TOURISM IN NAINITAL

Nainital also spelled as Naini Tal, is a popular hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Nainital is the judicial capital of Uttarakhand, the High Court being located here, and is the headquarters of the Kumaon division as well as an eponymous district. It also houses the Governor of Uttarakhand, who resides in the Raj Bhavan. Nainital was the Summer capital of the United Provinces.

Nainital is located in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas at a distance of 285 km (177 mi) from the state capital Dehradun and 345 km (214 mi) from New Delhi, the capital of India. Situated at an altitude of 2,084 metres (6,837 ft) above sea level, the city is set in a valley containing an eye-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are Naina (2,615 m (8,579 ft)) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m (7,999 ft)) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m (7,474 ft)) on the south. From the tops of the higher peaks, "magnificent views can be obtained of the vast plain to the south, or of the mass of tangled ridges lying north, bound by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas.

1. NAINI LAKE

Nestled amidst the township of Nainital, Naini Lake (short for Nainital Lake) is a beautiful natural fresh body lake. The lake is in crescent or kidney shape and is one of the most famous lakes of the Kumaon region. Bounded by Naini Peak on North West, Tiffin Point on the South West and snow-capped peaks on the north, the Nainital Lake offers a breathtaking view, especially during early morning and sunset. The mesmerising lake is most famous for its wonderful scenic beauty which is a hotspot for family picnics. Boating, long evening walks and endearing interactions with ducks are some of the things that are a must do whilst visiting this glittering lake. You can also seek the blessings of Goddess Naina Devi at the Naina Devi temple which is also situated near the Naini Lake. 

The Nainital Lake is a charming beauty that is surrounded by seven different peaks namely Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi Bandi, Cheena Peak, Alma, Laria Kanta and Sher Ka Danda. The lake itself can be divided into two distinct sections, the northern part called Mallital and southern region called Tallital. Coniferous trees that cover the hillside add charm to the raw beauty of the place. You can also visit Naini Temple on the shores of the lake. A pretty lake that once a European man fell in love with, Naini Lake today serves as a major tourist spot for people from all over the country.

Once you have reached Nainital, the best way to explore the Nainital Lake and surrounding areas is on foot. The Naini Lake is situated close to the Nainital Bus stand from where you can walk your way here. However, for convenience, there are cycle rickshaws and taxis area available that can take you from one place to another.

2. ECO CAVE GARDEN

Famous for its interconnected rocky caves, hanging gardens and the musical fountain, the Eco Garden are a set of six small caves in the shape of various animals. Located in the Mallital area of Nainital, you need to crawl your way in. In the evenings, you can see the spectacle of the musical fountain with various audio video effects.

The Eco Cave Garden is set up to give tourists a glimpse of the natural habitat of the Himalayan Wildlife by constructing different caves for different animals, similar to their natural home. Lit with petroleum lamps, the most popular caves are Tiger Cave, Panther Cave, Apes Cave, Bat Cave and Flying Fox Cave. Visiting Eco Cave Garden is not recommended for old people and toddlers.

Since the Eco Cave Garden is located just 1 km from the Mall Road, you can easily reach the site by walking. Alternatively, you can also hire a taxi.

3. NAINA DEVI TEMPLE

Regarded and revered as one of the fifty-one Shakti Peeths that are located all across India, the Naina Devi Temple is a holy site that is situated on the northern shore of Naini Lake, in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. This temple is one of the most renowned places of Hindu worship all over the country. Dedicated to Devi Sati's eyes, devotees from all parts of India flock to this region in huge numbers all year round.

The presiding deity of the Naina Devi Temple is Maa Naina Devi or Mata Sati. According to Hindu mythology, the temple is built on the exact spot where Goddess Sati's eyes fell on the Earth after Lord Shiva carried her charred body after taking it out from the fire of the yagna that was performed by Sati's father- Daksha. Inside the Naina Devi Temple, you will find the two eyes on the roof, depicting Goddess Naina Devi, placed in the centre; with the statues of Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha surrounding it. It would be interesting to note that the city of Nainital got its name from the temple of Naina Devi only. As you climb the hill to reach the temple, various shops selling prasad and other essential puja items will greet you on the way. Considered to be extremely pristine and sacred by the devotees, the venerated Naina Devi Temple is a must visit on your next trip to Nainital.

