Nainital Tourist Guide – The Lake District of India

Overview

Nainital is situated in the Kumaon region and is popularly known as the Lake District of India located at an altitude of 1,938mts above sea level. Nainital derives its name from Naini Lake, a prominent tourist spot of Nainital. Nainital is a popular hill station in the Indian State of Uttarakhand and headquarter of Nainital district in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference and surrounded by mountains. Some of the highest peaks of these mountains comprise one Naina peak on the north, Deopatha on the west and Ayarpatha on the south.

Nainital is a favorite tourist destination ever, attracting hundreds of both domestic and foreign tourists every year. It shines as a glittering jewel in the Himalayan Mountains and is surrounded with lakes and nature’s bounty. Some of the important places in the district of Nainital are Kaladhungi, Bhowali , Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal.

Why you must visit Nainital?

Nainital is famous for the Naini Lake where it is believed that Lord Shiva performed his tandava with Parvati’s body. The Naini peak is the highest in Nainital with a height of 2611mts. Some of the other places of tourist interest are the Mall, now known as the Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. You can find restaurants, offices and hotels all located in the Mall. Nainital Zoo is a very important tourist spot where you can find rare species of snow leopard, steppe eagle and the Himalayan black bear. The Governor House of the Raj Bhavan with its sprawling gardens is one of the few Raj Bhavnas open for public viewing. Nainital is also famous for its various schools and research facilities.

The Observatory or the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is located 9kms from Nainital on Manora Peak and is the center for astronomical studies and optical tracking of artificial satellites. It also proudly houses many renowned schools some from the British period.

What is unique in Nainital?

It is one of the main attractions of Nainital and this “Austria Make” Cable Car was first in Asia of its kind, made operational in May 16, 1985. Fully safe and in case of any emergency Cable Car (Trolleys) has fully controlled Hydraulic Brakes. This ropeway connects Snow-View Point with Nainital near Flats. The aerial ropeway starts at Mallital and there are two trolleys to carry passengers. It takes approximate four minutes to cover one way journey by trolley. Cabin capacity is 10+1 or 825 kg.

Nainital is famous for the Naini Lake; Boating in the same is a great pleasure and family fun. Visit Mall road, Boating Club, Cable Car Ride, and Lakes such as Sat tal, Naukuchiatal etc. It is blessed with scenic natural splendor and varied natural resources. Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of 'Lake District' of India. The Naini peak is the highest in Nainital with a height of 2611mts. Nainital Zoo to see rare species of snow leopard, steppe eagle and the Himalayan black bear. Nainital’s latest attraction is the Eco Cave Garden where your children can learn about ecosphere

 Above reasons that made this place is so unique and incredible in Himalaya.

Nainital History, Myth and Legend

Nainital finds mention in various ancient myths and legends. Naini Lake holds a lot of significance especially among the Hindus as it is believed to be one of the 64 Shakti Peeths, where some parts of the burned body of Sati (Parvati) fell here while being carried by Lord Shiva.Nainital was founded by a European businessman, P. Barron who was in awe with the beauty of the Naini Lake. In no time it developed as a summer retreat for the Englishmen and a second Municipal Board of the Northwestern Provinces.

Festivals in Nainital

Nanda Devi Mela - September

Celebrated with great zeal, the Nanda Devi mela is organized in September in most parts of the Kumaon region, Nainital being one of them. Apart from the song and dance, huge markets as well as some rides are put up near the Nanda Devi Temple.

Autumn Festival/Sharad Utsav – October

Every year in the month of October, a grand fair is organized where cultural programs, folk dances, theatre performances and musical shows are held. Apart from these, different art and craft items are created by the local artisans.

PhoolDeli

What was once a local belief, soon turned into a celebration called PhoolDeli in Nainital. During this festival, many young girls put season’s first flower at the entrance of their respective houses which they believe, marks an auspicious beginning throughout the year.

When to visit Nainital

The best time to visit Nainital is from March till June and again in September-October. In May and June the town usually gets very crowded due to the rush of tourists escaping the hot summer of the plains, but the temperatures are cool and in the range of 30 degrees C during the day time. If you plan on visiting Nainital at this time be aware that hotels get sold out soon so it would be advisable to make your hotel bookings well in advance.

In July and August the rains come down heavy and are somewhat of a dampner, so it may be best to avoid Nainital at this time.

In September again the climate is good for a visit. The tourist crowd will have thinned down so if you plan your visit in September and October it will be a good time to visit Nainital. An Autumn Festival is organised at Nainital in October.

November sees winter slowly creeping up. It is still pleasant but night temperatures start dropping. At the height of winter December - January it can get freezing. The upside though is that hotels offer very good rates so if you do plan on a winter trip to Nainital you will get a good hotel price!

Climate in Nainital

Winter (October to February): Winters are extremely cool here with the temperature diving down to 0°C and winters are marked with heavy snowfalls. The place looks just ethereal in the month of November after being freshly washed with the waters from the heaven.

Summer (March to May): The temperature ranges between a comfortable 14°C - 30°C in these months and relaxing cool breeze lifts up the spirits in the evenings.  This is the time when the tourists flock the place in large numbers.

Monsoon (June to till September): The rains bring freshness and rejuvenating greenery to the place.

Nainital train

The nearest railway station is located at Kathgodham at a distance of 34 km

Kathgodam railway station has a good connectivity to important places such as Delhi, Lucknow and Howrah with daily trains running to New Delhi.

Some of the popular trains that run from Kathgodam station are:

• Bagh Express

• Dehradun Kathgodam Express

• Anvt Kgm Shatabdi Express

•  Ranikhet Express

• Uttar Sampark

• Kranti Express

Outside the railway station, you can either hire a shared cab or board a private taxi which will take you to the Nainital.

Nearest airport to Nainital India

Nainital does not have direct air connectivity. The nearest airport is located at Pantnagar (Approx 65.0 kilometers from Nainital)

There are no commercial flights operational from here so the most of the air traffic to Pantnagar airport includes private chartered flights.

The second nearest airport is in New Delhi (approx 290.0 kilometers from Nainital)

You can hire private taxis from the Delhi airport to Nainital and for an economical option then you can board a train from the Delhi railway station. Delhi airport is well-connected to different cities across the globe.

Adventure activities in Nainital

In Nainital district there is a lot of adventure activities serves like

• Camping and Trekking

• Paragliding and Parasailing

• Fun Time Jeep Tours and Jungle Tours

• Birding - Bird Watching and Adventure

• Canyoning and Caving

•  River Rafting and Kayaking

• Horseback Riding and Hill Climbing

• Sunset Hikes and Yatching

•  Mountain Biking and Rock Climbing

Nainital nearest train station

The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodham which located at a distance of 34 kilometers from Nainital situated at the foothills of the Kumaon hills.

Kathgodam railway station has good connectivity to some important places such as Delhi, Luck now and Howrah with daily trains running to New Delhi.