Nainital
essenceofkumaun
NAINITAL ~ essenceofkumaun
Nainital, the Lake District of India is at an altitude of around 6,840 ft. in Uttarakhand. Nainital is among the most visited hill stations of India. The Nainital lake popularly know as Naini Lake is the major attraction of the region is pear-shaped lake and is approx. two miles in circumference, surrounded by mountains. Running parallel to the Naini Lake, is the the Mall Road which is 1.5 km long and connects the two ends of Nainital town, Mallital and Tallital. The Mall Road in Nainital is synonymous to the city itself. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Nainital city and serves as the prime location for culture, food and shopping for the visitors.
The Nainital Lake is a charming beauty that is surrounded by seven different peaks namely Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi Bandi, Cheena Peak, Alma, Laria Kanta and Sher Ka Danda. The lake itself can be divided into two distinct sections, the northern part called Mallital and southern region called Tallital. Naina Peak is highest hill top and is also called as China Peak and Cheena Peak by locals in Naintal.
Best Time to Visit
Nainital is an all-year destination but the weather is the best between March and June. It receives heavy snowfall in winter and turns into a white wonderland, making it a popular Christmas and New Year destination.
HOW TO REACH NAINITAL
Nainital is connected to National Highway No. 87. Regular buses run from Delhi, Agra, Dehradun, Haridwar, Lucknow, Kanpur & Bareilly. Beside this luxury coaches/TAXI are also available for this place.
By Air
Pantnagar is the nearest airport from Nainital at a distance of 70 KM.
By Road
From New Delhi, the 300 kms road route can be covered by Bus/Car. You can take a bus from ISBT and cover this journey in 7 hours approx.
By Train
Kathgodam (35 Kms.) away is the last terminus of broad gauge line connecting Nainital with Delhi, Dehradun & Howarah. Haldwani(40 Kms.) & Lalkuwan(56 Kms.) are other railway terminals. Bagh Express connects Kathgodam directly to Howarah via Lucknow.
PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY NAINITAL
NAUKUCHIATAL
It is 26 Kms from Nainital and at 1220 mts above sea level. A pretty deep clean lake with its nine corner is a captivating site.
MUKTESHWAR
Mukteshwar is 2286 mts in altitude and 51 Kms. from Nainital. It is surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest. It is the celebrated scenic spot overlooking long ranges of Himalaya.
GHORAKHAL
Famous for the temple of Lord Golu and Sainik school, it is at a distance of 3 Kms from Bhowali.
SATTAL
Sattal is 22 KMs from Nainital and is at an altitude of 4495 ft. Sattal is an interconnected group of seven lakes which are among the few unpolluted fresh water bodies in India.
BHIMTAL
Bhimtal is 20 KMs from Nainital and is the largest among a cluster of freshwater lakes huddled in the mountains of Uttarakhand. Bhimtal lake has an island at its centre.
KHURPATAL
Khurpatal is 11 kms from Nainital and is a small hamlet frequented by the tourists for its pleasant climate and a beautiful lake with crystal clear water. For angling or fishing, this is the right place.
CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
The Jim Corbett national park is 118 Kms. from Nainital (via Kaladhungi & Ramnagar) and it covers an area of 521 Sq. Kms. The park occupies portions of Kalagarh and Ramnagar forest divisions.
RAMGARH
Ramgarh is 35 KMs from Nainital, and is known as “Fruit bowl of Kumaon” for a variety of Himalayan fruits. Its famous for spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges.
TOURIST PLACES IN NAINITAL
NAINI LAKE
The center of Nainital’s exquisite beauty is the beautiful Naini lake, which make you spellbound at night when the myriads of bulbs from the hill sides and large number hanging near the lake’s edge stab their magic light into its waters.
Naini lake offers ample opportunity for yachting, boating or paddling the boat. The north end of lake is called Mallital and the southern one is called Tallital.
MALL ROAD
Mall road (now named Govind Ballabh Pant Marg) is lined up by many hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, shops, banks etc and it runs on one of side of lake. Mall strolling is the famous attraction for all the tourists. This road is the main link joining Mallital and Tallital.
Thandi Road is on the other side of the lake. It's comparatively less busy and have Pashan devi temple.
Traffic Rules: Entry of heavy traffic is prohibited during months of May, June & October from 8 AM to 10.30 AM & 2.30 PM to 10.30 PM. Light vehicles from 6.00 PM to 10.00 PM & cycle rickshaw from 6.00 PM to 9.00 PM.
