|
|
Nainital Attractions
.............................................................................................................................................................................. |
|
Tourist
Attractions in Nainital
The main tourist attraction in Nainital is the Naini
Lake. The other tourist attractions in Nainital are the
Naina Peak, Snow View, High Altitude Zoo, Khurpatal,
Kilbury, Hanuman Garh, Land's End and State Observatory.
|
| |
|
|
|
Naini Lake
According to the Hindu mythology, the deep green
Naini lake is one of the emerald green eyes of
Parvati, Shiva’s wife. It is said that the modern
Naina Devi Temple at the northern end of the lake
is the exact spot where her eye is said to have
fallen, after Vishnu chopped up her body and
scattered it all over the countryside to stop
Shiva’s cosmic dance of destruction. The kidney
shaped Naini lake with its clear water is the
center of the town. The rowing and paddle boats
for boating |
 |
|
|
enthusiasts are available at the Naini lake.
Naina Peak
Naina Peak is the highest peak and the most popular
picnic spot in Nainital. This peak is situated at a
height of 2610 meters, about 5.5 kms. from Nainital.
This peak offers a captivating view of the snow–clad
Himalayan ranges and the bird's eye view of Nainital on
a clear day. It is also one of the most beautiful treks
with soft cool air, shades of tall trees, songs of birds
and the quaint summerhouse. One can either trek or go on
horse back.
Kilbury
Kilbury is situated at a height of 2528 meters and about
11 kms from the town. It an ideal place for bird
watchers, nature lovers, quiet weekend holiday and
picnic. Kilbury is part of a forest reserve and is rich
in flora and bird life.
Hanuman Garh
Hanuman Garh is situated at a height of 1951 meters
above and 3.22 kms. from Nainital. It is a place of
religious interest, and also famous for spectacular view
of the sunset. There is a small temple of the Lord
Hanuman, the monkey god at Hanuman Garh.
Snow View
Snow View is a scenic spot and offers a panoramic view
of the Himalayan ranges. The Snow View Peak, at a height
of 2270 meters is a popular vantage point in Nainital,
accessible by a ropeway, horse and on foot. Its like a
thrill for kids and adults for the ropeway ride from
Aerial Express to Snow View.
High Altitude Zoo
The High Altitude Zoo is perched at an altitude of 2075
meters and about 1.5 kms. away from the Bus Station. The
zoo houses a variety of species of animals living at
higher altitudes and birds. Some of the endangered
species of animals are the Siberian tiger, serow,
leopard and Himalayan black deer. It is very important
for researchers and scientists. |
|
|
|
Khurpatal
Khurpatal is situated about 10 kms. from Nainital
on Nainital – Ramnagar road. The Khurpatal lake is
a heaven for anglers, and is inhabited by a number
of fishes.
Land's End
The Land's End is situated at a height of about
2218 meters and 4.08 kms. trek from Nainital. The
name Land's End suggests and one also feels that
the end of the land has really come. This hill
offers a panoramic view |
 |
|
|
of
Khurpatal, terraced fields, neighboring hills and
valley. It is accessible by horse also.
State Observatory
State Observatory is situated at a height of 1951
meters, and 4.4 kms. from Nainital. The State
Observatory undertakes astronomical studies and optical
tracking of artificial earth satellites.
Excursion
from Nainital |
|
|
|
Naukuchiatal
The Naukuchiatal is the nine-cornered lake and the
deepest lake in the area. Naukuchiatal is a quiet
hideway filled with birdsong and peace. This misty blue
lake is cradled by green mountains and fed by an
underwater spring, which keeps its waters high. This
lake has religious significance and situated about 4 kms.
from Bhimtal and 26 kms. from Nainital. This lake also
harbours the biggest mahaseer fish. On the occasion of
Ganga Dussehra, various people gather here. It is
believed that one attains Nirvana if he manages to see
all its nine corners. A huge statue of Hanuman, within
the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, is right at the entrance
to Naukuchiatal.
Sattal
The Sattal is a group of seven small inter–connected
lakes, set against a backdrop of oak and pine trees
beyond which tower the Himalayas in Nainital. The Sattal
is situated at a distance of 23 kms. from Nainital and
12 kms. from Bhimtal. The Sattal lake is the most
picturesque lake in the Kumaon region hills. The most
important is the jade green Garud Tal, followed by the
olive green Rama Tal, Sita Tal. This place is ideal for
a secluded holiday, peaceful mountain scenery and quiet
walks into the hills and resorts. It is surrounded by a
cover of thick forests. The holiday in Sattal can be
combined with a grand taste of wildlife and adventure.
Trekking through the forests and mountains, mountain
biking, rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing,
swimming, boating, kayaking and fishing are the various
adventurous activities which can be undertaken here.
Bhowali
Bhowali is situated at a height of 1706 meters on the
Ranikhet–Almora road. Bhowali is situated about 11 kms.
from Nainital. Bhowali is a small town known for its
Himalayan views and its scenic grandeur. Bhowali is also
a beautiful health resort. The T.B. Sanatorium, named
after King Edward is situated here. This sanatorium has
treated luminaries like Subhash Chandra Bose and Kamala
Nehru, wife of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru. Bhowali is a major
export centre for fruits like Apples, Apricot, Plums,
Pears and Peaches etc. Only 3 km from Bhowali is
Ghorakhal, famous for the temple of Lord Golla, the God
of Justice and Sainik School. A beautiful mosque with a
hilly architecture is located nearby. Bhowali can be
visited round the year.
