Nainital is a major resort town in the Kumaon mountains of Uttarakhand, India. Nainital is located at a distance of 285 km from the state capital Dehradun and 345 km from New Delhi. Nestled at an elevation of roughly 2,000m in the lower Himalayan region, the city, is set around Nainital or Naini Lake or eye-shaped lake, a popular boating location. Naina Devi Hindu temple is located on the northern shore of the lake. A cable car runs to Snow View observation point located at a height of 2,270m with vistas over the town and mountains including Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand’s highest peak.
The city is set in a valley containing an eye-shaped lake, is surrounded by several mountains beside Naina Peak 2,615 m on the north, Deopatha 2,438 m on the west, and Ayarpatha 2,278 m on the south. A popular holiday destination for honeymoon couples as well as families, Nainital is nestled amidst beautiful peaks thereby offering a scenic getaway to one and all. The renowned Naini Lake boasts of a plethora of scenic spots such as Eco Cave Gardens, Snow View, Naina Peak, and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary. Dotted with different lakes, along with Naini lake, the district is also known as the “Lake District of India“.
Nainital was the summer capital for the British when they ruled India. Nainital is ethereal, with its timeless beauty residing within the frozen lakes and snow-capped mountains of the hill station that attract tourist throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Nainital is from March to June which is the summer/spring season. A lucky few tourists may get a chance to be witness heavy snowfall ln Nainital, which is a subtropical highland and receives snowfall at an interval of two to three years. But due to climate change, chances are Nainital and the other neighboring regions might receive snowfall four to five times a year.
Nainital has many attractions in surrounding areas. These are lesser-known surrounding places within a day trip such as Bhimtal, Mukteshwar, Ramgarh slightly underdeveloped but they offer great nature walks Tourists can also enjoy numerous forest walks or explore the neighboring mountainsides on horseback. Nainital and its surroundings are covered with a variety of flora and fauna. Well connected by rail, road with air link provided by Dehradun there are several “#European” schools for boys and girls in Nainital.
Built during the Victorian and Edwardian eras, these include All Saints’ College, Sherwood College, Birla Vidya Mandir, St. Joseph’s College, and St. Mary’s Convent High School. A nature lovers paradise, there are several places worth visiting in and around the city namely Hanumangarhi, G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, Selva Valley, Nainital Yacht Club, Jama Masjid, and St John Wilderness Church, Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat), Snow View Point, Mall Road, Lands End, Sat tal, Kaichi Dham, Gurney House, S. John’s Church, Jeolikote, Raj Bhawan, Khurpa tal, Tibetan market, Mukteshwar temple, Pangot, Sariya tal, Astronomical observatory, Naukuchia tal, Kamal tal and Garud tal.
Tourism in Nainital is not just about visiting places, tourists can also enjoy paragliding, hot air balloon, watersports, trekking, and golf. There are numerous hotels, resorts, lodges, and guesthouses that provide luxurious, mid range and budget accommodation. The restaurants offer a variety of veg and non-veg cuisine at reasonable prices. Street food scene in Nainital is great with street stalls selling a variety of food products and snacks. Those interested in shopping can go to shops at Mall road, Tibetan market, and other places to buy souvenirs to take home like Scented candles, Handcrafted pine cone decorations, woolens, and fruit products like jams concentrate and squash. Nainital is perfect for an extended weekend visit.
