India /Uttaranchal /Nainital /Nainital
Nainital, also known as the lake district of Uttarakhand, is blessed with all that nature has to offer. Tranquil lakes, natural hot springs, scenic landscapes are all that makes this destination a honeymooner’s paradise. Nestled in the arms of Kumaon hills, the city enjoy mythological reverence of Lord Shiva. While yachts are the best means to dive deeper into the beautiful Naini Lake, the city is best explored on a horseback. The view of the snow capped Himalayas from Nainital is just splendid. Trekking to the various remote mountain villages is the best option for an adventure lover. Enjoy the resonation of the colonial charm that still hangs in the air of the city that is bedecked with pretty hill side cottages and old stone buildings. Nainital is one of the best destinations in India which can welcome tourists any time in a year ,may avoid heavy snow fall days in winters.
Quick Facts-Edit
Category : Hill Station.
Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours.
Pincode: 2.63001E+11.
STD Code: 5942.
Info Website: nainital.nic.in
Best Time to Visit: March – June.
HistoryEdit
The Nani Lake is the identity as well as the backbone of the place. There are many legends in scriptures that signify the presence of this place many, many years ago. The ‘Manas Khand’ of the ancient scripture ‘Skanda Purana’ says that the place was traditionally known as the ‘Tri-Rishi-Sarovar. Tri means ‘three,’ Rishi means ‘Sage,’ and Sarovar means ‘the lake.’ Together the place was known as the lake of three sages and was named after the three rishis, Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha. Nainital is famous for the Naini Lake where it is believed that Lord Shiva performed his tandava with Parvati’s body. The Naini peak or the China peak is the highest in Nainital with a height of 2611mts. Some of the other places of tourist interest are the Mall, now known as the Govind Ballabh Pant Marg.
Places to VisitAdd
Nainital Sightseeing
How to ReachEdit
By Air : There is no airport in Nainital. The Pantnagar Airport is the nearest air base to Nainital, which is located at a distance of 71 km. This airport is connected to the Indira Gandhi International Airport of Delhi by frequent flights. Besides, it is connected to all the major destinations of India. Taxis are available from this airport to Nainital. Pantnagar Airport : 91-5944-233685, 91-5944-233760.
By Train : Nainital does not have a train station. Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, which is 35 km away from Nainital. Delhi (Ranikhet Exp), Lucknow (Bagh Exp) and Bareilly (Bagh Exp)are directly connected with Kathgodam by rail. Taxi fare from Kathgodam to Nainital is about Rs 600.
By BUS : The nearest bus stand is at Tallital, located just a km from the heart of Nainital. Nainital is well-connected by an extensive network of roads to Delhi, Bareilly, Almora, and Ranikhet.The bus charge varies between Rs 3 to Rs 4 per km.
By Taxi : Nainital is well connected by a road network and national highways- 87. The tourist can reach to Nainital by taxi. The normal Indian taxi charges of Rupees 8 to 20 will be charged for each km.
By Other : N.A.
Top HotelsAdd
Budget – Up to Rs. 800
- Classic The Mall ; Nainital, Uttaranchal., Nainital 263001. ; Ph – 05942 237 704 ; Facilities – 24-hour front desk ,24-hour room service ,Conference facilities ,Elevators ,Laundry ,Parking ,Beauty salon ,Body Treatments ,Game Room ,Shopping Arcade ,Banquet facilities ,Doctor on call.
Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Aroma Hotel ; Ayarpata, Nainital . ; Ph – 094 12 087444 ; Facilities – 24-hour front desk ,24-hour room service ,Laundry ,Parking ,24-Hour Security ,Game Room ,Doctor on call.
Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200
- Hotel Anamika ; Sher Ka Danda Upper Mall-Nainital, Nainital. ; Ph – 099 71 499489 ; Facilities – Travel Desk , 24-hour front desk , 24-hour room service, 24-Hour Security, Doctor on call.
Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above
- Relax Inn Kathgodam ; Near Kathgodam Railway Station, Nainital. ; Ph – 094 12 034971 ; Facilities – 24-hour room service ,Laundry ,Parking ,Doctor on call.
Top RestaurantsAdd
- Embassy Restaurant ; Mall Road, Mallital, Nainital, UT 263001. ; M – 05942 235 597 ; Food Serve : Multi-Cuisine.
- Nanak Restaurant ; Mall Road, Nainital, UT 263001. ; M – 099 17 888999 ; Food Serve : Fast Food, Pizza.
- Shiva Restaurant ; 35,Barabazaar,Mallital,Nainital. ; M – 097 19 724069 ; Food Serve : Indian Food.
