Nainital

Nainital – Lake District

Nainital, the Lake District of India, located in the Himalayan belt amongst the Kumaon hills, is a paradise for nature lovers. A splendid holiday spot with a rich treasure of lakes and hills, Nainital is a destination for the young and the old alike.

Nainital is referred to as the lake of three sages, or the Tri Rishi Sarovar as mentioned in the Manas Khand chapter of the Skanda Purana. As recorded in history, the three sages, Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha stopped over at Nainital on their pilgrimage, to quench their thirst. Finding no water, they dug a hole and transferred some water into it to from the sacred lake of Tibet, Mansarovar. Thus the famous lake of Nainital came into existence. Another legend has it that the left eye or Nain of Lord Shiva’s wife Sati fell in this center and formed an emerald eye shaped lake, and thus emerged the city of Nainital.

Recent history records reveal that Nainital was brought into limelight by P. Barron, a British sugar merchant, in 1839. The beauty of Nainital with the central lake cushioned among the forests attracted this person to build a house named Pilgrim’s Cottage and settle in Nainital. Barron gave way to the trend of settling down in Nainital and soon the city became an important administrative town. Nainital is known for its famous landslide of 1880 which leveled out the entire city.

The best getaway from the crowded and busy cities, Nainital is a peaceful zone nestled in the lap of Mother Nature. If you want to get close to Mother Nature and enjoy the lavish picturesque surroundings, Nainital is the place to be. Away from the maddening crowd and pollution of our hometowns, a visit to Nainital proves to be a lovely page out of your dream book!

Area and population of Nainital

The town featured a population of 38,559, which is reported by the census conducted in 2001 and its area is 5 sq miles or 11.73 km². The inhabitants consist of 54% men and 46% women. The mean literacy rate in the town is 91%, which surpasses the countrywide mean of 59.5%. Approximately 98% of the male population is literate and 86% of the female population is literate. About 1% of the people living in the town are below the age of 6 years. Most of the people living in the town belong to the Kumaoni community.

Major Educational Institutes in Nainital?

For more than a hundred years, the area is famous for its various schools and educational institutes. The most reputed schools and colleges in the area include the following:

• All Saints' College, founded 1869
• Sherwood College, founded 1869
• St. Joseph's College, founded 1888
• St.Mary's Convent High School, founded 1878
• Sanwal School, founded in the 1940s in Mallital
• Birla Vidya Mandir, founded 1947
• Parvati Prema Jagati Saraswati Vihar, founded 1983
• St. Amtuls Public School, founded 1983
• Chait Ram Sah Thulgharya Inter College (CRST) Nainital Mallital
• Oakwood School, founded 1989
• Bhartiya Saheed Sainik Vidhlay (BSSV) Sainik School, Nainital, founded 1966
• Kumaon University, one of the top universities in the state, was established in 1973.

Best Season / Best Time to visit Nainital

Nainital is one of the most prominent hill station in the country that welcome tourists any time in a year. However, the best time to visit Nainital is from February to November.

Winter (October to February) offer a chilly climate with a maximum of 15°C and minimum going below 0°C. Heavy snowfalls are common during winters. This is an apt time for honeymooning in Nainital.

Summer (March to May) are very pleasant with temperature never crossing 27°C and minimum is about 10°C. This is the best time for sightseeing and enjoying adventure.

Monsoon (June to September) are occasional and brings out the best of the natural beauty.

Though this charming hill station can be visited at any time of the year, tourists should come here during the Dussehra celebrations, which last for nine days during October and are very attractive with many colorful processions and festivities.

Local Languages:

Kumaoni, Hindi, English

Clothing:

Light woolens & cotton during summers & heavy woolen during winters. Carry your best raingear if traveling during monsoons. Heavy boots and raincoat are a must.

Moving Around:

For local transport, make use of cycle rickshaws and private taxis. Of course, the most comfortable way to travel would be on foot, since that lets you explore this scenic town to the fullest.

What to See:

Naini Lake: The core of this city is this beautiful green Naini Lake, where the reflection of the hills with their hotels and cottages form a pretty picture. The promenade is lined with shops selling trinkets, woolens and the very artistic candles, a bandstand, a fountain and a skating rink. The lake is ideal for yachting and boating, so you must try your hand at sailing these multi-coloured boats especially during the annual boat festival. The lake is especially pretty during night-time when Nainital's lights are reflected in its waters.

