Uttarakhand Weekend Tour Package from Kolkata
Uttarakhand Weekend Tour Package from Kolkata
Can Kolkata travellers actually do a weekend trip to Uttarakhand?
Not in a literal two-day weekend—but a Friday to Monday long weekend works surprisingly well. The fastest route is to fly from Kolkata to Delhi, connect with the Delhi–Kathgodam Shatabdi Express, and continue by road for around one hour to Nainital. A well-planned 4 Days / 3 Nights itinerary covering Nainital and Bhimtal typically starts from ₹19,999 per person, excluding Kolkata–Delhi flights and the Delhi–Kathgodam train fare.
Many travel websites advertise a "2 Nights / 3 Days Uttarakhand weekend trip" from Kolkata without acknowledging the reality of the journey. With nearly 1,500 kilometres separating Kolkata from Uttarakhand's nearest hill stations, a true Saturday–Sunday escape simply isn't practical. Instead of promising an unrealistic itinerary, this package has been carefully designed around a genuine long-weekend schedule that maximises your time in the mountains rather than in transit.
The itinerary is centred around Nainital, Uttarakhand's most accessible hill station for short breaks, complemented by a peaceful excursion to Bhimtal. By combining a Friday evening departure, the Delhi–Kathgodam Shatabdi Express, and efficient road transfers, travellers enjoy three comfortable nights in the hills while returning to Kolkata by Monday evening with minimal leave required.
As a leading Uttarakhand Destination Management Company operating since 2003, SnazzyTrips has refined this itinerary specifically for travellers from Kolkata. Every transfer, arrival time and sightseeing stop has been planned around the transport connections that genuinely work, making this one of the most practical long-weekend hill station holidays available from Eastern India. If your schedule allows only a strict two-day weekend with no Friday or Monday travel, we would honestly recommend choosing a destination closer to Kolkata instead.
Tour Highlights
Designed specifically for a long weekend, this itinerary focuses on experiences that deliver the most value without wasting precious holiday time. Every attraction has been selected to maximise sightseeing while keeping travel distances short and comfortable.
🚣 Naini Lake Boating
Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the iconic Naini Lake, the heart of Nainital and one of the most memorable experiences during a short hill-station getaway.
🚡 Snow View Ropeway
Take the Snow View Cable Car for spectacular Himalayan views without spending hours on a mountain drive, making it ideal for a compact weekend itinerary.
🙏 Naina Devi Temple
Visit the historic Naina Devi Temple, located beside Naini Lake, offering both spiritual significance and convenient access within the town centre.
🌊 Bhimtal Excursion
Spend half a day exploring the peaceful surroundings of Bhimtal, just 22 km from Nainital, known for its scenic lake and relaxed atmosphere.
🚶 Mall Road Evenings
Relax with leisurely evening walks along Mall Road, enjoying cafés, shopping, local snacks and beautiful lakeside views after sightseeing.
🚆 Scenic Shatabdi Journey
Travel aboard the Delhi–Kathgodam Shatabdi Express, one of North India's most scenic rail journeys through the Terai forests before reaching the Kumaon foothills.
Who This Package Is For
This itinerary is ideal for Kolkata travellers with a genuine Friday-to-Monday long weekend who want to experience Uttarakhand without committing to a week-long holiday. It is particularly well suited for couples, solo travellers and small groups looking for a relaxed mountain escape.
The itinerary has been carefully planned to minimise unnecessary travel while allowing enough time to enjoy Nainital and a short excursion to Bhimtal. Although the transit days are relatively full, sightseeing within Uttarakhand remains comfortable and unhurried.
This package is not suitable for travellers restricted to only a Saturday–Sunday weekend or anyone hoping to cover multiple destinations across Uttarakhand in just four days. Those travellers are better served by longer family or group itineraries.
SnazzyTrips Recommendation
For the smoothest journey, book a Friday evening flight from Kolkata to Delhi and stay overnight close to New Delhi or Anand Vihar Railway Station. This makes boarding the early morning Delhi–Kathgodam Shatabdi Express significantly easier than attempting a pre-dawn transfer across Delhi.
If your schedule allows, extending the holiday to 5 Days / 4 Nights creates a much more relaxed pace. An additional night in Nainital allows extra time for nearby lakes, local cafés and sightseeing without compressing the itinerary.
📍 SnazzyTrips Tip: This itinerary is designed to maximise a long weekend—not a traditional weekend. Using a Friday evening departure and Monday evening return gives you substantially more time in the hills than trying to squeeze Uttarakhand into just two calendar days.
