Best time to visit : March to June
What could be more mesmerizing than a hill station that promises glorious natural beauty, thrilling adventure, religious grandeur, majestic wildlife and footprints of the bygone era? Nainital in Uttarakhand can fulfil all your fantasies of a dreamland, away from the clutches of ruthless urbanization. This North India hill station has sky scraping hills, blue-green lakes, colonial structures, wildlife venues, religious sites and overwhelming beauty that can keep anyone amused for long. Honeymooners are tempted to spend their most romantic moments, while nature lovers relish on the heavenly beauty of Nainital. Adventures, wildlife lovers and pilgrims get their respective shares of pleasure at this place resting in the laps of Himalayas.
Facts
Located in the Kumaon region of Nainital District (popularly called the Lake District of Uttarakhand), Nainital has a gorgeous pearl-shaped lake that divides the place into Tallital and Mallital. Naina Devi is the presiding deity, providing name to the place and also to the Naini Lake. At an average elevation of 2084 m., Nainital enjoys pleasant summers and cold winters (accompanied by snowfall). It is among those tourist places in India that attract equal numbers of domestic and foreign tourists. Religious travellers call it a Shakti-Peeth as per the legend that one of the eyes of Goddess Shakti (Sati) fell at this place. The spectacular views of the township on the banks of eye-shaped lake at night have nothing in parallel.
Independent and in-house restaurants located on The Mall can serve tourists with different food preferences. Options include Wood Restaurant for quality food and good ambiance or Shiva Restaurant if you are a vegetarian. Fast foods like noodles and pizzas can be enjoyed at Sonam Chow Mien and Machan. Masala tea or herbal tea (prepared from the local Himalayan herbs) and daal-bhaat (lentils and rice) are too tempting.
One of the best items to but in Nainital is the decorative candles in a huge variety. Bohita Bazaar and Bada Bazaar have shops selling authentic woollen items, shawls and scarves. The Mall is famous for the stores selling carved wood crafts that attract a lot of buyers. You can also purchase tasty jams, pickles, juices, chutneys and other products from the locally grown fruits. For low-priced (but fake) watches and jewellery items, visit Tibetan Market.
Nearby Places:
- Bhimtal (about 20 km.): Known for Bhimtal Lake with enchanting beauty, island and boating facilities and Bhimeshwar Temple.
- Sattal (about 22 km.): A groups of seven lakes, the place has unadulterated nature’s magnificence and attractions like Butterfly Museum, natural springs and hundreds of species of birds (both local and migratory).
- Naukuchiatal (about 25 km.): Popular for a holy lake with nine corners, the place has unbelievable beauty.
- Corbett (about 49 km.): Home to the oldest national park in India, Jim Corbett National Park, it has endangered Bengal Tiger as its main attraction, while many other wild species too can be explored.
- Ranikhet (about 56 km.): Another charming hill station, the place is known for meadows, gardens, few ancient temples and breathtaking beauty.
- Almora (about 62 km.): Worth visiting for its ancient temples like Nanda Devi, Binsar and Jageshwar.
Mukteshwar, Hanumangarhi, Kausani, Khurpa Tal, Bhowali, Kainchi Dham and Ghorakhal are other nearby places you can visit by gathering tourist information at Nainital.