Naina Devi Temple: Located at the north of the lake, this temple is dedicated to Naina Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. It is believed that this is the spot where Goddess Sati's left eye fell, when Vishnu chopped her body to stop Shiva's cosmic dance of destruction. Also located close to the temple is the Naina Devi cave.

Naina Peak: 5 kms from the lake, the Naina Peak is the highest peak surrounding the lake. It is a popular picnic spot and affords marvellous views of the Himalayas, the Nanda Devi Peak and the mountains of the Tibetan border.

Other Lakes: Other than the Naini Lake, Nainital is also home to seven other picturesque lakes. Among these, Bhimtal is one of the most beautiful and popular. It has wonderful boating facilities and the island in the midst of it has a floating restaurant accessible only by boat! Saat Tal is an amalgamation of seven interconnected lakes and is set amidst dense oak and pine trees, home to migratory birds. Naukuchiatal or literally the nine-cornered lake is a good option for boating and fishing. A popular belief goes that if you visit all nine corners at one go, you are sure to attain Nirvana! Khurpatal, Harishtal, Lokhantal and Malwatal are also scenic spots known for very good angling options.

Boat House Club: Dating to the 19th century, visit the Boat House Club, which has a bar and billiards room facing the lake. Catch shimmering views of the city at night when millions of lights reflect on the lake.

Hanumangarhi: Located at an altitude of over 6000 ft near Tallital, Hanumangarhi has a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is depicted tearing his chest open to reveal Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. This high altitude also offers beautiful views of the sunset. Especially worthwhile is visiting it during the Ramnavami and Hanuman Jayanti Festivals.

Bara Bazaar & Snow View: Bara Bazaar is a vibrant market in Mallital. Its highlight is the ropeway or cable car, which leads to the Snow View. Located at an altitude of over 7000 ft, Snow View, on a clear day offers brilliant views of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot peaks.
Open from: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm
Ropeway fare: Round trip Rs 70 (1 hr)

Astronomical Observatory: Set up because of the clear skies here, the observatory is said to have one of the most advanced telescopes in India. This telescope is said to calculate the movement of stars, planets and other heavenly bodies extremely precisely.

Dorothy's Seat: Also known as Tiffin Top, it is located 4 kms west of the lake and offers somewhat spectacular views of Nainital. This seat was built by Kellet, an Englishman in memory of his wife, who died in an air crash.

Lands End: Located on the southern corner of the lake, Lands End offers panoramic views of Khurpa Tal.

Nainital Zoo: Located at a high-altitude, the Zoo is home to the rare Snow Leopard, steppe eagle and the Himalayan Black Bear. The regal spotted owl is believed to emit a human voice if kept awake for 40 days.
Open from: 10 am-4.30 pm, (except Monday)
Entry fee - Adults Rs 20, children Rs 10 Camera fee Rs 25

Eco Cave Gardens: A naturally maintained park, this is a great place for children. The park has a musical fountain operating only in May and June. The six caves here are interesting to visit.
Open from: 9.30 am-5.30 pm
Entry fee - Adults Rs 20, children Rs 10 Camera fee Rs 25

Governor's House: The Raj Bhavan has gardens spread over 220 acres lined with deodar trees. The portico is designed in the shape of the British crown. The other memorabilia's worth watching are the magnanimous fireplace, the mailbox next to the writing table and conser­va­tories called 'glass houses'. You can also try your hand at the 18-hole golf course at a fee of Rs 450.
Open from: 11 am-5 pm
Entry fee - Rs 50

St John Church in the Wilderness: Located in the thick of pine forests, the church is an ancient marvel, complete with stained glass windows and old wooden pews. Dilapidated, but worth visiting is the old cemetery within its grounds, which is the resting place of the Britishers.

Places near Nainital

Jim Corbett National Park in the Nainital district is India's oldest national park. The park, which is 63 km west by north-west of Nainital, contains a wide variety of wild life including elephant, tiger, chital, Sambar Deer, nilgai, gharial, King Cobra, muntjac, wild boar, hedgehog, common musk shrew (White-toothed shrew), flying fox (pteropus, megabat), Indian Pangolin, and nearly 600 species of birds.

Mukteshwar is a picturesque town 52 km north-east of Nainital, is home to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute. It also offers an unhindered view of the high mountains of the western Himalaya, including Nanda Devi, Trisul, and Nanda Kot.