Must Eat FoodAdd
- fruits – Bhotia Bazaar ; The Mall Road, Bhotia Bazaar. ; Ph/M – N.A. ; Cost – N.A. ; Famous for – Cherries, Apples, Strawberries, Mulberries, Peaches and Blueberries.
Must Do ActivitiesAdd
- Camping ,Trekking ; Village Dolmaar, Bhujiaghat,Nainital Kathgodam Highway, Distt.- Nanital, Uttrakhand. ; Cost – Tent (For Couple): Rs.1225/-, Bamboo Hut : Rs.1575/- ; Visiting Time – N.A. ; Closed Time : N.A.
- Boating ; Naini Lake ; Cost – Rs. 160.00 per hour ; Visiting Time – 10.00 Am ; Closed Time : 6.00 Pm.
Must ShopAdd
- Candles ; Anil Candle Industries ; Bara Bazar, Mallital, Nainital – 263001 ; Ph/M: 05942-236222 (O), 235678 (R)
- Kumauni woolens & woodcrafts. ; Mallital Shopping Complex ; Bara Bazar Market, Mallital, Nainital, UT 263001. ; Ph/M: N.A.
Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add
- Boat House Club ; Mall Rd, Mallital, Nainital, UT 263002 ; Ph/M: 05942 235 318 ; Cost: Rs. 340/170. ; Food Serve : N.A.
- Bottoms Up ; Hotel Royal, Mallital, Nainital. ; Ph/M: 5942236007 ; Cost: N.A. ; Food Serve : Multi-Cuisine.
SpaAdd
- Clarks Inn Corbett Resort N SPA ; Village Kyari RamNagar,Nainital. ; Ph/M – 085 27 003345 ; Cost: N.A. ; Services – Fitness centre, Games room, Spa and wellness centre, Massage.
- Tarangi Spa ; Post Office Dhikuli, Ramnagar, District Nainital, Nainital 1 ; Ph/M – N.A. ; Cost: N.A. ; Services – Traditional Body Massages Skin Treatments and many more.
FestivalAdd
Nandadevi Fair ; Venue: Nanda Devi mela is celebrated in various regions of Kumaon. ; Period : September ; Details: One of the biggest fairs in Nainital, Nanda Devi mela is celebrated in various regions of Kumaon. Established by Baj Bahadur Chand, the festival begins in the month of September, as it symbolises the onset of Autumn. Celebrated with much enthusiasm and excitement, the whole town comes together to honour Goddesses Nanda and Sunanda with beautiful rituals and practices.Holding religious and cultural significance, the festival is witness to numerous visitors from all over the country. Along with myriad folk dances and melodious music performances, the local artists also showcase the rich cultural inheritance of Nainital.
Phooldeli ; Venue: N.A. ; Period : March or April ; Details: It is also known as Phooldeyi and is celebrated by adorning the threshold and entrance of every house with the first flowers of the season in March. These flowers are known to bring good luck and prosperity and bring the people of Nainital close together.
Chhota Kailash Fair ; Venue: N.A. ; Period : february ; Details: Chhota Kailash fair takes place every year in the month of february on the occasion of Shivratri. This is a religious fair, and reflects the rich and varied culture and tradition of the area. Mnay people visit to choota kailash on this occasation
Vasantotsav ; Venue: N.A. ; Period : January-February. ; Details: Vasantotsav or spring festival is held every year at Ramnagar during January-February. A large number of local people and tourists, including foreigners participate in the festival at Ramnagar which is a gateway of Jim Corbett Park, the wildlife sanctuary of Uttar Pradesh. The event reflects cultural activities of Kumaon.
Safety / WarningEdit
- Beware of pickpockets as Nainital is a major tourist city in India.
- Beware of fake items, especially the marble souvenirs. If you buy from roadside sellers, most likely the items are fake and made of chalk instead of marble. Better to buy from reputable shops even though you have to pay more.
HelplineEdit
- Ambulance : 102
- Fire Brigade : 101
- Police : 100
ItineraryEdit
Day-1
9:00 am – Lands End ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
12:30 pm – Aurobindo Ashram;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
2:30 pm – Pangot ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
4:30 pm – China Peak ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day-2
8:30 am – Naina Devi Temple;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
11:30 am – Astronomical Observatory;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
2:30 pm – Nainital Lake ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
4:30 pm – Khurpatal ;Approx. time spent : 2 hrs
Day-3
9:00 am – Snow View ;Approx. time spent : 45 hrs
1:00 pm – Nainital Zoo ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs
3:00 pm – Governor’s House ;Approx. time spent : 4 hrs
5:30 pm – Hanuman Garhi ;Approx. time spent : 3 hrs