Welcome to Chikmagalur, a charming heaven in Karnataka, India. 

If you're seeking a serene escape amidst nature's beauty, you're in the right place. Our blog is your guide to an unforgettable Chikmagalur trip. From scenic landscapes to aromatic coffee plantations, we'll show you the best places that you can cover in Chikmagalur.

Whether you crave relaxation or adventure, our tips and insights will help you plan the perfect Chikmagalur getaway from Bangalore. 

Get ready to embark on a journey you'll cherish forever.

About Chikmagalur

Chikmagalur is a hill station in Karnataka, India's Western Ghats mountain range. It is a popular tourist destination known for its coffee and tea plantations, scenic landscapes, and waterfalls.

The town of Chikmagalur is located at an altitude of 3,400 feet and is surrounded by lush green hills and valleys. The climate is pleasant throughout the year, making it a perfect place to escape the heat of the plains.

Chikmagalur is a major producer of coffee and tea in India. Visitors can take tours of the coffee and tea plantations and learn about growing and processing these crops. They can also sample and purchase freshly brewed coffee and tea at the plantations.

But, Wondering why Chikmagalur is known as the "Coffee Land of Karnataka"?

There is an interesting story associated with it, The Coffee cultivation in Chikmagalur dates back to the late 17th century, when Baba Budan, a Sufi saint, is said to have brought seven coffee seeds to the region from Yemen. 

The coffee plants thrived in the Western Ghats, with the unique microclimate of the region providing the perfect environment for their growth.

Today, there are over 50,000 coffee estates in Chikmagalur, employing millions of people. The coffee grown in Chikmagalur is known for its high quality and rich aroma. It is exported all over the world, making Chikmagalur one of the most important coffee-producing regions in India.

Captured early morning view of Mullayangiri Peak and western ghats

Best Time to Visit Chikmagalur?

The best time to visit Chikmagalur is during 

The winter months (September to February) are when the weather is pleasant and sunny. The temperature during this time ranges from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

The monsoon season in Chikmagalur lasts from June to August. While the lush green landscapes are beautiful during this time, the heavy rains can make it difficult to travel and explore the region. Additionally, some of the waterfalls and attractions may be closed during the monsoon season due to safety concerns.

The summer months (March to May) can be quite hot in Chikmagalur, with temperatures reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius. If you are planning to visit Chikmagalur during the summer months, it is advisable to avoid the afternoons and evenings and to plan your outdoor activities for the early mornings.

Captured this view from Mullayangiri Peak in August

How to reach Chikmagalur?

There are three main ways to reach Chikmagalur: by road, rail, or air.

By road: Chikmagalur is well connected by road to major cities in Karnataka, such as Bengaluru, Mysore, and Mangalore. There are regular buses and taxis available from these cities to Chikmagalur. The journey time from Bengaluru to Chikmagalur is around 5 hours, while the journey time from Mysore to Chikmagalur is around 4 hours.

By rail: The nearest railway station to Chikmagalur is Kadur, which is located about 40 km from the town. There are regular trains from major cities in Karnataka to Kadur. From Kadur, you can take a bus or taxi to Chikmagalur.

By air: The nearest airport to Chikmagalur is Mangalore International Airport, which is located about 150 km from the town. There are regular flights from major cities in India to Mangalore. From Mangalore airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Chikmagalur.

On my way to Chikmagalur by my car

Where to stay in Chikmagalur?

There are a variety of accommodation options available in Chikmagalur, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts.

We stayed in Coffeeberry Hills Resort which is 5km away from the main Chikmagalur city center and is located amidst nature. The panoramic view of Mullyangiri Peak and the western ghats overlooking our property is a delight to our eyes. 

The room condition is quite good, they took care of good hygiene. Our breakfast is already included in the tariff and they have limited breakfast options but the taste is good.

They have indoor activities like pool tables and board games and a well-maintained swimming pool.

Coffeeberry Hills Resort in Chikmagalur

Things to do in Chikmagalur?

Here are some of the things you can do in Chikmagalur:

Visit coffee plantations: Chikmagalur is known for its coffee plantations. There are many coffee plantations in the region that offer tours to visitors. You can learn about the coffee-making process and taste different varieties of coffee.

Go trekking: Chikmagalur is a great place for trekking. There are many trekking trails in the region, ranging from easy to difficult. You can trek to waterfalls, mountain peaks, and other scenic spots.

Visit waterfalls: Chikmagalur is home to many beautiful waterfalls. Some of the popular waterfalls in the region include Hebbe Falls, Jhari Falls, and Kalhatti Falls.

