Nainital is one of the most famous hill stations in Indian state of Uttarakhand. Elevated at a gorgeous height of 2084 m above sea level, Nainital offers the majestic view of the Himalayas and the lakes. The picturesque beauty is “breath-taking-ly” beautiful.
Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake bounded on all sides by mountains. The highest peaks surrounding Nainital are Naina (8,579 ft) on the north, Deopatha on the west, and Ayarpatha on the south.Marvelous views are offered by the sprawling plains in the south or the conglomeration of hills, peaks and mountains lying along north, bounded by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas.
Religious History- The legend says that Nainital has been mentioned in some ancient myths of India. Manas Khand of Skand Puranas, Nainital Lake is called Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, hinting at the story of three sages Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha. It is also believed that the water in the Naini Lake is the holy water from holy Mansarovar lake of Kailash parbat. Thus the merits of ablutions in Naini lake is similar to taking a dip in Mansarovar itself.Nainital is also one of the 64 Shakti Peeths, at Nainital, the eye (or Nain) of the Goddess fell. The Naina Devi Mandir in Nainital is thus a highly revered temple.
Fascinations-From the intoxicating weather to the bounties of nature, to the religious beliefs, reasons are many! Nainital has many places that will cast a spell on you and leave you dumbstruck.
Hypnotizing Spots in Nainital-
- Naina Devi Temple- Being one of the shakti-peeth (one of the places where the body parts of Goddess Sati had fallen). This temple is greatly respected and loved by the locals.
- Nainital (Naini Lake)- It is situated the heart centre of the city and gives the city it’s name. The spindle-shaped lake is a great tourist attraction. It almost magnetically pulls people toward itself.There are myriad of options for the tourists. The picturesque beauty is a beauty to behold and cherish. The natural charm is mesmerizing and the boating experience among the hills and lakes is an enchanting experience.The northern end of the lake is called Mallital, while the sourthern end is called Tallital.
- St John in the Wilderness- A church established in 1844 and located in Mallital. It is named after Daniel Wilson, the bishop of It is a beautiful church with a very serene ambience that soothes the soul.
- Snow View- Situated at an altitude of 2,270 m and located atop the Sher-ka-danda ridge, is easily accessible via cable car. There are per hour charges for stay at that point. It offers a magnanimous view of the snow covered mighty Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trisul nad Nanda Kot.The mesmerizing view of azure sky, white hills and gurgling waters of the lakes, form an indelible impression on the hearts of people.
- Naini Peak- Also known as China Peak or Naina Peak is the highest peak in the town, with an altitude of 2,615 m and at a walking distance from the north end of Mallital.From the peak one cannot only cherish the epic view of the snowclad high Himalaya, but also obtain a panoramic view of Nainital town itself. The summit is an invigorating hike from Nainital town, and the overall experience is exhilarating.
- Tiffin Top- also known as Dorothy’s Seat. This terraced hill top on Ayarpatta hill is a 4 km hike from the town centre and commands a nice view of the neighbouring country side. Dorothy’s seat is a stonework picture perched on the top in memoir of Dorothy Kellet, a British officer’s wife.
- Pt G.B Pant High Altitude Zoo- Opened in 1994, it is one of the two High altitude Zoos in India, other one being in Darjeeling, West Bengal. It is home for various Phesants and high altitude endangered mammals like Siberian tiger, Snow Leopard, Goat Antelope-Ghooral and Serao etc.
- Eco Cave Garden- It is a natural garden at a distance of 2 km from Mallital. It has six caves and a musical fountain. It is a beautiful site, very close to nature and it feels lovely to be here. The surrounding mountains are covered with lush green and thick forests of deodar, pine, oak and rhododendron trees. The view is majestic and spell-binding.Other places around Nainital that are worth visiting are Bhimtal Lake, Khurpa Tal, Nakuchia Tal, Hanumangarhi and Gorakhal. Nainital and its surroundings are a bliss of nature. The hills, the snow, the trees, the lakes it’s a full fledged package of rejuvenation.
How to reach Nanital-
By Air-Being a hill station, Nainital does not have direct air connectivity. The nearest airport is located at Pantnagar, which lies at a distance of 65 kilometres from Nainital. Most of the air traffic to Pantnagar airport includes private chartered flights. There are no commercial flights operational to and from here.
By Bus- Nainital enjoys excellent bus connectivity to important destinations in North India. Several tour operators operate daily bus service from New Delhi to Nainital, which includes options like air-conditioned, non-air-conditioned, sleeper and Volvo buses. Boarding an overnight bus is the most convenient way to head to Nainital, although some buses operate during the daytime as well.
By Train-The nearest railway station is located at a distance of 34 kilometres at Kathgodham, at the foothills of the Kumaon hills. Kathgodam railway station enjoys good connectivity to important places such as Delhi, Lucknow and Howrah, with daily trains running to New Delhi.Accommodation at Nainital:- There are hundreds of hotels both budget and luxury class for all kinds of visitors. There are both Government and corporate guest houses available as well. Several lodges and dharmasala are available at a very affordable price. Food is very affordable for all kinds of visit.