Jeolikot
The tiny hilltop village of Jeolikot was founded by Sri
Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda. Jeolikot is known as a
health centre. It is also famous for its butterflies,
honey mushrooms and fruits, including strawberries and
leechies, it produces. The hills encasing Jeolikot are
sprinkled with shrines and colonial structures. A tiny
bunglow, once the home of a direct descendant of
Napoleon Bonaparte and the house of Warwick Sahib, a
retired major of the British army are some of the famous
colonial buildings in the Jeolikot.
Ramgarh
Ramgarh is situated at an altitude of 1789 meters on
Bhowali – Mukteshwar raod. Ramgarh is situated about 25
kms. from Nainital and 14 kms. from Bhowali. Ramnagar is
situated on the banks of the Kosi river and was set up
by Commissioner H. Ramsay (1856 – 1884). Ramgarh would
have been known as a culture capital rather than a
hotbed of horticulture, if Rabindranath Tagore had stuck
to his original plan of setting up a centre of learning
here. He was not only spell bounded by the orchards,
forest hillsides, babbling brooks and views of snow-clad
Himalayas. But, he also eventually gifted Shantiniketan
to his home state, West Bengal. The famous poets
Rabindranath Tagore and Mahadevi Verma have praised the
serenity of this place and composed their poems
‘Geetanjali’ and ‘Sandhya Geet’ here. Ramgarh is known
for a variety of Himalayan fruits and the spectacular
views of the Himalayan ranges. It is also a
horticultural heaven, the fruit bowl of Kumaon. Ramgarh
also houses a fruit-processing factory run by the
Government. In Ramnagar, one can visit the
archaeological ruins of Dhikuli, the Garjia Devi temple
and Sitabani. The Garjia temple is built on a huge rock
in the midst of Kosi river and named after the deity
Garjia Devi. The ruins of Kotabagh are situated about 10
kms. from Rangarh, which date back to the Chand rulers.
Ramgarh can be visited round the year. |
|
|
|
Bhimtal
Bhimtal is situated about 22 kms. from Nainital
and blessed with a pristine aura. Bhimtal is one
of the largest lakes in Kumaon and gets its name
from the mighty Bhima, one of the five Pandava
brothers in Mahabharata. Bhimtal has emerged as a
favourite tourist destination and facilities like
boating, fishing, sailing, rowing, exploring the
surrounding forests and apricot and peach orchards
are available for the tourists. A restaurant at
the centre of the lake offers |
 |
|
|
panoramic views. There is the centre of the Kumaon Umang
Mahila Samiti outlet on the Ranibagh Road for woollens
and fantastic homemade pickle. There is also the
privately owned Folk Culture Museum at Mehragaon on the
Bhowali Road. This museum was curated by Dr. Yashodhar
Matpal and has an interesting collection of rock art.
Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is situated at an altitude of 2286 meters on
Bhowali-Devidhura road. Mukteshwar is situated about 50
kms. from Nainital and 25 kms. from Ramnagar. Mukteshwar
is a small hill station covered with a thick wooded
forest and offers a majestic view of the Himalayas.
There is a very old Shiva temple at Mukteshwar. It is
believed that the six ascetics have been engrossed in
prayer for over a thousand years at the temple and are
doing so even now. During Shivratri, the temple is the
hub of much revelry. Near Mukteshwar is Chauli Ki Jali,
a magnificent rocky cliff jutting out of the hillside.
Leaning over the slanting rocks on the edge of this
cliff, you can look all the way down to the base of the
mountain. On a moonlit night, the place offers a
spectacular view of the sparkling town of Almora and the
majestic peaks of Adi Nampa of Nepal stretching upto the
Chaukhamba Peaks of Garhwal. It is also famous for the
hundred year old Indian Veterinary Research Institute
campus. This institution not only has a beautiful
icy-covered colonial building but also boasts of
gorgeous and extensive grounds. On the IVRI’s request,
the Corbett visited the region. The institute has also
taken on the responsibility of conserving and caring for
the forests in the Mukteshwar range.
Kaladhungi
Kaladhungi is a romantic hamlet, situated about 35 kms.
from the Corbett National Park and 34 kms. from Nainital
via Khurpatal. Kaladhungi has been an inseparable part
of the endless tiger stories of Kumaon that focused
around the legendary hunter Jim Corbett. Kaladhungi was
the residence of the Jim Corbett and he spent most of
his life here. Today, the house of Jim Corbett is a
comprehensive museum and houses souvenirs, relics and
mementos related to Jim Corbett and his famous exploits.
The Corbett Fall is situated close to Kaladhungi. The
Corbett Fall is a beautiful waterfall with a drop of 20
mts. in the midst of sub-tropical forest. This forest is
very well maintained and extremely rich in birds and
plants life. Some other added attractions for the
visitors are the ‘Nature Walk’ museum and the
adventurous camping sites.
Pangot
Pangot is situated about 15 kms. from Nainital. Pangot
is an island of tranquility, where you can either lie
soaking in the sun or do some vigorous walking in the
dense oak forests. Pangot is a great place for bird
watchers and trekkers. Pangot is excellent for long
walks through the thick oak, pine, bamboo, cedar and
rhododendron forests. The walk from the Kilbury Forest
Rest House to Pangot is very popular. |
|
