Nainital is a popular hill station located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is known for its picturesque beauty, serene lakes, and pleasant climate, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here’s some information about Nainital:
Location: Nainital is situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India, at an elevation of approximately 2,084 meters (6,837 feet) above sea level.
History: Nainital was discovered by British colonizers during the British Raj era and was a favored summer retreat for them. The town was named after the Naini Lake, one of its prominent lakes, and the word “Tal” means lake.
Lakes: Nainital is often referred to as the “City of Lakes” due to its several beautiful lakes. The most famous among them are:
Naini Lake: The heart of the town, Naini Lake is a crescent-shaped freshwater lake where visitors can enjoy boating and the surrounding scenic beauty.
Bhimtal: Located a little away from Nainital, it’s a larger lake with an island at its center.
Nainital offers a variety of beautiful and interesting places to visit. Here are some of the top tourist attractions and visiting places in Nainital:
Naini Lake: The centerpiece of Nainital, this picturesque crescent-shaped lake is perfect for a boat ride. You can enjoy paddle boating, rowing, and yachting while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding hills.
Naina Devi Temple: Situated on the northern shore of Naini Lake, this ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi. It’s a sacred place of worship and offers a tranquil atmosphere.
Naina Peak: Also known as China Peak, Naina Peak is the highest point in Nainital. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas and Nainital town. It’s a great spot for hiking and trekking.
Snow View Point: Accessible by a cable car or a short hike, Snow View Point provides a stunning view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks. On a clear day, you can see peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul.
The Mall Road: This bustling street is the heart of Nainital and a great place for shopping, dining, and enjoying the local culture. You’ll find shops selling handicrafts, woollen clothes, souvenirs, and a variety of food joints.
Tiffin Top: Also known as Dorothy’s Seat, this viewpoint offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayan range. It’s a great spot for a picnic and a short hike.
The Flatts: Located near the Mall Road, this wide-open area beside the lake is ideal for a leisurely stroll, playing games, or just enjoying the scenic beauty.
G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo: Situated at an altitude of 2,100 meters, this zoo is home to a variety of Himalayan wildlife, including snow leopards, Himalayan bears, and Siberian tigers.
Bhimtal: Just a short drive from Nainital, Bhimtal is another beautiful lake town with a larger lake and an island at its center. You can enjoy boating and visit the Bhimeshwar Temple.
Sattal: A cluster of seven freshwater lakes, Sattal is a serene and less crowded destination than Nainital. It’s a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Hanuman Garhi: A temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, it’s situated atop a hill and offers panoramic views of Nainital town.
Astronomical Observatory: If you’re interested in stargazing, you can visit the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) for celestial observations.
Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary: These areas are renowned for birdwatching and are home to a wide variety of Himalayan bird species.
These are just a few of the many attractions in and around Nainital. The town’s natural beauty, serene lakes, and lush green hills make it a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and anyone looking to relax in the lap of the Himalayas.
The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June during the spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant. It’s also a popular destination for honeymooners.
By Road:
From Delhi: Nainital is approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Delhi. You can take a private car, taxi, or a bus to reach Nainital. The journey takes about 7-8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The most common route is via NH9 and NH109.
From Dehradun: If you are traveling from Dehradun, it’s about a 300-kilometer (186-mile) journey, and it takes around 8-9 hours by road.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is approximately 34 kilometers (21 miles) away. Kathgodam is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, and Lucknow. Once you reach Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Nainital. The journey from Kathgodam to Nainital takes about 1-1.5 hours.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, which is approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) away. However, this airport has limited flight connectivity. You can check for flights from Delhi to Pantnagar, but you may need to plan your trip well in advance.
Alternatively, you can take a flight to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad. From Delhi, you can continue your journey to Nainital by road or train as mentioned earlier.
By Bus:
There are regular bus services to Nainital from major cities and towns in Uttarakhand and nearby states. State-run and private buses operate on various routes. The bus journey can vary in duration depending on your starting point, but it’s an economical way to reach Nainital.
By Taxi/Car:
You can also hire a taxi or drive your own car to Nainital. The roads leading to Nainital are usually in good condition, and the drive can be quite scenic, especially if you’re approaching from the plains.
