Nainital

One of the main attraction of Nainital  is the Naini lake which is also called Tririshi lake. Nainital also has a temple of goddess Naina after whom this place is named. According to the legend the  rishis Anni, Pulastya and Pulaha  formed this lake from the water of the sacred river Manasarowar. Hence it is also   called little Manasarowar. During the British rule Nainital was the capital for the summer days. Surrounding the Naini lake are high mountains which glow with innumerable light  in the night. On the main road, the Mall are most shops and hotels. The world famous Corbett National Park is just 105 kms from Nainital. Colonel Jim Corbett has mentioned Nainital and this park in his famous book "The Man eater of Champavat" and "The man eater of Kumau". Nainital can be seen in taxis, cycle rickshaws,ponies and even by boat.Mountain Tours also are organised. People stroll down  the Mall Road in the evenings. There are many spots for picnicking around Nainital. Nainital was discovered in 1841 by an English man called Baron.

Places of Interest:

Snow View: Situated 2270 mts above sealevel one can go there by walk or on a pony. There's even a ropeway available. This place is 2.5 kms away from Nainital. The northern Himalayan peaks  are clearly visible here. The view of Nainital can be seen from here through a binocular. A restaurant is available here.

Naina Peak: Naina Peak is 2611 mts above sealevel and is the highest peak of Nainital. Once upon a time it was called as China Peak. Nainital looks like a bowl from here. Close to Naina Peak is the Camel Back Peak. If visiting here do not forget to take your own picnic basket because there  is no place for eating here. One can walk up or go by a pony.

Kilberry:  The Himalayas looks beautiful from Kilberry. Away from the city life, the peaceful environment here is very soothing and one can enjoy the beauty of the forest , the birds and the vegetation.

Hanuman Garh: This is 1951 mts above sealevel and has religious importance. It is 3 kms away from Nainital. This temple was made by Baba Neem Karauli and has a 12 feet statue of Lord Hanuman. Sunset from here looks lovely.

Observatory: This is the most modern Observatory of the country and is located near Hanuman Garh . Huge telescopes and Binocular are set up here  for the tourists. One has to find out when it is open earlier as it has fixed timings.

Naina Mandir: On the banks of the Naini lake is this ancient temple .

Prani Park: This park has  a clean and pure atmosphere. One can walk to it or take a taxi.

Bhimtal: 22 kms from Nainital this lake was found during the Mahabaratha times.This lake  is quite big. Regular buses and taxis ply from here.  Enroute to Bhimtal from Nainital is a Museum where one can see artistic and culturally important objects from Uttarakhand. Boating on this lake is very pleasant. In the centre of the lake is a small isle where there is a restaurant. Tourist can stay in Bhimtal in hotels, resthouses, Tourist Bungalows etc.

Naukuchia Tal: Just 4 kms from Bhimtal, this place is ideal for water sports. The lake here is very deep. Buses are available from Nainital and Bhimtal. The lake here has 9 corners and  hence its name. The   Kumau Mandal Corporation has its Tourists Resthouse. Few hotels are also available.

Khurpatal: 10 kms from Nainital this is a small lake. If one goes through the forest this is just 6 kms away.

Bhowali:  Bhowali is 11 kms away from Nainital at a height of 1706 mts above sealevel. This place is on the Haldwani-Almora Road. Bhowali is said to be good  for those patients who ail from problems of the lungs. There is a Sanatorium here.

Dorothy Seat:  This peak is named after an English Woman who died in a Plane accident. Close by is the Lands end which is 2118 above sealevel.

Ramgarh:  26 kms from Nainital,   Ramgarh is surrounded by  orchards of fruits especially apples. Ramgarh is supposed to have a healthy atmosphere. A tourist Guesthouse is available for accommodation. Taxi services available  from Bhowali.

Sat Tal: 7 small  and big lakes  are found on the Nainital and Bhimtal road. Buses and Taxis are available here to get here and a  Govt.,Tourists Bungalow to stay.

Mukteswar: Once upon a time there was a English army  Cantonment here. Now  there  is an All India Research Centre  for  Animal treatment.  The Himalayan peaks are clearly visible from here. Mukteswar is 52 kms from Nainital. There are very few buses to this place from Nainital but regular taxi services can be utilised from Bhowali.

Ram Nagar: Ram Nagar has regular bus services from Nainital, Delhi, Haldwani etc., The Corbett national Park is 49 kms away from here, where you can   observe forest vegetation closely. Daily Tours are available to this sanctuary and travel agents can be contacted for this.  The famous temple of Gurjia  is close by.

Jyolikot: It is 18 kms from Nainital and is a main centre for honey bee and mushroom cultivation. Flowers are also cultivated here in large numbers.

Kaladoongi: 35 kms from Nainital this   is a place where the famous hunter Jim Corbett  used to stay in winter. This place is surrounded by Sal Trees. Buses go to this place from Haldwani, Ram Nagar, Nainital and Delhi. Jim Corbett's house has now been made a museum. A resthouse and a lodge are available for accommodation.

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Temperature:

How to get there:
By Rail: Closest station  to Nainital is Kathgodam. There are regular services to this place from Delhi and Howrah(Calcutta). From Lucknow one can get to Lalkua and from there on by bus or taxis.  kathgodam is 35 kms from here.
By Road:  One can reach Nainital from all the important places in Uttar Pradesh by the State Transport buses. Rajasthan and Haryana transport also run their bus services.

Distance from main cities:

When to Visit: Nainital can be visited all through the year except during monsoons. But the best time is from April to June and September to November.Snowfall is lesser. Even in summer one may need light woollens and winters require heavy woollens.

Conducted Tours: Many tours are conducted by VTDO, The Mall, Phone No-35702, 35557.

Observatory -3 hours

Festival: Every year in the month of September a traditional fair is held for the local Goddess Naina Devi. The U.P Tourism Department organises a fair in October and November which shows off its cultural images.