Fast Facts
Location : 34, kms from Kathgodam, Uttaranchal
Attractions : Naini Lake, Snow View, Astronomical
Observatory, Hanuman Garhi, The Flatts etc.
Best Time To Visit : November to March
Introducing Nainital
Once
the home of noted conservationist Jim Corbett, Nainital is now popular as
the 'Lake City of India'. Situated at an altitude of around 1938 metres,
Nainital is the largest and one of the most popular hill resorts of Kumaon
region. A glittering jewel in the Himalayan necklace, Nainital has grown
around a 'tal' (mountain-lake), blessed with pristine natural beauty and an
enchanting landscape.
Nainital has a varied topography and it is flanked by seven sky scrapping
peaks namely - Naina Peak (2,611 m), Alma Peak (2,432 m), Sher-ka-Danda
(2,405 m), Laria Kanta Peak (2,485 m), Ayarpatta or Dorothy Seat (2,292 m),
Handi Bundi (2,179 m) and Deopatta or Camel's Back (2,422 m).
Discovered in 1841 by a Britisher, Lord Barron, Nainital is always bustling
with tourists who flock the city from far and wide. Today, the life of
Nainital revolves around the Naini Lake, which mirrors the sun playing hide
and seek with the clouds and mountains.
In truth, the beauty of Nainital can't be described in words, better you
visit this town on your own. Moreover, When you reach this picturesque town,
the unending expanse of scenic beauty with awe-inspiring and pristine mother
nature, will surely mesmerize you.
How to Reach
By Air : Nearest airport is located at Pantnagar, which is
70 kms away from Nainital. Flights are available from Delhi to Pantnagar.
Jagson Airlines operates daily flights (except Sundays) between Delhi and
Pantnagar. The flight will take approximately 1.15 hrs to reach Pantnagar
from Delhi.
By Train : Katgodam (35 kms) is the major railhead near
Nainital. The railway station connects Nainital with Delhi, Dehradun, Howrah
and other important places of the country. Ranikhet Express and Uttaranchal
Sampark Kranti Express run every day between Delhi and Kathgodam. From
Kathgodam you have to hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Nainital.
By Bus : National Highway No. 87 connects Nainital with
the rest of the country. Frequent roadways buses run to Nainital from Delhi,
Agra, Haridwar, Dehradun, Kanpur, Lucknow and many other nearby places.
Luxury coaches are also available from Delhi to Nainital. Distances of some
important places from Nainital are Kathgodam (34 kms), Haldwani (40 kms),
Ranikhet (62 kms), Almora (64 kms), Ramnagar (65 kms), Bareilly (140 kms),
Pithoragarh (186 kms), Haridwar (245 kms), Dehradun (300 kms), Delhi (310
kms), Badrinath (334 kms), Lucknow (400 kms) and Agra (403 kms).
Places Where You Can Stay
From small inns to 5-Star hotels, there is a profusion of hotels in
Nainital. Equipped with all the necessary amenities, the hotels in Nainital
provide you a comfortable as well as a memorable stay.
Deluxe Hotels : Alka "The Lake Side Hotel" (Mall
Road), Arif Castles (Mallital), Classic (Mall Road), Balrampur House
(Mallital), Swiss Hotel (Mallital), Palace Resort (Mallital), Welcome Resort
(Tallital), Manu Maharani (Mallital), Royal Hotel (Mallital) and Shervani
Hilltop Inn (Mallital).
Other Hotels : Hotel Krishna (Mall Road), Hotel Shalimar
(Mall Road), Hotel Payal (Tallital), Hotel Savoy (Tallital), Radha
Continental (Mallital) and Pratap Regency (Mall Road).
Tourist Attractions in Nainital
Naini
Lake : Considered as the nucleus of Nainital's picturesque beauty, Naini
Lake is a host in itself and attracts large number of tourists every year.
The northern end of the lake is called as Mallital while the southern end is
called Tallital. Both ends of the lake have well-managed shopping centres,
with beautiful laid stores, luxury shops and marts.
During the day time, the reflection of magnificent hills dotted with small
beautiful cottages and villas, captivate every one. However, at night the
lake looks more beautiful when the myriad of bulbs from the hill sides and
hanging near the lake's edge, stab their magical light into the calm waters
of the lake.
Besides its charming beauty, the lake offers plenty of leisure activities
for holiday makers. You can enjoy yachting, boating or paddling the boat
etc. across the lake by paying a reasonable fare. Boating rates ranges
between Rs. 30 to Rs. 50, Paddling boats are available on hourly basis from
Rs. 50 to Rs. 90. You can also hire a small yacht at Rs. 60 from the
Nainital Boat Club.
Snow View : Situated at a height of 7,450 ft, above the
sea level, Snow View is the most popular peak of Nainital. A thrill for kids
and adults alike, the Snow View is best reach by an aerial ropeway. From the
Snow View you get spectacular views of the glittering snows of Himalayas
around.