Bhimtal Lake – Situated 22 km from the city center, Bhimtal Lake is the biggest lake of Nainital. It is named after the second Pandava brother Bhima in the Mahabharata who was known for his prodigious strength. The lake, which is larger than Naini Lake, is approximately 22 km from Nainital at an altitude of 1,370 m (4,490 ft). There is an island in the lake with a popular restaurant on it. There is also a 17th-century temple complex, the Bhimeshwar, alongside a 40 ft (12 m) high dam at one end of the lake.

Sattal, literally Seven Lakes, is at a distance of about 23 km (14 mi) from Nainital in the Lower Himalayan Range at an altitude of 1,370 m (4,490 ft). It is a cluster of small interconnected lakes in the midst of an old oak forest. On approaching Sattal, the first lake encountered is the Nal-Damyanti Lake; next it is the Panna or Garude lake; and finally there is a cluster of three lakes: Ram, Laxman, and Sita lakes.

Khurpa Tal, literally Trowel Lake, is an attractive lake about 10 km by road (or a 5 km hike) from Nainital at an altitude of 1,635 m (5,364 ft). It is popular with anglers and is surrounded by terraced fields (or farms), from which it presumably gets its name.

Naukuchia Tal, literally, Nine-Cornered Lake, is 26 km from Nainital and 4 km from Bhimtal at an altitude of 1,220 m (4,000 ft). The lake is almost 1 km long, 0.5 km wide and approximately 40 m (130 ft) deep. It is the deepest of the lakes in the greater Naintal area. According to legend, if one takes in all nine corners in one glimpse, one can disappear in a cloud of smoke.

Hanumangarhi, also known as Hanuman Garh, is located at an altitude 1,951 m (6,401 ft). The temple complex is about 3.5 km from the Tallital (South End) bus stop. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Hanuman, the vanara god of the Ramayana, and he is depicted tearing open his chest to reveal Rama and Sitain his heart. It is connected saint Neem Karoli Baba, who had his ashram at Kainchi. Hanuman Garhi is also known for its spectacular views of the setting sun.

Pangot – a popular bird watching and camping spot, close by.

Mahesh khan FRH-Mahesh khan is near Bhowali, bhowali is 40 km from haldwani or 10 km from Nainital you can contact at forest range office at bhowali for booking .it is situated in quite and dense forest and this FRH is recently renovated.

Ghorakhal- Ghorakhal is the place situated in the Nainital district of the Uttarakhand state of India. Ghorakhal means pond for water to horses. It is the picturesque site at the height of more than 2000 mts. This place is famous for the temple of Lord Golu which is worshiped by the hill people. It is situated near Bhowali and is the seat for Army school, known as Sainik School Ghorakhal, established in 1966 at the Ghorakhal Estate of the Nawab of Rampur. The famous Golu Devta temple is situated on a hill above overlooking the school

Shopping Delights:

Shopping here can be quite an interesting affair, with its range of tiny shops lining the Mall Road. Its most popular items are the beautifully crafted candles you'd never see anywhere else! From apples, to fairies and even idols of Ganesha, these handmade candles come in all possible shapes, sizes and designs. Nainital is also known for its jars of naturally made local fruit juices, jams, pickles and marmalade. These are also available on the Mall. Apart from this, there are wooden crafts available that make good souvenirs. The Tibetan Market is actually a flea market where you have a world of junk jewellery, Himalayan bags, scarves, woolen clothing and branded watches, not original of course. Just explore the area and you're sure to bag a good bargain! Located a little away from Nainital is Zaika. A shop managed by a husband-wife duo, pick up organic pickles, chutneys and fruit preserves, tea, medicinal oils, beauty products and herbs - all home-made.

How to Reach There:

Air:

Pant Nagar is the nearest airport located at a distance of 72 kms. From Pant Nagar take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Nainital.

Rail:

Kathgodam, 35 kms away is the closest railway station. It connects Nainital with Delhi, Agra, Bareilly, Lucknow and Kolkata by regular and express trains.

Road:

Nainital is connected by road to most important cities. Regular buses ply between Delhi (304 km), most of which departing from ISBT Anand Vihar and taking between eight to ten hours. Taxis and buses also ply between Kathgodam and Haldwani.

