A
small town in the hills of Kumaon, Nainital is a lovely hill station surrounded
by mountains on three sides. Once this area had many lakes and it was
called the City of 60 lakes or 'Chakta'. Most of the lakes in the region
have disappeared and whatever remains is just a glimpse of what they might
have been in the past. Today the life of Nainital revolves around the
lake of Naini. But there are few other lakes around Nanital which are
equally beautiful and attractive as the Naini lake.
Nainital was discovered in 1841 by a Britisher called Barron. The weather, the surrounding and the mesmerising beauty of this area attracted the British administrator who turned this place into the summer capital of the United Province. Being a major tourist place Nainital is always bustling with visitors and it is always better if accomodation and other facilites are prearranged.
SIGHTSEEING: Snow View - The Snow view point is located at height of 2270 meter from the sea level. This place can be reached by the ropeway or the ponies available at the Malli taal.
Naina
Peak - Known as the China peak this peak is the highest point in Nainital.
From here Nainital appears as a bowl. You can walk or take ponies to the
peak. From this peak you can capture the exciting views of Nainital. Naina
peak also gives a good view of the Camelback peak. There are no hotel
or restaurant on the top so carry food and water along with yourself.
Kilbari - Kilbari is slightly away from Nainital. 12 kms from the main town, this place is peaceful and quite. Located amidst green forests this place provides a break from crowds of the city. Kilbari gives a very good view of the Himalayas. The forest department has got its guest house here. Kilbari takes you into the laps of Nature from rush of the cities.
Hanuman Garhi - This place is of religious importance. Situated at a height of 1951 meters this place was established by Baba Neem Kiroli. A very beautiful Hanuman mandir is at the top. From Hanuman Garhi watching the Sunset is very soothing. You can walk down from Nanital to Hanuman Garhi.
Observatory - The clear skies over Naini Tal prompted the government to setup an observatory here. The observatory has one of the most advance telescopes in India. With the help of this telescope the movement of stars, planets and other heavenly bodies can be calculated to great precision. The entry in the observatory is by permission and timings are fixed. It will be better if you collect the prior information about the place.
Naina Devi Temple - The attractive lake of Naini Tal is said to be the eyes of Sati, wife of Lord Shiva. Sati jumped into the sacrificial bonfire. Lord Shiva to mourn the death of his beloved wife carried the body across the country. The remains of her body fell at various places which today are sacred worship places for the Hindus.
Zoo Gardens - Naini Tal has a small but a very beautiful Zoological garden. There are many animals kept here which includes Deers, Bears, Tigers and many more. The hygiene and cleanness of the zoo is a point which attracts the mind even if one ignores it. Not surprising this zoo is one of the most clean zoos in the country. The zoo can be reached on foot or taxi can be hired.
St. John's Church - This church was built in 1847. A brass memorial is kept in memory of the persons who were buried in the infamous landslide. The few bodies which could be dug out were buried in the church premises.
EXCURSIONS: Sat Tal ( Seven Lakes) : On the way from Nainital to Bhimtal is a group of seven lakes called the Sat Tal. Nature has really provided this place beauty in abundance. There is government Bunglow where you can spend the night. Taxis and buses are available to Sat Tal from Naini Tal. It is 22 Km from Naini Tal.
Bhim
Tal : The myth goes that the lake was built during the Mahabharata
era. You can get taxis and buses at regular interval from Nainital. On
the Nainital-Bhimtal road is Mahra Village. Here through the efforts of
Dr. Yashodhra Mathpal a rich collection of the cultural and archeological
items have been made. These artifacts from the Uttrakhand region gives
you an insight into the cultural heritage of this area. At Bhimtal you
can enjoy boating and have food at the restaurant on the island in middle
of the lake. Bhimtal is 23 kms from Nainital and there are good accommodation
facilities at the place.
Naukutchia
Lake : Just four kms from Bhimtal is lake with nine corners hence
it is known as the Naukutchia lake. This is an ideal place to spend your
holidays and relax. The lake is full of lotus and is surrounded by forest
with a backdrop of the mountains, all this creates an ideal condition
to enjoy boating in here or sit on the banks and feel the breeze coming
from the lake. There are regular bus and taxi services to this place and
the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam has got its rest house where you can stay.
Ramgarh : From Nainital this place is the 26 kms. The environment is very good for health. The whole place is surrounded by Apple groves and trees of many other fruits. You have a rest house to spend your night.
Ram Nagar : Ramnagar is 49 kms from the Corbett park but this place is famous for wild life trekking. One can watch the animals from close quarters. Nearby is the famous Gargia temples. During the seasons when the Corbett park is open for visitors, the local travel agents and operators conduct one day sight seeing tours from this place. Ram Nagar is 65 kms from Nainital.
Mukteshwar : Once this place was the cantonment for the British troops. Today this place has been converted into a Vetenary Research Institute. Mukeshwar is full of natural beauty and from here the snow clad peaks of the Himalayas are clearly visible. The greenery of this place attracts visitors attention. Mukteshwar is only 52 kms Nainital but very few bus services are available for the place.
CLIMATE: Nainital is located in the Kumaon hills and the weather is very pleasant throughout the year except during winter months. The temperature is not very high at any time but in winters it becomes very cold. The climate of Nainital is regulated by the lake here which showers rain almost every afternoon. the best time visit the place is between April to June and then again in September October. The months of January to March are marked by the snowfall which is for a very short time. It is advisable that contact any local person before going to Nainital to watch snowfall.
GETTING THERE: The nearest railway station is that of Kathgodam which is connected by trains from Delhi and Haworah. The narrow gauge trains come from Lalkuan which is 55 kms from Nanital. From Lalkuan and Kathgodam regular taxi and bus services are available for Nainital. Nainital is well connected by buses with other parts of the state. Interstate services are also available. The state transport corporation as well as the private operators have their buses on this route.
