Are you and your loved ones planning a short mountain getaway? Here is a realistic, first-hand description of our three-day drive from Delhi to Nainital, including how it felt, what we did, and why renting an Urbania on hire in Delhi made the trip easy, cosy, and secure. To plan the same trip stress-free, use this as a ready checklist.
Why we selected (and adored) an Urbania
The Urbania’s cabin space, high seating, and luggage capacity were a boon for a night start, lengthy highway segments, and hilly curves. Everyone had enough boot space for winter layers and snacks, enough legroom, and a suitable seatback for naps. The strong construction felt comforting on mountain turns, and the elevated driving position helped the driver anticipate traffic. In summary, the crew was more relaxed when we rolled into Nainital, with fewer pit stops and no cramps.
Our starting time and route
We drove out of Delhi shortly after midnight, when it was cooler and there was less traffic on the highway. Our momentum remained constant throughout the night run, and at around noon, we rolled into Nainital. Plan a route that, if you’re driving, passes through Ghaziabad, Hapur, Moradabad, Haldwani, and Kathgodam before making the last climb to Nainital. With breaks, allow 8 to 10 hours; factor in fog or monsoon showers.
Tips for safe nighttime driving that were helpful to us
- Schedule micro-naps or rotate drivers.
- Always have hydration, light snacks, and a thermos on hand.
- Don’t ride the brakes; instead, shift to lower gears on ghats and maintain defensive speeds.
- Fill up before the hills and refuel near Haldwani or Kathgodam.
- Keep offline maps on hand in case the network goes down.
Day 1: Lunch, check-in, and a warm welcome from Nainital
We arrived by midday, checked into our hotel, showered, and ate a substantial lunch. Regaining our energy, we decided to take it slow and enjoy the first afternoon. The mood was set by the Mall Road walk, which featured views of the lake, a mountain breeze, and that laid-back hill-station beat that makes your shoulders drop.
Highlights of Day 1: • Naini Lake promenade: After the drive, take a stroll along the water to rejuvenate.
- Naina Devi Temple: A quick, contemplative, serene, and beautiful stop.
- Sunset by the lake: An evening row is magical if the weather permits and boating is open.
- Perusing the local market: wooden curios, shawls, sweaters, and sweets (try the well-known Bal Mithai).
After a simple dinner and some hot soup to cap off the day, we went to bed early because the mountain air makes sleep feel different.
Day 2: The lake-trio loop, viewpoints, and caverns
We made sure the day was varied after breakfast, with plenty of views, some adventure, and some sightseeing.
Morning • Tiffin Top/Snow View: Select one according to crowds and atmosphere. You can get a quick, picturesque view of Snow View from the ropeway. If you want to take a pony ride or go on a short hike, Tiffin Top is a great place.
- Eco Cave Gardens: entertaining and a little daring, ideal for both children and adults seeking a quick laugh and a crawl.
The lake circuit in the afternoon
- Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal: A picturesque loop with more serene surroundings and picturesque beaches outside of Nainital. For a more extended sit-down lunch, choose one, or make quick stops at all three. The nine-cornered lake in Naukuchiatal has a remarkably calm atmosphere.
Evening • Once we are back in Nainital, we enjoy a bonfire if your property permits it, card games at the hotel, or café hopping. No one dreaded the drive back to the hotel because of Urbania’s comfort, which made day-hopping effortless.
Day 3: The final sips of mountain time and the journey back
We kept things light on our last morning: a leisurely visit to St. John in the Wilderness for peaceful pictures and a stroll, followed by breakfast with a view and a quick run to the bakery. Following check-out, we made our way slowly down the ghats, stopped for a late lunch near Kathgodam/Haldwani, and then drove home, arriving in Delhi at night.
Pro tip: To get more daylight on the ghats and avoid last-minute town traffic, try to leave Nainital before noon.
Things to bring (beyond the norm)
- Layers: Hills can quickly change from sunny to windy.
- A lightweight rain jacket or umbrella: The weather can be unpredictable.
- Walking shoes: You’ll appreciate them on stairs and vantage points.
- Cables and power banks: Cold causes batteries to deplete more quickly.
- Motion sickness tablets and basic medications: useful on winding roads.
- Use reusable trash bags and water bottles to keep the hills tidy.
Notes on food and coffee
We took turns dining at quaint cafés by the lake and traditional North Indian restaurants. Look out for: • Kumaoni dishes (easy, filling, and delicious).
- Singodi and Bal Mithai, two regional desserts.
- Coffee/tea stops by the lake—brief pauses that serve as photo opportunities.
Parking and navigating
Parking is scarce in hill towns. Since walking is the most excellent way to take in the lanes and views, we mostly walked and used the designated lots. In Delhi, your rented Urbania is ideal for the intercity and lake-trio shuttles; in Nainital, wear it with cosy walking shoes or, if necessary, take a quick local taxi.
Prices and reservations (thoughtful planning)
Seasons and demand affect exact rates, but two guidelines are always helpful:
- For long weekends and school breaks, reserve your Urbania in advance.
- Carefully combine the following: hotel with breakfast, flexible sightseeing schedule, vehicle + driver + fuel clarity. Your days will go more smoothly if you are clear about things like parking, tolls, and driver night charges up front.
Making memories and taking pictures
- The hills and water are flattened during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
- Stiff poses are preferable to candid group photos taken on the benches along Mall Road.
- On calm days, the reflections of the lake trio provide mirror-still frames.
- Light layers keep you warm and give your photos an intentional appearance.
The lesson is to travel comfortably and arrive at your destination peacefully.
Although the postcard views of Naini Lake at sunset are truly remarkable, that wasn’t the only thing that made this trip unique. It was the slow, uncrowded days and the comfortable, easy transit. We arrived refreshed, explored more, and never felt hurried because we had the right car, which transformed travel time into time spent together. Consider renting an Urbania on rent in Delhi if you’re planning a short mountain getaway. Then, keep your schedule straightforward, move at a leisurely pace, and keep an eye out for the little, peaceful frames that the hills have to offer.