Hotels in Nainital:

Hotel Name	Category	Location	Contact Details
Arif Castles	Luxury	Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand Pin Code : 263001	Phone No. : 05942-235801, 236901, 232710-11 Fax No. : 05942-236231 Email ID : nainital@arifcastles.com Website : www.arifcastles.com
The Hermitage Kailash	Luxury	Village: Gethia, Chunkuwa, Dist: Nainital	Phone: +91-9810041351, +91-124-4075351, 9810041351 Email: hermitage_kailash@hotmail.com Website: www.hermitagekailash.in
Abbotsford- Prasada Bhawan	Luxury	Prasada Bhawan, Oak Park | Mallital, Nainital 236001, India	Phone: +91-5942236188, 9811109596, 9582144915, 9650400466 Email: abbotsford1876@gmail.com, abbotsfordnainital@yahoo.com Website: www.abbotsford.in
Manu Maharani, Mallital	Luxury	Grassmere Estate, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand - 263001	Phone No. : 05942-237341 to 47 Fax No. : 05942-237350 Email ID : reservation@themanumaharani.com Website : www.themanumaharani.com
The Naini Retreat	Luxury	Ayarpetta Slopes, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand-263001	Phone No. : 05942-235105, 235108 Fax No. : 05942-235103 Email ID : bookings@leisurehotels.in Website : www.leisurehotels.in
Woodside Retreat	Luxury	House No 28, Budlakot, Nainital 263001, India	Phone: 9911342000, 8130036541, 9818445335 Fax:  +91 11 4148 6140 Email: rahul@woodsideretreat.com sanyam@woodsideretreat.com Website: www.woodsideretreat.com
Shervani Hill Top Inn	Luxury	Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand – 263001	Phone No. : 05942-233800, 9411197601 Fax No. : 05942-236304 Email ID : nainital@shervanihotels.com Website : www.shervanihotels.com
Vikram Vintage Inn	Luxury	Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand - 263001	Phone No. : 05942-236177, 236179 Fax No. : 05942-236177, 236179 Email ID : reservations@vikramvintageinn.com Website:www.vikramvintageinn.com
The Earls Court	Luxury	Opp. Balika Vidhya Mandir, Nainital 263001, India	Phone: 05942-236380-81, 9760090801, 9411198643, 956888014 Email: earlscourt@leisurehotels.in Website: www.theearlscourtnainital.com
Dynasty Resort	Luxury	Khurpatal | Khurpatal, Nainital 263001, India	Phone: 05942-240258, 240120, 240115, 9012015317 Email: info@dynastyresort.com, manish.dynastyresort@gmail.com Website: www.dynastyresort.com
The Hive	Luxury	Ayarpatta,Nainital 263001, India	Phone: 5942-231213, 09953132827, 9627459539 Email: sales@silenttrail.com Website: http://silenttrail.com/hive
Alka Hotel	Deluxe	The Mall, Nainital, Uttarakhand - 263002	Phone No. : 05942-235220, 236626-28, 239058-59 Fax No. : 05942-236629 Email ID : info@alka.in Website : www.alka.in
Grand Hotel	Deluxe	The Mall, Nainital 263002, India	Phone: 05942-235406, 235008 Fax: 05942-237057 Website:www.thegrandnainital.com
Jungle Lore Birding Lodge	Deluxe	Village Pangot,via Nanital-Kilbury, Pangot 263139, India	Phone: 9811704651, 9811124222 Email: wildindiatours@vsnl.com,asian_adventures@hotmail.com Website: www.junglelore.com
Palace Belvedere	Deluxe	Awagarh Estate, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand-263001	Phone No. : 05942-237434 Fax No. : 05942-235082 Email : holidays@welcomheritagehotels.in, belvederepalace@rediffmail.com Website : www.welcomheritagehotels.in, www.thepalacebelvedere.com
Channi Raja	Deluxe	The Mall, Mallital, Nainital 263001, India	Phone: 05942-235624/ 235643/ 232859 Fax: 05942-235643 Email: ramanjeet16@gmail.com, hotelchanniraja[@]gmail.com Website: www.channiraja.com
Classic Hotel	Deluxe
Fair Light Trails Resort	Deluxe
Hotel New Pavilion	Deluxe	Near High Court, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand- 263001	Phone No. : 05942-236178 Email ID : info@himalayapavilion.com Website : www.himalayapavilion.com
