Most Popular Tourist Places in Nainital

Uttarakhand is the Land of Gods, a place so imbued with spirituality that one may be forgiven for overlooking its scenic, natural beauties ranging from the Himalayas in the North to the gently undulating hillsides that lead to lush valleys and rolling plains. Of all the lovely places in Uttarakhand, Nainital is perhaps one of the most charming. Nainital is the Lake District and Nainital resort is located alongside the Naini Lake. The other places worthy of a visit in the district are Mukteshwar, Haldwani, Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal, Sattal, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Kaladhungi and Ramgarh. If these places are all attractive, Nainital is the Queen.

A favorite of the British, Nainital still retains much of the colonial charm. It is at a height of about 2084 metres and sits in a valley ringed by Deopatha, Naina and Ayarpatta mountain ranges. Nainital is stepped in mythology too with stories linking the Nainital Lake to the ancient Tri-Rishi-Sarovar connected with the sages Pulaha, Atri and Pulastya.

Naina Devi Temple

It is said the sages did not find water in the lake and dug a hole from which water gushed forth. It is said the water comes directly from Mansarovar and as such this lake also has religious significance, forming part of one of the 64 Shakti Peeth. It is said the eyes of Sati fell on this spot as Lord Shiva was carrying her remains and the Naina Devi temple on the North side of the Lake is dedicated to her. The temple is not the only place to visit. Nainital and its surroundings have plenty to keep you occupied for a few days.

Naini Lake

If you are in Nainital, it is only natural you should stroll around the Naini Lake, so large that the Northern side is called Mallital and the Southern side is called the Tallital. This is a vast shopping area and you could spend an entire afternoon browsing the shops. The Mall is where you go when you want to pass time or shop. You can also find restaurants and hotels here. However, it is at night that the Lake takes on a fascinating beauty as people sit along it’s over 3 kilometer perimeter and admire reflections of houses and lights. Head over to the Flats towards the Northern side and you can buy stuff or sample delicacies on offer at the Chaat Bazaar.

Govind Ballabh Pant Zoo

The Zoo is the next stop for tourists. Known as the Govind Ballabh Pant Zoo, it is at a height of 2100 metres and is populated with Leopards, Siberian Tiger, Palm civet cat, pheasants, deer, monkeys, parakeets, Himalayan bears, peacocks and ghoral among others. After the zoo, it is time for a ride on the aerial ropeway. As you dangle high above, you can only wonder at the majestic spread of the mountains and the valleys down below. A visit to the Governor’s House is obligatory to admire the British Gothic style of architecture. The mansion has 113 rooms and visitors must obtain prior permission to visit.

Snow Point View

A short trip outside of Nainital takes you to Snow Point View from where you can admire Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Trishul mountain ranges. If Snow point is attractive, Naina Peak is simply astounding. Located at a height of 2615 metres and North of Mallital, it offers a fabulous view of the Himalayas in all their majestic glory. Tiffin Top may not be quite as marvelous but it is impressive, located on Ayarpatta Hill and giving you another view of the Himalayas. This is an ideal picnic spot.

Naina Peak

The peak is also known as China Peak. In Nainital, this is the highest peak which rises to a height of 2611 m. the peak attracts many travellers as the top view of the Himalayas can be seen reaching the peak. Many enjoy trekking in this route but there are also other options of horse that will take one to the top of the peak.

The Governor’s House

The pace is under the Government of Uttarkhand. It is the guest house for important government guests and permission is required for stay. The property has grand garden, swimming pool and golf links.

Gurney House

This is the former residence of the famous Jim Corbett. It is located in Ayarpatta Hill. Earlier the place was owned by him but while he and his sister Maggie left for Kenya they sold the house. The house was then owned by a zamindar in Bihar. Now the building has turned into a museum where visitors are allowed to have a look of the Corbett family belongings.

The Mall Road

This is one of the busiest roads of the town that has many shops, restaurants and banks. It is the main hub of the town where the local as well as tourist gather. The road starts from the north of the Naini Lake and ends at the south of the lake covering the full area of the lake.

