Which is better Nainital or Dehradun

[Mrs Anand]

Hello members,

I have been a visitor here for quite some time and today decided to register and ask a question as me and my family are due to go on a short holiday after a very long time and I would like it to be as good as possible with the limited time and resources we have at hand.

The two options we are looking at are Nainital and Dehradun but it has to be one or the other as we only have a weeks time and we do not want to spend too much time traveling. We have recently moved to Delhi so not familiar with hill stations around here as we originally come from the South. This will also be our first holiday here in North India so a pointer or two will be great help.

I am looking for main differences between Dehradun and Nainital and what to expect at each destination So please tell me which one is better for a family vacation out of Dehradun and Nainital.

Thanks
Mrs Anand

 

[Chahal]

When are you planning to go for this holiday?

 

[Mrs Anand]

We are planning for last week or June.

 

[Chahal]

Dehradun is a great place but it is not a hill station and during June-July temperature remains high. Nainital on the other hand is a lot high up and even in the afternoon weather remains pleasant with the exception of a few days when around 1PM you cannot go out in the sun and expect not to get any sweat.

Dehradun is great for a day or two but as it would be too hot for comfort I would advise going up to Mussoorie which is just an hour from there but if that is not an option you should definitely pick Nainital.

Nainital's main attraction is the lake there and the life around the lake. Nainital's weather remains good most part of the year. June end you will see some rain fall as well so it will be a good time to go there. Rains also make visibility better so you can see the mountain ranges from there very clearly.

 

[briannagodess]

Hello and welcome to the forum!

Here's some of the differences between Nainital and Dehradun:

Nainital

• Area: 11.73 square kilometres
• Climate: Summers are pleasant but winters can get extremely cold
• Total Population: 38,559 (2011 census)
• Located in Kumaun region of Uttarakhand
• Well connected to other cities as well via road, air and rail
• A hill station which is famous for its lakes
• Famous for educational institutions especially its schools

Dehradun

• Area: 300 square kilometres
• Climate: Hot during summer and extremely cold during winter
• Total Population: 569,578 (2011 census)
• Located in Garwhal region of Uttarakhand
• Capital city of Uttarakhand
• Has the main offices of the Uttarakhand
• Well connected by road, rail and air
• A valley known for its picturesque landscape and pleasant climate
• Famous for its educational institutions both schools and colleges

There you go, the main differences between Nainital and Dehradun. For the most part, Dehradun is known as a valley and Nainital as a hill station, that's their major distinction between each other. Nainital is definitely smaller and its economy relies mostly on its tourism industry. Whereas, Dehradun is bigger and is the capital of Uttarakhand so major businesses can be found here, it doesn't rely solely on its tourism for its economy.

It depends upon you which one you prefer. If you like lakes and picnics, then go for Nainital. If you like temples, buildings and valleys, then go for Dehradun. Both has their own charm and allure so it's a must to visit either of them.

Here's what you can visit in both places:

Nainital:

• Himalaya Darshan
• Land's End
• Naini Peak
• Nainital Lake
• Tiffin Top

Dehradun:

• Robber's Cave
• Tapkeshwar Temple
• Sahasradhara
• Rajaji National Park

I hope this helps!

 

[Admin]

Both Nainital and Dehradun are incredible destinations in Uttarakhand, but they offer very different experiences depending on what you’re looking for.

Nainital vs. Dehradun – Which is the Better Destination?​

Category	Nainital	Dehradun ️
Best For	Nature lovers, honeymooners, family trips	Travelers looking for city + nature mix, educational hub
Main Attractions	Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Eco Cave Gardens	Robber’s Cave, Sahastradhara, Tapkeshwar Temple, Forest Research Institute
Weather	Cool and pleasant throughout the year	Mild winters, hot summers, monsoon can be unpredictable
Adventure Activities	Boating, trekking, paragliding, horse riding	Trekking, cave exploration, river rafting nearby
Shopping	Tibetan Market, Mall Road	Paltan Bazaar, Indira Market
Crowd & Tourism	More touristy, especially in peak seasons	Less crowded compared to Nainital, more of a local city vibe
Best Time to Visit	March–June, September–November	October–March for pleasant weather
Connectivity	Nearest railway station: Kathgodam (34 km) Nearest airport: Pantnagar (70 km)	Well-connected by train, road, and has Jolly Grant Airport

Which One Should You Choose?​

• If you love serene lakes, mountains, and a peaceful retreat, Nainital is perfect. It has a charming hill station vibe with breathtaking views and cool weather all year round.
• If you want a mix of city amenities and natural beauty, Dehradun is the better pick. It has a laid-back city culture, a vibrant café scene, and is a great gateway to Mussoorie, Rishikesh, and Haridwar.

Final Verdict:​

• For a romantic or peaceful getaway? Nainital
• For a budget-friendly, accessible trip with nearby adventure options? Dehradun
• Want to explore more places in one trip? Dehradun (close to Mussoorie & Rishikesh)

Both have their charm, so it depends on your travel style! What’s your pick? Have you visited both? Share your experience!

 

[Shivangi]

I dont think it is fair to compare Dehradun to Nainital because both are very different places. Dehradun gets extremely hot in summers whereas Nainital doesnt due to its elevation. Dehradun is all plain and Nainital is up in the mountains with a large lake in there.