Go camping: Chikmagalur is a great place for camping. There are many campsites in the region where you can pitch your tent and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

Visit cultural attractions: Chikmagalur is also home to many cultural attractions, such as the Belur and Halebidu temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Hebbe Waterfalls in Chikmagalur

"Since there are many places to visit in Chikmagalur, we are providing an itinerary of important and must-visit places in Chikmagalur to cover in a 3-day trip keeping it relaxed as we have planned our trip with our baby so providing the itinerary accordingly"

Places to Visit in Chikmagalur in 3 Days?

Day 1: Reach Chikmagalur -> Take Rest in Property -> Visit Hirekolale Lake for Sunset

Day 2: Mullayangiri Peak -> Jhari Waterfalls -> World of Coffee Cafe -> Back to Resort

Day 3: Coffee Plantation Tour -> Hebbe Waterfalls -> Bonfire at Stay

Day 1 Itinerary

• Reach Chikmagalur

We planned this trip along with our 10 month little old baby and its going to be his first long trip. Also we planned our trip in the weekdays as we wanted to avoid the rush which usually we see on weekends. 

We started our trip in the morning around 8:30 AM. The connectivity from Bangalore to Chikmagalur is very good as highway condition is very smooth. After driving for almost 6 hours we reached Chikmagalur at around 1:30 PM. 

We booked our stay in Coffeeberry Hills Resort which is 5km away from the main Chikmagalur city center. The path to reach the property is so serene with full of lush green coffee plantation around it. But the road condition is not good. But its only 500Meter off route drive to reach the property.

After reaching we were so tired that we ordered a cup of tea and enjoyed beautiful landscapes of western ghats that was overlooking from the property. 

Hirekolale Lake is a beautiful man-made lake located near Chikmagalur, Karnataka, India. It is surrounded by lush green hills and valleys, and offers stunning views of the Mullayanagiri peak. The lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking. 

We decided to go to Hirekolale lake to watch sunset and enjoy the peaceful vibe. The place is 3KM from our property so it only took 15min drive to reach there. As it was a weekday we didn't find any rush in the parking spot.

We parked our car and took a stroll around the lake. But the sky was full of dark clouds so we were unable to watch the sunset but we enjoyed the beauty of this place.

Entry Fee: Free 

Hirekolale Lake in Chikmagalur

We panned the second day for Mullayangiri Peak. But before that, we had a delicious breakfast at our resort followed by some amazing clicks as the views from our resort itself were just marvelous. 

We left the resort by afternoon to towards Mullayangiri. The day was sunny unexpectedly but the view till the peak was fabulous. After the midway, we were able to see the peak and we finally reached there in almost an hour. 

The weather was very windy and colder as compared to the resort. 

After parking our car at the specified parking area, we headed up towards the top. There were broad stairs and it took around 20 minutes for us to reach the top. There was the Lord Shiva temple, so was specifically mentioned to take off our shoes. The view from the top was breathtaking. We could literally see the clouds and the greenery all around made me speechless. I instantly took my drone out and captured the beauty that I was witnessing. You can check my drone shots in my Vlog by the way.

All of a sudden it started raining while we were having our moments at the top of the peak. We had to literally run to our car. Our experience was unforgettable though.

Entry Fee: Free  

Mullayangiri Peak in Chikmagalur

Jhari Waterfall, also known as Buttermilk Falls, is one of the most popular waterfalls in Chikmagalur. After covering Mullayangiri you can plan to visit Jhari waterfall as it comes on your way to Mullayangiri Peak.

We had planned to go to Jhari Waterfall after this, but due to a shortage of time and the weather, we dropped that and headed toward the city side to have some food.

We read about this cafe on internet and after reading reviews and ratings we planned to visit as they have wide variety of coffee as well as rated as a good cafe.

It is located in the main city of chikmagalur, so after reaching we went staright to cafe to grab some food. There we ordered Coffee Panna Cota, Tirumasu Latte Cofe and Pizza. All tastes good.

Afterwards we clicked some pictures and bought some coffee for our home.

Cost for 2 Person: 1000 INR 

World of Coffee Shop and Cafe in Chikmagalur

• Back to our Resort

We came back to our resort in the evening, also we got so tired traveling all day. We took rest and had dinner at our stay only and ended our day 2.

Day 3 Itinerary

• Coffee Plantation Tour

We woke up early in the morning and after having our breakfast we decide to visit the coffee estate which was very close to our resort. One of the guy from property assisted us in giving a tour to the coffee estate.

