Nainital Reflects In Shimmering Lake Waters

Nainital Lake

In the heart of Nainital, you will find this lake. It you keenly observe it, you will notice that it is eye shaped. You can stroll around the lake and admire the beauty. You can also take a sailboat and sail on the lake. The lights at night from the houses, hotels and cottages situated on the mountains make the lake water shimmer in colors. The northern side is called Mallital and the southern side Tallital. A bridge connects the two sides of the lake. The tourists will find a post office, the only one of its kind in the world that is on a bridge. There are a few shops also on the bridge.

Naina Devi Temple

The tourists will find the deity of Maa Naina Devi, of Mata Kali and Lord Ganesha. In mythology, it is believed that when Lord Shiva was carrying Goddess Sati, her eyes fell here in Nainital where the temple now stands.

St. John in Wilderness

This is a church located at the end of town Mallital. It was established in the year 1844. The church lies at the edge of the forests.

Snow Point

You get breathtaking views from this point. It is at an elevation of 2,275 meters above sea level. It is located at the top of Sher-ka-danda-Ridge. Two trolleys take the tourists from the flats to the snow point. The views of the snow-capped Himalayan range are simply astounding. To see these magnificent Himalayan peaks visit Nainital in October or November. It takes about two and a half minutes to reach the top. Aerial rope-way starts from Mallital. It is open from 10am to 5pm seven days a week. Snow point has tea shops, restaurants and also photographers to click your photo, with the unforgettable background at Snow Point.

Naina Peak

This is the highest peak of Nainital. Its altitude is 8,579 feet. From Mallital, it is at a distance of 6 kilometers. You get a panoramic view of Nainital with all the snow clad peaks around it. Tourists can hire ponies to go up to Naina Peak.

Eco Cave Gardens

These are natural gardens next to the Kumaon University Campus. It has six caves with a musical fountain. They are at a distance of 1 kilometers from Sukhatal and 2 kilometers from Mallital. The surrounding areas are full of oak, pine, deodar and rhododendron.

Mall Road

This is the busiest road of Nainital. Vehicles are not allowed on this road during peak seasons. It has a number of shops, restaurants, banks, other offices etc.

Zoo

The zoo is at an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level. It is 2 kilometers from the bus station. Govind Pant zoo has a number of animals like snow tiger, Palm civet cat, Wolf, Silver pheasants, Himalayan black bear, white peacock etc.

The tourists can also visit Tiffin Top, Land’s End and Raj Bhawan.

Sat Tal

Seven fresh water lakes interconnected to each other form the Sat Tal. It is 22 kilometers from Nainital, at an altitude of 1,370 meters above sea level. The Sat Tal Lake is surrounded by dense forests of pine and oak trees. It is home to a number of migratory birds. The Britishers often compare Sat Tal with Westmoreland of England.

Bhim Tal

Bhim Tal is a town older than Nainital. It is well connected to Kathgodam, Kumaon region and even Nepal. It is at a distance of 24 kilometers from Nainital, at an altitude of 1,375 meters above sea level. Its main attraction is the Bhimtal Lake with a small island at its centre.

Naukuchia Tal

This is a nine-cornered lake. It is 4 kilometers from Bhimtal and 28 kilometers from Nainital. The lakes depth is about 40 meters. This is the deepest lake in the Nainital area.

Almora

Almora is a pretty little town located in the Kumaon region. It is beautiful and is famous for its commanding views of the Himalayas. Almora has a rich culture, unique handicrafts, wildlife and delicious cuisine. It is at a height of 5,400 feet above sea level. It is on a ridge atop Kashaya Hill. It is 68 kilometers from Nainital. Almora is known as the 'Switzerland of India'.

Ranikhet

Ranikhet means the Queens Meadow. You get breathtaking views of the snow-capped glistening Himalayan range. It has a vast bio-diversity of flora and fauna. It is 65 kilometers from Nainital at an altitude of 1,869 meters above sea level.

Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett was a renowned hunter who later turned into conservationist. This national park is thus named after him and is India’s oldest national park. The national park is 68 kilometers from Nainital. It consists of a variety of wildlife, 600 species of birds and about 488 different species of plants. This national park was established in 1936 and occupies an area of 521 sq kilometers.

Jim Corbett National Park is at the foothills of the Himalayan belt and offers the tourists wonderful landscapes. The park has four gates. The tourists are advised to book the safaris before arrival as only 60 vehicles are allowed inside the park. The safari zones are Jhirna, Bijrani and Dhikala. It is ideal to explore the national park in winter months from November to February. If you wish to enjoy the scenic surroundings and spot animals around then visit it between November and June.

Nainital offers tourists a wide variety of accommodation. From luxury heritage hotels and resorts with all modern facilities to cheap but good hotels are also available.

Pant Nagar Airport is the nearest one to Kathgodam and Nainital. It is 72 kilometers from Nainital. From the airport taxis are easily available to Nainital.

Kathgodam is the nearest railhead. It is 41 kilometers from Nainital. This railway station is well connected with other major Indian cities. Nainital is only an hour’s drive from Kathgodam. Buses and taxis are easily available to take the tourists to Nainital. The Ranikhet Express departs from Old Delhi at night and reaches Kathgodam railway station in the wee hours.

Good roads connect Nainital with all major destinations of Northern India. Delhi to Nainital is a nine hour drive. Buses are also available to get to Nainital.