The Naina Devi Temple is located at the top of the Naina hillock, near the Naini Lake. The place is just a few metres walk away from the Nainital bus station. From other locations within the city, you can easily hire a cab or take an auto to reach the Naina Devi Temple.
Another way of reaching the temple is the ropeway which transports tourists from the bottom of the hill to the temple, for easier access. The Palkis which are used for the purpose are quite comfortable to ride in. Most pilgrims might also prefer to reach the top of the hill on foot while chanting Jai Mata Di. The distance is quite comfortable and can be covered within half an hour.

4. SNOW VIEW POINT

Snow View Point in Nainital stands at a dizzying altitude of 2270 meters above sea level and is one of the most attractive tourist spots of the area. As the name suggests, Snow View Point offers a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas draped in a blanket of milky-white snow. One can see a picturesque view of all three important peaks- Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot peaks together from this point.

A huge pair of binoculars has been installed at the Snow View Point that allows you to take a closer look at the Himalayan range and its magical peaks. If you look closer, you will find a small temple housing the images of Ram, Sita, Laxman, Hanuman with Durga and Shiva. An aerial cable car connects you to the Snow View Point directly from the Mall Road of Mallital and shows you a spectacular view of the beautiful town.

The Snow View Point stands at an elevation from the Mall Road of Mallital. The best way to get to this point would be by the aerial cable car. Right in front of the Naini lake, a top-rated tourist attraction in Nainital is the entry to the cable car pickup point. The charges for a one-way ropeway ticket to the Snow View Point are INR 80 for adults and INR 40 for children, and similarly, for a two-way ticket, you will be charged INR 150 for adults and INR 75 for children.
The cable car has glass windows on all sides and provides a scintillating view of the Naini lake and the entire mall road of the town. However, the approach road to the pickup and drop-off point for the cable car is a little steep for about 150-200 meters and hence, may not be a viable option for senior citizens. In that case, you can hail a cab from the mall road, and it will take you directly to Snow View Point in no time and while also briefing you about other points in Nainital.
The nearest railhead is Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM) and is 34 km away from Mallital's mall road. Cabs wait outside the station and are easily available for hire at affordable rates. Many public, as well as private luxury buses, ply in and out of Mallital quite frequently.

5. TIFFIN TOP

Located in Ayarpatta Hill of Himachal Pradesh, Tiffin Top is a very famous tourist attraction in Nainital, also popularly called as Dorothy's Seat. A fantastic picnic spot in its own right, one gets a complete view of the town of Nainital and its surrounding hills in the Kumaon region from this location. The serene and peaceful environment of Tiffin Top makes it irresistible to the photographers. Those who love nature's beauty must not miss out on this vacation spot. Adventure activities such as rappelling and rock climbing are conducted at Tiffin Top as well. The attraction got its name as Tiffin Top after people started to have lunch on top of the hill on Dorothy's Seat. Tiffin Top is also called Dorothy's Seat because it was constructed in the loving memory of the English artist named Dorothy Kellett by the army officer Col J.P. Kellett. The officer lost his wife Dorothy whilst she was aboard a ship to be with her four children. The beautiful Tiffin Top is surrounded by trees of Cher, Oak, and Deodar. Naini Lake and Kumaon Hills look lovely when seen from here. On clearer days, one can also get hold of the majestic view of Nanda Devi. Tiffin Top is situated at a distance of 4 km from Nainital. One can trek for about 10 km passing through the Sherwood School in Ayarpatta and descend from Bara Pathar. Another way to reach the spot is by hiring a horse from Bara Pathar which will cost nearly INR 700 per person. It is also well connected to the main city and can be reached via bus.

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