"Some people waste their time to search for beautiful places while some are born in it"
Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations of north India located in the state of Uttarakhand on the foothills of Himalayas. It is a quaint little town with a luscious green lake, surrounded by seven majestic mountain ranges namely, Naina, Deopatha, Ayarpata, Sher ka Danda, Laria Kanta, china peak, Alma. From the tops of these high peaks, one can see magnificent views of the town and the lake; one can also observe the vast plains to the south or mass of tangled ridges lying north covered in snow, being in a place like Nainital brings a person closer to the mesmerizing beauty of nature. There cannot be a better place to live than this if you want to feel pure peace and serenity. I feel so lucky to have been born in this gifted place.
There are several events organized here according to these seasons, to keep the tourists amused. So you can never get bored here if you are not doing any activity. Now talking about activities, there is a lot to enjoy and lot to experience here, from boating in the beautiful lake to mountain climbing and trekking in the surrounding hills to shopping in the mall road and the Tibetan market there’s lots to experience here. Nainital is truly an experience in itself you got to visit to discover.
Some Mythological Stories
There is an interesting story behind the origin of Nainital which I really want to share with you. Nainital is referred to in the Manas Khand of the Skand Purana as the Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, the lake of three sages Atri, Pulatsya and Pulaha who were known to have arrived here on a penitential pilgrimage and finding no water to quench their thirst dug a hole and siphoned water into it from Mansarovar the sacred lake in Tibet. Interesting …isn't it..?
Another interesting story related to the origin of Nainital is that it is known as one of 64 Shakti Peeths. These centres were created wherever the charred body of Sati fell when Lord Shiva was carrying her body in grief. It is said that the left eye of Sati (Nain) fell here that’s why the lake is shaped like an emerald eye, thus giving it the name Nainital i.e. Naina (eye) and the Tal (Lake). The goddess Sati thus is worshipped here as the Naina Devi. Her temple here is highly revered and is the most beautiful temple in the city; it is where one can soak themselves in the divine light. It is built over the lake and is said to have protected the lake and its denizens since long before.
Although the lake held great reverence as the abode of gods for the locals, the world knew nothing of this place till the late 1830s. In the year 1839 the merchant P Barron discovered the lake by tricking a local guide and finally Nainital gained its place on the world map. Nainital was a beloved holiday station for the British before independence and the town is still laden with beautiful British architecture. The oldest Methodist church in Asia was built here and is still standing tall overlooking the lake. It is a popular tourist destination for admirers of Victorian architecture.
Things to do in Nainital
Nainital is the perfect combination of civilization and nature working together in harmony. This makes a lot of places for travellers to explore. If you are a nature lover then you have a lot to see here from sunsets in Hanuman Garhi to snowfalls in Kilburry, beautiful caves of cave garden to the splendid views of china peak and sunrise at tiffin top, Nainital is simply heaven. Besides this, here is a zoo made for the conservation of endangered species of animals and birds. It is a must-visit place for travellers with little children. It is one of the highest altitude zoos in India famous for a variety a pheasant species, along with animals like the majestic and regal snow leopard. You can also find Tibetan wolf, leopard, sambar, lady Amherst pheasant, red jungle wolf, rose-ringed parakeet, Himalayan bear, white peacock, royal Bengal tigers, red panda and many more animals here. If you are a bit daring and in the mood of some adventure then a jungle safari in the Jim Corbett national park is an experience you can enjoy, which is just a 2 hours scenic drive away.
The tour of Nainital cannot be completed without the mention of the surrounding areas of Bhimtal, Saattal, Naukuchiyatal and Sariatal. Bhimtal has a wonderful lake with a small island at its centre which is accessible via boats; the island has an aquarium with exotic species of fishes to see. Naukuchiatal is a lake with nine corners and is beautiful and scenic providing a perfect spot for photography. Saattal is truly exotic and a perfect picnic spot with several small and big lakes. In all these lakes many adventure sports and activities are conducted too.
Nainital is the perfect place for shoppers. Those who love shopping they can do so while having a pleasant walk alongside the lake in the mall road, one can find a wide range of beautiful and unique handmade candles, wind chimes, dream catchers, woollen shawls and much other exciting stuff here. Bara Bazaar is a local market where you can find everything from a pin to a pot. There is a Tibetan market here commonly known as Bhotia market, trust me, this place is a shoppers paradise; people can come here and experience its vibrancy and uniqueness. Tibetan bags, exquisite scarves, shawls, junk accessories, extensive Tibetan clothes along with Tibetan food and other eye-popping local items are sold here.
Whenever I go to this market I always eat the momos from the famous Sonam’s. And while we are talking about food it is imperative to mention that Nainital offers all kinds of mouth-watering delicacies. From Indian continental to local Kumauni cuisine there are lots to enjoy. Kumauni food such as Bhatt ki Churkani, Kadi Chawal, Kaddu Bhaat, Jhangore ki kheer are absolutely divine and are a must-try for everyone. In some restaurants, in the Bara bazaar food lovers can try the best pahadi street food such as aloo puri, pakoras, raita, bhang ki chutney, bun tikki, aloo samosa etc. Maggie and corn on cob are also to die for and can be found almost everywhere once you enter Nainital.
How to Reach
The nearest airport is the Pantnagar airport in the Udhamsingh Nagar district which is approximately 60km away from the main town. Nainital can also be reached by train, nearest railway station being the Kathgodam railway station which is just ½ an hour away from the main town.
Nainital is about 306km from the national capital which takes approx. 5 hours to travel via car or bus.
Places to stay
Nainital being a popular tourist spot has an array of different hotels and resorts which ranges from super luxurious to modest and affordable. The accommodation could be found in the heart of the town overlooking the lake in hotels like –
Hotel Alka
Classic the mall
The lakeside inn
If in need of a place of accommodation located in a peaceful setting then there are others like –
Hotel Manu maharani
Arif castle
Vikram Vintage
Places not to Miss Out
Restaurants and Café:
Hard rock café
Sonam’s
Anupam Restaurant (for authentic kumauni food)
Chicken Corner
Sakleys café
Spicy affair
Machan Restaurant
China town
Hunger Strike
Simz Café
Places to Visit
Pashan Devi temple
Kilburry and Pangot bird sanctuary
Naina Devi temple
Snow view, Nainital Ropeway
Ayar Jungle camp
Tiffin Top (Dorothy’s Seat)
Land’s End
Cliffs Tallital
Naini Lake
Tibetan market
Being in Nainital is an experience of a lifetime. This is a place which should definitely be in your bucket list. This is a place which offers a unique experience to every person, so if you want to get away from the hectic life of big cities then this is your place to be.
Have a fun-filled escapade!
About Writer
I am Alvina Zafri. I am a law student. I really love travelling, exploring new things and new people across the globe. I am a part-time traveller and I have just started my journey through the world. I travel with my family but I do want to travel solo.
Travel does not only means exploring but bringing back memories tangible or intangible that stays with you forever in your heart. I like to share my travel stories with people who are into travelling just like me. I believe that travelling brings peace to the mind and soul.
I love to say that “this heart of mine was made to travel the world”.
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