Quick Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🕒 Duration | 4 Days / 3 Nights (Friday Evening – Monday Night) |
| 💰 Starting Price | ₹19,999 per person (Approximate • Excludes Kolkata–Delhi flights & Delhi–Kathgodam train fare) |
| ✈️ Departure | Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata |
| 🛫 Flight Leg | Kolkata → Delhi • Approx. 2–2.5 Hours |
| 🚆 Train Leg | New Delhi → Kathgodam (Shatabdi Express) • 06:20 – 11:55 • Approx. 5 Hours 35 Minutes |
| 🔙 Return Train | Kathgodam → Delhi (Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express) • 08:40 – 15:25 • Approx. 6 Hours 45 Minutes |
| 📍 Pickup Point | Kathgodam Railway Station |
| 🌿 Best Season | March–June & September–November |
| 🥾 Difficulty | Easy • No trekking • Minimal walking |
| 🍽️ Meals | Daily Breakfast & Dinner (Nainital) |
| 🏨 Stay | Delhi Transit (1 Night) • Nainital (2 Nights) |
Package Inclusions
✅ 2 Nights Accommodation in Nainital.
✅ Daily Breakfast & Dinner during your stay in Nainital.
✅ Pickup & Drop from Kathgodam Railway Station.
✅ Private cab transfers between Kathgodam – Nainital – Kathgodam.
✅ Naini Lake Boating and a half-day excursion to Bhimtal.
✅ Nainital sightseeing including Naina Devi Temple, Snow View Ropeway and Mall Road.
✅ 24×7 SnazzyTrips WhatsApp Support throughout your journey.
Package Exclusions
❌ Kolkata–Delhi return flight tickets.
❌ Delhi–Kathgodam and Kathgodam–Delhi train fares.
❌ Delhi transit accommodation (available on request).
❌ Lunch throughout the itinerary.
❌ Additional boating or ropeway charges beyond the included experiences.
❌ Personal expenses, shopping and activities not listed under inclusions.
❌ Travel Insurance.
How to Reach
This itinerary has been designed around the Delhi–Kathgodam Shatabdi Express, the fastest and most practical rail connection for travellers from Kolkata planning a long weekend in Uttarakhand.
✈️ Friday – Kolkata to Delhi
Fly from Kolkata to Delhi in approximately 2–2.5 hours. We recommend staying overnight near New Delhi Railway Station or Anand Vihar for an easy connection to the early morning Shatabdi Express.
🚆 Saturday – Delhi to Kathgodam
Board the Shatabdi Express (12040) departing 06:20 AM and arriving at Kathgodam at 11:55 AM. The journey takes approximately 5 Hours 35 Minutes. From Kathgodam, Nainital is about 35 km, roughly one hour by road.
🚆 Monday – Kathgodam to Delhi
Return via the Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express, departing 08:40 AM and reaching Delhi at 03:25 PM. The schedule comfortably allows travellers to board an evening flight back to Kolkata on the same day.
About Nainital for a Short Trip
Unlike many Himalayan destinations that require long drives between attractions, Nainital is perfectly suited to a short getaway because most of its major highlights are located around the lake itself. Mall Road, Naina Devi Temple, the Boat Club, cafés, shopping areas and the Snow View Ropeway are all within walking distance or a short drive, allowing visitors to spend more time exploring instead of travelling.
Established as a British hill station during the 1840s, Nainital developed around the crescent-shaped Naini Lake, creating a compact town layout that remains one of its greatest advantages today. This thoughtful design makes it possible to enjoy boating, sightseeing, shopping and lakeside walks comfortably even during a four-day itinerary.
For travellers arriving from Kolkata on a long weekend, Nainital offers an excellent balance of accessibility, pleasant weather and efficient sightseeing. Combined with a short excursion to nearby Bhimtal, it delivers a complete hill-station experience without the long internal transfers required by many larger Himalayan circuits.
Best Time to Visit
Since this itinerary operates within a limited time frame, choosing the right season is particularly important. Stable weather and reliable road conditions help maximise sightseeing while reducing the risk of travel delays.
| Season | Recommendation | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| March – June | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best Time | Pleasant temperatures, reliable road conditions and excellent sightseeing weather. |
| September – November | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent | Clear Himalayan views, fewer crowds and comfortable sightseeing throughout the day. |
| July – August | ❌ Not Recommended | Monsoon rainfall may affect road travel between Kathgodam and Nainital, reducing valuable sightseeing time. |
| December – February | ⭐⭐⭐ Winter Option | Cold but enjoyable, although shorter daylight hours limit sightseeing opportunities during a weekend itinerary. |
SnazzyTrips Insights
After organising numerous long-weekend departures for travellers from Kolkata, we've found that careful timing makes a much bigger difference than distance. These practical recommendations help ensure your short holiday runs smoothly.
Plan Around the Shatabdi Express
The itinerary depends on catching the early morning Delhi–Kathgodam Shatabdi Express. An overnight stay in Delhi provides valuable buffer time and avoids unnecessary travel stress.
Visit Popular Attractions Early
Weekend crowds build quickly around Mall Road, the Boat Club and the Snow View Ropeway. Early morning or evening visits usually offer a much better experience.
Keep Bhimtal Flexible
If your schedule becomes tight, prioritise Nainital. Bhimtal is an enjoyable addition but should never reduce the quality of your time at the main destination.
