Air Travel to Nainital
When planning your trip to Nainital, the first thing to note is that the hill station does not have its own airport. However, there are nearby airports that make air travel possible.
How to Reach Nainital by Air
Reaching Nainital by air involves flying to a nearby airport and then covering the remaining distance by road.
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, located about 70 km away. Though it’s a small domestic airport, Pantnagar is the most convenient option for those wanting to travel by air to Nainital.
Overview of Pantnagar Airport
Pantnagar Airport serves as the primary gateway for air travelers heading to Nainital. It is a small, regional airport mainly catering to domestic flights. The airport operates under the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and is essential for access to the Kumaon region.
Airlines Operating from Pantnagar Airport
As of now, only a few airlines operate from Pantnagar, with regular flights primarily from Delhi. Airlines such as Alliance Air and IndiGo have daily or weekly flights connecting Pantnagar with New Delhi. This makes it a good option if you’re flying from other major Indian cities through Delhi.
Distance and Travel Time from Pantnagar to Nainital
From Pantnagar Airport, Nainital is about 70 kilometers away. The journey takes approximately 2 to 3 hours by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route is scenic, passing through lush greenery and hills, making the drive enjoyable.
Alternative Airports Near Nainital
If you are unable to find a direct flight to Pantnagar or prefer a larger airport, there are a few alternatives:
1. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi
New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is a major hub for international and domestic flights. If you’re traveling from abroad or from distant Indian cities, this is a viable option. The airport is about 300 km from Nainital, and the journey from Delhi to Nainital can take around 6 to 8 hours by road.
2. Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Located in Dehradun, Jolly Grant Airport (DED) is another option. Although further from Nainital (around 300 km), this airport offers flights from several Indian cities. The road trip from Dehradun to Nainital is picturesque but long, taking around 8 to 9 hours.
3. Chandigarh International Airport
Chandigarh International Airport is around 425 km from Nainital. If you’re coming from northern regions or Punjab, Chandigarh can be a good air travel choice. The journey from Chandigarh to Nainital by road is roughly 9 to 10 hours.
How to Get from Pantnagar Airport to Nainital
Taxi Services
From Pantnagar Airport, the most convenient way to reach Nainital is by hiring a taxi. Both private and government-approved taxi services are available outside the airport. You can either book a cab in advance or hire one on arrival.
Prepaid Cabs and App-based Services
App-based taxi services like Uber or Ola might not be readily available at Pantnagar, but prepaid taxi booths at the airport provide reliable options. These cabs operate on a fixed rate basis, ensuring that you won’t have to haggle over prices.
Shared Transport Options
For budget travelers, shared taxis or jeeps might be available. These services generally start from Kathgodam or Haldwani, which are en route from Pantnagar to Nainital.
Traveling from New Delhi to Nainital
Domestic Flights to New Delhi
Most major Indian cities and international locations are well connected to Delhi by air. After landing in Delhi, you can either take a direct taxi to Nainital or opt for a bus or train.
Driving Distance and Travel Time from Delhi to Nainital
By road, the distance from New Delhi to Nainital is about 300 km. Depending on traffic and weather conditions, it can take anywhere between 6 to 8 hours to drive from Delhi to Nainital.
Bus and Train Services
If you prefer public transportation, you can take an overnight bus or train to Kathgodam, which is 35 km from Nainital. From Kathgodam, local cabs or shared taxis are available to complete your journey.
Traveling from Dehradun to Nainital
Flight Options to Dehradun
Flights from several major cities land in Dehradun, making it an alternative to Pantnagar.
Road Journey from Dehradun to Nainital
Once you land in Dehradun, you’ll need to drive around 300 km to reach Nainital. The road trip is long, but the scenery is worth it.
Traveling from Chandigarh to Nainital
Air Connectivity to Chandigarh
If you’re flying into Chandigarh, you can rent a car or book a taxi for the 425 km road trip to Nainital.
Road Routes from Chandigarh to Nainital
Traveling from Chandigarh by road takes about 9 to 10 hours. The route passes through stunning Himalayan foothills, offering breathtaking views along the way.
Best Time to Visit Nainital by Air
Flights to Pantnagar Airport are more frequent during peak tourist seasons, such as summer (March to June) and post-monsoon (September to November). It’s best to avoid the rainy season, as road travel can be tricky due to landslides.
How to Book Air Travel to Nainital
You can book your flights via popular travel websites like MakeMyTrip, Cleartrip, or directly from airline websites. Look for connections to Pantnagar from Delhi or other nearby airports.
Transportation Tips for Reaching Nainital by Air
Plan your road travel ahead of time, especially during the peak season. Pre-book your taxis and make sure your budget includes travel expenses from the airport to Nainital.
Benefits of Traveling to Nainital by Air
Flying to Nainital is the quickest and most comfortable option, especially if you’re traveling from distant cities. It saves you time and gives you more room to relax and enjoy the scenic drive from the airport.
Challenges of Reaching Nainital by Air
One of the main challenges is the limited flight options, especially to Pantnagar Airport. Flights can be expensive during peak season, and last-minute bookings may not be possible.
Tips for a Smooth Journey
Book your flights and taxis well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Also, pack layers for Nainital’s cool mountain weather, and carry essentials to manage altitude changes.
Conclusion
Though Nainital doesn’t have its own airport, reaching it by air is still a convenient option. By flying to nearby airports like Pantnagar or even Delhi, and completing the rest of the journey by road, you can easily enjoy the stunning beauty of this hill station. So, the next time you’re planning a trip to Nainital, consider air travel for a fast and comfortable journey.
FAQs
- What is the nearest airport to Nainital?
- Pantnagar Airport is the closest, about 70 km from Nainital.
- How far is Pantnagar Airport from Nainital?
- It’s approximately 70 km, taking about 2 to 3 hours by road.
- Are there direct flights to Nainital?
- No, Nainital doesn’t have an airport. The nearest is Pantnagar, with direct flights from Delhi.
- Can I reach Nainital by helicopter?
- While helicopter services aren’t common, chartered flights could be arranged for special tours.
- What is the best time to fly to Nainital?
- The best time is during summer (March to June) or post-monsoon (September to November) when the weather is pleasant.