Nainital !

Nainital is located in the Kumaon foothills of the Jagbeer Himalayas at a distance of 285 km from Dehradun and 345 km from New Delhi. It is situated at an altitude of 1,938 meters above sea level. The city is situated in a valley containing an eye-shaped lake known as Nainital Lake and surrounded by mountains. Nainital City from the top of the higher peaks has magnificent views. The hill station attracts a large number of tourists round the year.

Nainital is a charming Himalayan lake city and one of the most popular hill stations in Northern India. It is commonly known as the ‘Lake District’. According to mythology, the lake is formed when the eyes of goddess “Sati” fell at this spot while her body was being carried by Lord Shiva after her death. Nainital is surrounded by seven hills namely Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Lariya-Kanta, and Sher-Ka-Danda. They are popularly known as ‘Sapta-Shring’. Nainital is not only a famous tourist destination but also known for its prestigious educational institutions and schools.

Nainital is a perfect place for a perfect holiday. Plenty of good hotels and resorts are set on the hillside. The Mall Road is a busy shopping destination along with cafes and restaurants, that serve both local and global cuisines. Nainital offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, beautiful lakes, horse riding, paragliding, hot-air ballooning, and mountaineering.

Places To Visit In Nainital City

Naina Devi temple

Naina Devi temple is a small Hindu temple near Naini Lake, with colorful shrines and several associated mythological stories. Goddess Naini Devi is the deity of Naini Devi Temple and a well-known Shakti Peeths of the Hindu religion. The temple is located atop of the Naina hillock and draws thousands of devotees to take the blessings of Maa Naina Devi every year. It is also a sacred and beautiful tourist destination and is visited by devotees and tourists in large numbers.

Tibetan/Bhotia Market

Tibetan market also known as Bhotia market is a shopping destination in Nainital that offers wide variety of merchandise and handicrafts. The market offers an extensive variety of shawls, sweaters, mufflers, bags and mouthwatering Momos and Thupka.

The market is located near Naini Lake and offers visitors breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and scenery. Tibetan Market in Nainital is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a unique shopping experience and to taste Tibetan cuisine and Tibetan culture. Sometimes the items are overpriced so use your bargaining skills in order to get the best price from the vendors.

Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park is the oldest national park in India which got established in 1936 and it is situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is famous for having the highest number of tigers and is well known for its Royal Bengal tigers.

Royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic elephant, bear, a variety of deer, otters, other animals, and over 650 species of domestic and migratory birds can be seen here. If you are an adventure freak, bird watcher, or animal lover then Jim Corbett National Park is the ideal place for you.

The park covers thousands of kilometers of stunning landscape and is rich in flora and fauna. Jim Corbett National Park also allows overnight stays in certain areas. So, enjoy your weekend in the lap of the Jungle.

Kainchi Dham - Neem Karoli Baba Ashram

Kainchi Dham is a Hanuman temple and Ashram which is established by a great saint Shri Neem Karoli Baba in the 1960s. This holy temple is surrounded by hills, trees, and a river flowing beside it. The place offers a perfect combination of beauty and spirituality. Kainchi Dham is a heaven for those who seek peace and calm in the lap of nature.

The temple was established by a saint called Neem Karoli Baba in the 1960s. It is also an ashram of Neem Karoli Baba who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Hanuman ji. Locals and devotees claim the divine presence of Lord Hanuman and Neem Karoli Baba at the ashram. Steve Jobs, Ex-CEO of Apple and Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook also visited the Kainchi Dham in search of peace and enlightenment.

Eco Cave Garden

Eco Cave Gardens in Nainital is comprised of several natural interconnected caves of different animals. It offers visitors a glimpse of Himalayan wildlife through its several animal caves. Caves of different sizes are built and named after different animals like Tiger cave, panther cave, bats cave, squirrel cave, flying fox cave, and apes cave. The place is loved and liked by Kids as these informative caves are adventurous and fun filled.

A musical fountain is also present in the Eco Cave Gardens during peak season time only. Tourists can also enjoy the mechanical bull ride at Eco Cave Park, which is quite popular among its visitors.

Tiffin Top

Tiffin Top is a romantic place and a Gem in the crown of Nainital City. The place is also known as Dorothy's Seat and is located at 2290 m above sea level. It is a hilltop that offers a splendid 360-degree view of Nainital city and its surroundings. This hilltop is a photographer's heaven and a perfect spot for a family picnic. The name Tiffin Top was kept after people started taking their tiffin or lunch boxes to this hilltop to enjoy a family picnic and outing.

It should be visited by those who enjoy the beauty of nature and love capturing its divine beauty in their cameras. Tiffin Top is situated at a distance of 4 km from Nainital town and to cover this distance visitors may ride on a pony, which is easily available from Mall Road.

Nainital Zoo / G B Pant High Altitude Zoo

Nainital Zoo is officially known as Pt. G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo. It is one of the best attractions for wildlife lovers in Nainital. The Zoo is home to many endangered species like Himalayan Back Bear, Himalayan Civet, Tibetan Wolf, Barking Dear, Goral, Cheer Pheasant, White Pea Fowl, and many more. The Zoo was established to conserve and protect the wildlife and biodiversity of the region. High-altitude birds like kalij pheasant, Lady Amherst pheasant, rose-ringed parakeet, golden pheasant, and red jungle fowl can also be seen in the zoo.

The park has been serving and providing the best wildlife experience to its visitors since 1995. It is situated on the Sher Ka Danda hill at a height of 2,100 meters above sea level and is spread over about 4.6 hectares.

Climate & Best Time To Visit

Nainital is a place which can be visited at any time during the year. It has a pleasant climate throughout the year, making it a year-round destination for its travelers. The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June which is the summer/spring season. While the city receives heavy snowfall in winter and turns into a white carpet of snow, making the spot a popular Christmas and New Year destination for its visitors.

Nainital has something different to offer in each season. The city lies in the mountains, which experiences a pleasant climate all round the year. If you wish to experience snow, visit Nainital from October to February, which is the winter season here. One may avoid the monsoon season as it receives heavy rainfall and there are chances of landslides during this time.

Transport

Airway

The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport. The distance from Pantnagar airport to Nainital is approx. 70 km. After reaching the airport one can hire a private taxi or may take public transport to reach Nainital.

Railway

The nearest Railway Station to Nainital is Kathgodam Railway Station. The distance from Kathgodam Railway Station to Nainital is approx. 23 km. After reaching the station one can hire a private taxi or may take public transport to reach Nainital.

Roads

Nainital is around 300 km from New Delhi. Private and public transport is available from Delhi Kashmiri Gate (ISBT) and the journey took approx. 7 hours to reach Nainital.