I was amazed to see the beauty of coffee plantaion as it was spread out in so much wide area and big pine trees makes it more like some bollywood movie scene. We got to know how they cultivate the coffee beans and once the beans gets ripened it is used for furger processing.

Overall it was a good experience and would recommend to have this expereince in your visit. 

Lush green coffee estate in Chikmagalur

• Hebbe Waterfalls

The main highlight of our day 3 is visiting Hebbe waterfalls, It is one of the most popular waterfalls in Chikmagalur district and It is located around 65KM from our main resort. 

The road to reach Hebbe waterfall is very good and we reached there in an hour drive from our stay.

After reaching we had to book a Jeep to reach the waterfall starting point because it is located inside a wildlife sanctury.  

The jeep ride will take 25-30 Min to reach the base of Hebbe waterfall and from there we had to take a walk for 500 Meter inside a dense coffee estate.

The journey to reach Hebbe waterfall was quite challanging but it was worth a shot as the view of majestic waterfall was just amazing. The happiness after viewing this waterfall was unexplainable. The place is must visit and it is one of the most beautiful waterfall I have ever visited. 

Jeep Cost: 500 INR/Person

Note: Carry salt or dettol along with you as there is leaches if you are visiting in monsoon. Also if you are travelling along with the baby, keep in mind that the jeep ride is very bumpy. Try to grab the front, covered seat instead of back open seats.

Hebbe Waterfalls

• Bonfire at Resort

After visiting Hebbe waterfall we were back to our resort and we all were so tired that we took a power nap and had some tea afterwards. As it was our last day in resort we requested for a Bonfire and they arranged it for us.

After having dinner we all sat around bonfire and enjoyed our moments and ended our day with lots of memories.

Tips for visiting Chikmagalur?

A vintage divine in the aura, the bright yellow taxis running across the streets

That elegant Howrah Bridge, the trams operating from ancient times, the art, and that chaos on every street.

The smell of Fish -Rice, Kosha Mangsho, and Rasgulla, available on every other alley

This is the city of Durga Puja, the city of Joy, and the city of Tagore, Ganguly.

Kolkata, Khoob Bhaalo!

Are you visiting Kolkata for the first time? Are you nervous to plan your trip to Kolkata because you don't know much about the place? Well, then you just have to read this blog, we have got you covered. :)

Trust me, I was a bit timid to visit Kolkata earlier until I had to visit for a friend's marriage and this turns out to be one of my favorite trips till now especially because of Jol-Bhara Sandesh (very famous sweet) and that Kesar chai (special Saffron Tea).

If you get a chance, do visit Kolkata, at least once in a lifetime. I am sharing our experiences and itinerary to help you plan your trip. Starting with the brief information about Kolkata.

About Kolkata

Kolkata, also known as Calcutta, is the second-largest city in India and is the capital of West Bengal. In fact, the city was the colonial capital of India back in 1773, during the British Raj. This chaotic city is famous for its tradition, culture, and rich heritage. The city of Joy, Kolkata is flourishing with its impressive and intelligent people day by day.

The Britishers explored and well organized the city in their times. The trams, the colonial-era architecture, the buildings built by the Britishers are the center of attraction of the city. 

Kolkata is full of places to visit and explore. Beautiful Temples, built in the adorable and appealing architectural design and the tradition followed is worth knowing and visiting. The Durga Pooja of Kolkata is very famous across the country, especially during the Navratri (9 days of the goddess).

The street food, special sweets like Mishti Doi, dishes like Fish curry, Bengali Sarees, Book Market, and the Old Museum are some other specialties of Kolkata, that will attract you.

Majestic Vidyasagar Setu on Hoogly River, Kolkata

The Kolkata trip was like a complimentary trip to us, as we went to attend a friend's wedding. We stayed back for 2 extra days which turns out wonderfully.

We began our journey from the Bangalore morning flight and reached our stay in Kolkata by afternoon. We attended the wedding functions that entire day. I must say we were blessed to attend a Bengali traditional wedding and experience Bengali culture and food.

Let me give you a brief idea of how you can reach Kolkata.

How to reach Kolkata?

Air: You can directly take a flight to Kolkata from your location, the easier and the fastest way to reach Kolkata. There is an International airport, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, which is very well connected to almost every major city of the country.

Train: The second option that you can opt for is the railway, which may take time depending on your starting location. But the train would be cheaper than the flight, (that too depends if you book your flight early and use a few coupons, it may cost almost the same). There are three important railway stations in Kolkata, Howrah station, Kolkata Terminus, and Sealdah Station. All three stations are well connected to the entire country.

