Discover Nainital: A Journey Through the Land of Lakes and Hills

Nainital is a beautiful hill station located in Uttarakhand in the foothills of the Himalayas, Nainital is known for its scenic beauty, pleasant climate, and peaceful atmosphere. The location and altitude of Nainital make it an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some peace in the lap of nature. In this blog post, we will explore the beauty of Nainital and the many tourist attractions that it has to offer.

Nainital Geographical Location and altitude

Nainital, also known as The City of Lakes is located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand and at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level. Its high altitude means that the climate in Nainital is generally excellent and pleasant throughout the year, with temperatures rarely exceeding 27°C even in the summer months.

The height of Nainital also offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding hills and mountains, including the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas in the distance. This makes Nainital a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts who hike, trek, and explore the area’s many scenic trails and vistas.

History of Nainital

Nainital was discovered by a British businessman named P. Barron in 1839, who was impressed by the area’s scenic beauty. Two years later, in 1841, the British established Nainital as a hill station and began developing it as a summer retreat for their officials and families.

boathouse Nainital 1899

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Governor House 1895

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The Cemetery- Nainital

Nainital in 1860

Nainital in 1860

In the early days of Nainital, it was primarily a European settlement, with a few Indian servants and laborers. However, over time, more and more Indians began to move to Nainital, and the town began to develop a unique cultural identity that blended Indian and British traditions.

As Nainital grew in popularity as a hill station, there was a growing demand for it to be established as a separate district. In 1882, the British finally granted this demand, and Nainital became a separate district within the United Provinces (now the state of Uttarakhand).

The district headquarters were initially located in Almora, but in 1891 they were moved to Nainital, where they remain. The Nainital district has played an essential role in the history and development of Uttarakhand and continues to be an important center of tourism, commerce, and education in the region.

Best Tourist Places in Nainital

Naini Lake

Naini Lake is the centerpiece of Nainital and is a must-visit destination for any tourist. This serene lake is surrounded by lush green hills and has a tranquil atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake, stroll along the promenade, or sit and enjoy the stunning views.

Naina Devi Temple:

 This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi and is an important pilgrimage site in Nainital. The temple is located on the northern end of Naini Lake and is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful surroundings. Visitors can dip in the temple’s sacred water or enjoy the peaceful ambience.

Tiffin Top: 

Also known as Dorothy’s Seat, Tiffin Top is a hilltop that offers stunning views of Nainital and the surrounding hills. The hilltop is named after Dorothy Kellet, an English painter who used to come here to paint beautiful scenery. Visitors can enjoy a picnic, hike, or simply relax and enjoy the panoramic views.

Snow View Point:

 Located at an altitude of 2,270 meters, Snow View Point is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nainital. The point offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Nanda Kot. Visitors can reach the point by cable car or hiking up the hill.

Governor’s House:

 Formerly known as Raj Bhawan, this magnificent building was built in 1899 and served as the governor’s summer residence of the North West Province. The building is now open to the public, and visitors can take a guided tour of the property and explore its beautiful gardens and architecture.

St. John in the Wilderness Church:

This historic church was built in 1844 and is known for its beautiful stained glass windows and tranquil surroundings. The church is located in a peaceful valley surrounded by deodar trees, making it a perfect place for meditation and introspection.

Nainital has many other tourist attractions, including the Cave Garden, Eco Cave Garden, Hanuman Garhi Temple, and more. Visitors can also explore the local markets, try out the local cuisine, and indulge in adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, and paragliding.

hill stations Near Nainital

Here are some of the nearby hill stations to Nainital that you should consider visiting:

Mukteshwar:

 Located at 2,286 meters, Mukteshwar is a small hill station famous for its picturesque landscape and serene environment. It is also home to the famous Mukteshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Bhimtal:

 Situated at an altitude of 1,370 meters, Bhimtal is a tranquil hill station famous for its scenic beauty and serene environment. It is known for its serene Bhimtal Lake, surrounded by lush greenery.

Almora:

 Almora is a picturesque hill station situated at an altitude of 1,638 meters. It is known for its beautiful temples, stunning views of the Himalayas, and rich cultural heritage. The Capital of Kumaon is also famous for its traditional Kumaoni architecture.

Ranikhet: 

Located at an altitude of 1,869 meters, Ranikhet is a beautiful hill station surrounded by lush green forests and majestic Himalayan peaks. It is known for its beautiful golf course, ancient temples, and peaceful atmosphere.

Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand and is approximately 60 kilometers from Nainital. The park is named after the famous hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett. It is known for its rich flora and fauna, including the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, and various species of deer, monkeys, and birds.

The park is spread over 520 square kilometers and divided into five zones: Bijrani, Dhikala, Jhirna, Durgadevi, and Sonanadi. Each zone has a unique ecosystem and offers visitors a chance to witness the wildlife and nature’s beauty in its rawest form.

Apart from the wildlife, the park also offers various activities such as jungle safaris, bird watching, nature walks, and camping. Visitors can opt for either a jeep safari or an elephant safari to explore the park and spot the animals in their natural habitat.

One of the main attractions of Jim Corbett National Park is the Dhikala zone, located on the banks of the Ramganga River and known for its scenic beauty and rich wildlife. The zone is also home to the Dhikala Forest Lodge, which offers visitors a chance to stay amidst the wilderness and experience the park’s beauty up close.

Best time to visit:

The summer season, from March to June, is the most popular time to visit Nainital as the weather is pleasant and mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 27°C. The cool breeze, clear skies, and blooming flora make it an ideal time for sightseeing and adventure activities such as trekking and boating.

From July to September, the monsoon season sees frequent rainfall and can lead to landslides and roadblocks, making it a less ideal time to visit. However, the lush greenery and the cascading waterfalls make it a good time for nature enthusiasts.

The winter season, from October to February, is another popular time to visit Nainital, especially for those who enjoy the snow. The temperature during this time drops to as low as 0°C, making it a perfect time for winter sports such as skiing and ice skating. The Nanda Devi Fair, held in September, is also a significant attraction.

How to Reach Nainital

Here are the various modes of transportation to reach Nainital:

By Air: The nearest airport to Nainital is the Pantnagar airport, located approximately 68 kilometers away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India, including Delhi, Lucknow, and Dehradun. One can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to reach Nainital.

By Rail: The nearest railway station to Nainital is the Kathgodam railway station, approximately 34 kilometers away. The railway station is well-connected to major cities of India, including Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Nainital.

By Road: Nainital is well-connected to major cities of India by road. Regular bus services are available from Delhi, Agra, and Dehradun to Nainital. One can also opt for private taxis or self-drive to reach Nainital. The road journey to Nainital offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges.

Thank you

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post about Nainital. I hope you found the information useful and inspired you to visit this beautiful destination. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. Your feedback is important and will help me improve my future posts.