Nainital was discovered in 1841 by a Britisher called Lord Barron. Since its creation it has remained one of the hot favourites of the tourists from all over the world. Nainital is blessed with scenic, natural splendour and varied natural resources. It has earned the epithet of ' Lake District of India'. The terraced farms, lush green alpine forests, winding river valleys and mountain ridges - these sights make the hill station of Nainital a holiday spot that one can never forget.

Alluring Sights

The mesmerising land of Nainital has no dearth of worth visiting spots. Most famous ones are -

Naini Lake - This lake is the nucleus of Nainital's exquisite beauty. The lake looks magical at night when the myriads of bulbs from the hill sides stab their magic light into its water. Hindu mythology has it that the deep green lake is one of the emerald green eyes of Parvati, Shiva's wife. The lake offers all the holiday makers an opportunity for yachting, boating or paddling the boat.

Naina Devi Temple - This temple is located on the northern shore of Naini temple. The presiding deity of this temple is Naina Devi.

Snow View - The height of this hill top is 2270 mts and is the most easily accessible hill top. A real thrill for kids as well as adults is the rope way Aerial Express to Snow View. One can get the majestic and glittering view of the Himalayas from here.

Tiffin Top - This spot is also known as Dorothy's Seat. This terraced hill top commands a nice view of the neighbouring country side. Dorothy's Seat is a stonework picnic perch on Tiffin Top built as a memorial to an English artist, Dorothy Kellet, by her husband and admirers after her death in a plane crash.

Nainital Zoo - This zoo is the home to monkeys, Himalayan black bear, Leopard, Siberian Tiger, Palm civet cat, Wolf, Hill Fox, Ghoral, Deer , Sambhar and many more. This zoo is one of the major attractions of Nainital and is often crowded with visitors.

Caves Garden - This feature is the latest addition in the list of numerous tourism spots in Nainital . It is located in Sukha Tal around one Km from Mallital very near to Kumaun University Campus.

Naina or China Peak - This is the highest peak of the town. It gives an entrancing view of the snow clad Himalayas and a bird's eye view of the Naini lake.

Hanuman Garhi - It is a religious centre and offers picturesque sun set view. This also is a home to a famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

Gurney House - This former house, of Jim Corbett, is located on Ayarpatta Hill. The house is now a museum of Corbett memorabilia. The surrounding hillside is rich with deodar, oak, pine and rhododendron.

Land's End - As the name suggest, here it really looks as if you have come to the end of the land and you can touch the horizon just by stretching out your hand. It is a beautiful place 4 kilometres from the town.

The Flatts - This place is a multi purpose place that has something to offer to everyone. There is a fountain, band stand, a statue of Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant and a sports ground that is used for sports and other cultural activities.

Rajbhavan - The Governor's House was built in the line of Buckingham Palace having double storied 113 rooms . State guests coming to Nainital also use it for their stay. It consists of a marvellous garden, Golf Links, Swimming Pool and other places that are worth a visit.

Things To Do....

Nainital is indeed a paradise for all the adventure seekers. It offers loads and loads of adventure activities. Like fun time jeep tours, canoeing, caving, kayaking, river rafting, horse riding, trekking and rock climbing, yachting.

Trekking options in Nainital

• Nainital Betalghat Trek
• Nainital Binayak Trek
• Nainital Kainchi Trek
• Nainital Kilbury Trek
• Nainital Kunjkharak Trek
• Snow View Trek

Horse Riding In Nainital
Any visitor coming to Nainital cannot miss the joy of riding a horse on the Mall. Not only at the Mall but to reach the Snow view point, Tiffin top, Kilburi from the Mallital area one can hire ponies and horses. You can go around the town riding the horse. In fact one of the ways to experience Nainital is on a horses back.

Angling is also an important pass time in Nainital.

Go Shopping.....

It is absolutely impossible to return from Nainital without shopping. Shopping here is an exhilarating experience. The region is very famous for fabrics and woollen garments. One can take back home colourful and shaped candles, intricately carved cane ticks, variety of sweaters, cardigans , caps, shawls and exquisitely designed wood - carved utilities.

Shopping Centres

Sardar Sons Arun Gift Store Shivam Gift Store Nagpal Gift Centre Darshan Brothers The Mini Mall Road Shop

Bara Bazaar Bhotia Market Tibetan Market Mallital Tallital

Food Joints

A tourist visiting Nainital can enjoy mouth watering food that are offered to them by the innumerable and good quality restaurants. These provide vegetarian as well as non vegetarian cuisine. Some of them are -

Laxmi Restaurant Heritage Restaurant Capri Restaurant Machan Restaurant Embassy Restaurant Shivalik Restaurant Kumaon Restaurant

Sher 'e' Punjab Kwality Restaurant Tandoor Restaurant Rasoi Restaurant Moti Mahal Prem Restaurant

Accommodation

The accommodation options are in ample in Nainital. A tourist can pick from the several hotels and lodges that cater to the demands and needs of the tourists. Some of them are -

Alka The Lake Side Hotel Animika Ocean Hotel The Palace Belvedere Hotel Balrampur House Channi Raja Hotel Hotel Welcome Park Grand Hotel Hotel Langadale Manor

Hotel Radha Continental Hotel Arsh Hotel City Heart Hotel Lake View Kohli Cottage Hotel Prashant Alps Hotel

Climate Wonders

Nainital is located in the hilly part of the state. Owing to its location, the climate of Nainital is salubrious. During the summer months, the temperature ranges between 36°C and 16.7° C. The winter months are colder with the maximum and minimum temperatures touching 23.4°C and 5.2° C respectively.