 The first recorded discovery of this now popular hill station of Nainital, was in 1841 when a British, Mr. Barron, chanced upon the lake. Moved by the scenic beauty of the lake and thickly forested hills, he constructed a house named Pilgrim's Cottage. It was the first of many residences, which were to transform Nainital into a popular resort. By 1858, Nainital became a well-known hill station, and within a few years became the summer seat of the provincial government.
According to local belief the origin of Nainital dates back to mythological times. Sati, Lord Shiva's consort committed suicide at the yajna of Daksha Prajapati. When Lord Shiva roamed across the universe carrying her dead body, Sati's eye fell near the lake, where the Naina Devi temple now stands. The waters of the lake are therefore considered sacred and the Naina Devi temple is the venue of an autumnal fair. In ancient times, the lake was know as the Tri-rishi Sarovar, the lake of three rishis-Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha.
Prior to 1839, the valley was covered by thick forests and inhabited by hill tribesmen. A major landslide in 1880 led to the formation of the flat level ground by the lake, where a variety of entertainment awaits the traveler.
Nainital's attractions range from quiet walks in meadows to the forests of pine and deciduous, the adventure sports as well as popular entertainment. This hill resort can be enjoyed at any time of the year.
Nainital is also known as 'Lake Paradise'. In its beautiful 'lakes ', option of boating through yachts, paddle boats and traditional rowing boats are available. The Nainital Boat House Club exclusively holds the management of Yachting in Nainital. In Nainital district, Sat Tal, Bhim Tal and Naukuchiyatal also have water sport and boating facilities. Nainital is famous for its candles, woolens, woodcrafts and handicrafts.
Fishing
Permits for Nainital Lake from Executive Officer, Nagar Palika
General Info
Area : 11.7 Sq. km.
Population : 30,951 (1991 census)
Altitude : 1938 meters above sea level.
Season : March- June, mid September - October
Clothing: Summer - Light Woolens; Winters - Heavy Woolens
Language : Hindi, English & Kumaoni.
Local Transport : Rickshaws, Dandies, Ropeway, Ponies, Taxis.
STD Code: 05942
Accessibility
Rail
Nearest railway station is at Kathgodam -35 km, which is connected by meter guage to Agra, Bareilly and Lucknow.
Road
Nainital is connected by road to major centers of northern India, some of the major road distances are:
Almora - 62 km.
Agra - 379 km.
Delhi - 277 km.
Kausani - 117 km
Ranikhet - 60km.
Corbett (Dhikala) - 128 km.
Bareilly - 141 km
For other lakes
Fisheries Officer, Bhimtal.
Boating
Boats are available on hire near Boat House Club, Mallital and Tallital.
Yachting
Hire yacht from Yacht Club, Mallital.
Mountaineering & Trekking
Equipment can be hired from the Nainital Mountaineering Club and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam.
Places to visit
Snow View
Situated at 2270 meters this popular vantage point is accessible by rope way. It offers an excellent view of the northern Himalayan ranges.
Naina Peak
At 2611 meters this is the highest peak bordering the lake. A popular picnic spot which offers a panoramic view of the resort.
Dorothy's Seat
Named in memory of an English woman who was killed in an air crash. This pleasant spot offers a partial view of Nainital.
Land's End
Situated at 2881 meters on the southern border of the lake, this hill affords a view of another lake, Khurpa Tal.
Hanuman Garhi
A place of religious interest, also good for viewing the setting sun.
State Observatory
Located on the top of a ridge, the observatory is open to the public in the evening.
The Mall
Nainital's popular promenade offers a variety of entertainment
Excursion
Kilbury
10 km. Accessible by road, it is part of a forest reserve and rich in flora and bird life.
Khurpa Tal
10 km. A small lake along the Nainital-Kaladhungi-Ramnagar Road, popular with picnickers and anglers.
Bhowali
11 km. Situated at an altitude of 1706 meter on the main Haldwani-Almora Road, it is a popular health resort.
Jeolikote
18 km. A noted bee-keeping Center.
Sat Tal
21 km. One of the most picturesque resorts of Kumaon, it has seven interconnected lakes. KMVN provides accommodation facilities.
Bhim Tal
22 km. Fast developing into an independent tourist center, this lake resort offers a quite vacation and facilities for water sports. KMVN has a Tourist Bungalow here.
Naukuchiya Tal
26 km. A nine-cornered lake situated in an enchanting valley, this is a popular haunt of anglers and naturalists.
Ramgarh
26 km. A picturesque hamlet set in the midst of fruit orchards. This fruit belt of Kumaon is famous for its juicy fruits all over India.
Kaladhungi
35 km. Situated in the Terai, and surrounded by thick forests of Sal, this was the winter home of noted hunter and naturalist, Jim Corbett. His house has been turned into a museum.
Ram Nagar
50 km.
Mukteshwar
51 km. from Nainital, Mukteshwar set atop a high ridge, is one of Kumaon's beautiful resorts. It abounds in fruit orchards and dense coniferous forests. It also offers a fine view of the majestic Himalayas, as well as of Almora. The famous Indian Veterinary Research Institute is located in Mukteshwar.
Ghorakhal
37 km. Famous for the temple of Gollu Devta, a demi god highly revered by the Kumaoni. The famous Sainik School of India is also located here.
State Govt. Tourism Accommodation
Nainital Club.
Naina Tourist Rest House (KMVN), Sukhatal, Mallital.
Sarovar Tourist Rest House (KMVN), Tallital.
Rope Way Tourist Rest House (KMVN), Snow View.
There are a number of restaurants in Nainital, serving a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine.
Hospitals
Badri Dutt Pande Hospital, Mallital.
Tourist Information Offices
- State Government Tourist Office, The Mall, Mallital.
- Parvat Tours and Information Center. (KMVN), Dandi House, The Mall, Tallital.
- Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, Oak Park House, Mallital, Nainital.
- Anamika Travels, The Mall.
- Darshan Travels, The Mall.
- Hill Top House, The Mall.
- Hina Tours and Travels, The Mall.
- Kurmanchal Travels, The Mall.
- Skylark Travels, The Mall.
- Y.T.D.O. Travels, The Mall.
Conducted Tours
Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd., Nainital offers a variety of tours during the whole year. For details and bookings one can contact the Parvat Tours, or Tourist Rest House, Nainital
A number of local excursion agents also operate conducted tours for different places during the season.
Festivals
Autumn Festival (October), Nanda Devi Fair (August-September).
Best time to visit
The best time to visit any hill resort in India is certainly the summer months from March to June. The months of September and October are also pleasant to be visited. Though the monsoon season in between from end of June to August should be avoided.
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