Nainital

Nainital is one of the most popular hill-stations in India. Located around lake ‘Naini’ and surrounded by majestic mountains, Nainital is simply beautiful and photogenic.

Also known as ‘Lake City’ because of many lakes in and around it, like Naini, Bhimtal, Saattal, Naukuchia Tal and Khurpa Tal, nainital is filled with many wonders.

Nainital is as well known for its natural beauty as for many prestigious educational institutions there like Sherwood College, Sainik School, St. Joseph’s College, Wellesley school.

Legend

Nainital figures in some ancient Hindu myths. In the ‘Manas khand’ of the Skand Puranas (hindu religious text about the life and works of Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Parvati) Nainital is referred to as ‘Tri-rishi-sarovar’, i.e. the lake of the 3 sages – Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha, who on finding no water to quench their thirst dug up a hole at the location of the present day lake Naini and siphoned off water into it from Mansarovar, the sacred lake in Tibet.

Another legend refers to Goddess Parvati who leapt into ‘yagna’ flames after she felt insulted by her father ‘King Daksha’ for not inviting her and Lord Shiva. Nainital is said to be one of the 64 Shakti Peethas or religious sites where parts of her charred body fell on earth while being carried by Shiva to Kailash parbat . Her emerald green eye is said to have fallen where we have Naini Devi temple today at the North end of the lake.

Places to Visit

Snow View Point

Accessible through cable car, ponies as well as road, this view point is perched atop Tiger’s ridge(Sher-ka-Danda) and offers breathtaking views of snow clad peaks like Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Trishul view-point.

You can also buy souvenirs from the shops there or have a cup of tea and some snacks.

Cheena Peak

Also known as ‘Naina peak’, this is the highest peak in Nainital and offers panoramic views of the snowcapped Himalayas and the Nainital valley. At a distance of 6 kms, it is quite famous with trekkers as it lets them explore the raw, natural, unmanned territories and glimpses of myriad species of birds like thrushes, warblers, sunbirds, chakor, babbler etc.

If not upto trekking, you can also take a ride on a pony or horse.

Tip: Carrying binoculars will add to the fun!

ARIES, Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences

Situated amidst picturesque mountains, this institute for study and research in Astronomical Sciences is well-equipped with latest instruments and has contributed immensely to astronomical research.

The observatory is open to public on working days during afternoon for viewing Science Picture gallery and slideshows, while on moon-lit nights you can enjoy night-sky view through telescopes with prior permission.

Nainital Zoo

For the animal lovers, Nainital zoo is a must-visit as it homes the famous Siberian tiger, Himalayan black bear, silver pheasants and hill fox among other various animals and birds.

(Note: Closed on Mondays)

(Tip: Requires lot of walking)

Cave Gardens

A natural garden with six caves and a musical fountain, its an interesting place and makes an informative trip.

Hanuman Garhi

Named after a Hanuman Temple situated there, Hanuman Garhi is a must-visit for the wonderful sights it presents of both sunrise and sunset.

Naina Devi temple

At the northern end of the lake, this is the exact spot where Goddess Sati’s or Parvati’s eye is said to have fallen.

Things to Do

Boating

Trekking

Yachting