Dorothy Seat

Dorothy Seat is made in the memory of Dorothy Kellet. It is located in in Ayarpatta Hill. The memorial was built by Dorothy’s husband after her death in a plane crush. As the stories depict the place was favourite of Dorothy so her husband established the memorial with a stone work which is known as Dorothy’s Seat. The surrounding is full of greenery and during the British Rule it was often visited as a popular picnic spot. The place is also known as Tiffin Top.

St. John’s Church

The church was built in the year 1847 and it is one of the most populated tourist spot. One of the oldest buildings in Nainital, it is made of brass. A brass alter is built in the memory of the landslide in Nainital that killed a lot of people.

Eco Cave Garden

Spare a day to visit the eco Cave Garden, one of the most popular spots near Mallital and a favorite of children. Adults, on the other hand, will love Land’s End from where you can admire the still waters of the Khurpatal or Khurpa Lake. You have to drive to Barapathar and then walk for a kilometer. Pack in Vinayak or go off to Hanuman Garhi, a temple to the south of Tallital or just return to your hotel for some rest.

Traipsing from one place to the other may be fun but can get boring after a while so you have other activities to keep you enthralled. You can go boating, Para sailing, hiking, horse riding, yachting or just a nature walk outside Nainital. Take your camera along because you will find plenty of landscapes worth a click and more.

Nainital Excursions

Around Nainital there are plenty of places to visit. You can go to Bhowali, Ghorakhal, Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Kainchi Dham, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Ranikhet, Kausani, Baijnath, Jageshwar and Binsar.

Bhowali is about 11 Km from Nainital and has lovely scenery as well as a sanatorium. Ghorakhal is known for the temple of Lord Golu and a Sainik school. It is only 3 kilometers from Bhowali. Still not satisfied? Head for Sat Tal or Sattal or seven lakes a collection of lakes comprised of Ram, Garuda, Laxman, Sita, Nal Damyanati and Panna Lakes. You can never have enough of Lakes and these seven lakes whet your appetite for more.

So it is Naukuchiatal, about 26 kilometres away at a height of 1220 metres. This is a largish lake and quite deep too, with clear waters, plenty of bird watching to do if you are the passive type or boating if you are active type. If you like, you can visit Kainchi Dham known for its ashram of Neem Karoli Baba. Mukteshwar is another spot with a temple to Lord Shiva but what enchants you is the presence of orchards and the wonderful landscape spread right below you. You can omit Kainchi Dham and Mukteshwar but Ramgarh you must visit.

Aurobindo ashram

Only 25 kilometres from Nainital, this lovely place gives you a wonderful view of the Himalayas even as you gorge on local fruits found in abundance when they are in season. Trek in the forests or visit the Aurobindo Ashram for a few moments of solitude.

Kausani

You cannot be in all places but Kausani is a place you must not miss because of its enchanting beauty. Rise and shine before the Sun does, head to Kausani and watch the Sun rise in all glory from between the peaks of Trishul and Nanda Devi. Kausani is sheer poetry. From poetry you move on to prose and Ranikhet is wonderfully attractive. It is a pity it plays second fiddle to Nainital because it has a rustic charm and personality of its own besides being a well developed resort. It is best to stay for a day or two here and visit Upat Kalika if you love to play golf or just saunter along forest trails. Relax in Chaubatia Garden full of fruit trees and a research centre as well. Take a short trip to Bhalu Dam and go fishing in the waters or travel to Haidakhan Dham and visit the ashram of Haidakhan Baba.

Getting to Nainital is a breeze if you catch a flight from Delhi that lands at Pantnagar, about 72 kilometres from Nainital. Take a bus or a taxi to Nainital. You can also take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam, about 40 km from Nainital. If you would rather travel by road, there are luxury buses that take about 8 hours to reach Nainital from Delhi. Once here, you will not want to leave because Nainital has such magnetic charm.