Nainital, also known as the “lake district of India” is a resort town located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. One of the best hill stations famous for its beautiful lakes, verdant green hills, mesmerizing viewpoint, and a favorable climate throughout the year. This beautiful place is nothing short of wonder and has a great history of attracting tourists from all over the world. With so many places to visit, it is quite easy to plan a trip to Nainital.
How to reach:
By Air: The Pant Nagar Airport, located 72 km away is the nearest airport to Nainital and is well connected by motorable roads.
By Rail: The Kathgodam Railway Station, located 41 km away is the nearest Railway Station to Nainital and is well connected to major destinations in India by Railway networks.
By Road: Nainital is well-connected by motorable roads to all the major destinations in India. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to Nainital.
Here are some of the must-visit places in Nainital you can’t miss.
1. Nainital Lake
Nainital lake is a kidney-shaped lake situated in the Kumaon region in Nainital city. The whole city of Nainital flourishes around the lake. Present amidst the city of Nainital, it is a splendid natural freshwater lake. It also offers various water sport activities. Surrounded by 6-7 Himalayan peaks on all sides, it provides a breathtaking view especially during sunset and early morning. Adjacent to the lake is the famous Naina Devi Temple.
2. Snow View Point
At an altitude of 2,270 m, Snow View point lives up to its name by giving a panoramic view of the hilltops and snowboarded peaks from one point and an eagle’s view of Nainital city and Naini lake from another. It’s a paradise for trekkers. One can catch a glimpse of the bordering Tibetan peaks with small monasteries and temples. Watch the shimmering and magnificent Nanda Devi peak from here.
3. Naina Peak
Naina peak is the highest peak in Nainital. It is also called China Peak. A look towards it from the city just enthralls the mind of the visitor. At a height of 2615 m, it often remains covered by coniferous trees and blanketed by snow and clouds. This deadly combination makes a picturesque destination. Throughout the way, you will be surrounded by Deodar, Spruce, Pine trees, and rhododendron shrubs making for an exquisite photography experience.
4. Tiffin Top
Located on top of Ayarpatta Hill of Nainital, one can get a complete view of Nainital and surrounding hills of the Kumaon region from the Tiffin top. Often people visiting the place spend some time viewing the scenic beauty while enjoying their meal from which it derives its name. It is called Dorothy’s Seat as it was made by a British army officer in memory of his wife Dorothy Kellett. It serves as a fantastic picnic spot. It is a noteworthy place to visit by nature lovers and photographers. Its serenity and peacefulness attract tourists to the spot.
5. Land’s End
Loftily overlooking the vast valley and Khurpa Tal is this scenic spot called the Land’s End. Watch each step you take. One can see the Nainital city shimmering at a distance. Khurpa Taal and the plains make for a majestic view that is jaw-dropping yet serene. It is less crowded than other peaks. You can literally see cliffs dusted by snow from here. The hike is steep making it a must-go for hikers and adventure seekers.
6. Eco Cave Gardens
Eco Cave Gardens are a series of interconnected caves and hanging gardens in Mallital, Nainital. It has been set up to give the tourist a natural landscape glimpse of the Himalaya and Himalayan ecosystem. They have set up caves and flora in line with the endangered species of the Himalayas. The whole experience is to make us accustomed to the livelihood of the fauna and help conserve them. Top it all with an audio-visual experience of musical fountain in the evenings about various species and their ecosystem making it a visual and intellectual learning delight.
7. High Altitude Zoo
Located at a height of 2100 m makes it only one of its kind, It is home to several endangered species. The zoo is managed by the entry fees fund and The Bharat Ratna Pt. G.V. Pant High Altitude Zoo Management Society. The zoo offers many outreach programs to make people aware of the wildlife and habitat preservation of the Himalayas. Major wildlife spotted here are Sambar, Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Civet, Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, Barking Deer, Royal Bengal Tiger, Pheasant amongst many others. Being a major wildlife hotspot in a scenic location attracts tourists.
8. Khurpa Tal
Nestled in the Kumaoni mountain range of the Himalayas, Khurpa Taal Lake is a bluish-green lake in the town of Khurpataal. It is 12 km from Nainital and a 15 minutes drive. It provides a great ambiance with sky-high trees and lush green forests surrounding it. It offers a gorgeous vista of the mountains. Away from the crowds of Nainital, this place provides serenity. It is also called angler’s paradise due to a good harvest of fishes. One can opt for boating in the lake and enjoy the pristine clear waters firsthand.
9. Kainchi Dham
Situated in between two hills that cut and cross each other forming a scissor-shape, hence the place is named Kainchi (Hindi name for scissors) Dham. The magnificence of the surroundings adds to the beauty of the place. It is a combination of Ashram and Hanuman temple that attracts visitors. It achieved recognition due to the ashram of a saint named Neem Karoli Baba. It is a lethal formulation of scenic beauty, peace, and spirituality attracting many tourists year-round.
10. Nainital Ropeway
Nainital Rope-way ride is the most popular tourist attraction in the city. one can have a grand view of the valley, lake, and the various peaks surrounding the city via this cable car ride. It covers more than a mile in 3 minutes making it one of the fastest rope-ways. Panoramic views of the picturesque landscape from above are a sight to behold especially as it slowly covers the Nainital lake from above.
From the lush green forests to the snow-capped mountains, and from the sky ride adventure parks to the majestical temples, Nainital has something for everybody. It is a great setup for family and especially for solo tourists, making it a perfect destination. The fascinating images of this hill station stay in the mind for long after.
If you want to plan a trip to Nainital, visit The Tarzan Way!
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