Nainital - A Himalyan Jewel

Location: Uttarakhand, Northern India

Elevation: 2,084 m

Temperature: 7 °C (45 °F) -  27 °C (81 °F)

Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalyan necklace, blessed with scenic natural spledour and varied natural resources . Dotted with lakes , Nainital has earned the epithet of ' Lake District ' of India . The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills . Nainital has a varied topography . Some of the important places in the district are Nainital , Haldwani , Kaladhungi , Ramnagar , Bhowali , Ramgarh , Mukteshwar , Bhimtal , Sattal and Naukuchiatal . Nainital’s unending expense of scenic beauty is nothing short of a romance with awe-inspiring and pristine Mother nature.

Situated at an altitude of 2,084 metres (6,837 ft) above sea level, Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are Naina (2,615 m (8,579 ft)) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m (7,999 ft)) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m (7,474 ft)) on the south. From the tops of the higher peaks, "magnificent views can be obtained of the vast plain to the south, or of the mass of tangled ridges lying north, bounded by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas.".

History

Nainital finds mention in various ancient myths and legends. The Naini temple at the banks of Naini Lake holds a lot of significance especially among the Hindus as it is believed to be one of the 64 Shakti Peeths, where some parts of the burned body of Sati (Parvati) fell here while being carried by Lord Shiva. Nainital was found by a European businessman, P. Barron who was in awe with the beauty of the Naini Lake. In no time it developed as a summer retreat for the Englishmen and a second Municipal Board of the Northwestern Provinces. 

Sightseeing

Nainital is one of the most popular hill station in India, which not only offers majestic view of Himalayas and Lakes, but also have many sightseeing options. Following is the list tourist places in Nainital. These are some of the popular tourist spots in Nainital.

Naini Lake : Amidst seven mountains touching the sky, the heart of the place is a ravishing lake showering its beauty with pristine and stagnant water. Naini Lake has earned respect since beginning and even the district is named after this enchanting lake. The lake offers ample opportunities for adventure lovers as well with yachting, boating and paddling facilities. One can explore the lake from one end to another watching the dynamic sun setting for the dusk providing peace and tranquility. Naini Lake is divided into two parts Mallital and Tallital. The north end of the Lake is called Mallital and the southern end of the Lake is known as Tallital. Both ends of the Naini Lake have shopping centres with luxury and varied shops.

The lake is on its majestically height during the night time when the light of the houses, cottages and hotels situated on the mountains covering Nainital reflects upon it and makes the view invigorating. During night it feels like there's a city underneath the stagnant water of Naini Lake. The perimeter of Naini Lake is approximately 3.5kms. Nainital is an ideal destination for families, honeymooners, poets and writers, nature lovers and adventure lovers as well.

The Mall Road: Mall road nexuses Mallital with Tallital and thus is busiest road of the town. During peak season (May and June) vehicles are not allowed to enter mall road so that the trade keeps on strolling as this point is famous amongst tourists. Mall road is now named as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. The road is filled with hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, banks, travel agencies and street shops as well.

The Flats: The Flats is situated on the northern side of the lake where the statue of Govind Ballabh Pant is erected. The Flatts covers a large area touching the lake. The Flatts has a cemented playing ground which is generally used for cultural activities during festivals but you can see kids playing there most of the time. The Flats get crowded in the evening because of the chat bazaar and famous Bhotia Market selling their varied and unique products. The divine Naina Devi Temple is situated on the Flatts alongwith a mosque and gurudwara.

Zoo: Govind Ballabh Pant high altitude zoo is situated around 2km from the bus station. The zoo is set at an elevation of 2100mts above sea level providing high altitude animals a sufficient and habitat like environment. The Zoo consists of animals like Leopard , Hill Fox, Siberian Tiger (snow tiger), Palm civet cat, Wolf, Silver Pheasants, Barking Deer, Sambhar, Monkeys, Rose ringed Prakeet, Himalayan black bear, Ghoral, White Peacock. The zoo is closed on Mondays and the entry ticket is of Rs. 10. Feeding animals is strictly prohibited in the zoo and eatables are also not allowed (you can take liquid diets).

Aerial Ropeway: The Aerial Ropeway commences at Mallital and is connected with Snow view point situated at a breathtaking elevation of 2275mts above sea level. Snow view point offers the majestic views of puissant Himalayan range. Two trolleys carries passenger from the flatts to snow view point in approximately two and a half minutes of time. The capacity of the trolley cabin is 11 persons or 800kgs of weight. The trolley is opened for seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. The ticket for adult is Rs. 100 and Rs. 60 for child.

Governor's House (Raj Bhawan): Governor's House was built in 1899 and designed in the Victorian Gothic domestic style by the architect F.W. Stevens as the summer residence of the governor of North West Province. Presently, Raj Bhawan is the official guest house for the governor of Uttarakhand and for state guests stay. It consists of a two-storied mansion with 113 rooms, a large garden, a swimming pool, and golf court as well. Previously obtaining prior permission was must for visiting. But now by purchasing Entry Ticket of Rs. 30 you can go to explore Raj Bhawan.

