A
small town in the hills of Kumaon, Nainital is a lovely hill station
surrounded by mountains on three sides. Once this area had many
lakes and it was called the City of 60 lakes or 'Chakta'.
Most of
the lakes in the region have disappeared and whatever remains is just a
glimpse of what they might have been in the past. Today the life of Nainital
revolves around the lake of Naini. But there are few other lakes around
Nainital which are equally beautiful and attractive as the Naini lake.
River
Ramganga originates from the Doodha Tauli ranges in district Pauri Garhwal.
It enters into district Nainital, before re-entering into district Pauri
Garhwal.
Nainital was discovered in 1841 by a Britisher
called Lord Barron. The weather, the surrounding and the
mesmerising beauty of this area attracted the British administrator who
turned this place into the summer capital of the United Province. Being a
major tourist place Nainital is always bustling with visitors and it is
always better if accommodation and other facilites are prearranged.
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Major Attractions of Nainital |
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Naina Devi Temple : The attractive lake of
Nainital is said to be the eyes of Sati, wife of Lord Shiva. Sati jumped
into the sacrificial bonfire. Lord Shiva to mourn the death of his beloved
wife carried the body across the country. The remains of her body fell at
various places which today are sacred worship places for the Hindus.
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.
Hanuman
Garhi : This place is of religious importance. Situated at a height of
1951 meters this place was established by Baba Neem Kiroli. A very beautiful
Hanuman mandir is at the top. From Hanuman Garhi watching the Sunset is very
soothing. You can walk down from Nainital to Hanuman Garhi.
Naini
Lake : Naini Lake or Naini Taal, the picturesque blue green lake is
located in the district of Nainital. It is from this lake that the city of
Nainital, the beautiful settlement by the lake, derives its name. Naini Lake
is so called because of its eye-like shape.
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. There are no hotel
or restaurant on the top so carry food and water along with yourself.
Zoo
Gardens : Naini Tal has a small but a very beautiful Zoological garden.
There are many animals kept here which includes Deers, Bears, Tigers and
many more. The hygiene and cleanness of the zoo is a point which attracts
the mind even if one ignores it. Not surprising this zoo is one of the most
clean zoos in the country. The zoo can be reached on foot or taxi can be
hired.
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Fairs & Festivals in Nainital |
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Each year in the month of September a fair is organised which
is dedicated to Naina Devi. This festival is held in traditional flavour.
Whole Nainital suddenly wakes up and the town is decorated like a bride.
This festival is host to a number of traditional Dance and singing
programmes.
In October / November the UP tourism organises a
Winter Festival which acts as window to the rich culture and tradition of
the area. Other Fairs & Festivals
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Shopping in Nainital |
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The Mall is the main shopping center in Nainital which has
some of the good shops where one can do some shopping. In
Nainital
the main items to be bought are the woollen garments, decorative pieces made
from wood. The decorative colourful candles are one thing every
traveller to the place takes back with himself. For the woollen garments the
Bohtia Bazaar is the best place whereas the Mall road and the Mallital are
places for good bargain of candles and wooden stuff.
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Climate in Nainital |
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Nainital is located in the Kumaon hills and the
weather is very pleasant throughout the year except during winter months.
The temperature is not very high at any time but in winters it
becomes very cold. The climate of Nainital is regulated by the lake here
which showers rain almost every afternoon. The best time visit the place is
between April to June and then again in September October. The months of
January to March are marked by the snowfall which is for a very short time.
It is advisable that contact any local person before going to Nainital to
watch snowfall.
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How to Get there |
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The nearest railway station is that of Kathgodam which is
connected by trains from Delhi and Howrah. The narrow gauge trains come from
Lalkuan which is 55 kms from Nainital. From Lalkuan and Kathgodam regular
taxi and bus services are available for Nainital. Nainital is well connected
by buses with other parts of the state. Inter state services are also
available. The state transport corporation as well as the private operators
have their buses on this route.