Location : 34, kms from Kathgodam, Uttaranchal
Attractions : Naini Lake, Snow View, Astronomical Observatory, Hanuman Garhi,
Best Time To Visit : November to March
Introducing Nainital
Once the home of noted conservationist Jim Corbett, Nainital is now popular as the 'Lake City of India'. Situated at an altitude of around 1938 metres, Nainital is the largest and one of the most popular hill resorts of Kumaon region. A glittering jewel in the Himalayan necklace, Nainital has grown around a 'tal' (mountain-lake), blessed with pristine natural beauty and an enchanting landscape.
Nainital has a varied topography and it is flanked by seven sky scrapping peaks namely - Naina Peak (2,611 m), Alma Peak (2,432 m), Sher-ka-Danda (2,405 m), Laria Kanta Peak (2,485 m), Ayarpatta or Dorothy Seat (2,292 m), Handi Bundi (2,179 m) and Deopatta or Camel's Back (2,422 m).
Discovered in 1841 by a Britisher, Lord Barron, Nainital is always bustling with tourists who flock the city from far and wide. Today, the life of Nainital revolves around the Naini Lake, which mirrors the sun playing hide and seek with the clouds and mountains.
In truth, the beauty of Nainital can't be described in words, better you visit this town on your own. Moreover, When you reach this picturesque town, the unending expanse of scenic beauty with awe-inspiring and pristine mother nature, will surely mesmerize you.
How to Reach
By Air : Nearest airport is located at Pantnagar, which is 70 kms away from Nainital. Flights are available from Delhi to Pantnagar. Jagson Airlines operates daily flights (except Sundays) between Delhi and Pantnagar. The flight will take approximately 1.15 hrs to reach Pantnagar from Delhi.
By Train : Katgodam (35 kms) is the major railhead near Nainital. The railway station connects Nainital with Delhi, Dehradun, Howrah and other important places of the country. Ranikhet Express and Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express run every day between Delhi and Kathgodam. From Kathgodam you have to hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Nainital.
By Bus : National Highway No. 87 connects Nainital with the rest of the country. Frequent roadways buses run to Nainital from Delhi, Agra, Haridwar, Dehradun, Kanpur, Lucknow and many other nearby places. Luxury coaches are also available from Delhi to Nainital. Distances of some important places from Nainital are Kathgodam (34 kms), Haldwani (40 kms), Ranikhet (62 kms), Almora (64 kms), Ramnagar (65 kms), Bareilly (140 kms), Pithoragarh (186 kms), Haridwar (245 kms), Dehradun (300 kms), Delhi (310 kms), Badrinath (334 kms), Lucknow (400 kms) and Agra (403 kms).
Places Where You Can Stay
From small inns to 5-Star hotels, there is a profusion of hotels in Nainital. Equipped with all the necessary amenities, the hotels in Nainital provide you a comfortable as well as a memorable stay.
Deluxe Hotels : Alka "The Lake Side Hotel" (Mall Road), Arif Castles (Mallital), Classic (Mall Road), Balrampur House (Mallital), Swiss Hotel (Mallital), Palace Resort (Mallital), Welcome Resort (Tallital), Manu Maharani (Mallital), Royal Hotel (Mallital) and Shervani Hilltop Inn (Mallital).
Other Hotels : Hotel Krishna (Mall Road), Hotel Shalimar (Mall Road), Hotel Payal (Tallital), Hotel Savoy (Tallital), Radha Continental (Mallital) and Pratap Regency (Mall Road).
Tourist Attractions in Nainital
Naini Lake : Considered as the nucleus of Nainital's picturesque beauty, Naini Lake is a host in itself and attracts large number of tourists every year. The northern end of the lake is called as Mallital while the southern end is called Tallital. Both ends of the lake have well-managed shopping centres, with beautiful laid stores, luxury shops and marts.
During the day time, the reflection of magnificent hills dotted with small beautiful cottages and villas, captivate every one. However, at night the lake looks more beautiful when the myriad of bulbs from the hill sides and hanging near the lake's edge, stab their magical light into the calm waters of the lake.
Besides its charming beauty, the lake offers plenty of leisure activities for holiday makers. You can enjoy yachting, boating or paddling the boat etc. across the lake by paying a reasonable fare. Boating rates ranges between Rs. 30 to Rs. 50, Paddling boats are available on hourly basis from Rs. 50 to Rs. 90. You can also hire a small yacht at Rs. 60 from the Nainital Boat Club.
Snow View : Situated at a height of 7,450 ft, above the sea level, Snow View is the most popular peak of Nainital. A thrill for kids and adults alike, the Snow View is best reach by an aerial ropeway. From the Snow View you get spectacular views of the glittering snows of Himalayas around.
Apart from ropeway, you can also ride up to Snow View and back on horses or ponies which can be hired at the north end of the Mall. The round trip on ponies or horses, costs you around Rs. 50 - Rs. 75. Ropeway fare for round trip is Rs.60, but you have to return within an hour, one-way charge is Rs. 40 for adults and Rs.35 for children.
