NAINITAL

ABOUT NAINITAL

Nainital is 34 Km from Kathgodam, the gateway of Kumaon and the terminus of North Eastern Railway. It is 304 km from Delhi, capital of India, and 388 km from Lucknow. According to the District Gazetteer Nainital is situated at 29 degree 24' north latitude and 79 degree 28' east longitude, in a valley of the Gagar range running east and west, which is bounded on the north by the peak of China, which rises to a height of 8.568 feet, continued by the Alma peak (presently known as Snow-View) and the Sher-Ka-Danda to the eastern extremity, where the ridge descends almost to the level of the lake. On the west the rugged hill of Deopatha rises to a height of 7,987 feet, and on the south Ayarpatha attains an elevation of 7,461 feet diminishing gradually towards the east.
Nainital, owing to its location, is colder than the rest of the hilly tract of Kumaon region. During monsoon, it gets heavy rainfall. The climate, therefore, is damp. The neighbouring areas of Almora and Ranikhet are warmer than Nainital. Similarly humidity in Nainital is less than in other hill towns. The monthly maximum and minimum temperature of the town ranged between 28.06 degree C and 7.06 degree C.

HOW TO REACH THERE

Air : Pant Nagar is the nearest airport, which is 71 kilometres from Nainital.
Road: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station and it takes about an hour or so to reach Nainital from Kathgodam. Nainital is well connected by road to other parts of the country. You can reach Nainital by road from Delhi, Lucknow, Agra and Bareilly.
Local Transport : From Pant Nagar one can hire a taxi or take a bus.

SIGHT SEEING IN NAINITAL

Nainital in the Kumaon region of Uttaranchal, in North India, is a delightful holiday destination. This beautiful hill resort is a perfect holiday getaway from the heat of the plains during the North Indian summer.
This hill resort derives its name from Indian mythology. According to legend when Sati the consort of Lord Shiva died, Shiva carried her body back to his abode in the Himalayas. One of her eyes fell at this location and the lake at the centre of the town is shaped like an eye. The hill resort therefore is named Nainital from Nain (eye) and Tal (lake).
The town of Nainital was created by English settlers in the early 1800's. It is now a popular hill resort to which holidaymakers and tourists come from far and wide, to enjoy its pleasant climate and green ambience.
Walks : Holiday travellers can enjoy walking along the Mall and shopping. Candles, wooden handicraft items and woollen clothing can be purchased here. The hillsides around the town offer walks with beautiful views of the green hills as well as the snow-clad Himalayas in the distance, including the towering Nanda Devi peak. Dorothy's Seat (2292 metres) is named in memory of an English woman who died in an air crash. This viewpoint offers a sweeping view of the town and the nearby hills.
China Peak (Naina Peak) :China Peak (Naina Peak), is situated at a height of 2610 metres, is a 5.5 km trek and has a 4-roomed log cabin where holiday travellers can rest. A ropeway connects this viewpoint to Snow View at 2270 metres. Snow View offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas.
Hanuman Temple : The Hanuman temple at Hanuman Garhi is 3.2 kms away from Nainital. The temple premises offer a beautiful view of the sunset. The Government Observatory is also worth a visit.
Adventure Sports : Holiday visitors can enjoy sailing, yachting, canoeing and kayaking on the lake. Parasailing takes place near Naukuchiatal and hot air ballooning near Sukhatal. There are also opportunities for Golf, Rock climbing and mountaineering.
Lakes : The lakes near Nainital are a popular holiday attraction. They include: Bhimtal, Sattal, (seven lakes - is 22 km from Nainital), Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Malwatal, Harishtal and Lokhamtal.
Horticulture : Fruit orchards where pears, peaches, apples and apricots are grown in abundance are worth a visit, particularly when they are in full bloom.

EXCURSIONS FROM NAINITAL

Kausani :120 Km from Nainital lies the beautiful town of Kausani -also called the Switzerland of India. It provides an enchanting sunrise over the Himalayas -a rich experience which will remain alive in your memories for lifetime.It offers fantastic views of Trishul, twin peaks of Nanda Devi and Panchchuli(5 chimneys). Gandhiji stayed here in 1929 and was inspired by the Himalayan panorama.
Khurpatal :Quitely esconded at an altitude of 1633 meters and 10 kms by bus from Nainital, this small hamlet is endowed with a beautiful lake and its crystal clear waters are a paradise of perfection for the anglers and swimmers and is inhabited by a number of fishes. It is situated on Nainital-Ramnagar motorable road.
Bhimtal :About 22 kms from Nainital, nestled in a beautiful pristine valley, this jem of a lake is the largest around Nainital. The beauty is enhanced by a small Island surrounded by crystal blue water.According to legend, Bhima became enamoured with Hidimbi, a rakshasa. Her brother took offense and engaged Bhima in a battle at this site. Bhima was victorious, but was battle weary and wanted to wash himself. On demand, a spring of water spouted out so he could clean himself and so the town of Bhimtal was named. To honour Bhima's exploits, the Bhimeshwarmahadev Temple has been built. Bhimtal also houses the palace of the Maharaja of Jind, which now serves as an educational establishment.
Kilbury :At an altitude of 2528 mtrs, an ideal place for a quiet weekend holiday and picnic.Kilbury is a part of a forest reserve and is rich in flora and birdlife. Forest Rest House is available for accommodation with the permission of D.F.O. Nainital.
Sattal :It is 21 km from nainital situated at an altitude of (1370 MT) Sattal is one of the most picturesque resorts of Kumaon.It was originally a cluster of seven lakes, now reduced to five (since two have dried up), Sat Tal has all it takes to veil the place in a kind of mystique-densely wooded hills, roads that glide under a canopy of gossamer green oak trees, pines and dark brooding firs, little creeks along the shores of the lakes and boat rides on the placid waters.KMVN provides accommodation facilities.
Nakuchiyatal :Naukuchiatal or 'lake of nine corners' is About 4 kms from Bhim Tal at an altitude of 1218MT. It is known for its tranquillity and the orchards and dense jungles that surround it.The lake is fed by an underground perennial spring. This lake boasts of a good walking track around it. Apart from boating and angling one could also take off on a trek in the neighbouring hillside.It provides solace from the maddening rush of the plains. Weather :Summer: 11C-26C Winter:2C-14C
Corbett National Park :Nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas, the Corbett National Park was named after a famous British hunter-- Jim Corbett, who had written the famous book, The Man-Eaters of Kumaon. This park extends over an area of more than 520 sq km. With the inclusion of the Sonanadi wildlife sanctuary to the west, Corbett has grown from 520 to 1318 sq km. Varied topography and vegetation gives Corbett a rich diversity in habitats and natural beauty. Flat valleys are interspersed with hilly