time for the road journey to Nainital; arrange a prepaid taxi or Ola/Uber from the airport to the bus station or directly to Nainital.

• If opting for bus travel, plan your transfers carefully, noting bus timings and stops; carry snacks and water as some routes have limited food options.

• When driving, prepare your vehicle with necessary documents, check weather forecasts, and plan overnight halts to avoid fatigue; keep emergency contacts handy.

• Pack light but include warm clothes for Nainital’s cooler climate, and carry a power bank and offline maps to stay connected during the journey.

Practical Travel Tips

• Always use prepaid taxi services or app-based cabs in Nainital to avoid overcharging; negotiate fares beforehand if using local taxis without meters.

• Drink only bottled or filtered water during your journey and in Nainital to avoid stomach issues; carry reusable water bottles to refill at safe points.

• Book train and flight tickets at least 30 days in advance through official portals like IRCTC and airline websites to get confirmed seats and better prices.

• Local transport in Nainital includes shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and rented bikes; avoid traveling alone at night in isolated areas for safety.

• Pack your luggage in sturdy bags with locks; keep important documents and valuables in a carry bag accessible during travel.

• During monsoon (July to September), expect slippery roads and occasional landslides near Nainital; check weather updates and avoid night travel in hilly areas.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to travel from Kerala to Nainital depends on weather and tourist seasons. Summer months offer pleasant weather in Nainital, while winters are cold but less crowded.

Monsoon season brings heavy rains in Uttarakhand, which can cause roadblocks and delays. Planning your trip around festivals and peak seasons can help avoid crowds and high prices.

• Avoid traveling during major festivals like Diwali and Christmas when trains and flights are fully booked and roads are busy.

• Monsoon months (July to September) may cause landslides and slippery roads near Nainital, making travel risky and slower.

• Winter fog in Delhi and northern plains during December and January can delay flights and trains; early morning departures are best avoided.

• Departing Kerala early in the morning helps you catch connecting trains or flights smoothly and avoid city traffic delays.

Arrival at Nainital & What to Expect

Upon arrival in Nainital, you will find a small but busy town with narrow roads and limited parking. The main entry points are via Tallital or Mallital, where most hotels and markets are located.

Local transport options include shared taxis, auto-rickshaws, and rented scooters. Prepaid taxis and app-based cabs are available but less common; walking is often the best way to explore the lake area. Expect some uphill walking due to the town’s hilly terrain.

Conclusion

Traveling from Kerala to Nainital is a long but rewarding journey. The most efficient option is to fly from Kerala to Delhi and then take a taxi or bus to Nainital, saving time and effort. Train travel is economical and comfortable if you prefer a scenic and relaxed pace.

Plan your trip well in advance, especially during peak seasons, and keep local weather and road conditions in mind. With proper preparation and practical travel tips, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable journey to the beautiful hill station of Nainital from Kerala.