Nainital, the Lake District of India, located in the Himalayan belt amongst the Kumaon hills, is a paradise for nature lovers. A splendid holiday spot with a rich treasure of lakes and hills, Nainital is a destination for the young and the old alike.
Nainital is referred to as the lake of three sages, or the Tri Rishi Sarovar as mentioned in the Manas Khand chapter of the Skanda Purana. As recorded in history, the three sages, Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha stopped over at Nainital on their pilgrimage, to quench their thirst. Finding no water, they dug a hole and transferred some water into it to from the sacred lake of Tibet, Mansarovar. Thus the famous lake of Nainital came into existence. Another legend has it that the left eye or Nain of Lord Shiva’s wife Sati fell in this center and formed an emerald eye shaped lake, and thus emerged the city of Nainital.
Recent history records reveal that Nainital was brought into limelight by P. Barron, a British sugar merchant, in 1839. The beauty of Nainital with the central lake cushioned among the forests attracted this person to build a house named Pilgrim’s Cottage and settle in Nainital. Barron initiated the trend of settling down in Nainital and soon the city became an important administrative town. Nainital is known for its famous landslide of 1880 which leveled out the entire city.
The best getaway from the crowded and busy cities, Nainital is a peaceful zone nestled in the lap of Mother Nature. If you want to get close to Mother Nature and enjoy the lavish picturesque surroundings, Nainital is the place to be. Away from the maddening crowd and pollution of our hometowns, Nainital packages prove to be a lovely page out of your dream book!
Tourist attractions
History & Culture
Governor’s House: The British introduced the concept of Governor’s house or Raj Bhavan, when they built a residence for the Governor of North West Province. Currently, the official residence/accommodation of the Governor of Uttaranchal, the Raj Bhavan also serves as a guesthouse to state guests coming over for a holiday to Nainital. Prior permission for the stay is mandatory.
Nature
Eco Cave Gardens: Popular among tourists of all ages, especially little children, Eco Cave garden is the latest entrant into the many attractions of Nainital. You can make your visit to Nainital a memorable one with a trip to these gardens where you can introduce your child to an eco-friendly life. Children can make this an informative trip learning all about ecosphere and taking a peek into an adventurous life.
Himalayan View Point: Himalayan View Point, also known as Himalayan Darshan is located on the way to Kilbury, around 5 km from Nainital. This beautiful tourist spot, at an altitude of about 2300 meters offers terrific views of the great Himalayan Mountains and the lush green lower forested ridges. It is an ideal place to spend some moment of solitude enjoying the scenic beauty of nature.
Land’s End: Land’s End stands high at an altitude of 2118 meters and gives a panoramic view of the neighboring hills and the green valley surrounding Nainital. The main attraction of this point is the splendid view of the Khurpatal Lake. One can take a vehicle to reach Barapathar and then walk up a distance of one km to reach this spot.
Naina Peak: Naina peak or China peak as it is known, is located at an altitude of 2611 meters and is the highest peak of the town. Situated about six kms away from the town, a ride on a pony or horses can take you to the Naina Peak. The Naina Peak opens up to a beautiful panoramic view of the snow laden Himalayas in the west to the Api and Nari peaks in the east.
Naini Lake: Naini Lake is the backbone of the city as it is after this lake that Nainital was named. Most prominent of all the lakes, Naini Lake is surrounded by green hills, the beauty of which is breathtaking and should be captured as a photographic memory forever.
Snow View: A ropeway or cable car ride is the best-known way to access the snow view point. Just as the name implies, one can view the snow laden Himalayas from this view point. At an altitude of 2270 meters, the Snow View point is situated on top of the Sher-ka-Danda ridge. At a distance of 2.5 kms from the town of Nainital, this is the most easily accessible hilltop.
Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat): Tiffin Top, referred to as Dorothy’s Seat is a terrace hill top atop the Ayarpatta hill, located at a distance of 4 km from the central town of Nainital. At a height of 7520 ft above sea level, Dorothy’s seat is a stonework bench built in memory of Dorothy Kellet, an English artist.
Religious
Hanuman Garhi: Situated around 3 km from the city is the well-known temple of Hanuman Garhi. It is perched at a height of 6,401 ft above sea level and lies to the south of Tallital. Baba Neem Karoli, a local saint built the temple in 1950. Apart from its religious significance, Hanuman Garhi is famed for its strategic location. From this temple, one can enjoy the amazing views of sunrises and sunsets. Located close to Hanuman Garhi are Ashram of Bapu Lila Sah and Shitla Devi temple, which one can also visit.
Adventure
Ropeway: A trip to Nainital would be incomplete without experiencing the cable car ride. Aerial Ropeway running from Mallital to Snow View offers you a panoramic view of the Nainital. Enjoying the scenic environs of the enchanting Nainital from an altitude of 2270 m above sea level would be a stirring experience. Covering half a mile distance, the ride on the cable car proffers splendid views of the Naini Lake and the far-off snow capped Himalayan Mountains.
Fun & Entertainment
The Mall Road: The Mall Road which runs along the side of the lake is now known Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. The Mall Road is a busy area lined up with shops, restaurants, travel agents, and business concerns such as banks and offices. The Mall Road joins the two ends of Nainital, namely, Mallital and Tallital.
Best time to visit
Nainital is one of the most prominent hill stations in the country that welcome tourists any time in a year. However, the best time to visit is from February to November.
How to Reach
Air: Nearest airport is at Pantnagar (71 kms), connected by air service with New Delhi.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (35 kms).
Road: Nainital is well connected with all major cities in northern India.
