Nainital – A Popular Hill Station

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Overview

Nainital is a hill station in Uttarakhand, India, and the base camp for the Nainital region in the Kumaon foothills of the Himalayan range. Nainital, which rises 2,084 meters (6,837 feet) above sea level, is set in a valley containing a mango-shaped lake, approximately two miles in length, and surrounded by mountains, the most impressive of which are Naina (2,615 m (8,579 ft)) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m (7,999 ft)) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m (7,474 ft)) on the south. From the highest points of the higher peaks, “sublime views may be observed of the huge plain towards the south, Himalaya’s focal point is encompassed by an unbelievable frigid outskirt.

Mr. P. Barron of Shahjahanpur was so impressed by the picturesque beauty of the area that he had a residence built called “Pilgrim Cottage” in 1841, and eventually a settlement grew up around the lake. Nainital is a popular hill station with a diversified landscape. Nainital is also known as India’s Lake District because to its numerous lakes. The Naini Lake is the major lake in Nainital, and it is what gives the city its name. This lake is surrounded by hills & named after the Goddess Naini. During the British rule, Nainital served as the United Provinces’ summer capital, and it remained so for many years after independence.

Mythology of Nainital

It is claimed that Nainital appears in certain ancient Indian mythologies. In the Skand Puranas’ Manas Khand, Nainital Lake is referred to as Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, illustrating the story of three sages (or rishis), Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha, who, after discovering no water in Nainital, tunneled a huge hole in the region of the present-day lake (Sarovar lake) and filled it with water from Tibet’s sacrosanct lake Manasarovar. According to folklore, a dip in Naini Lake, “the lesser Manasarovar,” is equivalent to a dunk in the powerful Lake.

It is also assumed that the Naini Lake is one of the 52 Shakti Peeths (great altars), or sacred sites where remnants of the eaten Sati (Parvati) fell to earth while being transported by Lord Shiva. The location where Sati’s eyes (or Nain) landed became known as Nainital (Nain means eyes and Tal means lake). The goddess Shakti is revered in the Naina Devi Temple on the north shore of the current lake. Individuals come to Nainital for the hill station, but they also have the opportunity to gain favor from the Naina Devi Temple. Because the Temple is so near to the lake, the view is spectacular from there.

Famous Nainital Tourist Places

Nainital’s main tourist attraction is Naini Lake. Other tourist attractions in Nainital include Naina Peak, Snow View, High Altitude Zoo, Khurpatal, Kilbury, Hanuman Garh, Land’s End, and the State Observatory.

Naini Lake: According to Hindu legend, the vivid green Naini Lake is one of Shiva’s wife Parvati’s emerald eyes. The present Naina Devi Temple at the lake’s northern end is claimed to be the precise location where her eye fell after Vishnu broke up her body and spread it all over the countryside to halt Shiva’s cosmic dance of devastation. The village is centered on the kidney-shaped Naini Lake, which has clear water. The Naini Lake offers rowing and paddle boats for boat enthusiasts.

Khurpatal: It is located about 10 km from Nainital on the Nainital-Ramanagar route. Anglers will love the Khurpatal Lake, which is home to a plethora of fish.

Naina Peak: Naina Peak is Nainital’s tallest peak and most popular picnic destination. This summit is 2610 meters high and around 5.5 kilometers from Nainital. On a clear day, this mountain provides a stunning vista of the snow-covered Himalayan ranges as well as a bird’s-eye view of Nainital. It is also one of the most beautiful hikes, with soft cool air, shade from big trees, bird melodies, and a lovely summerhouse. One can either travel or ride on horseback.

Kilbury: Kilbury is located 11 kilometers from town and has a height of 2528 meters. It is ideal for bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts, quiet weekend getaways, and picnics. Kilbury is located in a forest reserve and is rich in flora and bird life.

Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo: The High Altitude Zoo is located at an elevation of 2075 meters and is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the bus station. The zoo is home to a variety of high-altitude animal and avian species. Siberian tigers, serows, leopards, and Himalayan black deer are among the endangered animal species. It is extremely significant for researchers and scientists.

Land’s End: The Land’s End is located at an elevation of approximately 2218 meters and a distance of 4.08 kilometers from Nainital. The term Land’s End implies, and one sense, that the end of the land has arrived. This peak provides a panoramic view of Khurpatal, terraced farms, other hills, and the valley. Horses can also get there.

State Observatory: The State Observatory is located at a height of 1951 meters and 4.4 kilometers from Nainital. The State Observatory conducts astronomical research and visual tracking of artificial Earth satellites.

Places of attraction near Nainital?

Bhimtal

Bhimtal Lake, located 22 kilometers from the city centre, is Nainital’s largest pool. It is named after Bhima, the second Pandava sibling in the Mahabharata who was noted for his gigantic qualities. The lake, which is larger than Naini Lake, is about 22 kilometers (14 miles) from Nainital and has a height of 1,370 meters (4,490 feet). A prominent eatery is located on an island in the lake. There is also a 17^th century sanctuary complex, the Bhimeshwar, located near a 40-foot (12-meter) high dam on one side of the lake.