Connectivity Isn't the Challenge
Mobile networks, ATMs and local facilities are reliable throughout the trip. The real limitation is available sightseeing time rather than on-ground infrastructure.
Allow Time for Your Return Flight
Choose a later evening flight from Delhi to Kolkata rather than the earliest available departure. This provides a comfortable buffer in case the return train experiences delays.
Carry a Light Jacket
Even during summer, evenings around Naini Lake are considerably cooler than Kolkata. Packing a lightweight jacket makes evening walks much more comfortable.
📍 Local Insight: The success of this itinerary isn't about squeezing in more attractions—it's about making every transfer work efficiently. Following the recommended transport timings gives you the maximum possible time to enjoy Nainital during a genuine long weekend.
Why Choose SnazzyTrips
Planning a long-weekend holiday from Kolkata requires much more than simply booking hotels. Flight schedules, train connections, pickup timings and sightseeing all need to work together seamlessly. That's exactly where SnazzyTrips brings more than two decades of Uttarakhand destination expertise.
🕉️ 21+ Years of Kumaon Expertise
Since 2003, SnazzyTrips has specialised in the Kathgodam–Nainital corridor, creating short-duration itineraries that are carefully aligned with actual train and flight schedules.
🛣️ 150+ Local Ground Partners
Our local network ensures prompt pickups from Kathgodam Railway Station, allowing you to begin sightseeing quickly without losing valuable weekend hours.
📍 Dedicated Travel Coordination
From your Delhi transit and Shatabdi connection to hotel check-in and sightseeing, a single travel coordinator manages the complete itinerary for a hassle-free experience.
⭐ 4.7 / 5 Average Traveller Rating
Our itineraries are built around realistic travel planning, ensuring travellers spend more time enjoying Uttarakhand and less time rushing between transport connections.
💰 Transparent Pricing
Weekend packages start from approximately ₹19,999 per person. All inclusions are shared clearly before booking, with pricing varying only by hotel category, travel season and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Uttarakhand weekend tour package from Kolkata cost?
Weekend packages generally start from ₹19,999 per person for a 4 Days / 3 Nights Nainital itinerary. Flights between Kolkata and Delhi, along with Delhi–Kathgodam train tickets, are charged separately.
Can this trip really be completed in a normal two-day weekend?
No. Due to the travel distance from Kolkata, a practical itinerary requires a Friday evening departure and Monday evening return. A strict Saturday–Sunday trip would leave very little time to enjoy Nainital.
Which railway station and airport should I use?
Kathgodam Railway Station is the gateway to Nainital. Travellers normally fly from Kolkata to Delhi before boarding the Delhi–Kathgodam Shatabdi Express.
Is this package suitable for families with children?
Yes, although the itinerary follows a relatively tight schedule with an early morning train. Families seeking a slower holiday may prefer our longer Nainital–Corbett family packages.
How many days are ideal for exploring Nainital?
The 4 Days / 3 Nights itinerary comfortably covers the main attractions. However, extending to 5 Days / 4 Nights provides a much more relaxed sightseeing experience.
What happens if the Shatabdi Express is delayed?
The Delhi–Kathgodam Shatabdi is generally very punctual. Even so, we recommend an overnight stay in Delhi before departure so your entire itinerary isn't affected by last-minute travel issues.
Can the Bhimtal excursion be skipped?
Yes. Bhimtal is included as an optional half-day excursion and can easily be skipped if you prefer to spend additional time exploring Nainital itself.
Can this trip be extended to explore more of Uttarakhand?
Absolutely. SnazzyTrips also offers longer Uttarakhand itineraries combining Nainital with destinations such as Jim Corbett National Park, Kausani, Mukteshwar and other scenic Kumaon destinations.
Tour Plans
Day 1
Kolkata to Delhi (Friday Evening)
Evening flight from Kolkata to Delhi (approximately 2–2.5 hours).
Overnight stay near New Delhi railway station or Anand Vihar to be well-positioned for the early morning train.
🛏️ Overnight — Delhi (transit)
Day 2
Delhi to Nainital (Saturday)
Early morning Shatabdi Express to Kathgodam (06:20–11:55).
Drive to Nainital (approximately 35 km, 1 hour).
Check in, afternoon Naini Lake boating, evening Mall Road walk.
Overnight in Nainital.
🛏️ Overnight — Nainital hotel
Day 3
Nainital Sightseeing & Bhimtal (Sunday)
Morning visit to Naina Devi Temple and the Snow View cable car.
Afternoon half-day excursion to Bhimtal (approximately 22 km), or extended leisure time in Nainital if preferred.
Evening free at the lake. Overnight in Nainital.
🛏️ Overnight — Nainital hotel
Day 4
Nainital to Delhi to Kolkata (Monday)
Morning checkout and drive to Kathgodam (approximately 1 hour).
Board the Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express to Delhi (08:40–15:25).
Evening flight from Delhi to Kolkata.
✈️ Depart for Kolkata