Corbetts Call Of The Wild	Deluxe	Katami Gajar, Betalghat, Nainital, Uttarakhand - 244715	Phone No. : 05942-241601 Fax No. : 05942-235972 Email ID : corbettscallofthewild@yahoo.co.in Website : www.corbettcallofthewild.com
Hotel Everest	Semi Deluxe	The Mall, Nainital, Uttarakhand-263002	Phone No. : 05942-235453, 236648, 236650
Hotel Pratap Regency	Semi Deluxe	Mall Road, Tallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand - 263002	Phone No. : 05942-235865/ 6 Fax No. : 05942-238003 Website : www.prataps.com
Suman Paradise	Semi Deluxe	Malli Tal, Nainital 263001, India	Phone: + 91 - 9818303537, + 91 - 9997255933, + 91 – 9873635370 Email: raaj@sumanhotels.com, sagar.kausani@yahoo.com Website:www.nainitalsumanparadise.com
Hotel Silverton	Semi Deluxe	Sher Ka Danda, 125 Over Mall Road, Nainital, Uttarakhand - 263001	Phone No. : 05942-235549/ 235249 Fax No. : 05942-236669 Email : hotel_silverton@yahoo.com Website : www.hotelsilverton.org
Mountain Trail	Semi Deluxe	P O Sargakhet, Nainital, Uttarakhand - 263132	Phone No. : 05942-286040, 286240 Email ID : mayank@mountaintrail.com Website : www.mountaintrail.com
Mountain Quail	Budget	Pangot, 1 Km short of Pangot village, Pangot 263001, India	Phone: + 91 9837077537 Email: blazeatrail@hotmail.com Website: www.mountainquaillodge.com
Sarovar Tourist Rest House	Budget	Tallital, Nainital,Uttarakhand, India	Phone No: 05942-235570 231530
Hotel New Bharat	Budget	Zoo Road, | Tallital, Nainital 263002, India	Phone: 05942-235664, 239664, 09411107549,09927843932 Email: hitesh@hotelnewbharatnainital.com info@hotelnewbharatnainital.com Website: www.hotelnewbharatnainital.com
Hotel Krishna	Deluxe	The Mall, Nainital, Uttarakhand - 263001	Phone No. : 05942-231639, 231646 Fax No. : 05942-237550 Email ID : info@hotelkrishna.net Website : www.hotelkrishna.com
Savoy Hotel	Budget	Nainital	Anil Rautela : 9058602284 Sher Singh Rautela: 9410907002 Phone: 05942-235721 Fax: 05942-239771 Email: savoyntl@gmail.com Website: ashoknainital.com
Ashok Hotel	Budget	Near Bus Station, Cantt Road,  Nainital 263002, India	Anil Rautela: 9058602284 Ravi Rautela: 9837407638 Phone: 05942-235721 Fax: 05942-239771 email: ashoknainital@yahoo.co.in Website: ashoknainital.com
Hotel City Heart	Budget	Mallital, Near Mallital Rickshaw Stand,BOB ATM, Nainital 263001, India	Phone: 05942-235228, 8650534550, 9411268115 Email: cityhearthotel@rediffmail.com, nainital.cityhearthotel77@gmail.com Website: www.cityhearthotelnainital.com
Hotel Vikrant	Budget	Zoo Road, Upper Mall, Tallital, Nainital 263002, India	Phone: 05942-235031, 9412035967 Email: hotelvikrantnainital@yahoo.com Website: www.hotelvikrantnainital.com
Lakeside Inn	Budget	The Mall, Nainital, Uttarakhand - 263002	Phone No. : 05942-235777 Email ID : lakesideinnnainital@rediffmail.com
Fairhavens Hotel	Budget	Next to Head Post Office, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand - 263001	Phone No. : 05942-236057, 011-22753151, 22758774, 22754614 Fax No. : 011-22754614 Email ID : sales@chevronhotels.com Website : www.chevronhotels.com
Hotel Metropole	Budget	Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand - 263001	Phone No. : 05942-236343
Royal Hotel	Budget	Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand - 263001	Phone No. : 05942-236007, 235357 Fax No. : 05942-235357 Email ID : royalnaini@gmail.com Website : www.royalhotelnainital.com
Swiss Hotel	Budget	Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand-263001	Phone No. : 05942-236013, 235972, 235988, 9719412623, 98370193 Fax No. : 05942-235988, 235493 Email ID : info@swisshotelnainital.com Website : www.swisshotelnainital.com