Nainital, often called the “Lake District” of India, is a charming hill station in the Kumaon Himalayas, known for its scenic beauty and lake. Located in Uttarakhand, it’s a popular tourist destination, especially during the pleasant spring and summer months.
Key Features of Nainital:
- Location:Nestled in a valley at an altitude of around 2,000 meters (6,562 feet), it’s surrounded by seven majestic hills.
- Naini Lake:The town’s primary attraction is the emerald-colored Naini Lake, which is a prominent feature in the landscape.
- Colonial Heritage:Nainital has a strong colonial past, with many old villas and bungalows that add to its charm.
- Tourism:It’s a popular hill station for families, couples, and solo travelers, offering various activities and attractions.
- Climate:The best time to visit is between March and June when the weather is pleasant and crisp.
- Accessibility:Nainital is easily accessible by road from nearby major cities and has a rail terminus at Kathgodam.
Notable Tourist Attractions:
- Naini Lake: Boating, sightseeing, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the lake.
- Naina Devi Temple: A revered temple dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, located at the northern end of the lake.
- Snow View Point: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and snow-capped mountains.
- Naina Peak: The highest peak in Nainital, providing stunning views.
- The Mall Road: A popular promenade with shops, restaurants, and hotels.
- Nainital Zoo: Home to various animal species, including snow leopards and Himalayan black bears.
- Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES): An astronomical observatory located on Manora Peak, 9 km from Nainital.
- St. John Wilderness Church: A beautiful church with a tranquil ambiance.
History and Mythology:
- Mythology:The lake is believed to have been formed by the eyes of Goddess Sati falling at this spot during her cremation.
- British Influence:Nainital was founded by the British in 1841, who were drawn to its beauty and likeness to the Cumbrian Lake District.
- Discovery:The lake was reportedly discovered by Peter Barron, a British sugar merchant, in 1839.
- Landslide:A major landslide occurred in 1880, which had a significant impact on the town.
welcome to nainital
Nainital is a Himalayan resort town in the Kumaon region of India’s Uttarakhand state, at an elevation of roughly 2,000m. Formerly a British hill station, it’s set around Nainital Lake, a popular boating site with Naina Devi Hindu Temple on its north shore. A cable car runs to Snow View observation point (at 2,270m), with vistas over the town and mountains including Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand’s highest peak. ― Google
