The best route from Delhi to Nainital is via NH9 through Ghaziabad, Moradabad, and Rampur to Kathgodam (260 km on highway, 3.5 hours), then 50 km of winding mountain road to Nainital (1.5 hours). Total: 310 km, 5–7 hours. An alternative via Bareilly is slightly longer. The highway section is excellent. The Kathgodam to Nainital section requires a skilled hill driver as the road is narrow with steep drops. EZPZ Taxi provides Nainital trips with verified hill drivers — call +91-9871121217.
1 Answer
There are two main route options from Delhi to Nainital — via Moradabad (NH-9) and via Gajraula/Rampur. Here's a comparison:
Route 1: Via Moradabad — Recommended
Delhi → Ghaziabad → NH-9 → Moradabad → Rampur → Rudrapur → Haldwani → Nainital
| Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi → Moradabad (NH-9) | 165 km | 3 hrs |
| Moradabad → Rampur | 50 km | 1 hr |
| Rampur → Haldwani | 70 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Haldwani → Nainital (hill road) | 35 km | 1 hr |
| Total | ~320 km | ~6.5 hrs |
Route 2: Via Gajraula (Slightly Shorter but More Traffic)
Delhi → NH-9 → Gajraula → Kashipur → Haldwani → Nainital
| Total Distance | Time |
|---|---|
| ~310 km | 6–7 hrs |
Both routes are comparable — Route 1 via Moradabad is preferred by most EZPZ drivers as NH-9 is better maintained.
The Haldwani → Nainital Section
The last 35 km from Haldwani is a winding mountain climb — the most scenic part of the journey. Your first view of Nainital Lake from the road above the town is genuinely breathtaking.
What to Watch For
- Moradabad bypass: Stay on NH-9 bypass — avoid going into Moradabad city
- Haldwani weekends: Heavy traffic on Saturday afternoons into Nainital — arrive before noon or after 6 PM
- Vehicle size restrictions in Nainital: Large vehicles (SUVs, Tempo Travellers) may not be allowed into the town centre. Check current seasonal restrictions
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