FLATTS
Flats are at the northern side of Naini lake and is a place for people from all walks of life. It has a play ground which is used for sports/ games and cultural activities. Famous Bhotia Market is in the flats where vendors sell fancy items. There is a band stand, Mosque, Gurudwara and Naina Devi temple.
ZOO
Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo is at an altitude of 2100 meters and is 1 Km. away from bus stand. It has Monkeys, Himalayan black bear, Leopard, Siberian Tiger, Palm civet cat, Wolf, Silver Pheasants, Hill Fox, Barking Deer, Sambhar.
RAJ BHAVAN
Raj Bhavan is official accommodation of Governor( Uttarakhand). It has marvelous garden, Golf Links, Swimming Pool, Badminton court. The Governor’s House was built in the line of Buckingham Palace.
HANUMAN GARHI
Hanuman Garhi is a religious centre famous for its sun set view and is around 3.5 Kms from the bus stand. It has a temple complex presiding deity being Lord Hanuman besides Ramji and Shivji.
SNOW VIEW
Snow view is an easily accessible hill top, height 2270 mts. and around 2.5 Kms from Nainital town. The spot is accessible through rope way and well connected by motor able road. Snow view offers beautiful and breath taking picture of glittering snows of Himalayas.
KILBURY
Kilbury is around 12 Kms from Nainital. Kilbury gives a breathtaking view of Himalayas. and is an ideal spot for a quiet and peaceful holiday.
CHINA PEAK
Naina peak is the highest peak of the town, at an altitude of 2611 mts. and is around 6 Kms from Nainital. It commands an entrancing view of sparkling snow laden Himalayas and a birds eye view of the lake city of Nainital.
THINGS TO DO IN NAINITAL
BOATING
Naini Lake offers several options for water sports, including kayaking, canoeing, yachting and boating. Kayaking and paddle boating are the two most popular activities here.
One must visit the British-era Nainital Boat House Club, sitting pretty at the edge of the water, for exclusive views of the lake, great food and its heritage ambience.
Every year national & zonal races are held in Naini Lake. Swimming competition is also organized in Nainital in summer months.
SHOPPING
Nainital is famous for handmade candles, decorative wood items, home-made jams, squashes, juice concentrates and fruit preservatives. One can buy all this and more from authentic shops in Bara Bazaar, The Mall Road, Bhotia Bazaar and Mallital.
Nainital has many popular specialties for shopping ranging from woolens to the brass items.
Apart from the ever bustling mall road there are plenty of smaller bazaars to explore and bargain.
ROPEWAY
The ropeway connects Snow-View Point (at 2270 Mts.) with Nainital near flats. Aerial rope way starts at Mallital, there are two trolleys to carry passengers. It takes approx. 152 seconds to cover one way journey by.
Timings:10 AM to 4 PM
Ticket for both way Journey :
190/- ( Adult)
120/- ( Child – 3 to 12 Years)
TREKKING
Nainital has several trekking and hiking trails. The Naini Peak-Pangot trek, is the perfect two-day adventure for trekking enthusiasts which starts at Mallital in Nainital and goes through famous Snow View hill to reach Naini Peak.
The easy to moderately challenging three-day trek from Nainital to Betalghat offers magnificent views, dense forests and snow-capped peaks.
Another popular route is Nainital to Khurpa Tal Trek.
PARAGLIDING
Nainital is known for its Paragliding facilities. One can experience this sky adventure in the company of experienced parasailors. There are many paragliding operators are present at different places of district. Most of them are available at Pandeygoan on Bhimtal-Jangligaon road and Kotabagh.
HOT AIR BALLOONING
Hot-air ballooning is another adventure attraction in Nainital. Hot-air ballooning camps are setup in and around Nainital, mainly at Sukhatal. Ride a colourful balloon as it takes you up above the hills and valleys.
GOLFING
Golf tournaments are held annually at the course inside Raj Bhavan. The Raj Bhavan golf course is a breathtaking space offering a professional experience. Even if you are not a golfer, visit it for the views. There are other golf courses as well.
WHERE TO STAY IN NAINITAL
HOMESTAY IN NAINITAL
HOTELS IN NAINITAL
GUESTHOUSE
Uttarakhand State Guest House: This is booked through ‘Rajya sampatti Vibhag Dehradun ‘
KMVN Guest House at Sukhatal and Tallital and other locations: Online booking link
NAINITAL WEATHER
NAINITAL MAP
