Last October, I finally carved out time to visit two places I’d long wanted to see: Nainital and Dehradun. You might have heard these two names mentioned together often, as if visiting one requires visiting the other. I’d always wondered what exactly set them apart. Only after experiencing them firsthand did I truly understand.
Departing from Delhi, a bumpy ride into the night
I left from Delhi Airport, having booked a car in advance. The driver assured me, “Don’t worry, we’ll definitely reach Nainital before dark.” I believed him. The result? We didn’t make it.
After passing Katgodam, the road transformed. The mountain twists and turns like a snake, left and right. Our jeep swayed violently. Sitting in the back, I gripped the armrest tightly, terrified we might tumble down the cliff. By the time we entered Nainital, it was completely dark. Past nine o’clock, the cold was biting—my ears nearly numb.
My first impression upon arrival was: damp, dim, and somewhat chaotic. The air carried the scent of pine mixed with car exhaust. Streetlights were sparse, giving the place a quiet vibe, yet you could sense it was a tourist destination.
Nainital: Beautiful, but Overcrowded
The next day, the sun emerged, revealing the town’s true beauty. Wow, it was truly stunning.The lake was a brilliant blue, surrounded by mountains—like a painting. But the moment I stepped onto the main “Shopping Center Road,” I was stunned—it was packed!
Tourists were everywhere, along with vendors selling hats, snacks, and horse rides. I wanted to buy something, but every two steps someone would stop me: “Sir, want a photo? Want to ride a horse?” I just wanted to walk in peace, but it was impossible.
Later, I took a boat to the lake’s center. The lake itself was truly beautiful—crystal clear water reflecting the mountains. The problem was, the boat was packed with kids, and their noise gave me a headache. I tried to take a quiet photo, but the background was filled with screams and laughter.
I visited some viewing platforms, like the Snow Viewing Platform, which I heard had the best scenery. But when I got there, it was packed with people holding up their phones for selfies—there wasn’t even room to stand.I wanted to find a quiet corner to enjoy the scenery, but there wasn’t even space to stand.
Plus, it was constantly cold here. Even when the sun came out at noon, the wind made you need a jacket. I’d planned to stay a few days, but by the third day I couldn’t take it anymore—too crowded, too noisy.
Dehli: Feeling Relaxed the Moment I Entered the City
Three days later, I took a bus to Dehradun. Arriving at noon, I was immediately choked by dust upon stepping off the bus, feeling a bit uncomfortable. But as the bus entered the city center, my mood instantly lifted.
The roads here were wide, sidewalks neatly arranged, and houses lined up in orderly rows—nothing like the chaos of Nainital. Trees lined the streets, lush and green, creating a soothing sight.
My first stop was “Bandit’s Cave”—a name that sounds intimidating but is actually a small gorge. I took off my shoes and walked through the cool stream for over an hour. What surprised me most was how few people I encountered. The entire experience was incredibly quiet, with only the sound of flowing water and birdsong. It was a world apart from the crowded chaos of Nainital.
Dehradun made my breathing easier
During my days in Dehradun, the strongest feeling I had was: freedom.
The skies here weren’t perpetually hazy like in Nainital. Mornings brought crisp air and warm sunlight, while midday even felt a bit hot. I didn’t need to bundle up in a coat all the time, allowing me to stroll, take photos, and daydream at ease.
I also hiked a trail near Marathi Deer Park.The trail was easy to navigate, lined with trees on both sides, occasionally revealing small animals. With almost no one else around, I walked while listening to music, feeling as though my entire being had been cleansed.
Of course, there are bustling spots here too, like the Palten Market. It’s crowded, but in a different way. People aren’t there as tourists; they’re shopping for groceries and daily necessities. Vendors sell eggs, vegetables, and clothes, creating a strong sense of everyday life.I didn’t find it noisy; rather, it felt authentic.
Two Places, Completely Different Experiences
After visiting both, I understood their distinctions:
- Different Atmospheres: Nainital is tailored for tourists, like a beautiful postcard. Dehradun, however, feels like a normal city—with mountains and trees, but also schools, hospitals, and shops.
- Crowds vs. Space: If you hate crowds, Nainital might overwhelm you. Dehradun is much more comfortable—you can always find a quiet spot for a stroll.
- Activities: In Nainital, it’s mainly about boating, lake views, and photos. In Dehradun, you can hike, explore caves, or bike—more activities, more nature.
- Weather differences: Nainital stays perpetually cool, like autumn that refuses to leave. Dehradun enjoys warmer days, making it better for extended outdoor stays.
- Location: Nainital is encircled by mountains, like a self-contained world. Dehradun is more open, serving as a gateway to other hill stations like Mussoorie.
Final Thoughts: Neither is Better, Only More Suited to You
When people ask me, “Which place is better?” I find it impossible to answer. It’s like asking “Which tastes better, rice or noodles?”—it depends on what you crave.
If you seek that “mountains + lakes + romance” vibe, enjoy bustling crowds, and don’t mind the hustle, then head to Nainital.
But if you prefer tranquility, want to stay in a town while having easy access to nature, then Dehradun is the better fit for you.
This trip taught me: India’s mountains aren’t all the same. Some places are for the eyes, others for the soul to rest. Both are worth visiting—just don’t go with the same expectations.
