Former President Ram Nath Kovind arrived at Pantnagar Airport on a four-day visit to the Kumaon region, where he received a warm welcome amid tight security arrangements.

After a brief stop at GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, he proceeded to Kainchi Dham, where he offered prayers at Baba Neem Karoli’s shrine. He later left for Nainital and will stay overnight at the Raj Bhawan Nainital.

On Tuesday, the former President is scheduled to visit Dwarahat in Almora district.

Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the Winter Carnival held in Nainital, urging people to make winter tourism a mass movement to help build a prosperous and self-reliant Uttarakhand.

He said winter tourism forms a strong foundation for an Atmanirbhar Uttarakhand, adding that the Nainital Winter Carnival is not only a celebration of the state’s faith, culture, traditions, and self-respect but also reflects the vision of “Development along with Heritage.”

The Nainital Winter Carnival is set to return on December 22 after a gap of seven years, aiming to boost adventure tourism in Uttarakhand. Along with cultural celebrations, the event will feature activities such as artificial rock climbing, trekking from Birla Chungi to Kainchi Dham, and star-gazing at Flats and Mallital.

The revival of the carnival in Nainital is seen as a strategic move to showcase the hill station’s adventurous side and position it as a growing destination for adventure tourism, supporting long-term tourism growth in the state.

Droupadi Murmu on Monday attended the 125th anniversary celebrations of Raj Bhavan in Nainital, Uttarakhand.

The event marked 125 years of the establishment of Raj Bhavan, highlighting its significant role in the administrative and cultural history of the region.

Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday offered prayers at the revered Shri Maa Naina Devi Temple in Nainital, seeking blessings for the peace, prosperity, and well-being of the nation.

During her visit to the Shaktipeeth, the President performed rituals, paid obeisance to Maa Naina Devi, and prayed for the country’s harmony and progress.

Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela visited her maternal home in Nainital on a private trip with family, where she praised the region’s natural beauty and tourism potential. She offered prayers at Naina Devi Temple, enjoyed boating at Naini Lake, and interacted with locals at Bhotiya and Tibetan markets.

Earlier, the actress visited Jageshwar Dham, Chitai Temple, and Kainchi Dham. Urvashi also hinted at launching a special project to promote Uttarakhand tourism, saying the warmth and simplicity of hill communities continue to draw her back.

Botanix Resorts Pvt Ltd has expanded its footprint in Uttarakhand with the launch of Shivalaya Resort by Botanix in Ghorakhal, Bhowali, near Nainital. Spread across 1.2 acres in the Kumaon hills, the boutique resort is positioned as a serene retreat for leisure travellers, wellness seekers, and corporate groups.

The property offers 25 rooms across multiple categories and features Panache, a multi-cuisine restaurant serving local Kumaoni flavours alongside global dishes, with indoor and alfresco seating.

The Nainital Municipal Corporation has increased entry fees for vehicles entering the city through its three main checkpoints since last Tuesday. Outside-registered vehicles are now charged Rs 300 (up from Rs 110), and locally registered private and commercial vehicles must pay Rs 200.

The new fees were implemented ahead of the official gazette notification—announced during a meeting chaired by Mayor Dr. Saraswati Khetwal—but took effect immediately at Lake Bridge, Fansi Gadhara, and Barapathar checkpoints. Two-wheeler vehicles remain exempt from any entry fee.

Tempo Travellers will be operated in Chardham Yatra route, Kumbh area of Haridwar, Mussoorie, Nainital, Champawat, Auli. Currently, the corporation has only ordinary buses available on the hilly areas and Chardham Yatra routes. The operation of these Tempo Travellers will soon be started in various hill districts.

For the convenience of passengers, the Transport Corporation has purchased 20 Tempo Travellers, whose online booking will be started soon. Passengers will be able to get information about time, fare and booking on the corporation's website and mobile app.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has entered into an MoU with SETU Aayog, Uttarakhand Government, to set up a skill development centre in Nainital. Collaborating with Tata STRIVE and Kumaun University, the project targets training over 500 young individuals in hospitality services across three years. This initiative supports IHCL’s ESG+ strategy, fostering inclusive growth and sustainable skills development in India’s travel and tourism industry.

The India Meteorological Department has declared a heavy rain alert for Nainital, Bageshwar, and parts of Uttarakhand, predicting storms with strong winds as the monsoon nears. Humid heat persists in the plains, while sporadic rainfall continues in hilly regions such as Dehradun, Tehri, and Almora.

Nainital is bustling with tourists during the peak summer season, boosting local businesses. To manage the heavy influx and ensure smooth traffic, police have rolled out a special traffic plan. Popular spots like the zoo, botanical garden, and Naini Lake are crowded with visitors enjoying boating and other attractions. Check hotels in Nainital.

Nainital is bustling with tourists this Diwali weekend, with hotels reporting over 80% occupancy. The season has attracted many tourists from Gujarat and Maharashtra, enhancing business prospects for local vendors. Tourists are enjoying activities like boating on Naini Lake and exploring nearby attractions, contributing to a lively atmosphere in the Bhotia market.

According to the weather forecast, heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places, heavy to very heavy rainfall at some places and thundershowers at some places are expected in Nainital district on 13th September. Due to which, a one day holiday has been declared in all the government, semi-government and private schools (all educational institutions running from class 1 to 12) and all Anganwadi centres of the district.

Kainchi Dham has been increasingly recognized as a significant center of faith, resulting in a notable rise in the number of devotees over the past two years. Tourists visiting Nainital often travel to Kainchi Dham, typically using taxis or roadways buses that drop them off at Bhowali. From Bhowali, visitors need to travel an additional 8 kilometers by taxi to reach Kainchi Dham.

To enhance convenience for pilgrims and tourists, Kumaon Motor Owners Union Limited has introduced a direct taxi service from Nainital to Kainchi Dham. The bus fare is Rs 50, while the taxi fare ranges from Rs 80 to Rs 100 per person. These new services make the journey from Nainital to Kainchi Dham much more accessible and straightforward.

There is a chance of light snowfall in elevated areas of the state, surpassing an altitude of 2500 meters. According to the weather forecast released by the Centre, a yellow alert has been issued for adverse weather conditions in Dehradun, including Tehri, Pauri, Champawat, Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, and Haridwar districts tomorrow, i.e., on 21 February 2024.