Nainital Travel Guide

Nainital is referred to in the ‘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 mythology, 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 Naina Devi temple is located at one end of the lake.

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. There is no hotel or restaurant on the top so carry food and water along with yourself.

• Snow View
This popular vantage point offers an excellent view of the northern Himalayan ranges. The point is accessible by a chair lift (ropeway) or you can hire horses and 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 11 kms away from Nainital on the Haldwani-Almora Road. It is quite famous as a market known for its variety of fruits. It also houses the famous Sainik School of India. This place is said to be good for those patients who ail from problems of the lungs. There is also a Sanatorium here.

• Zoo Gardens
Nainital 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.

• Hanuman Garhi
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
115 km (via Kaladhungi) 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, 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 government Bunglow where you can spend the night. Taxis and buses are available to Sattal from Nainital. It is 22 Km from Nainital.

Bhimtal
The myth goes that the lake was built during the Mahabharata era. You can get taxis and buses at regular interval from Nainital. 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 area. At Bhimtal you can enjoy boating and have food at the restaurant on the island in middle of the lake. Bhimtal is 23 kms from Nainital and there are good accommodation facilities at the place.

Naukuchia Lake
Just four 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. There are regular bus and taxi services to this place and the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam has got its rest house where you can stay.

How to Get there:

By Air
The nearest airport is at Pant nagar, 71 km away. It is connected by Vayudoot services with Delhi. A coach takes the tourists to Nainital. Taxis are also available.

By Train
The nearest railhead is at Kathgodam, 35 km away. Nainital is connected by rail to Delhi, Agra, Bareilly and Lucknow. Taxis and buses are available from Kathgodam to Nainital.

By Road
Nainital is connected by good, all-weather roads to Delhi (322 km), Bareilly (141 km), Almora (66 km) and Ranikhet (60 km).