Places to Visit in Nainital Uttaranchal India

Nainital is one of the most beautiful district of the Indian state of Uttaranchal.  Nainital is a glittering jewel in Himalayan necklace, blessed with scenic natural splendor and varied natural resources.  Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of 'Lake District' of India.  The most prominent of the lakes is the Naini lake ringed by hills.

Location

Nanital is located at 29° 24', 79° 28' E.  It is situated at an altitude of 1938m.

Climate

The climate of Nainital in summers is between a maximum of 27°C and a minimum of 10°C.  In winters, Ninital receives snowfalls between December and February, with temperatures varying between a maximum of 15°Ca and a minimum of -3°C.

 

History

The first recorded discovery of this popular hill station was in 1841 when a British, Mr.  Barron, chanced upon the lake.  Moved by the scenic beauty of the lake and thickly forested hills, he constructed a house named the Pilgrim's Cottage.  According to the local belief, the origin of Nanital dates back to mythological times.

Nainital Tourist Place Uttaranchal India

This beautiful lake resort nestles amidst seven hills in alush valley at an altitude of 1938 metres.  In 1841, the British first discovered Naini Tal as a holiday resort.  Today, it has emerged as one of the most important hill resorts of India.

Naini Lake

The eye (naina) shaped lake anmed after Goddess Naini set amidst lush hills is said to be formed when the eye of Goddess Sati fell here.  The Naina Devi temple at the northern end of the lake marks the exact spot where the eye of Sati is said to have fallen.  The gaily coloured Yachts sail the waters of the lake is a sight to behold. This the most popular picnic spots in Kumaon. It commands a bird's eye view of Nainital and the sparkling snow laden Himalayas can be seen in their towering glory from this beautiful spot.  It is about 5-6km from the ton and one of the most beautiful treks.  The soft cool air, the shade of the tall trees, the songs of the birds, and the quaint summerhouse welcomes you.

Naina Peak (6km)

Popular picnic spot at a height of 2,610 metres.  Breathtaking view of the Himalayas and entire lake region.

Laria kanta (6km)

Picnic spot at an altitude of 2481 metre.  Affords panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Hanumangarhi (3.2km)

Pilgrim site well known for spectacular sun set views. This place is of great religious importance.  Situated at a height of 1951m, this place was established by Baba Neem Kiroli.  A very beautiful Hanuman mandir is at the top.  From Hanuman Garhi, tourists generally watch the sunset, which is a spectacular sight.  One can go to Hanuman Garhi by taxi, bus or even on foot from Nainital.  It has a huge temple complex, and the presiding deity is Lord Hanuman, besides Ram and Shiva.  On the other side of the hill, there is the Shitala Devi temple and the Ashram of Lila Sah Bapu.

High Altitude Zoo (1.5km)

Animals living at high altitudes can be seen here.

Khurpa Tal (5km)

The lake on Nainital – Ramnagar road is an angler’s delight.

Lands End (4km)

The hill affords fine view of Khurpa Tal and the terraced fields. One does not have to climb much, about 4km and as the name suggests, one feels on reaching the are that the end of the land has really come.  Needless to say, the view of the neighboring hills and the valley, and the Khurpatal lake is exquisite from here.

State Observatory (4.4km)

It is ideal for astronomical studies and optical tracking of artificial earth satellites.             

Raj Bhavan

The magnificent Nainital Govt. House modelled after the famous Buckingham Palace was built march 1900.  Its 50 acres lush golf course was opened for public in 1994.

Tourist Places Near Nainital

Bhimtal (22.5km)

Serene scenic lake resort.  The lake here is larger than Naini Lake. It is located at a distance of 23km from Nainital.  The lake offers opportunities for water sports too.  In fact, the natural beauty of the place makes it an excellent excursion option from Nainital.

Naukuchia Tal (26km)

The beautiful lake 4km short of Bhimtal has nine corners and is also of considerable religious importance.   Migratory birds flock to the lake.  Good boating and fishing spot. Situated 27km from Nainital, is another place worth visiting.  The nine corners of the lake lend it its name.  It is a picture perfect spot to visit, far from the madding crowd of Nainital.