Sattal

Sattal, also known as Seven Lakes, is located in the Lower Himalayan Range, approximately 23 km (14 km) from Nainital, at an elevation of 1,370 m (4,490 ft). It is a collection of small, interconnecting lakes nestled in old oak woodland. Moving towards Sattal Lake, one encounters the Nal-Damyanti Lake, followed by the Panna or Garude Lake, and finally a series of three lakes, the Ram, Laxman, and Sita lakes.

Kaichi Dham

The heart of the Kumaon Mountains houses the famous Kainchi Dham Hanuman temple. This place strikes a good balance between mental peace/spirituality and physical beauty. Kainchi Dham is an ideal haven for those desiring solitude, surrounded by mountains, forests, and a river. The temple was founded in the 1960s by Neem Karoli Baba, a revered local saint. Furthermore, Neem Karoli Baba, who is claimed to be an incarnation of Lord Hanuman, runs an ashram there.

Khurpa Taal

Khurpa Tal, also known as Trowel Lake, is a picturesque lake located around 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Nainital via car (or a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) hike) at an elevation of 1,635 meters (5,364 feet). It is famous among fishers and is bordered by terraced fields (or farms), from which it possibly derives its name.

Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal, or Nine-Cornered Lake, is 26 kilometers (16 miles) from Nainital and 4 km from Bhimtal, at a height of 1,220 meters (4,000 feet). The lake is approximately 1 km (0.62 mile) long, 0.5 kilometer (0.31 mile) wide, and 40 meters (130 feet) deep. It is the deepest of the lakes in the more notable Naintal region. According to folklore, if one covers all nine corners in a single impression, one would evaporate in a billow of smoke.

Hanumangarhi

Hanumangarhi (also known as Hanuman Garh) stands at a height of 1,951 meters (6,401 feet). The sanctuary complex is located approximately 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) from the Tallital transportation stop. The sanctuary’s leading divinity is Lord Hanuman, the Ramayana’s vanara lord, who is depicted breaking open his chest to reveal Rama and Sita in his heart. It is associated with the saintly person Neem Karoli Baba, who established his ashram at Kainchi. Hanuman Garhi is also noted for its breathtaking views.

Ghorakhal

Ghorakhal is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. Ghorakhal is a pond used for watering horses. It is a lovely spot at a height of almost 2,000 meters. This location is famed for the temple of Lord Golu, which is revered by the hill people.

Things to do in Nainital

Boating

There are two types of recreational boats in Nainital: paddleboats & rowing boats. The sight of white swan-shaped paddleboats lining the wharf at Naini Lake was just charming.

Ropeway

The ropeway or cable car, take visitors to the snow-view point at a height of 2270 meters, offering a panoramic view of Naini Lake and snow-capped hills in the distance.

Sightseeing

Nainital sightseeing consists primarily of excursions to Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchia Tal, Nainital Zoo, Waterfall, Sunset Point, and Khurpatal.

Paragliding

This is for those who enjoy adventure. If you have a strong heart and want to fly like a bird, consider paragliding in Bhimtal.

Best time to visit Nainital

Nainital is open year-round, although the ideal months to visit are March and June. The weather is pleasant during the summer months for day sightseeing and boat rides. It rains heavily from July to September, causing road jams that are cleared by the government after some time.

Where to stay in Nainital

Nainital is a beautiful hill station situated in the state of Uttarakhand offering various hotel choices to cater for each visitor’s needs. If looking for luxury accommodation or cheap but best hotels in Nainital then there are several magnificent establishments from which you can select. Several top-notch hotels in Nainital near Naini Lake offering impressive sceneries to watch for hours as well as simple ways of reaching for boating or other water side enterprises.

If you like being at the center of activity then there are some best hotels in Nainital Mall Road- Nainital offering convenience and being near to popular shopping destinations as well as places to eat out.

For a comfortable stay make sure you have booked a hotel room at least one week or more before arriving here (Nainital) and the Nainital hotel booking could be done through phone or online booking. Whether looking for accommodation in Nainital by the lake-side or on its busy mall street lined with shops and nightclubs-it is sure that there is just the right place for everyone in this lovely mountain resort town.

How to get to Nainital

By Air: The nearest airport is at Pantnagar. Pantnagar airport is approximately 71 kilometers away and is accessible by air to Delhi.

By Rail: There are different trains in large towns and cities simulated as stations–but the nearest to Kathgodam, that found about 35 km from here serves 4 state capitals such as Lucknow and Kolkata.

By Road: Nainital is well connected with Almora, Badrinath, Bareilly, Dehradun, Delhi, Haridwar, Kausani, and other parts of the country.

Conclusion

Nainital, a beautiful resort town situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is a sight to behold. A stunning combination of human history and natural elements can certainly be found in Nainital which is a city connected by Hindu legends and boasts a number of sights.

When it comes to its romantic origins, lovely lakes or picturesque views, Nainital is unlike any other place you’ve ever visited. Fill your mind with legends whose truth is shrouded in mystery, let the beauty of her outdo herself and visit the places of historic interest of this picturesque hill station.

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