Nanital
Nainital, the 'land of the lakes' amidst the towering peaks of the Himalayas in Kumaon region brings many fascinations to you. If you are amongst those lively vacationers who want to explore something very agitating yet relaxing, the Nainital trip can do wonders for your leisure days.
Nainital is among picturesque hill stations in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level. Read beyond to know about Nainital during winter season and a nice Nainital hotel to stay.
The northern part of India in Uttarakhand is rewarded as an international destination for the visitors from all over the world and we call it Nainital which is set in two parts: Tallital and Mallital, with the lake separating them. Tallital is the southern side of the lake, while Malital consists of the northern upper reaches. This destination is also being famed as the Lake District of Uttarakhand which is named after the Goddess Naina Devi and the famous Naini Lake besides it which is an eye-shaped lake and an ideal picnic spot for the tourists. This lake is also known as 'Tririshi Lake' where people can enjoy boating and yachting.
The Naina Devi temple devoted to goddess Shakti, an avatar of goddess Parvati, is a temple of religious importance to the Hindu people. According to folklore, Nainital is believed to be one of the 64 places where parts of Parvati had fallen when Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati's husband, was carrying her. A pleasant place through winter and summer, Nainital was a popular summer getaway destination for the British during their rule. In fact, they had erected many European colleges and schools which function even now. At the best times of the year, the number of tourists visiting the town becomes almost equal to the number of actual inhabitants of Nainital.
Places to visit in Nainital - Nainital Attractions
Naina Peak : It is also known as Cheena Peak which is a lofty hill offers spectacular sights of a snow clad Himalayas and the scenic Nainital valleys.
Snow Views : this is a vintage point in Nainital that offers spectacular sights of the surrounding valleys and the Tibetan borders.
St. John Church : it is one of the oldest monuments in Nainital that has both religious and historical importance. This ancient church is of British era when the Britishers turned Nainital into a hill station.
Sat Tal : one of the famous lakes near Nainital, the Sat Tal is located 13 km away from Nainital. Dotted with pine and oak trees, this captivating lake has many magnetized facilities for the tourists like boating.
Tiffin Top : it is also known as Dorothy's Seat. This terraced hill top is elevated on 2,292 m on the Ayarpatta Hill and a 4 km hike from the town center and commands a nice view of neighboring countryside. There is a stonework picnic perch on Tiffin Top called the Dorothy's Seat built as a memorial to an English artist, Dorothy Kellet by her husband and admirers after her death in a plane crash.
Governor's House : also known as Raj Bhawan which was formerly a Government House that was built in 1899 and designed in the Victorian Gothic domestic style by the architect F.W. Stevens. Originally, it was considered as the summer residence of the governor of the North West Province, and later became the summer residence of the Lieutenant Governor of the United Province. The complex consists of a two-storied mansion with 113 rooms, a large garden, a swimming pool, and golf links.
The Mall Road is one of the busiest places in Nainital as it serves as a point of union between MalliTal and TalliTal. Snow View Point offers spectacular views of the snow capped high Himalayas including Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot and is situated at an altitude of 2,270 meters. Naina Peak also known as China or Cheena Peak is the highest peak in the town situated at an altitude of 2,615 meters and offers panoramic views of the Nainital town and snow clad high Himalayas.
The zoo in Nainital, best known as Govind- Ballabh-Pant-High-Altitude Zoo, is one of the favourite destination of zoologists and ornithologists included under the list of Nainital holiday tour packages. Snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, sambar and golden Pheasants are some of the wild living species found in zoo. The zoo, located at a height of 2100 m above sea level, was opened to the public from the year 1995. Govind-Ballabh-Pant-High-Altitude Zoo located on the hills of Sher ka Danda is the only zoo in the state of Uttarakhand.
Places near Nainital
Bhowali : The place is the junction point of all the roads leading toward the various hill stations near Nainital. The region is 1, 706 m above sea level and is about 11 kms away from Nainital. This hilly highway is known for its natural splendor. It has popular fruit market that attracts many tourists visiting Nainital. The place is also known for the T.B Sanatorium which was established in the year 1912.
Sat Tal : The place known as the Sat Tal is about 23 kms from Nainital. The place has a unique Himalayan spirit as it abounds in mountainous beauty. The region is actually a conglomeration of several lakes together that are surrounded by Oak trees all around. The place is often compared to the beautiful Westmoreland of England.
Bhimtal : Bhim Tal is located about 22 kms from Nainital and about 11 kms from Bhowali. There is a huge lake along with a boat. The famous Bhimeshwar temple of the 17 th century is located here. A magnificent 40 ft high dam is also situated here.
Mukteshwar : The Mukteswar is also a place located at an altitude of 2, 286 m and about 51 kms away from Nainital. The place is surrounded by fruit orchards and wild coniferous forests making it as a perfect spot for picnic.
Ranikhet : Ranikhet is 60 kms away from Nainital. It is famous for being the head quarters of the Kumaon Regimental Centre of Indian. The beautiful place also finds its name in Hindi literature.
Kausani : Kausani is famous for Anashakti Ashram where Mahatma Ghadhi had a stay for 15 days. He was so influenced by the magnificent grandiose beauty of the hill station that he wrote a commentary on Anashakti Yoga.