Apart from ropeway, you can also ride up to Snow View and back on horses or
ponies which can be hired at the north end of the Mall. The round trip on
ponies or horses, costs you around Rs. 50 - Rs. 75. Ropeway fare for round
trip is Rs.60, but you have to return within an hour, one-way charge is Rs.
40 for adults and Rs.35 for children.
The Flatts : Located at the northern side of the Naini
Lake, the Flatts is a popular place, known for variety of leisure
activities. Evenings are heavily crowded here, as people of the town flock
this spot for passing a good time. Here, you will see the statue of Pandit
Govind Ballabh Pant, a mosque, Naina Devi Temple, a Gurduwara and also a
picturesque fountain. In addition, there is a band stand, a Chat Market and
the Bhotia Market. In Bhotia market, you can buy a range of fancy item sold
by vendors.
Capitol cinema, Rink Theatre used for roller skating are other attractions
at Flatts. For recreation the Flatts has New Club, Boat House Club, Masonic
Hall, where you can enjoy a variety of leisure activities. The Flatts also
has a playground where interesting games and cultural activities are
organized during festivals.
Mall Road : Running on one side of Naini Lake, the Mall
Road has now been renamed as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. Mall Road is the main
link joining the two ends of Naini Lake, Mallital and Tallital. This road is
lined by a number of hotels, restaurants, shops, banks, travel agencies and
other business concerns. Every year in the months of May and June, Mall road
is closed for vehicles in the evening time to facilitate Mall strolling
which is a major attraction for tourists visiting Nainital.
Governor's House (Raj Bhawan) : Built originally by
British Government as residence of Governor of North West Province, it is
now the official residence of Governor of Uttaranchal. The Governor's House
consists of lovely garden, swimming pool and golf links. Other attractions
in the complex are Jhandidhar Modi Heights and Munshi heights. Constructed
in the line of Buckingham Palace, the Governor's House is double storied and
has 113 rooms. For visiting the Governor's House you have to take prior
permission.
Nainital Zoo : Nainital Zoo is located around one km away
from the main bus terminal. Situated at an altitude of 2,100 m, the
sprawling open area is home to wild animals like Himalayan Black Bear,
Siberian Tiger, Leopard, Monkeys, Wolf, Palm Civet Cat, Silver Pheasants,
Sambar, Barking Deer, Ghoral, Hill Fox and Rose-ringed Parakeet.
Caves Garden : A latest addition in the tourist
attractions of Nainital, the Caves Garden is situated at Sukha Tal, just one
km away from Mallital, close to Kumaon University Campus.
Hanuman Garhi : A religious centre, Hanuman Garhi is
around 3.5 kms away from the Nainital bus stand. Set an an altitude of 1951
mts, Hanuman Garhi is known for the Hanumargarh temple, dedicated to Lord
Hanuman besides Lord Rama and Shiva. In addition, this place is also famous
for its wonderful sun set view, in fact, here the setting sun will fill your
mind to the brim.
Dorothy Seat & Tiffin Top : Located 4 kms away from
the town in Ayarpatta region, this peak soars to a height of 2,292 metres
above the sea level. Tiffin Top provides an enchanting view of the Himalayas
as well as the beautiful surroundings. An ideal place for picnic, Tiffin Top
can be easily reached by road. Dorothy Seat, a memorial to an English lady
painter, Dorothy Kellet, was built by her husband.
Lands End : Just 4 kms from the town, Lands End is a major
attraction. Although this spot is located at an altitude of 2,118 mts, but
you do not have to climb much. From this point, you get magnificent views of
the neighbouring hills and valley and also the Khurpatal lake. Tiffin Top
and Lands End are located side-by-side, so you can cover both spots at a
stretch.
Naina Peak or China Peak : The highest peak of Nainital,
Naina Peak is situated at a height of 2,611 metres, at a distance of about 6
kms from the town. Naina Peak commands a splendid view of bright snow-laden
Himalayas from Api and Nari peaks of Nepal in the east to Bandar Punch in
west. Besides, it also provides a birds eye view of the town and a beautiful
panorama surrounding the lake city. You can hire ponies or horses from Snow
View or Mallital to reach this peak.
Tourist Attractions Around Nainital
Astronomical Observatory : 9 kms away from Nainital, the
Aryabatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is perched
atop the Maora Peak (1951 m). You can reach to this astronomical observatory
on horse back or on foot from Hanumangarhi, just one km away from the
observatory. En-route, you will get enchanting views of the Himalayan
landscape and the picturesque surroundings.
Astronomical observatory is a centre of astronomical studies and optical
tracking of artificial satellites. It was established in the year 1961 with
an aim to develop facilities for modern astrophysical research in stellar,
solar and theoretical branches of Astro-Physics. Every month on some
selected clear moon lit nights, visitors are shown stars, planets and some
other celestial objects through the telescopes. For such night viewing of
celestial objects, you have to take prior permission.
Kilbury : 10 kms away from Nainital, Kilbury is easily
accessible by a good motorable road. Situated at an altitude of 2,194 mts,
Kilbury is an ideal place for a quiet and peaceful vacation. If you wish to
spend the night here, you can stay at the forest rest house.
