Nainital in April Travel Guide | Weather, Attractions & Travel Tips

If you’re planning a spring getaway and searching for a blend of pleasant weather, breathtaking scenery, and cultural charm, Nainital in April should be high on your list. Nestled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, this hill station has long been a favorite among families, honeymooners, solo travelers, and nature enthusiasts. Often called the ‘Lake District of India’, Nainital is centered around the stunning Naini Lake, with colonial architecture, forested hills, and a laid-back vibe that makes it ideal for a relaxing escape.

But what makes April so special?

April marks the beginning of spring-summer transition in Nainital. The snow has melted, the flowers are blooming, the skies are mostly clear, and the weather is neither too cold nor too warm—making it perfect for sightseeing, boating, short hikes, and local exploration. Add to that the fact that April is pre-peak season, and you have the perfect combination of beauty and breathing room before the summer crowds descend.

In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know for an April trip to Nainital: the weather, top places to visit, things to do, how to reach, where to stay, and more.

In This Blog

April Weather in Nainital: What to Expect

One of the biggest reasons to visit Nainital in April is the ideal climate. Gone is the icy chill of January and February, and yet, it’s still cool enough to wear a light sweater in the mornings and evenings.

Temperature Range

Daytime: 18°C to 24°C
Nighttime: 7°C to 12°C

This kind of weather is ideal for:

Outdoor activities like boating, horse riding, and trekking
Visiting open spaces like viewpoints, gardens, and forests
Comfortable exploration of markets and cafés without the discomfort of sweating or layering heavily

What to Pack

Light woolens or a jacket for the evenings
Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a cap for daytime walks
Umbrella or light raincoat (occasional pre-monsoon drizzles possible)
Layered clothing is best so you can adjust to shifting temperatures throughout the day

Air Quality

Another plus: Nainital has excellent air quality in April. With clear skies and minimal dust or pollution, it’s a great time for photography and stargazing.

Why April is a Great Time to Visit Nainital

Besides the comfortable weather, there are several reasons why April is a top choice for visiting this iconic hill station.

Fewer Crowds

While summer tourists start trickling in, April is still before the full-blown peak season of May and June. That means:

Shorter queues at popular attractions
Better hotel availability (and sometimes lower prices)
Easier restaurant reservations and café seating
Peaceful boat rides without long waits

Spring Blooms and Scenic Beauty

The hills are alive with fresh greenery and flowering trees in April. Rhododendrons (locally known as buransh) bloom during this time, adding vibrant red and pink colors to the landscape.

April also offers clear views of the surrounding mountains, including occasional snow-capped peaks in the distance, visible from points like Snow View Point or Tiffin Top.

Great for Families, Couples, and Solo Travelers

Whether you’re:

Taking the kids out for summer break
Planning a romantic escape
Solo backpacking through Uttarakhand

Nainital in April offers diverse experiences suited to different travel styles. It’s both safe and well-connected, with enough infrastructure to keep you comfortable, but natural enough to feel like an escape.

Top Attractions to Visit in Nainital in April

Nainital isn’t a large city, but it’s rich in sights and experiences. The best part about visiting in April is that all attractions are fully accessible, as there’s no snow blocking paths and weather-related closures are rare.

Here’s a breakdown of the must-visit spots:

1. Naini Lake

The heart of Nainital. Whether you’re walking around it, sitting by it, or taking a paddle boat or rowboat ride, Naini Lake is the soul of the town.

Highlights:

Early morning and sunset boat rides
Photography along the lakeside promenade
Night-time views when the lake reflects the lights of the hills

April Tip: Go for a morning boat ride—the water is calm, the sun is soft, and the crowds haven’t arrived yet.

2. Naina Devi Temple

Located at the northern end of Naini Lake, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi Temple. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and holds spiritual significance.

Why Visit in April:

The temple is less crowded, making it a peaceful experience
The temple complex offers great views of the lake and hills

4. Snow View Point

Accessible via a ropeway (cable car) or by road, this point offers panoramic Snow views Point of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi (on clear days).

Ideal in April because:

Visibility is at its best
Cable car queues are shorter
The surrounding hilltops are green and photogenic

Tip: Go early in the morning for the best visibility

5. Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)

Tiffin top is a scenic picnic spot located on Ayarpatta Hill, offering panoramic views of Nainital town and the surrounding forests.

Activities:

Short trek or horse ride to the top
Great for photography and packed lunches
Quiet morning spot for couples or solo travelers

6. The Mall Road

The commercial heart of Nainital, running alongside the lake. It’s filled with cafés, bakeries, souvenir shops, bookstores, and more.

