Nainital, nestled in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon hills, is a beloved Himalayan destination for travelers across India—including those from Kerala. While there are no direct flights, trains, or buses from Kerala to Nainital, several easy and comfortable route combinations can bring you to this beautiful lake town. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide for each travel mode, including the fastest, most affordable, and most practical options.
Kerala to Nainital Distance
- By Air + Road: 2,500–2,850 km (depending on your Kerala city)
- By Train: 2,400–2,700 km (with changes)
- Overall Travel Time: 10–27 hours (air + road is fastest; train and bus take longer)
Best Ways to Reach Nainital from Kerala
1. By Air (Fastest & Most Convenient)
A. Flying to Pantnagar (Nearest Airport to Nainital)
- Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the closest airport to Nainital, about 70 km away.
- No direct flights from Kerala cities; all flights require at least one layover, usually in Delhi.
- Popular Route:
- Fly from Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, or Kozhikode to Delhi
- Take a connecting flight from Delhi to Pantnagar
- From Pantnagar, hire a taxi to Nainital (70 km, 1.5–2 hours)
Example (Kochi to Nainital):
| Segment | Mode | Duration | Typical Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kochi–Delhi | Flight | 3.5–4 hours | ₹4,500–₹10,000 |
| Delhi–Pantnagar | Flight | 1.5 hours | ₹3,500–₹13,000 |
| Pantnagar–Nainital | Taxi | 1.5–2 hours | ₹1,500–₹2,500 |
| Total | — | 6.5–9 hours* | ₹10,000–₹25,000 |
*Including layovers, expect a total journey of 7–13 hours.
B. Flying to Delhi + Surface Transport
If Pantnagar flights are inconvenient or expensive, fly to Delhi first (direct flights daily from Kerala cities are frequent), then:
- By Taxi from Delhi:
- Hire a taxi directly to Nainital (315 km, 7–8 hours, ₹6,500–₹12,000)
- By Train from Delhi:
- Take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam (nearest major railhead, 34 km from Nainital; journey: 5–7 hours)
- Taxi or bus from Kathgodam to Nainital (1–1.5 hours, ₹150–₹600)
Total Duration: About 10–14 hours (flight + road/rail)
2. By Train (Budget-Friendly, Longer Journey)
There is no direct train from Kerala to Nainital; you must connect via Delhi or North India.
Route:
- Step 1: Take a train from your Kerala city (Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode) to Delhi (Trains like Kerala Express, Nizamuddin Express; journey time: 40–45 hours)
- Step 2: Board a connecting train from Delhi to Kathgodam (5–7 hours; check Ranikhet Express, Shatabdi Express schedules)
- Step 3: Take a taxi/bus from Kathgodam to Nainital (1–1.5 hours)
| Segment | Time | Fare (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala to Delhi (train) | 40–45 hours | ₹950–₹3,500 |
| Delhi to Kathgodam (train) | 6–7 hours | ₹400–₹1,700 |
| Kathgodam to Nainital | 1–1.5 hours | ₹150–₹600 |
Total Travel Time: 2–3 days (including transfers)
3. By Bus (Least Recommended for Full Route)
- No direct or single-seat bus from Kerala to Nainital.
- Option is to take a bus or multi-segment route to Delhi (approx. 3–4 days), then a bus from Delhi to Nainital (8–10 hours).
- Not recommended unless seeking a budget, slow, and very local overland adventure.
Quick Reference Comparison
| Mode | Duration | Cost Range | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Taxi | 7–13 hours | ₹10,000–₹25,000+ | Fastest, most comfortable |
| Flight + Train | 12–16 hours | ₹6,000–₹13,000+ | Good value, book early |
| Train + Taxi | 2–3 days | ₹1,600–₹4,000+ | Cheapest, needs planning |
| Bus (multi-leg) | 3–4 days | ₹2,000–₹4,000+ | Not practical for most |
Essential Travel Tips
- Book flights and trains well in advance (especially October–June, and school holidays).
- Pantnagar is a small airport— flight schedules can be limited and change seasonally; Delhi is the best large airport option.
- For the last leg (Kathgodam/Pantnagar to Nainital):
- Taxis and shared jeeps are available at all hours.
- Local buses also run from Kathgodam/Haldwani to Nainital.
- Travel light for transfers; hill travel is easier with less luggage.
- Weather Check: Monsoon (July–September) can delay trains and affect road conditions.
- Accommodation: Pre-book in Nainital during weekends and high season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there a direct flight from Kerala to Nainital?
A: No. Fly to Pantnagar (nearest, with a change in Delhi) or directly to Delhi, then take a taxi, train, or bus for the final leg.
Q: Which is faster—flight or train?
A: Flight + taxi is much faster (8–12 hours from Kerala to Nainital); trains take at least 2–3 days.
Q: Cheapest travel method?
A: Trains are cheapest but much slower. Advance bookings offer better rates.
Conclusion
Reaching Nainital from Kerala is easiest and fastest by flying to Pantnagar (with a Delhi layover) and taking a taxi to the hills. Flying to Delhi and using road or rail for the last stretch is also convenient. For budget travelers with time, trains offer a scenic but lengthy adventure. Choose the route that balances your budget, schedule, and comfort to experience the charm of Nainital.