Bhowali : Situated 11 kms away from Nainital, at an
elevation of 1,706 kms above the sea level, Bhowali is known for its
pristine beauty and also a hill fruit mart. Bhowali is a road junction
serving all the hill stations close to Nainital. Bhowali is also noted for
its T.B Sanatorium built in 1912.
Ghorakhal : Just 3 kms from Bhowali, Ghorakhal is mainly
known for the temple of Lord Golu and Sainik School.
Kainchi Dham : 17 kms from Nainital, on the Nainital -
Almora Road, Kainchi Dham is a modern pilgrimage centre. Kainchi Dham has
gained popularity due to presence of the Ashram of the Neem Karoli Maharaj.
Bhimtal
: Located 22 kms away from Nainital and 11 kms from Bhowali, Bhimtal
(1,370 m) is an enchanting place. There is a beautiful lake which gives
spectacular vistas to tourists visiting Bhimtal. You can enjoy boating in
this lake. Amidst the lake, there is an island which can be approached by
boats. Besides, there is a 17th century Bhimeshwar temple complex along the
40 feet high dam.
Sat Tal : About 23 kms away from Nainital (1,370 m), Sat
Tal is wonderful spot having cluster of lakes lying amidst the dense oak
forest. As you move towards Sat Tal, first you will see the old Nal Damyanti
Lake, next there is the ashram of Stanley Jones as American Missionary.
Further there is Panna or Garuder Lake. While you move down, there is a
cluster of three lakes namely - Rama, Laxman and Sita lake.
Naukuchia Tal : Naukuchia Tal (1,220 mts) is 26 kms away
from Nainital and 4 kms from Bhimtal. A lovely deep clean lake, Naukuchia
Tal lies within an enchanting valley offering ample opportunity for rowing,
paddling or yachting, angling and bird watching.
Mukteshwar : A picturesque place, Mukteshwar lies 51 kms
away from Nainital, at an altitude of 2,286 metres. Mukteshwar was developed
by the Britishers as research and education institute (IVRI) in 1893 and
today it is surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest. A
temple of Lord Shiva also stands here atop a rock.
Ranikhet : Located at a distance of 60 kms from Nainital,
Ranikhet is a beautiful hill station. Literally known as "Queen's Field",
Ranikhet lies at an elevation of 1,829. Undoubtedly a tourist's paradise,
Ranikhet is flanked by the majestic pine trees. While you are in Ranikhet,
the fresh and pure mountain breeze, the chirping of birds, the great
panoramic views of the Himalayas, will leave you spellbound. Kumaon
Regimental Centre museum and memorial are the jewels of Ranikhet town.
Kausani : If you wish to spend a quiet
holiday in the lap of mother nature, away from the din and dust and hustle
and bustle of big cities, Kausani is perfect place for you. Nestling amidst
the dense pine forests, atop of narrow ridge and separated from the lofty
peaks of the Nanda Devi hills by low, medium mountains, the Himalayan
scenery comes alive at Kausani. Kausani's ethereal sunrise and around 300
kms wide view of the Great Himalayan range attract thousand of tourists
every year.
Baijnath : Baijnath is located 19 kms away from Kausani
towards Bagehwar. Perched at an altitude of 1,125 mts on the banks of Gomti
river, Baijnath temple complex was constructed by the Katyuri kings. Here,
you can see ancient temples of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Surya, Kuber, Brahma
and Chandica, built in the 13th century AD.
Binsar : One of the most scenic spot in the Kumaon
Himalayas, Binsar is located at a distance of 95 kms from Nainital. The
picturesque hill resort, at a height of 2,412 mts, provides a fantastic view
of Kumaon hills and the snow covered peaks of the Great Himalayas. Binsar is
also home to
Binsar
Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see a variety of flora and fauna.
Jageshwar : Situated at a distance of 100 kms from
Nainital, Jageshwar is considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country.
Set in a picturesque narrow valley, Jageshwar is hedged by monarch-sized
ancient deodars. Although Jageshwar houses over 100 small and large shrines,
but three outstanding shrines in terms of sculpture are those dedicated to
Jageshwar, Mrityunjaya and Pushtidevi. Shiva is the presiding deity at
Jageshwar but you will find a strong Buddhist influence in the carvings.
Corbett
National Park : Corbett National Park, one of the important
wildlife sanctuaries of India is situated at a distance of 128 kms from
Nainital. Take an excursion to this national park and see a variety of wild
animals as well as bird species.
Shopping in Nainital
Mall Road is the main shopping area in Nainital, which houses many good
shops, where you can buy a range of items. Amongst the variety of items,
main items you can buy here are the woollen garments, candles and decorative
items made from wood. The decorative colourful candles are very popular
among tourists and you will surely take back some beautiful candles. Bohtia
Bazaar is famous for the woollen garments while the Mall Road and the
Mallital market are good places for candles and wooden items.
