Nainital

One of the most popular hill-stations in India
Picturesque colonial town
Centered around beautiful mountain lake
Surrounded by seven hills and snow-capped peaks
Home to Naina Devi temple

What to Know About Nainital

Nainital, the charming Himalayan lake town, is a picture-postcard perfect hill-station and one of the most popular in Northern India. Commonly known as the ‘Lake District’, Nainital is nestled high up in the Kumaon Himalayas at an altitude of around 2,000 m above sea level. This beautiful town in surrounded by seven hills, popularly known as ‘Sapta-Shring’ – Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Lariya-Kanta and Sher-Ka-Danda. The majestic mountains and the sparkling waters of the lake add an immense lot to the beauty of the town. The town is centred around the emerald mountain lake Naini, which on most days is dotted with colourful sailboats. According to mythology, the lake is believed to have been formed when the eyes of goddess “Sati” fell at this spot while her body was being carried by Lord Shiva after her death.

The summer capital of the United Provinces during the British era, the town has a strong colonial heritage with vibrant clusters of villas and bungalows. Homesick Britishers used to flock to this quaint town spread over a forested valley. It is also known for the revered Naina Devi temple, which stands on the edge of the lake. Nainital is not only a famous tourist destination but is also known for its prestigious educational institutions and schools, which have stood since the British era.

There are many renowned personalities who are either born here or have been associated with Nainital

Attractions

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The Himalaya Museum
Visit this museum in Nainital to get an insight into the state of Uttarakhand. Established under the Department of History, Kumaun University in1987, the Himalayan Museum has been conserving the historical and cultural identity of Uttarakhand.
Opening Time:- 10.30 AM – 1 PM & 1.30 PM- 4 PMIs closed on Sunday and public holidays

Kainchi Dham
On the Nainital to Almora Road, 9 km from Bhowali and 17 km from Nainital is the popular pilgrimage centre Kainchi Dham, a Hanuman Temple and ashram founded by the sage Neem Karoli Baba, in 1962. It is located between two hills that cut and cross each other to create the shape of a pair of scissors (scissors in Hindi is kainchi). The place gained more recognition owing to a visit by Apple founder Steve Jobs, and the founder and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg. There is a cave near the Kainchi temple, which is said to be the place where Baba Neem Karoli used to meditate and pray.

Kilbury The quiet Kilbury hamlet is the ideal place for a serene holiday. Located just 12 km from Nainital town, you can come here for walks around forests and for breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It is famous for its flora and fauna and bird watching. The Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary here is home to around 600 species of birds.

Pangot Pangot is a small picturesque hamlet famous for its jungles and birds, located just 15 km from Nainital. It is a haven for bird watchers, as it is home to a plethora of exotic birds. The weather in summers is very pleasant with light and cool breeze and in winters, Pangot is blanketed in snow.

Sariyatal At a distance of 5 km from Nainital, Sariyatal is an almost heart-shaped lake located on Kaladungi Road in Nainital district. It is fed by a mountain stream and sits amidst a lush green landscape. The Himalayan Botanical Garden is also located here.

Khurpatal Sitting at 1,635 m above sea level, the emerald blue-green lake of Khurpatal is just 12 km away from Nainital. Surrounded by pine forests, it's a serene picnic spot.

Nainital Zoo The Pt Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo in Nainital is popularly known as Nainital Zoo. One of the most well-known family destinations, the zoo is perched on the Sher Ka Danda hill at an altitude of 2,100 m above sea level. Spread over a green area of 4.6 hectare, the zoo is home to a variety of animals like the royal Bengal tiger, Tibetan wolves, leopard, various types of deer, and the Himalayan bear. The zoo is also home to several species of birds.

Naina Devi Temple The sacred Naina Devi temple with Goddess Naina Devi as its presiding deity is located atop the Naina hill near the Naini Lake. One of the most revered temples in India, the two eyes of the Goddess represent divinity here. There are many myths and legends associated with the temple, which attracts devotees throughout the year. The Naina Peak, locally known as Cheena peak, is the highest point in Nainital.

Naini Lake The beautiful, crescent-shaped Naini Lake is at the heart of Nainital. The most popular attraction in the town, the shimmering lake is surrounded by seven panoramic hills, snowy peaks, and rows of willows. An all-year round destination, the lake is well-known for boating, yachting and other water sports, and colourful boats dot the water along with quacking ducks.

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