Nainital

Nainital with its beautiful lakes, temples and exotic scenery around is the perfect honeymoon paradise nestled in the arms of Kumaon Hills with an air which is refreshing and carries a subtle charm.

Blessed with its own scenic lake, Nainital is a hill station surrounded by the peaks of Kumaon Hills and is full of natural hot water springs. Nainital is divided into two parts, Tallital and Mallital, with the lake separating them. Tallital is the southern side of the lake, while Mallital consists of the northern upper reaches. It is also known as the Lake District of Uttarakhand and is named after Goddess Naina Devi. This honeymoon paradise nestled in the arms of Kumaon Hills is believed to have the blessings of Lord Shiva. Some popular engagements around Nainital are its lake, trekking, yatching, and horse-riding.

This is the perfect destination for those wishing a respite from the hot summers in the northern plains of India. Also ideal for the trekking enthusiasts, and the devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Sati / Parvati.

Top Places in Nainital

1. Naini Lake

Nestled amidst the township of Nainital, Naini Lake is a beautiful natural fresh body lake. The lake is in crescent or kidney shape and is one of the famous lakes of the Kumaon region. Bounded by Naini Peak on North West, Tiffin Point on the South West and snow-capped peaks on the north, the lake offers a breathtaking view, especially during early morning and sunset. Coniferous trees that cover the hillside add charm to the raw beauty of the place. One can also visit Naini Temple on the shores of the lake. A pretty lake that once a European man fell in love with, Naini Lake today serves as a major tourist spot for people from all over the country. More Details....

2. Naina Devi Temple

Regarded and revered as one of the fifty-one Shakti Peeths that are located all across India, the Naina Devi Temple is a holy site that is situated on the northern shore of Naini Lake, in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. This temple is one of the most renowned places of Hindu worship all over the country. Dedicated to Devi Sati's eyes, devotees from all parts of India flock to this region in huge numbers all year round. More Details....

3. Eco Caves Garden

Famous for its inter connected rocky caves, hanging gardens and the musical fountain, the Eco Garden are a set of six small caves in the shape of various animals. In the evenings, you can see the spectacle of the musical fountain with various audio video effects.

4. Tiffin Top

Located in Ayarpatta Hill of Himachal Pradesh, Tiffin Top is a very famous tourist attraction in Nainital. A fantastic picnic spot in its own right, one gets a complete view of the town of Nainital and its surrounding hills in the Kumaon region from this location. Its serene and peaceful environment makes it irresistible to the photographers. Those who love nature's beauty must not miss out on this vacation spot. Adventure activities such as rappelling and rock climbing are conducted in Tiffin Top as well. More Details.....

5. Mall Road

The Mall Road of Nainital, which runs parallel to the Naini Lake, connecting the two ends of the hill town, is the prime shopping, food and cultural centre of the wonder that is Nainital. Whether it is digging into some luscious food or shopping for the cutest local woollens that are to be found, Mall Road is your go-to for it all.

6.Snow Vew Point

3 km off Nainital, Snow View offers an expansive and majestic view of the Himalayas. It also houses a quaint little local temple. You can take either the cable car, taxi or a trek up the undulating slopes.

7. Adventure

There are some adventure options available also in this area. During some seasons, paragliding opportunities are available. There are some nearby short trekking routes as well.

One can trek to nearby Naina/China peak which is the highest point in this region and is not so strenuous. This point offers a marvellouis 360 degree view of the entire surroundings. Tourists can also enjoy the game of golf at the Himalayan Mini Golf club.

8. Naina Peak

Also called the China Peak, this range located at a height of 2615 m is a challenging trek. The way up the slope is dotted with beautiful rhododendron bloom. From the peak you can view the Tibet Border and Nanda Devi Peak.

9. Jeolikot

Known as the Gateway to Naini Lake, Jeolikot is a pristine hill station brimming with life, colors and butterflies. It is famous for its butterfly population along with its floriculture. In midst of formidable neighbors such as Nainital, Mukhteshwar and Jim Corbett National Park, Jeolikot remains untouched by all the tourist rush that gather around it. More Details.....

10. Neem Karoli Baba Ashram

Dedicated to Shri Neem Karoli Baba, who was a Hindu saint and Guru and had a lot of devotees from all over the world. Steve Jobs had come to India in 1974 to become his devotee, though sadly he had passed away by that time.

This temple is just 18 km from Nainital and is located on the road going towards Almora.

11. Governer,s House

Home to the popular golf course, the Governor's House is a Victorian Gothic edifice built in 1899 by designer F.W. Steven. It resembles the Castle of Scotland very closely and consists of two stories of buildings with 113 rooms, garden, swimming pool and of course, the golf-course.

During British Times, it served as the summer residence of the Governor of North East Province.

12. Pangot

Located just 15 kilometres away from Nainital; Pangot, located in the Kosiyakutoli tehsil of the Nainital district of Uttarakhand is a small and picturesque hamlet. The village is at the height of 6,300 feet above the sea level and is well known all across the nation for its rich and exotic bird life and abundance in other natural treasures. The place seems to have sprung up right out of a beautiful novel- with its greenery, flowers and birds. The area also becomes a hub for photography when hundreds of different species of birds flock here during the harsh winters in the upper Himalayas and settle down here temporarily. A step into the wilderness of Pangot, and you will find yourself in the midst of a remote Himalayan village. More Details...

13. Hanuman Garhi

Perched atop 6,401 ft. high, the temple was built by a local saint Baba Neem Karoli in 1950 and is located close to Ashram of Bapu Lila Sah and Shitla Devi temple. It also offers a beautiful vista of sunrises and sunsets.

14. Himalayan vew Point

5 km off Nainital, this locale offers views of the Himalayan Mountains and is located at 2300 m high.

15. Land's End

Set across the Khurpa Tal and vast stretches of plains, the Land's End 4 km off the main town is dotted with quaint little hamlets and lush greenery. You can take a pony, horse or taxi from the city.

The trekking and lake hotspot of India

Known as the 'Lake District of India', Nainital is a tourist attraction for both adventurers and seekers. The name Nainital means 'The Lake of the Eye', which traces its origins back to the ancient mythology, when one of the charred remains of Goddess Sati had fallen down here, apparently the eye. No wonder why Nainital also houses one of the Shakti Peeths in India, i.e. Naina Devi. Famous for its lakes and its picturesque location, Nainital is the perfect summer retreat for those wishing to escape the unbearable summers of the north India. Besides being a tourist hotspot, Nainital is also famous for its education, be it St. Joseph's College, or Birla Vidya Mandir, or even the renowned Sherwood College, famous for giving illustrious celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Kabir Bedi, Manish Pandey, Major Somnath Sharma, and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. 

How To Reach Nainital

There is no direct connectivity to Nainital, except by Road. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, some 35 km. from Nainital. As of air connectivity, the nearest airport is in Pantnagar, some 65 km. away from the district. Unfortunately, the only flights that operate are privately chartered. 

How to Reach Nainital by Flight

There is no direct connectivity to Nainital by air. The nearest station is in Pantnagar, some 65 km. away from the district. However, unless you opt for privately chartered flights, this is not the ideal arrival spot either.

How to Reach Nainital by Road

The only way Nainital is actively connected to the rest of the world is through the roadways. Regular bus services, whether based in Uttarakhand or interstate, connect Nainital to the rest of India. Shared radio cabs and taxis are also available, depending upon your budget.

How to Reach Nainital by Train

The nearest railway station for Nainital is Kathgodam, which is some 35 km. away from the town of Nainital. Regular bus services connect Kathgodam and Nainital well.

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