Nainital

Nainital, the queen of Indian lakes, is a beautiful lake surrounded by hills. The name Nainital is believed to be associated with ancient myths of India. The lake is also known as Tri Rishi Sarovar. The three Rishis (sages) dug large hole on the spot where present lake is located upon not finding water in nearby area. They filled the hole with water from the holy lake of Mansarovar of Tibet. It is also considered as a mini Mansarovar. It is believed a holy dip in the lake water is equal to the dip in the Mansarovar Lake.

Another myth says; while the charred body of Sati (wife of lord Shiva) was being carried away by lord Shiva all around the universe being tragic in the demise of his beloved wife, left eye fell on earth and which later came to be known as Nainital.

Situated at an altitude of 1,938 metres (6,358 feet) above sea level, Nainital is one of the favourite holiday destinations of Indians. Not only the scenic beauty of Nainital is famous in India and other countries like Nepal and other south Asian countries, the schools and colleges in the Nainital area are renowned for their quality education.

Nainital has been a holiday destination since the British time. People basically flock to Nainital during the summer to escape the heat of the plains.

Nainital offers multiple opportunities to its visitors. Boating, horse riding and other site seeing are the basic activities that Nainital provides. The pedal boating on the pear shaped lake is truly amazing at a very low and reasonable rate. One can even use the traditional oar boat to boat around the lake and enjoy the long spread lake.

At an altitude of 2,270 m is the Snow View which is easily reachable by cable car. In a clear weather day the snow view mountain provides its visitors with great view of Himalayas.

China or Cheena peak is the highest peak in the town, with an altitude of 2,615 m. The view of snow clad high Himalaya and the panoramic view of Nainital town itself from the peak is truly amazing. The summit is at a walking of 6 km from the town (Mallital) and it is an invigorating hike from Nainital town. Less energetic visitors can hire ponies to get to the peak.

Tiffin Top, the terraced hill top (2,292 m) on Ayarpatta hill is at 4 km (2 mi) hike from the town centre. It gives a nice view of the neighbouring country side. Tiffin Top is built as a memorial to an English artist, Dorothy Kellet, by her husband and admirers after her death in a plane crash.

Bhimtal (the lake with Aquarium Island), Sat Tal (the seven lakes), Naukuchiya Tal (the lake with nine corners) and Khurpa Tal are some of the interesting lakes worth visiting nearby Nainital.

Governor’s House, Naina Devi Temple, church of St. John, Hanuman Garh are other religious and governmental monuments worth visiting in Nainital.

How to reach Nainital?

Nainital is well connected by roads. The supply town Haldwani is at a distance of 34 kilometres. Private taxis and government buses frequently ply to Nainital. One can get tour package buses from the major cities of India like Delhi, Lucknow etc. Buses even carry passengers from Dehradun and Haridwar daily.

The Kathgodam railway station at a distance of 29 km is the nearest train station. One can get the trains for major cities of India. The capital Delhi is at a Distance of 276 kilometres from Kathgodam. Trains carry lots of visitors from the cities like Kolkata, Dehradun, Haridwar and Lucknow.

Pant Nagar airport at a distance of 65 km is the nearest airport where one can get flights to and from Delhi.