Rang7 Guides
Rang7 members have created & contributed 308 Destinations, 77 Festivals, 47 Monuments, 39 National Parks and 58 Other Guides. Go ahead and Explore now!
Nainital
[ Edit ] Overview
Nainital is a town in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand on the foot hills of Kumaon range of hills. Nestled in a valley containing a pear shaped lake approximately 2miles in circumference and surrounded by some of the Himalaya’s highest mountain peaks, Nainital is situated at an altitude of 6358 feet above sea level.
There are many stories on how Nainital got its name. One theory suggests the name comes from the lake Naini which is situated in the centre of the town. Legend suggests that when Sati died, a grieving Lord Shiva carried her body across the whole universe. One of her eyes fell at the Lake Naini and therefore the name.
Nainital is among one of the most popular hill stations in India. The population of the region increases five fold during the peak tourist season.
[ Edit ] History
Quick Facts
[ Edit ] State
[ Edit ] Location
At 6,538 ft above sea level and 36 km from Kathgodam.
[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit
Nainital is hospitable throughout the year, except during the thick of winter which lasts from January to March.
[ Edit ] Tourist Offices
KMVN Tourist Reception Centre, Tallital, Nainital
KMVN Tourist Information Office, 103, Indraprakash, 21, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi
[ Edit ] STD Code
05942
Sightseeing
[ Edit ] Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
The ARIES is an over 50 year old institution of the Department of Science and Technology situated in Manora peak which is a few kilometers from Nainital. The observatory has been giving tourists a gander at our skies for half a century now. If you’re looking for something more, ARIES’ also provides national optical observing facilities for research in astronomy, astrophysics and atmospheric sciences.
[ Edit ] Governor’s House (Raj Bhavan)
If you want to observe a touch of Victorian style royalty in Naintal, try to get a permit to visit the Raj Bhavan. This is the official residence of the state governor during his trips to the town. It also puts up state guests and high-ranking officials. The architecture of this two storied mansion is predominantly Victorian gothic style holding 113 rooms, with an attached swimming pool, gardens and golf course.
[ Edit ] Hanuman Gahri
For more mythological reminders to this valley, go 3 km out of town to Taillal or South End. There you will find a complex of temples known as Hanuman Garhi. You will immediately notice the imposing form of the presiding Lord Hanuman, the monkey god from the Ramayana. Innovatively and symbolically, this idol of the Hanuman is depicted tearing open his to reveal the Lord Rama and Sita.
[ Edit ] Naini Devi Temple
The original Naina Devi temple was destroyed in a landslide in 1880 and then later rebuilt. Located at the northern shore of the lake, not far from the Boat Club, the site of the temple is legendarily said to be the actual place that Goddess Sati’s eye fell. The statue of the deity is only two large eyes. Accompanying Naini Devi are the statues of Mata Kali and the Lord Ganesha.
[ Edit ] Naini Peak (China Peak)
Naini Peak offers a great trekking opportunity. At an altitude of 2611 m and only 5km from Naini lake, this uphill trek can also be covered on horse back Once on top you can not only see the entire valley of Nainital but also the western section of the Himalayas.
[ Edit ] Snow View
To the north east of town at an altitude of 2270 m is Snow View. You can access the area by chair lift, ropeways, mountain ponies or by foot. On a very clear day, with the help of binoculars you can see the Himalayan ranges of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot in the far distance.
[ Edit ] St John in the Wilderness
A symbol of Christian presence in the Kumaon is the church of St John in the Wilderness. The church is situated about a half a kilometre north-west from the Temple. In 1844, the Bishop of Calcutta who after laying the foundation for this church, took ill and was obliged to rest in an unfinished house on the edge of the forest nearby. His Grace Daniel Wilson then combined the names of the church’s patron saint with his own experience of the lodging he was obliged to take.
[ Edit ] Tiffin Top or Dorothy’s Seat
As the name suggests this is a nice picnic spot on a rugged hill top. Tiffin Top is a relatively pleasant 4 km upward hike. Dorothy’s Seat, is a stone-work memorial for an English artist named Dorothy Kellet, built by her husband and admirers. Once you get to the top, you will be treated to a satisfying view of the neighboring countryside.
Planning a Trip
Getting There
[ Edit ] Air
The nearest airport is at Pant Nagar 71kms from Nainital.
[ Edit ] Rail
The nearest railroad to Nainital is Kathgodam which is 35 km from Nainital. From there continue the journey by taxi.
[ Edit ] Road
Drive along the NH24 to Rampur and then take the NH87 all the way into the valley.
There are regular services from Delhi’s Anand Vihar. The bus stand of Tallital is only 1km from Nainital’s city centre.
[ Edit ] Getting Around
Most places in Nainital can be covered on foot. For uphill treks or for difficult terrain choose between taxis, cycle rickshaws or ponies. Be aware though, riding a pony within the town areas of Nainital is not permitted.
[ Edit ] Other Information
At the northern end of the Naini lake is the Nainital Boat Club, where there is a wide variety of paddle boats to choose from. If you are not comfortable gliding the waters alone, opt for a row boat and rower.
At the Rink Theatre close to Naini Devi Temple you can roller skate. Roller skates are available for hire here.
For a night out in Nainital, head to Viceroy at Manu Maharani. The discotheque comes to life only during the tourist season.
[ Edit ] Shopping
The bulk of Nainital’s shops can be found at the town’s promenade that skirts the lake. Check out the handloom products and the kumaon woolens. Nainital also produces locally made candles which make great gifts. Also check out preserved fruits of the region. The main places to go shopping are Bohtia market, Mallital and Mall Road, Tallital Bazaar and Tibetan market. Intricately carved cane stick, candles, wooden carvings and woolens are the specialty of Nainital. To buy fruits like peaches, cherries and apples fresh from the orchards head to Bhowali which is 11km from Nainital.
[ Edit ] Food
There are many restaurants in Nainital that offer vegetarian and non vegetarian cuisines. Try some of the street stalls for momos and noodles. Sonam Chowmein serves Tibetan food. And for vegetarians try Ashok Vegetarian Restaurant.
[ARCHIVES ]