Bus: The last option is by Bus, but if you are traveling from a nearby place then only buses are available to reach Kolkata. Also, I would not suggest going by bus if you are traveling from a far distance.

What is the mode of transport in Kolkata?

Once you reach Kolkata, you have to keep in mind how to travel around in Kolkata. Traveling in Kolkata is very cheap and at the same time easier also. You will get the option like - 

Metro: Indeed metros are the best to travel to, but metro stations are not available in every part of Kolkata, they are only available in a few places. But still, if you see a metro station in your source and destination location, you can travel in the metro. They are cheaper, cleaner, and the faster way to move around.

Yellow Taxi: You will flatter by seeing the number of yellow taxis running on the roads like we were, and Kolkata is especially famous for these yellow Ambassador taxis. You will get these taxis very easily on the roads. Make sure to go by meter because they may try to charge you more after knowing you are not a local.

Cabs - Ola/ Uber: The most convenient option that we found was booking a cab from Ola or Uber. They are available everywhere in Kolkata and will charge you wisely.

Hand-Pulling Rikshaws: You will also notice, that hand-pulled rickshaws are still running in some parts of the city. We have not opted for one but for a shorter distance, you can try in a crowded place like New Market.

Hand-pulled Rickshaw in New Market, Kolkata

What is the best time to visit Kolkata?

Kolkata has a tropical climate with a hot temperature for almost the whole year. The most pleasing time to visit Kolkata is from October to March. We visited in the month of November and we're lucky to explore Kolkata in such beautiful and captivating weather. It was not so cold and we kind of enjoyed the noons under the shining sun.

The favorable climatic conditions of visiting any place cause the trip 60% more successful and more joyful.

The summer season ( April to May) will be much hotter along with humid. This season is not quite a favorable time to explore the city.

Monsson (June to September) will be full of humidity and hot. Again not a good time to visit as rain can spoil your day. Still, if you are eager, you can put on your raincoat and visit the city. As we say a traveler can explore and relish their holidays anytime. You just need enough intrepidity to initiate your journey.

Where to Stay in Kolkata?

There are many good choices to stay in Kolkata. Good Hotels, Villas, and Airbnb options are available in all ranges. You can choose any hotel in the city center like near Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Bhawanipur, and Park Street area. 

If money is not a concern you can do your booking in luxury 5-start hotels like JW Marriott, the Oberoi Grand, or Taj Bengal.

Since we went to a wedding, and we were a group of friends, we had booked our stay in one of the properties of Airbnb Home Away from Home. It will cost you around 4500/-per night for 6 guests. The place was very nice, comfortable, and clean. It was hygienic and luxurious also. We enjoyed our stay there.

Note: Check the reviews and ratings from google before booking and try to book in advance to check in without worrying.

Places to visit in Kolkata in 2 Days

Day 1: Breakfast at Flurys Cafe --> Victoria Memorial --> Attractions near Maidan --> Sunset at Prinsep Ghat --> Shopping if time permits --> Reach hotel

Day 2:  Visit Kalighat Temple --> Explore Indian Museum --> Lunch --> BBD Bagh (if time permits) --> Howrah Bridge --> Mallick Ghat Flower Market --> Street shopping in New Market --> Dinner --> Back to Hotel

Day 3: Check out from Hotel 

Two days will not be sufficient to cover many places in Kolkata as there is a lot to explore.

Day 1 Itinerary

• Breakfast at Flury's Cafe

Starting your day in Kolkata, the city famous for its food, should be a happy breakfast. Flury's cafe is quite renowned and is located right at the center of Park Street in Kolkata. It is famous for especially English breakfast, cookies, and amazing pastries. People come to this cafe to spend some quality Tea or Coffee time in the morning and evening. 

We left our place around 8.30 and reached directly here. We had English breakfast and tried pastry, which was super delicious. The cafe and service were satisfactory, we enjoyed our time here. Though I must say, it was a bit costlier, but at the same time worthy to spend.

Timing: 7.30 AM to 11 PM

Costs for 2: 1000-1500 INR

Famous for: Flury's English breakfast, Darjeeling Tea, Pastries for your favorite choice.

Rating: 9 out of 10

Breakfast at Flury's Cafe, Kolkata

• Victoria Memorial

One of the most renowned monuments, situated at the center of Kolkata is Victoria Memorial. Victoria Memorial is the most elegant and grand marble structure, with a museum. This beautiful piece of architecture was built from the year 1906 to 1921, in memory of Empress Victoria, and is the World's largest remembrance devoted to a royal. 

