The sheer appeal of the eye-shaped Naini Lake is simply enchanting, be it in days when boating goes on in full swing, or at nights when its bank is lit by numerous lights highlighting border. The sound of Naina Devi Temple bells are enough to guide anyone looking for direction. From here, most of the tourists embark on their journey to learn more about this once British occupied capital.
If plans extend to nearby places, people busy in arranging fields for terrace farming meticulously could be seen in Ranikhet. Not every day one can view such hard work of human. Legends tell about the eyes of Goddess Sati dropping where Naini Lake stands today while Lord Shiva was carrying Her body and grieving; the goddess who represents Shakti is worshipped in the temple located at northern shore of the lake. This is just a single myth; there are many other popular stories that could be heard once plans of Nainital tour are in place.
The calm and cool environment is salubrious, healing soul just as the faith healing mind. The credit to raise a city around an ethereal lake goes to British. P. Barron, a Sugar trader. He is associated with the founding of the place in 1841, but since then people (residents as well as tourists) know it to be a speck of divine in more than one way.
Rituals, celebration, myths, faith, devotion, romance- Nainital tourism has many faces. Depending upon what inspires more a tourist, the place garbs itself in a perfect host. Bound by the beautiful peaks, lush greenery, valleys and Ballia River, the city is unscrupulous in providing soul rejuvenating experience. Ride a boat in the lake and the feeling comes stronger than ever. Deciding to spend holidays in Nainital can leave tickles in memories for life.
A place of tranquility (which is Nainital) amidst chaos (going in mind) is a desperation of escape from rut. Coming up to the altitude of this lake city, people of all faith find a way to connect to divine and Nature together as one, be it in the clanging bells of temple or aroma of burning candles in church or in the serene silence of understanding Himalayas. Start knowing Nainital with:
Naina Devi Temple
Represented by the 'eyes' of goddess, the deity Shakti is the venerated with emotions and rituals.
St. John in Wilderness
A church, set up in 1844 just when the city was getting developed as a English preserve, has now become a place of paying respect to one more religious faith.
Sitavani Temple
Associated with the event of Sita, wife of Rama, going inside the earth after giving sons- Luv and Kush to King Ram.
Hanuman Garhi
Dedicated to the aide and devotee of King Ram- Hanuman, the temple is built on a hill by a local saint, 3 Km away from Nainital.
Lakes Around
Sattal (Saat Tal), Khurpa Tal, Bhim Tal, Naukuchiatal, are some of the lakes that are never missed for various opportunities varying from boating to parasailing and not to mention photographing.
Eco Cave Garden
Located in the Mallital town, this natural park is a comparatively latest addition in Nainital travel package.
Governor's House
Architect F.W. Stevens put Victorian Gothic style in a good use while designing this summer residence in 1899, so much so that it is appreciated for its work till date.
Naini Lake
the natural reservoir of water, the lake is the life, bread and butter of the hill city as intermingled as it is with tourism of Nainital.
Naina Peak
also referred to as China Peak, the beauty is as marvelous as majestic Himalayas could allow it to be. Trekking to the summit of the peak is worthy of all the efforts it requires of the tourist.
Snow View Point
Another place to admire Nature with eyes, it showcases peaks Trishul, Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot. Cable car and motorable road, both are fine options to enjoy this experience.
Tiffin Top
On Ayarpatta Hill, the place is idea for some breathtaking clicks of Himalayan grandeur. A vantage point called Drothy Seat is also located here.
Land's End
Waters of Khurpatal can be spell bounding- this is what is the first thought on mind when here. Neighboring hills and valley can make an inevitable feeling of 'end of the land' literally.
Kilbury
A picnic spot of sorts, the place is enchanting with forests of deodar and oak and trail to Naina Peak.
Gurney House
Remembered as the residence of Jim Corbett who played a key role in establishing the first national park of India, this is now turned into a museum shedding some light on the life of this hunter turned conservationist.
According to personal choices for a break, the best time could vary. However, on a general note, Naintal tour is considered best during the months of March to October.
BY AIR : Nearest airport is Pantnagar, which is 71 Km. From there on, taxis take to the Nainital Hill station.
BY RAIL : The place could be reached by Kathgodam connected with Delhi, Agra, Bareilly and Lucknow. It is the nearest railway station to Nanital, only 35 Km away.
BY ROAD : By road, reaching and enjoying Nainital is much more convenient being well connected to cities like Delhi, Almora, Ranikhet, Ramnagar, Haridwar, etc.