Snow View Point: Snow view point offers the invigorating view of snow clad peaks of the majestic Himalayan range like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot. Snow view is the most easily accessible cliff amongst other nearby mountains surrounding Nainital. The peak is connected by motorable roads and aerial ropeway or cable car. The ropeway is opened for seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. The point has some restaurants, tea shops and even photographers to click your pictures. Charges for cable car is Rs.100 for adult and Rs. 60 for child.

Eco Cave Garden: Eco Cave Garden is located one kilometer above Mallital near Kumaon University Campus. This spot is a latest tourism spot of Nainital. Cave Garden offers caves of different kinds of animals which you can explore by going in it. There are no real animals there for sure. Entry Ticket: Rs.10. Cave Graden can be a thrilling experience for the children as going through the caves and the interesting history would surely fantasies them. This cave remains open from 9:30 am till 5:30 pm.

Naina Peak/ China Peak: Naina peak is situated at a breathtaking altitude of 2615mts above sea level. Naina Peak is the highest point of the town and is located 6km north to Mallital. Naina peak is also known as China peak and Cheena peak. Naina peak offers invigorating views of the enchanting snow clad peaks of the mighty Himalayan range, the bird's eye view of the pristine Naini Lake and the Nainital town itself. In order to enjoy the celestial beauteousness of this point one must trek 6km by foot or can hire a pony from Mallital or Snow view. But remember the trek of 6km is worth the view from the summit of the Naina peak.

Tiffin Top: Tiffin Top is situated 4km from Nainital set at an altitude of 2,292mts above sea level on Ayarpatta hill commanding splendor views of the neighboring country side and the majestic Himalayan range. Tiffin Top & Lands end can be covered at a stretch as both spots are located side by side. Dorothy seat is a stonework picnic perch on Tiffin Top built in memory of an English lady painter Dorothy Kellet by her husband and admirers after her death in a plane crash.

Land's End: The main attraction of Land's End is the beautiful view of the stagnant water of the Khurpatal. Land's End is set at an elevation of 2,120mts above sea level offering splendid views of neighboring hills and the green valley with rural houses. In order to reach Land's End one can drive to Barapathar on a vehicle and then trek 1km to the spot where one feels like the land has really come to an end.

Binayak: It is one of the famous trails in Nainital, which is perfect spot for trek in Nainital. So all those people who are passionate about trekking and planning to visit Nainital in the near future then Nainital binayak trek is the best trekking spot. 

Adventure Activities

Adventure sports in Nainital include river rafting, yachting, sky diving, para sailing, Canoeing, Kayaking, rock climbing, trekking, hiking, horse riding and more.

In Summers many competitions are organized to promote sailing sport extensively.

Camping is a power package of various different activities like bird watching, flying fox, bouldering, trekking, slithering, yoga, hikes n more.

Nature Walks:  Nature walks are a good idea for the nature lovers, wildlife photographers and for bird watching. 

How To Reach

By Air: Pant Nagar Airport is situated in Uttarakhand state and is one of the two airports of Uttarakhand. Pant Nagar is the nearest airport to Kathgodam and Nainital as well. It is situated 72kms from Nainital and is well connected by motorable roads. Taxis to Nainital and Kathgodam are easily available from Pant Nagar Airport. Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi is 300 Km.

By Rail: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Nainital, situated at a distance of 41kms. Kathgodam is well connected by Railway networks with major destinations of India like Lucknow, Delhi and Kolkata. Trains are frequent to Kathgodam as it is the gateway of Kumaon region. There are two trains that run daily between Delhi to Kathgodam and vice-versa. Kathgodam is the nearest railhead to Nainital. Nainital is only one hour drive 41kms from Kathgodam Railway Station. Buses and Taxis are easily available to Nainital from Kathgodam.

5013B Ranikhet Exp departing 22:40 evening  from  Old Delhi reaching Kathgodam Railway Station by Evening reaching 5:45 Early morning

5035 Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express departing 16:00 afternoon Old Delhi reaching Kathgodam Railway Station 22:35 evening.

3019 Bagh Express from Kolkata/Howrah to Kathgodam reaching at 9:30 morning.

5308 Nainital Express from Lucknow City to Lal kuan reaching at 6:10 early morning.

5311 Kumaon Express from Mathura to Lal kuan reaching at 8:20 morning.

5013A Ranikhet Exp departing 22:40 evening from Old Delhi reaching Ramnagar Railway Station 5:00 Early morning.

By Road: Nainital is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of northern India. Nainital is only one hour drive from Kathgodam which is spread on the hills of the lower Himalayan range. You can take taxi or bus from Kathgodam to reach Nainital. Most number of tourists who visit Nainital commences their journey from New Delhi. The distance between Delhi to Nainital is 320kms which can be covered by 9hour drive, Nainital is connected with NH87. Buses to Nainital are available from ISBT Anand Vihar. Buses and Taxis are available from all major destination of Garhwal and Kumaon region as Nainital is one of the frequently visited hill station of India.

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