The interior design of the Victoria Memorial is a mix of British and Mughal art with a touch of Egyptian architectural elements. The complete building is made of Makrana marble. 

This grand stunning building has a museum with multiple galleries of freedom fighters, containing antiques and art and a beautiful well-maintained garden. Being so recognized, this is one of the most visited places in Kolkata and indeed famous among the visitors. 

The museum is filled with great freedom fighters like Subhash Chandra Bose

We reached here directly after Flury's cafe. The Victoria Memorial is very beautiful, exotic, and captivating. The beautiful garden area, where tourists were sitting and enjoying their time. As we move forward, we glimpsed the complete memorial, the open museum, the architectural work, everything was very impressive. It was such a great experience. There were so many visitors along with us, relaxing in the lawn area. 

Museum Timings: Opens from 10 AM to 5 PM, closed on Mondays and National holidays.

Garden Timings: Opens from 5.30 AM to 6.15 PM

Museum Entry Fees: 30 INR for Indians, 500 INR for Foreigners

Garden Entry Fees: 20 INR per person

Rating: We enjoyed our time here. It was worth visiting, one of the significant architectural creations of the Britishers. And to add to, the garden, the huge water reservoir in the lawn area added the attractiveness and beauty overall.  The rating from us - 9 out of 10.

Victoria Memorial, Kolkata

• Attractions near Maidan

After exploring and spending enough time in the Victoria Memorial, you can troll the Maidan area just in front of the memorial. Maidan is also known as the Brigade Parade Ground, located just at the center of Kolkata. Expanded in a very large area of around 1000 acres, this is Asia's largest park area, covering a football stadium, many sporting grounds, cricketing ground. 

You can do a tram ride, check out several statues in the Maidan area. It is a very pleasant and lovely place to spend time.

Don't forget to have lunch in between. There are many places nearby to grab authentic Bengali lunch. We had some local street munching instead, so we skipped our lunch (we were actually more than full when we came out of Flury's). 

Rating: Rating from us - 9 out of 10.

Maidan, Kolkata

• Prinsep Ghat

Prinsep Ghat is one of the most romantic spots in Kolkata, with the beautiful Hoogly River on one side. This stunning and attractive Ghat was built under British Raj, revealing the exquisite colonial architectural design. The riverfront white structure capturing the attractive bridge background gives an incredible view and a perfect place to view. 

There is a huge lawn area covering the monument. You can settle down for some time and spend some quality moments here. The sunset view over the Hoogly River is just amazing. Boat riding in the Hoogly River is also a great experience to have here. There are so many local stalls and eateries here. You can try and taste the local snacks.

Rating: The rating is 8 out of 10. We spent a great time here. Actually, we reached during the perfect timing of sunset and captured a marvelous sunset view over the Hoogly River and the bridge over it just looked amazing. Also, I must say, the place is very much romantic, we could see a whole lot of couples sitting and spending quality time here.

After spending some time here, we left towards Park Street, witnessed the lighting and the night vibe of the area. Had some food and returned to our Airbnb home.

Prinsep Ghat, Kolkata

Day 2 Itinerary

• Kalighat Kali Temple

Kalighat Kali Temple is a very famous and known temple in Kolkata as the people believe and have faith in the goddess Kali. Dedicated to the goddess Kali, this temple is around 200 years old. This historical temple is very renowned because of the belief that one of the 51 Shakti Peethas falls here. 

In the beginning, there was a sacred ghat of Hoogly River, known by the name Adi Ganga. But now over the time the river moved away, only a small canal is remaining, which connects with the river Hoogly. This is considered the origin of River Hoogly. 

Interesting Fact #1: The name Kolkata is taken from Kalikata Devi of the Temple Kalighat. 

Interesting Fact #2: It is believed that there are four major Shakti Peethas, meaning the body parts of Goddess Sati, fell on earth and those are now known as the below temples:

Kalighat Temple in Kolkata - Head

Tara Tarini Temple in Berhampur, Orissa  - Chest

Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati - Yoni

Bimala Temple in Puri - Feet

The temple is one of the top historical places in the country. If you are in Kolkata, you should visit this temple. You can directly take a metro from Maidan to Kalighat.

Timing: 5 AM to 2 PM, 5PM to 10.30 PM

Entry Fees: No entry fees

Rating: 8 out of 10.

