May be you are searching for Nainital travel guide on internet. Because Nainital, the enchanting Himalayan lake town, is a picturesque hill station and one of Northern India’s most popular destinations. Known as the ‘Lake District,’ Nainital is nestled in the Kumaon Himalayas at an altitude of around 2,000 meters above sea level. Surrounded by seven hills, collectively known as ‘Sapta-Shring’—Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Lariya-Kanta, and Sher-Ka-Danda—this beautiful town boasts majestic mountains and a sparkling lake that enhances its scenic beauty.
The town is centered around the emerald mountain lake Naini, adorned with colorful sailboats on most days. So in this article as part of the Nainital travel guide, we are going to know about the history, best time to visit, famous tourist spots and more about this city of lake.
History of Nainital
According to mythology, the lake is believed to have formed when the eyes of the goddess ‘Sati’ fell at this spot while being carried by Lord Shiva after her death.
Once the summer capital of the United Provinces during the British era, Nainital has a rich colonial heritage with clusters of villas and bungalows. Homesick Britishers found solace in this quaint town nestled in a forested valley. Nainital is also renowned for the revered Naina Devi temple, situated on the lake’s edge. Beyond its tourist appeal, the town is known for prestigious educational institutions and schools dating back to the British era.
Nainital has been associated with several renowned personalities. Jim Corbett, the author, and conservationist, was born and educated here. The nearby Jim Corbett National Park, India’s first National Park, is named after him. Classical singer Anoop Jalota and cricketer Manish Pandey were born in Nainital, while Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee, and legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan were educated at Sherwood College in Nainital.
Today, It’s offers everything for a perfect holiday. Hillside hotels and resorts provide comfortable accommodations, the Mall Road is a bustling shopping hub, and cafes and restaurants offer a variety of local and global cuisines. Numerous forested trails provide stunning views of the landscape, and activities range from paddling in the lake to horseback riding. Nainital is also popular for hot-air ballooning and mountaineering.
What is the optimal time to visit Nainital?
Providing a unique holiday experience, the best time to visit Nainital is from March to June and October to January. While Nainital is a year-round destination, it is most enjoyable during the summers and winters. Nestled in the mountains, Nainital boasts scenic landscapes and a pleasant climate throughout the year.
Summer in Nainital spans from March to June, marking the peak tourist season. This period offers favorable weather for sightseeing and various activities. It’s also the time for the Phool Dei festival celebration. From July to September, the region experiences heavy monsoons, leading to potential roadblocks and landslides.
The best month to visit Nainital begins in October and extends to February, encompassing the magical winter season. Apart from enjoying snowfall and the chilly breeze, winters in this city provide an opportunity to revel in misty mountains and engage in adventurous activities. Additionally, these months witness festive celebrations, including Bikhauti, Sharadotsav, Uttarayani, and Basant Panchami.
Near Nainital in Uttarakhand, there are some other cool places you should check out, like Jim Corbett National Park, Ranikhet, Almora, and Ramnagar. So, if you have enough time to explore Uttarakhand, make sure to visit these places too.
Must Visit Places in Nainital
1. Naini Lake
This natural freshwater lake, known for its enchanting beauty, has inspired numerous prominent writers who captured its allure in their poems. Nainital is named after Naini Lake, covering a perimeter of 2 miles with depths ranging from 28 meters to 6 meters.
The serene waters of Naini Lake captivate visitors with its timeless charm. Discovered in 1839 by P. Baron, a British businessman on a hunting expedition, the lake is surrounded by seven hills—Ayarpata (2235 mts), Deopata (2273 mts), Handi Bandi (2139 mts), Cheena Peak (2611 mts), Alma (2270 mts), Laria Kanta (2481 mts), and Sher-ka-Danda (2217 mts).
Naini Lake is divided into two parts, Mallital in the northern region and Tallital in the southern region. A boat ride on the lake is a must for a complete Nainital experience, and visitors often enjoy exploring the sparkling waters with boats provided by the Nainital Boat Club. The Mall Road, famous for shopping, runs alongside Nainital Lake, offering tourists ample opportunities to indulge in shopping delights.
2. Nainital Zoo
Nainital Zoo, officially named Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo Nainital, is a top attraction for wildlife enthusiasts. Covering a green area of 4.693 hectares, it is the only zoo in the region. Situated at a high altitude of 2100 meters, this well-maintained zoo provides a home for numerous endangered species, many of which have been adopted by individuals and animal organizations. Commonly known as ‘Sher ka Danda,’ Nainital Zoo is located on a hill slope in Nainital.