In April:

The evenings are lively but not overcrowded
Ideal for trying local street food or shopping for handmade candles and woolens
Many shops begin stocking for the summer, so variety is good

7. Nainital Zoo (High Altitude Zoo)

Home to rare Himalayan species like the snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and barking deer, Nainital zoo is one of the few high-altitude zoos in India.

April is the best time to visit since:

Animals are more active (not hiding from snow or summer heat)
The steep walk to the zoo is manageable in spring weather

8. Eco Cave Gardens

An exciting attraction for kids and adventurous adults. It’s a network of natural interconnected caves, representing different animals, with narrow passages and dim lighting.

Highlights:

Fun, slightly challenging walk-through caves
Musical fountain show in the evenings

Good to know: Not ideal for those with mobility issues, but great for families with kids aged 6+

9. Land’s End

Located near Tiffin Top, this lesser-known viewpoint offers dramatic cliff-edge views of the Khurpatal area.

April Bonus: Surrounded by green trails and wildflowers, it’s a great offbeat spot for nature lovers

10. Hanuman Garhi

This Hanuman temple is located on a hilltop and is known for its spectacular sunset views.

April Vibe: Fewer pilgrims, cool evening breeze, spiritual and serene

11. Local Villages & Lesser-Known Lakes

If you want to venture slightly out of the town, explore:

Sattal (Seven lakes)
Bhimtal
Naukuchiatal

These lakes are quieter alternatives to Naini Lake, offering kayaking, paragliding (in Naukuchiatal), and birdwatching.

Events and Festivities in Nainital During April

April usually doesn’t feature major festivals, but it’s a month of transition and local activity. You may witness:

Spring temple fairs and melas in nearby villages
Cultural shows and exhibitions, especially during long weekends
Pre-summer tourist activities starting up, such as boat races or music nights in cafés

How to Reach Nainital in April

Though Nainital is tucked into the Kumaon hills, it’s well-connected by road and rail, and reasonably accessible from major Indian cities. Here’s how to get there depending on your mode of travel.

By Air

The nearest airport to Nainital is:

Pantnagar Airport (PGH)
- Distance from Nainital: approx. 70 km
- Travel time by car/taxi: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Flights available from: Delhi (daily flights), and seasonal connections from other cities

Tip: From Pantnagar, you can pre-book a cab through local taxi services or through your hotel.

By Train

The nearest major railway station is:

Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM)
- Distance: 35 km
- Travel time to Nainital: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Well-connected to: Delhi, Lucknow, Kolkata, Dehradun

Popular trains to consider:

Ranikhet Express (Delhi – Kathgodam)
Shatabdi Express (New Delhi – Kathgodam, with better timing and comfort)
Bagh Express (Kolkata – Kathgodam)

From Kathgodam, shared jeeps, taxis, and buses are easily available.

By Road

Nainital is connected via well-maintained highways and is a popular road trip destination from nearby cities.

Distance from major cities:

Delhi to Nainital: ~300 km (7–8 hours)
Bareilly: ~140 km (3–4 hours)
Dehradun: ~280 km (8–9 hours)
Lucknow: ~400 km (9–10 hours)

Travel options:

Drive your own vehicle (hilly drive begins near Haldwani)
Book a cab or taxi service
Take a private Volvo bus or Uttarakhand Roadways bus from ISBT Anand Vihar (Delhi) – options include both AC and non-AC buses

Where to Stay in Nainital: Accommodation for Every Budget

April is just before the peak season, so hotel availability is decent, and prices are often lower than in May–June. Still, booking in advance is recommended—especially for weekends and public holidays.

1. Luxury Stays (₹6,000 – ₹12,000/night)

If you’re looking for heritage charm, lake views, or boutique comfort:

The Naini Retreat – A heritage hotel with regal architecture, beautiful rooms, and a view of Naini Lake.
Shervani Hilltop – A premium property nestled amidst deodar trees, known for great service and ambiance.
The Manu Maharani – 5-star comfort with spa services, multi-cuisine restaurants, and proximity to Mall Road.

Ideal for: Couples, honeymooners, families looking for a premium stay.

2. Mid-Range Hotels (₹2,000 – ₹5,000/night)

Clean, comfortable, and conveniently located:

Hotel Himalaya – Offers lake view rooms and even has its own private boat jetty.
Hotel Arif Castles – Popular among families, offers decent facilities and is slightly away from town buzz.
Balrampur House – A former royal estate turned hotel, great for those who like old-world charm.