• Indian Museum 

Indian Museum is the most extensive and the most geriatric museum in India. The museum is located at the center of Kolkata. The Indian museum was founded in the year 1814 and is the ninth oldest museum in the World. This is a must-visit place in Kolkata.

There are a total of 35 galleries of different fortes like cultural, scientific, architectural, fossils collection, antiques, paintings, art, and many more. 

If you have a keen interest to know the history and check out the leftovers and the rear collections from the old era, you should definitely check out this great museum. 

Timing:  10 AM to 5 PM, Closed on Public Holidays.

Entry Fees: 50/- for Adult, 20/- for Children above 5 years, 500/- for Foreign visitors

Photography Charges:  50/- for Camera on Smart Phone, 100/- for Digital Camera, 2000/- for Video Camera

Rating: 8 out of 10. You can have lunch after the Indian Museum. There are many good restaurants like SOI - The Asian Kitchen, The Bhoj Company, Blue Sky Cafe.

If time permits, and if you are eager to explore more, you can visit B B D Bagh, around 15 minutes from the Indian Museum.

• B B D Bagh

B B D Bagh is also known as Dalhousie Square or Tank Square. To check out the architectural work of the Britishers, the old forts built in the colonial period, and the beauty of government official buildings you can visit this amazing area situated in the western part of Central Kolkata, near Hoogly River.

We had not visited this place. But if you have time, you can explore this part of Kolkata.

• Howrah Bridge

The most recognized and remarkable landmark of Kolkata is Howrah Bridge. This iconic bridge is built on the Hoogly river connecting two cities Kolkata and Howrah. This Cantilever bridge was built in the year 1943, bearing traffic of around 100,000 vehicles, making it the busiest bridge in the World. 

The bridge constructed without bolts and nuts is definitely a wonderful example of Engineering strength, 

It's a beautiful bridge to witness and hold beautiful memories of Kolkata.

We checked out the bridge and just below the bridge is a huge and loud chaotic flower market, Mullick Ghat Flower Market. This is the largest flower market in Kolkata. The lovely and delighting smell of flowers will attract you to take a round of this colorful market. 

Rating: 8 out of 10

Iconic Howrah Bridge, Kolkata

• Street Shopping in the New Market

New Market is very popular for its amazing collections of clothes, fashionable Jewelry, purse and bags, footwear, sarees, and many more household items. It s like one place for everything with of course a reasonable price. We have seen many flea markets, but this one was really big and impressive.

I couldn't stop myself from buying a few antiques, and jewelry sets.  Also since Bengali sarees are quite famous, and we might never get a chance to get the authentic Bengali sarees, we took two traditional and unique beautiful sarees.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Tip: While shopping, keep in mind to bargain for the price. 

After shopping and spending time in the New Market, we had dinner and left for our homestay.

New Market, Kolkata

• Sweet Shop

Kolkata is famous for one more item, which you can't miss if you are visiting here and that is Bengali Sweets. Whether you like eating sweets or not, I am recommending you to at least try Baked Rasgullas, I am sure you will just love it, and then you can thank me later in the comment section.

We did some research on the sweet shops and directly reached out to try some sweets in the shop Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick sweet shop near the Parkstreet area. They are inheritance sweet makers for many years. Sweets with impressive names like Jal Bhari Shondesh, Mishtoi Doi, Roshogulla, and many more tasted so yum. We actually purchased 1-2 kg of sweets, a mix of all.

Park Street, Kolkata

Points to keep in Mind

1. Have your COVID Vaccination certificate handy. If you have not taken the vaccine yet, then carry the RTPCR report with you for not more than 72 hours.

2. Try to prefer cabs - uber/ola instead of a yellow taxi, as they will charge you extra. 

3. Also be aware of traffic and plan accordingly. You might get stuck in traffic.

4. The climate of Kolkata is hot and moderate, try not to wear double-layered clothes.

5. Carry your water bottle with you.

6. Try to bargain as much as you can if you are purchasing anything from the local market.

7. And lastly, keep your surroundings clean.

"Mountains are the beginning and the end of all-natural scenery".

Dreaming, discovering, exploring, living the moment, and creating the memorable flashes of your life - Here we are with A Complete travel guide for The Trip to Nainital. I am going to share our experiences along with the guidelines for your trip to Nainital.

This tour to Nainital, the sparkling jewel-like necklace around the Himalayan, the Lake District of India, and the most popular hill station in North India will definitely add adventure and memorable memories to your traveling folder. 

