Nainital
Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in the northern state of Uttarakhand in India. It is situated at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level and is surrounded by the magnificent Himalayas. Nainital is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque natural beauty, serene lakes, and lush green forests.
History
The history of Nainital dates back to the British era when it was established as a hill station for British officials. The town was named after the Naini Lake, which is the major attraction of the place. It was also a popular summer retreat for the Britishers who used to escape the scorching heat of the plains.
Climate
Nainital has a pleasant climate throughout the year. The summer season is from March to June, with a temperature ranging from 10°C to 27°C. The monsoon season is from July to September when the region receives heavy rainfall. The winter season is from October to February, and the temperature drops to as low as -3°C.
How to Reach
Here's a detailed guide on how to reach the hill station:
1.
By Air: The nearest airport to Nainital is the Pantnagar Airport,
which is located approximately 70 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from
the airport to reach Nainital.
2.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Nainital is the
Kathgodam railway station, which is located approximately 34 km away. You can
take a taxi or a bus from the railway station to reach Nainital. There are
regular trains from Delhi, Kolkata, and Dehradun to Kathgodam.
3.
By Road: Nainital is well-connected by road to major
cities in North India. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Delhi, Dehradun,
or other nearby cities. The journey from Delhi to Nainital takes approximately
7-8 hours.
The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant.
Attractions
Nainital is a popular tourist destination, and there are many attractions that you can visit here.
1.
Naini Lake: It is the major attraction of Nainital and is
a serene lake surrounded by hills. You can enjoy boating here and also take a
walk around the lake.
2.
Naina Devi Temple: It is an ancient temple dedicated to the
goddess Naina Devi, who is the presiding deity of the town.
3.
Snow View Point: It is a popular viewpoint from where you can
enjoy the panoramic view of the snow-clad Himalayas.
4.
Tiffin Top: It is a hilltop viewpoint located at an
altitude of 2290 meters above sea level, offering breath-taking views of the
Himalayas and the town.
5.
Eco Cave Gardens: It is a natural park with six caves that have
been developed into a natural habitat for different species of animals.
6.
Hanuman Garhi: It is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and
is located at a height of 6401 ft above sea level.
7. Nainital Zoo: It is a high-altitude zoo situated at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level.
Activities
Apart
from sightseeing, there are many activities that you can indulge in Nainital.
1.
Boating: You can enjoy boating in the Naini Lake, which
is the main attraction of the town.
2.
Trekking: There are many trekking trails in and around
Nainital that offer stunning views of the Himalayas.
3.
Camping: You can also go camping in the hills around
Nainital and enjoy the serene beauty of nature.
4.
Cable Car: You can take a cable car ride to Snow View
Point and enjoy the scenic beauty of the town.
5. Shopping: Nainital is famous for its handicrafts and woolen items, and you can shop for these at the local markets.
Food
Nainital has a variety of food options, and you can indulge in local delicacies like momos, thukpa, and chowmein. You can also try out the local sweets like Bal Mithai and Singori.
Accommodation
A variety of accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury hotels and resorts are available. Some popular accommodation options in Nainital are:
1.
The Naini Retreat - A heritage hotel offering luxury rooms and
suites, located near the Naini Lake.
2.
The Manu Maharani - A luxury hotel offering scenic views of the
Himalayas, located near the Mall Road.
3.
Hotel Arif Castles - A budget hotel offering comfortable rooms
and modern amenities, located in a peaceful location.
4.
Shervani Hilltop - A boutique resort offering panoramic views
of the Nainital valley, located in a serene location.
5.
Vikram Vintage Inn - A heritage hotel offering comfortable rooms
and a range of recreational activities, located near the Mall Road.
6.
The Earl's Court - A boutique hotel offering luxurious rooms
and suites, located near the Naini Lake.
7. The Pavilion - A budget hotel offering comfortable rooms and modern amenities, located in a peaceful location.
These are just a few examples of the many accommodation options available in Nainital. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure availability and the best possible rates.
Conclusion
Nainital is a beautiful hill station that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and adventure activities. It is a popular tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. Whether you want to indulge in adventure activities or simply relax amidst nature, Nainital has something for everyone.
Bonus
– Nainital in Winter