Ideal for: Families, groups, longer stays.

3. Budget Accommodation & Homestays (₹800 – ₹2,000/night)

Good options for backpackers, students, and solo travelers:

Zostel Nainital – Clean dorms and private rooms, fun vibe, budget-friendly.
Pinewood Lodge – Affordable guesthouse near the lake.
Local Homestays (book via Airbnb or StayVista) – Offers authentic experiences and often includes homemade meals.

Ideal for: Solo travelers, budget explorers, digital nomads.

What to Eat in Nainital: Local Food & Best Places to Try It

Nainital’s food scene combines local Kumaoni cuisine, North Indian classics, and mountain café culture. April’s weather is perfect for trying both warm meals and cool lakeside snacks.

Must-Try Local Dishes

Aloo Ke Gutke – Spiced boiled potatoes sautéed in mustard seeds and served with bhang ki chutney.
Ras or Thechwani – Traditional lentil curries found in local dhabas.
Bal Mithai – A local sweet made with khoya and coated with white sugar balls.
Gulgula – Fried sweet fritters, a street snack in the Kumaon region.

Best Restaurants and Cafés

Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop – Great bakery items, burgers, and continental meals. Lake views and cozy interiors.
Café Lakeside – Simple yet delicious food with views of Naini Lake.
Machan Restaurant – Local and North Indian cuisine, family-friendly.
Giannis Pure Veg – Popular vegetarian thali spot near Mall Road.
Embassy Restaurant – Classic Indian meals in an old-school setting.

Tip: Don’t miss a cup of pahadi chai (mountain tea) at a roadside stall or fresh corn roasted over fire in the evening chill.

Suggested Itineraries for Trips to Nainital in April

Whether you’re visiting for a quick break or a slow vacation, here are flexible plans depending on your schedule.

1-Day Trip (Weekend Day Escape)

Morning: Arrive early, have breakfast on Mall Road
Late Morning: Visit Naina Devi Temple and take a boat ride
Afternoon: Take the ropeway to Snow View Point
Evening: Enjoy street food and a lakeside walk before departure

2-Day Itinerary (Short Weekend Trip)

Day 1:

Arrive and check-in
Naini Lake boat ride
Naina Devi Temple
Mall Road shopping and dinner

Day 2:

Tiffin Top via horse ride or trek
Visit Zoo and Eco Caves
Sunset at Hanuman Garhi
Depart by evening

3-Day Itinerary (Ideal for April Explorers)

1 Day:

Reach Nainital, explore Mall Road, enjoy lakefront cafés
Boat ride and Naina Devi Temple
Visit Thandi Sadak (peaceful walking path by the lake)

2 Day:

Ropeway to Snow View Point
Visit Zoo and Tiffin Top
Afternoon trip to Land’s End and Khurpatal
Relax at a café in the evening

3 Day:

Day trip to Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, and Sattal
Optional activities: paragliding or kayaking
Return by night or depart next morning

Travel Tips for Visiting Nainital in April

General Tips

Book early for weekends and holidays.
Carry a light jacket—nights can still be chilly.
Wear comfortable shoes—a lot of Nainital is walkable, with gentle slopes.
Start your day early—most viewpoints are best seen in the morning light.
Respect nature—don’t litter near the lake or in forested areas.

For Families with Kids

Choose centrally located hotels to avoid long walks
The Zoo and Eco Cave Gardens are great for children
Bring snacks, but also try the kid-friendly food at Mall Road eateries

Tips For Couples

Opt for lake-view hotels or hillside boutique stays
Enjoy sunset points like Hanuman Garhi or a private boat ride
Explore lesser-known spots like Kilbury Bird Sanctuary for romantic strolls

For Solo Travelers

Hostels like Zostel are safe and social
Explore local bookstores, go for morning treks, and photograph the quiet corners
Try volunteering or visiting nearby villages for immersive experiences

Final Thoughts: Why April is a Magical Month in Nainital

April is a near-perfect time to visit Nainital. With blooming trees, misty mornings, and just the right amount of sunshine, it offers a balanced experience between winter’s peace and summer’s energy. Whether you want to take long walks by the lake, explore hilltop viewpoints, enjoy the local food, or just relax in a scenic café, Nainital in April delivers without the stress of high-season chaos.

This is when Nainital is at its freshest—not just in terms of weather, but also in spirit. Local businesses begin opening up, nature is in transition, and you get a taste of the hill station’s charm without the crowds.

So pack your bags, charge your camera, and let the hills call.

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