Corbett National Park

The magnificent Park established way back in 1936, is one of the best known sanctuaries of India.  It is named after Jim Corbett, the famous hunter author and conservator.  The park covers a large forested area of over 520 sq km., comprising of foot hills of Shivalik ranges and the Patlidun valley with swiftly flowing river Ramganga. The varied topography thus provides home to rich and diverse wildlife. The dense jungles of the park are famous for the tigers of Kumaon.  It is also a haven for the apnther, wild boar, sloth bear, elephant, deer, python, cobra, crocodile and gharial etc.  The river Ramganga is full of mahseer, trout and goonch fishes.  The park is also an ‘ornithologist’s paradise’, as over 538 species of birds have been recorded here.

The nearest airport is Pantnagar 9130km) and rail head is at Ramnagar (50km), which is an obligatory entrance for the park. Kaladhungi (81km) is known for Corbett’s Museum, dedicated to the great hunter.

Corbett is about 115km from Nainital, via Kaladhung.  The pride of Corbett National Park is the distinction of being the first national park of India.  It sprawls over an area of 524.8 sq.km, and was established in the year 1935 as the Hailey National Park, after Sir William Malcohm Hailey, an enthusiastic conservationist who was at that time, the governor of united provinces.  The park is very rich in wildlife like Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Deer, Pig, Porcupine, etc.  There are more than 500 species of birds here.  Amongst the reptiles are Pythons, Crocodiles and many species of Lizards and Snakes in their natural habitat.

Mukteshwar (50km)

This small hill station amidst thick wooded forest affords majestic view of the Himalayas.  Nearby is a stone hole of Chauli Ki Jali, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Spectacular view of Almora and the peaks of Adi Nampa of Nepal stretching upto the Chaukhamba peaks of Garhwal can be enjoyed a moonlit night. About 52km from Nainital, Mukteshwar set atop a high ridge, is one of Kumaon's beautiful resorts.  It abounds in fruit orchards and dense coniferous forests.  The famous Indian Veterinary Research Institute is located in Mukteshwar. Beyond Ramgarh is Mukteshwar, 51.49km from Nainital.  It is the seat of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI).  In close proximity is the stone, "Chuli Ki Jali", dedicated to Lord Shiva where childless couples come to pray for children.  Famous for its Himalayan views, from Api-Nampa speaks of Nepal to the Chaukhamba Peak of Garhwal, Mukteshwar daringly overlooks a deep ravine on one side and the beautiful town of Almora on the other.  It is a heaven for nature lovers, and thoe who have a penchant for spiritualism.

Dorothy Seat

Also known as, 'Tiffin Top' is a memorial to Mrs.  Dorothy Kellet built by her husband.  It commands an excellent view of the Himalayas as well as the neighboring countryside.  It is around 4.3km from the town.  One can trek or negotiate on horseback.

St. John-In-The Wilderness

This is one of the earliest buildings as well as churches erected in Nainital.  It is a beautiful church with a marvelous interior and stained glasses on the windows.

Kilbury

About 11km from the town, Kilbury is a sanctum sanctorum of bio-diversity and an ideal place for bird watchers and nature lovers for a quiet and peaceful holiday.

Sat Tal

Sat Tal is about 21km away from Nainital.  It was a cluster of seven tal or lakes originally.  The pine and oak trees add to the beauty of the Sat Tal.  You may try boating in the lake, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake at the same.

Sattal

Unique unforgettable, one is apt to run short of superlatives to describe this unsurpassed beauty of lakes named after the epic protagonists, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana.  These picturesque lakes are a paradise for migratory birds, a haven for anglers and swimmers.  In fact, it is a divine joy to back on the shores of the lakes with their pristine beauty.

Bhowali

Situated 11km from Nainital on the Ranikhet-Almora road, Bhowali is a beautiful health resort.  The T.B. Sanatorium here has treated luminaries like Subhash Chandra Bose and Kamala Nehru, wife of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru.  It is also famous for its scenic grandeur, and has a popular hill fruit market.

Festivals

Nanda Devi Festival

The best known fair of this region, held in the month of September at Almora town, is organized since the Chand Kings ruled this place.  It is believed that 'Nanda' used to be the family Goddess of the Chanda dynasty.  The meaning of the word, 'Nanda' is prosperity.  Dyot Chanda built the temple of 'Nanda' in almora in the seventeenth century, the then ruler of this place.  Presently, this temple remains the core of the festival.  The duration of the festival is for five days and approximately, twenty five thousand people including tourists come to attend this festival.

Nainital City Map