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Nainital was discovered by an Englishman named P. Barron in 1839. The glorious gem-like lake and the virgin hills appealed to him so strongly that he left a flourishing sugar business to settle here. And so it began. First the holidaying English then the Indian maharajas and then the Indian public. Nainital has never looked back as a summer retreat since. The headquarters of the district by the same name; Nainital is the largest and most popular hill-station of the Kumaon region. Making it your base, you can visit other spots such as Ranikhet, Kausani, Mukteshwar and Almora. The heart of the destination is the Naini Lake named after the emerald green eyes of the Goddess Parvati, who is also the patron goddess of the region.

About Nainital

Nainital was discovered by an Englishman named P. Barron in 1839. The glorious gem-like lake and the virgin hills appealed to him so strongly that he left a flourishing sugar business to settle here. And so it began. First the holidaying English then the Indian maharajas and then the Indian public. Nainital has never looked back as a summer retreat since.

 

The headquarters of the district by the same name; Nainital is the largest and most popular hill-station of the Kumaon region. Making it your base, you can visit other spots such as Ranikhet, Kausani, Mukteshwar and Almora. The heart of the destination is the Naini Lake named after the emerald green eyes of the Goddess Parvati, who is also the patron goddess of the region. From around the lake rise wooded slopes, one side being heavily populated by a large township. 

 

Nainital is also intimately linked with legendary hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett.  He lived here with his family and it is from here that he first ventured on hunting trips in the surrounding forests. Later Corbett was to play an important role in establishing a game sanctuary under a conservation programme promoted by him and other like minded friends, which went on to become one of India's first national wildlife parks the Corbett National Park.

 

Make the Naini Lake area your base for exploring this old hill station. The lake itself nestles between the Ayarpatta ridge to the west and Sher Ka Danda to the west. Head for the Mall area, which runs along its eastern bank with its line-up of small hotels, restaurants and storefronts. A peaceful walkway encircles the lake and the opposite side known as Thandi Sadak is popular for pony rides. When the holiday crowds start getting to you, head for the higher slopes of the hills to discover a peaceful and calm side of the hill-station.

 

Sightseeing:

 

The L ake A rea

 

The Mallital area, which falls in the northern part of the lake, is where the High Court building is located. Here is where you'll find The Flats, the Tibetan Market and the Burra Bazaar, the Eco Cave Gardens and several top end hotels. If you've planned a golf game at the Governor's house you need to head for the Tallital area, at the southern end of the lake - also home to the tourist office and other government offices.

 

Naina D evi T emple

To the north of the lake is the small Naina Devi Temple , one of India' s venerable 64 Shaktipeeths. The pathway to the temple, edging the lakeside is a verdant trail. The lake is said to have sprung from the eye of the Goddess Parvati which legend has it fell here when the grief-stricken Lord Shiva broke into his cosmic tandava dance of destruction with his dead consort in his arms.

 

Boat House Club

Honeymooners and holidaying families can be found enjoying boat rides on the tranquil lake. To get a ride get there early when the sun is low and the crowds thinner. The Boat House Club was built in the mid-19th century. You can enjoy a drink at the lake-facing bar or a game of billiards with a nominal fee as a temporary member.

 

The flats

In close proximity to the Naina Devi Temple and the lake, the flattened ground created as a result of a landslip, is a popular venue for local football matches and other sports. Part of it is also a large car park. In the summer the holiday crowd fills up the place as they come to enjoy the breeze, and try out the snack stalls. A bazaar also springs up here selling local handicrafts such as shawls, blankets, candles, decorative items and tweeds. The Tibetan market along the edge of the lake is very popular and a permanent feature.

 

Nainital Zoo

This is a perfect place for a family outing. The kids and the grownups are equally fascinated by  the snow leopard and Himalayan Black bear housed here among other species. The zoo also has several species of birds.

 

Eco C ave G ardens

A hot favourite with children, it's an excellent way to introduce them to eco-friendly living. The six caves here bring out the explorer in the kids and their high-spirited laughter rewards you for its novel approach to adventure in the hills. Not for the claustrophobic though. The musical fountain operates during the high season.

 

Snow View

Take the aerial ropeway to savour that glorious view of Nainital's verdant environs from Snow View (7,448 ft) on Sher-ka-Danda Hill.

 

China P eak

An old trekking favourite China Peak (8,579 ft) too has panoramic views of the Nainital and the distant snow-covered Himalayas . Hire a pony to get here if you're not much of a trekker. 

 

Aurobindo Ashram

Situated on Ayarpatta hill the ashram arranges retreats, spiritual discourses and camps for children. It also teaches yoga and meditation.

 

Raj Rezendezvous:

 

Governor's House

It used to be the much envied summer retreat of the governor of the United Provinces in the Raj-era. With lush gardens over 220 acres, the beautiful estate is the equally envied official residence of the Uttarakhand Governor in post-Independence India . It is one of the few Raj Bhawans in India which allows the public to enter its gates to explore its lovely interiors. The conservatories on the grounds are really worth a dekko. You can pop in for a game of golf on the 18- hole golf course, with special permission of course.

 

Dorothy's Seat

Set upon the Ayarpatta Hill, this is the picnic perch named after noted English painter Dorothy Kelly who died in an air crash. It's also known as Tiffin Top, as it used to be popular for picnics during the time of the Raj.

 

Walks

The hill town has many interesting walks which offer the different vistas of the lake and the hill-scapes. Some trails might be good for birding or even spotting deer. Explore the trail from Tiffin Top to Land's End to enjoy views of Khurpatal, another lake below. There's also a rewarding Mcdonald's Circular Road walk.

 

Star Gazing

A short drive from town takes you to the Observatory on Manora Peak at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observa­tional Sciences equipped with four high-power telescopes. Call ahead to view the skies, especially on full moon nights

 

Excursions:

 

Kilbury (13 km)

This is a popular picnic spot where you get panoramic views of the snow peaks on clear days. It is at the edge of the reserve forest and there is also a forest bungalow here.

 

Pangot (15 km)

Pangot is a small village surrounded by thick forests offering bird watching enthusiasts a truly rewarding experience. Don't forget to take good binoculars and a well illustrated bird book. And if birds don't interest you will still enjoy living in the outdoors in like-minded company.