Nainital is a paradise for nature lovers. The most captivating aspect about Nainital is its hilly surroundings and the poised lake. The "Naini Lake" (Tal meaning lake) offers an enthralling and mesmerizing experience to the tourist which is why it is sometimes referred to as the ‘Queen of Lakes’.
Thus with ‘hills’ in the backdrop and the enchanting lake the place offers a calm and imperturbable along with zealous and fervor laden experience for its visitors. The pear shaped lake is encompassed and bounded with hills on all sides.
Nainital is an ideal winter destination and hill station to welcome the new year. Thousands of tourist throng to Nainital during the year end to celebrate the Christmas and New Year.
Why is Nainital Famous Hill Station in India?
Nainital is famous for the Naini Lake, the amazing view and the pleasant weather. Some of the other places of tourist interest are the Mall, now known as the Govind Ballabh Pant Marg.
You can find restaurants, offices and hotels all located in the Mall. You can buy fresh juicy strawberries, clusters of garnet-hued mulberry,books, shoes, fancy clothes, perfumes and the aromatic candles from the famed market of Nainital.
Nainital Zoo is a very important tourist spot where you can find rare species of snow leopard, steppe eagle and the Himalayan black bear. The Governor House of the Raj Bhavan with its sprawling gardens is one of the few Raj Bhavnas open for public viewing. Nainital's latest attraction is the Eco Cave Garden where your children can learn about ecosphere.
The imposing Cheena (Naina) Peak perched at an elevation of 8,568 feet,the tallest of all commands, offers a spellbinding view of the Himalayas and a bird’s eye view of Nainital.
Nainital is also famous for its various schools and research facilities. The Observatory or the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is located 9kms from Nainital on Manora Peak and is the center for astronomical studies and optical tracking of artificial satellites.
Nainital is not only a famous tourist destination but is also known for its
prestigious educational institutions and schools which have stood since British era.
It also proudly houses many renowned schools some from the British period. Important and famous schools in Nainital includes Sherwood College, St Joseph's College, and Sainik School. Nainital is also one of the campuses of Kumaun University.
Activities in Nainital
There are a number of places that one can pay a visit to while holidaying in Nainital. However, if one has less time, one can surely go for a place which interests him/her the most. Since Nainital offers a number of experiences which ranges from trekking, boating, shopping, picnic, sightseeing, Rope-way, spiritual one and others through a number of places which have these things to offer to the inquisitive and zealous traveler.
- Boating: The majestic Naini Lake is the centerpiece of Nainital and boating is one the most popular activity among tourists and honeymoon couples. Yachting is another form of boating that is gaining popularity in Nainital.
- Shopping: Tourists can find few local markets in Nainital like Bara Bazar, Tibetan market and Mall Road market from where one can shop for apparels, handicrafts, artifacts and souvenirs. The markets in Nainital are known for scented candles, key chains, books and artificial jewelry.
- Picnic Spots and Ropeway: Nainital has an aerial ropeway that connects the town with Snow View Point which offers breathtaking view of the lake as well as the surrounding places like China Peak, Tiffin Top and Snow View point.
- Trekking / Hiking: There are several hiking trails in and around Nainital where adventure lovers can hike and explore the nature. Nainital-Betalghat Trek, Nainital-Binayak Trek, Nainital-Kainchi Trek, Nainital-Kilbury Trek and Snow View Trek are popular hiking trails in Nainital.
Staying in Nainital
Nainital is the crown jewel of tourism in Uttarakhand and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Finding an accommodation is not an issue at Nainital, as there are multitudes of star-studded hotels and resorts as well as budget guesthouses peppered all over the Nainital. The luxurious hotels offer many perks to its guests while budget guesthouses have basic facilities and limited amenities.
Nainital have plenty of staying options right from the luxury 5 start hotels, to budget low-cost lodges, homestays and bungalows. Nainital have accommodation for every class of tourists for every budget. You can also select your hotel based on its location from main markets, to secluded places or lake side hotels.
Nainital Food Guide
Due to its popularity all over the country, many restaurants and eateries have mushroomed all over the lake town of Nainital. Tourists can try various international cuisines including Italian, Thai, Continental and Chinese along with the scrumptious Indian cuisine.
Many luxury hotels and resorts in Nainital have their own in-house restaurants and bar for their guests. The Mall Road of Nainital is full of eating joints and fine dining restaurants with a beautiful view of Naini Lake.
History of Nainital
After the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814-16, the Kumaon hills came under the British rule and the hill station Nainital was founded in 1841 when the first European house was constructed by P. Baron, a sugar trader from Shahjahanpur. The oldest buildings of Nainital includes the St. John's church snuggled in the wilderness of Nainital, followed by Belvedere, Alma, Asdale Cottage built in 1860.
Soon the lesser known town of Nainital became the hotspot of the British soldiers and colonial officials who came with their families to escape the scorching heat of the plain areas. Around 1880, Nainital came to be known as the exclusive British summer getaway in India. In the 19th century, some of the prestigious English schools were established in Nainital that only enrolled British children.
Mythology about Nainital
Nainital finds mention in various ancient myths and legends. The Naini temple at the banks of Naini Lake holds a lot of significance especially among the Hindus as it is believed to be one of the 64 Shakti Peeths in India.
According to the Hindu mythology, the Naini Lake one of the popular tourist attractions of Nainital is the place where the eyes or 'nain' of Sati fell, when Lord Shiva was carrying her charred body to Kailash. Therefore, the place came to be known as 'Nain-tal' or the lake of the eye. In the memory of this event, a Naina Devi Temple was built where Goddess Shakti is worshipped by the devotees. The temple is idyllically situated on the north shore of the aesthetic Naini Lake.
Why visiting Nainital is pure joy for honeymooners?
The picturesque lake city of Nainital is a honeymooner’s paradise as it has a lot to offer to the newlyweds. From the sapphire like lakes, the dewy mornings, the tangy sunsets, the lively streets and the solitary suburbs, you can explore every bit of the city. Get drenched in the beauty of the Naini Lake or enjoy having a romantic candlelight dinner with your lovely beloved at the lake facing lavish restaurants.
The couples can also enjoy boating at the emerald Naini Lake or go for yatching. On lazy evenings, one can stroll around the market side or enjoy a shopping spree at the Flatts. You can also seek blessings from the Gurudwara and the Naina Devi temple complex for your happy married life.
Some of the important places in the district of Nainital are Haldwani, Kaladhungi, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal.
What is Nainital famous for?
Nainital is famous among tourist as Hill Station, Lake, Picnic Spots, Himalayan Views, Honeymoon Destination, Culture.
Nainital is recommended destination for Corporates, Couples, Family and Kids, Foreigners, Groups.
Nainital is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Boating, Christmas and New Year, Hill Station, Honeymoon Destination, Kids & family spots , Leisure, Romantic, Ropeways, Shopping, Weekend Getaway, Yachting.
