Nainital is a very beautiful visiting palace in Uttaranchal, India. Nainital is also known as ‘Manas Khand’ of the ‘Skanda Purana’ as the Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, the lake of the three sages , Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha, who were reputed to have arrived here on a penitential piligrimage and finding no water to quench their thirst dug a hole and siphoned water into it from Mansarovar lake in Tibet.
In Indian history, Nainital is regarded as one of the 64 ‘Shakti Peeths’. Legend has it that a grief stricken Lord Shiva was carrying Sati’s body and one of her eyes fell here. The Nainital Lake is shaped like an eye and the town derived its name from the combination of Nain (eye) and Tal (lake). The Famous Naina Devi temple is located at one end of the lake.
Best Time To Visit
April – June, October – November
Places to see in Nainital:
• Naina Peak
Known as the China peak this peak is the highest point in Nainital. From here Nainital appears as a bowl. You can walk or take ponies to the peak. From this peak you can capture the exciting views of Nainital. Naina peak also gives a good view of the Camelback peak. Its really a very highest point so there is no hotel or restaurant so carry food and water along with yourself.
• Snow View
This popular vantage point offers an decent view of the northern Himalayan ranges. You can hire horses as well as mountain ponies to reach there. One can also have a close up view of Nanda Devi, one of the highest peaks in the country.
• Bhowali
Bhowali is totally 11 kms away from Nainital on the Haldwani-Almora Road. It is quite famous as a market known for its different variety of fruits. There is also a Sanatorium here.
• Zoo Gardens
Nainital has a very beautiful Zoological garden. There are many animals kept here which includes Deers, Bears, Tigers, lions and many more.
The hygiene and cleanness of the zoo is a main point which attracts the mind even if one ignores it. Not surprising this zoo is one of the most clean & beautiful zoos in the country. The zoo can be reached on foot or taxi can be hired with cheap price.
• Hanuman Garhi
Only three kilometers south of Tallital lies Hanuman Garhi, where there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The place is also a good spot for viewing the setting sun.
• St. John’s Church
This church was built in 1847. A brass memorial is kept in memory of the persons who were buried in the infamous landslide. The few bodies which could be dug out were buried in the church premises.
Excursions in Nainital:
Corbett National Park
This is one of India’s best known wildlife sanctuaries. Commemorating the celebrated hunter- conservator Jim Corbett, it spreads over 526 sq km of forested area. The wildlife here consists of tiger, panther, wild bear, sloth bear, elephants, deer python, lions and crocodiles among others. An astonishing number (585) of bird species have been spotted in the park.
Sat Tal (Seven Lakes)
On the way from Nainital to Bhimtal is a group of seven lakes called the Sattal. Nature has really provided this place beauty in abundance. There is govt Bunglow where you can spend the night. Taxis and buses are available to Sattal from Nainital. It is almost 22 Km from Nainital.
Bhimtal
The myth goes that the lake was built during the Mahabharata era. On the Nainital-Bhimtal road is Mahra Village. Here through the efforts of Dr. Yashodhra Mathpal a rich collection of the cultural and archeological items have been made. These artifacts from the Uttrakhand region give you an insight into the cultural heritage of this whole area. Bhimtal is 23 kms from Nainital and there are good accommodation facilities at the place.
Naukuchia Lake
Only 4 kms from Bhimtal is lake with nine corners hence it is known as the Naukutchia lake. This is an ideal place to spend your holidays and relax. The lake is full of lotus and is surrounded by forest with a backdrop of the mountains, all this creates an ideal condition to enjoy boating in here or sit on the banks and feel the breeze coming from the lake.