About Nainital

Nainital is located in the northern state of Uttarakhand in the Kumaon region. This exceedingly known and beautiful hill station is settled at the foot of the outer Himalayas. 

Nainital is about 7000 feet in height from sea level, surrounded by mountains from all sides, giving incredible viewpoints and scenic beauty. 

Situated at the center of Nainital, there is a Naini lake covering a circumference of around 3 km, which is the perfect and awesome place for relaxing and replenishing yourself. Naini Peak is the popular trekking spot and also is the highest peak in Nainital. The name of the place "Nainital" comes from the word Naini from Naini Lake where Tal means lake.

The superb natural beauty and the pleasant climatic surrounding will refuel you from the hustles of daily life. It's very well said that the more frequent you plan a trip, the least stressful your life is and this is proven that the trip lovers are happier and energetic than those who don't plan at all.

Beautiful Naini Lake

Now let's move on to our trip to Nainital, but before that let me share a mythological story behind the name "Nainital", it is also believed that when Lord Shiva carried the body of Goddess Parvati, her eyes fell in this place, eye as Nain, and Tal means Lake hence named the place as Naini-Tal.

What is the best time to visit Nainital?

Nainital is the full year destination place. Actually, there is no ideal time to visit this place, it totally depends on what season you like and what you want to do here. You wanna experience snow or enjoy rafting or you want to cover everything on a really low budget. Following are the highlights season-wise:

October to February: This is the most loved season of the year. This is the beginning of winters with chilled nights. From November, winter starts to reach its peak, dipping the temperature to zero degrees celsius. You will find the misty charming beauty all around. If you don't want to miss the snow, plan your trip for December and January.

March to June: These are the summer months and are great for sightseeing. This is the time to enjoy water rides. The afternoons may be hot so plan the boating after 4PM. 

July to September: This is the rainy season and you can expect heavy rainfall, which may cause road blockages. This season is considered as the off-season time for the visitors, so you may get special off and discounts in hotels and everywhere.

Breathtaking view of Naini lake

What are Covid-19 travel guidelines?

Now ever since COVID, there are certain guidelines to be followed to visit Uttarakhand:

1. It is mandatory to carry RT-PCR negative report, with you. And it should be from ICMR labs done within 72 hours.

2. There will be a free COVID test for the passengers traveling from Maharashtra, Karela, Punjab, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.

3. You should follow all the safety measures like keeping up the mask, using sanitizers where required, and keeping your surroundings clean and hygienic.

Note: "The guidelines may change depending on the COVID situation." Please read the full detailed information on the official government website and read the instructions before booking your tickets.

How to reach Nainital?

Being a famous hill station, Nainital is very well connected with all of the major cities of the country. Depending on your preference you can choose roadway, railway or airway to reach Nainital. 

Following are the different modes, you can choose any:

1. Railways: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is 35 kilometers away from Nainital. All the major cities are connected to this railway station. If you are traveling from New Delhi, Kathgodam Delhi Shatabdi Express is the everyday train.

From Kathgodam station, you can take a private taxi, which will charge around Rs.700 to 900 depending upon the type of taxi car you choose.

Another cheap option is, go to the bus stand, which is 1.5 km away from the railway station and catch a bus to Nainital. This will cost you around Rs.60-70 per person.

2. Airways: The nearest airport is Pantnagar airport, around 65 kilometers from Nainital. You can get a direct flight from Delhi and after reaching Pantnagar airport, you can directly book a taxi or cab.

3. Roadways: Another mode is by road. If you choose public transport, there are private or government buses available from major nearby cities. You can get a Volvo AC Sleeper bus from Delhi and nearby cities like Dehradun, Haridwar, Almora, etc.

Tip: We recommend that you can drive from Delhi to Nainital. The highway conditions are really good. You can enjoy the road trip with friends/family. Book a car from Delhi and enjoy your ride to Nainital. You will get a chance of enjoying sightseeing.

Captured this beautiful view on our way to Nainital

What is the Local Transport mode in Nainital?

Once reaching Nainital, you may need local transport to roam around and visit nearby places. One option is public transport like Auto Rickshaw or local buses.

You can also book a private taxi within the town. The charges may vary depending on the type of taxi car.

Another good option is to rent a bike or Activa or book a car. You will get numerous options there.

The best and pocket-friendly way to explore is by walking. Walking on your foot, clicking photographs, and enjoying the weather is the best thing you can do here.

Where to stay in Nainital?

If you are planning a holiday in Nainital, it is advised to book your rooms in advance. Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations, there may be chances of crowed and you will not get your preferred room. 