3. Aerial Ropeway Nainital
The Cable Car, also known as the Aerial Rope-way, is a popular attraction in Nainital, drawing hundreds of tourists each day. It offers breathtaking views of Naini Lake and the entire Nainital Hill Station. Every tourist should experience the adventurous ride on the aerial rope-way, which connects Snow View Point with Mallital. The journey takes less than 3 minutes, providing a quick and thrilling route to reach Snow View Point.
4. Naina Devi Temple
The Naina Devi Temple, a well-known Shakti Peeth in Hindu religion, holds great significance as a sacred place of devotion in Nainital. Dedicated to Goddess Naini Devi, the temple is situated at the northern end of the famous Nainital Lake. The deity in this holy temple is represented by her two eyes, and devotees from distant places come here to seek the blessings of Maa Naina Devi.
5. Mall Road Nainital.
The Mall Road stands as one of the most renowned locations in Nainital city. As the busiest road during the day, it runs alongside Nainital Lake. Constructed by the British, The Mall Road passes through the heart of the city, connecting the two main ends of the city, Mallital and Tallital. Although officially renamed as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg, the Mall Road is still affectionately known by its previous name. Tourists and locals alike enjoy strolling on the Mall, especially in the evening, to take in the beauty of Naini Lake.
6. Snow View Point
Snow View Point stands out as one of the most popular destinations for tourists seeking breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas from this destination. Regarded as the best viewpoint in Nainital, Snow View Point provides visitors with excellent vistas of snow-capped mountains, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. While Snow View Point is easily accessible by road, an adventurous ride in the aerial ropeway from Mallital adds to the overall experience and is always worth the visit.
Where to stay in Nainital?
There are many hotels in Nainital, so you don’t need to worry about accommodation while you are going to Nainital. You can find a hotel according to your budget, some famous hotels in there are Lakeside Hotel Alka and Hotel Himalaya Nainital.
In addition to these, there are also many other hotels that provide the best services to their guests. If you are having difficulty searching for your hotel, call Jai Bhumia Travels, and we will assist you accordingly.
Conclusion :
Nainital is a beautiful place in the Himalayas with stunning lakes, interesting stories, and peaceful surroundings. From the famous Naini Lake to the lively Mall Road, and the sacred Naina Devi Temple to the breathtaking Snow View Point, every part of Nainital is special.
Whether you’re discovering animals at Nainital Zoo or taking the Aerial Ropeway for amazing views, every moment in this city lets you enjoy the beauty of nature. With its interesting history, many attractions, and a mix of old and new, This tourist destination welcomes travelers to have a memorable time in the Himalaya. It is the reason that people want to know about Nainital travel guide so that they can make their travel memorable.
FAQ about Nainital travel guide
Nainital, known as the ‘Lake District,’ is a charming Himalayan lake town surrounded by seven hills. It offers a picturesque setting with a sparkling lake, majestic mountains, and a rich colonial heritage.
The optimal time to visit is from March to June and October to January. Summer provides pleasant weather, while winter offers the enchantment of snowfall and festive celebrations.
Must-visit places include Naini Lake, Nainital Zoo, Aerial Ropeway, Naina Devi Temple, Mall Road, and Snow View Point, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking views.
Naini Lake, the centerpiece of Nainital, is a natural freshwater lake surrounded by seven hills. According to mythology, it formed from the goddess Sati’s eyes. Visitors can enjoy boat rides and shopping along the famous Mall Road.
Nainital Zoo, also known as ‘Sher ka Danda,’ is a high-altitude zoo housing endangered species. It provides a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to observe and learn about various animals in a well-maintained environment.
The Aerial Ropeway, also called the Nainital Cable Car, offers a thrilling ride connecting Snow View Point with Mallital. It provides breathtaking views of Naini Lake and the entire hill station.
Dedicated to Goddess Naini Devi, the temple is a Shakti Peeth with great religious significance. Situated at the northern end of Naini Lake, it attracts devotees seeking the blessings of Maa Naina Devi.
Mall Road, officially Govind Ballabh Pant Marg, is a bustling street constructed by the British. It passes through the heart of Nainital, connecting Mallital and Tallital. It’s a popular spot for strolling, shopping, and enjoying the beauty of Naini Lake.
Snow View Point offers stunning views of the Himalayas, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. Easily accessible by road or through an adventurous aerial ropeway, it stands out as one of the best viewpoints in Nainital.
Visitors can explore the serene Naini Lake, enjoy wildlife at Nainital Zoo, experience the Aerial Ropeway, seek blessings at Naina Devi Temple, stroll along Mall Road, and capture breathtaking vistas at Snow View Point for a memorable Nainital experience.