You can pre-book your accommodation online. In case you were not able to book your hotel in advance there are plenty of budget hotels with full amenities and in different price ranges.

In search of budget hotels near around bus stand

What are must-visit places in Nainital?

• Naini Lake

This eye-shaped lake is located at the center of the city and is the topmost attraction of tourists. It is like a magnet for travellers because of its crystal clear water.

Lake offers ample opportunity for holiday lovers to book paddle boat ride or boating. The rates for boating and paddle boating is displayed at different places alongside lake so one can book and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Nainital.

Paddle boat ride in Nainital

• Snow view point

It is one of the coldest regions on Nainital, located at the height of 2260 meters. This is the best place to click amazing photographs of snow-covered mountains.

You have to trek around three kilometers to reach the snow view point. You will get to see the spectacular view of Nanda Devi peak, the second-highest peak in the country.

The incredible scenic beauty will stun you and make your trip worthwhile. It's gonna be a lifetime memory for you.

• Bhimtal Lake

This is the biggest lake among all in Nainital. It is located around 22 kilometers from the center of the city. There is a masonry Dam built in the lake for water storage purposes. You can do boating here. The view is gonna amaze you.

• Nakuchiatal Lake

Nakuchia means having 'nine corners' and the lake is well known for having nine corners. The lake is really beautiful and has a scenic look, with greenery and forest around along with the winding road from one side. This charming Lake has a boating facility. You will find yourself in a wave of peace and with nature when you visit this lake.

Enjoy boat ride in Nakuchia Lake

• Mall Road

Nainital mall road is one of the most popular tourist destination among visitors as it s a long 1.5Km stretch which connects two ends of the Nainital which is Mallital and Tallital. 

This mall road offers many food eateries, cool cafes and restaurants where one can enjoy the food along with beautiful lakeview. Also, This place is very crowded due to many visitors and tourists enjoy shopping and strolling

• Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar is around 51 kilometers from Nainital, placed even higher than Nainital, surrounded by forests and greenery. It gives a picturesque view of the Himalayas.

If you are a follower of Lord Shiva, you will love this place because an ancient temple of Lord Shiva is located here. 

Mukteshwar is also famous for adventurous activities like rock climbing and rippling. There is a famous overhanging cliff nearby called Chauli-ki-Jali, popular for rock climbing. Mukteshwar is a beautiful hill station, you should visit this if you are visiting Nainital.

Suicide point in Mukteshwar

What are the things you can do in Nainital?

• Boating 

Visiting the city of Lakes gives you an obvious thing to do here is boating. You will get many opportunities for boating while visiting Naini Lake, Bhimltal Lake, etc.

You must experience the fun of Yachting and boating in Naini Lake.

Enjoying Boating ride with my Friends

• Trekking and Camping

You will find a large number of trekking opportunities here being a hilly place. Trekk to any peak and stay in a camp for a while is one of that dreamy activities that everyone should try. It takes you to a completely different world and suddenly you start feeling out of the world. This is what I experienced here.

There is a small trek known as "Naini Peak", one can easily trek to this peak as its only around 3KM, The whole trek route is surrounded with lush green vegetation and have narrow path to trek. 

Before reaching to the top you will come across a Wireless repeater station, where you can have a snack(Tea, Maggie).

Snack Time

On reaching to the top of Naini Peak the panoramic view of Nainital is breath-taking. You can choose any trek depending on how high you want to trek and camp for a while and just live that moment.

Beautiful panoramic view of Nainital

• Horse Riding

This is another amazing thing you can do here. You should definitely have a taste of horse riding here. You can hire a horse for visiting Snow Viewpoint or Tiffin Top and have all of the pleasure of snow-covered peaks on the way.

Captured this beautiful lush green landscape on my way to Tiffin Top

Tips for Nainital Trip

1. Try not to plan during the monsoon season, the place might be slippery for trekking and walking. Also, if it rains heavily for long, you may not go out to cover the places nearby.

2. Carry warm clothes and socks with you. And especially in winters, carry thermals and jackets.

3. Try to carry a first aid kit with emergency medicines like medicine for headaches, vomiting, and fever.

4. Try to take your power banks and keep your phone charged.

5. Take some cash with you, although you will easily find ATMs there.

6. Other essential things like Sunglasses, headphones, warm caps, toiletries, etc.

7. Try to keep the area clean.

I hope this will help you to plan your trip to Nainital soon. Let us know if you need any further assistance to plan your trip in the comment section.

We will love to hear feedback from you!

Thank you for reading :)

Love,