Nainital - Lake Divine

Dreaming of getting away from the hectic daily routine? Then, a mystical land, with its lovely lakes, a view of distant snowcapped peaks, toasty weather and adventure beckons you. The season is never a reason to visit this quaint hill station. Each season brings a fresh look . It is cold and silent in winters, green and chirpy in summers, bright and colorful in spring. The autumn winds nips you gently and the soft crunch of fallen leaves reverberates under your feet, do not complain that you have not been fore-warned about the charms of the place. She will make you want to prolong your stay here so you can continue your romance with nature. Whether it's your honeymoon, a sabbatical with your family or a spot of trekking with friends, Nainital will not disappoint you.

At a Glance 

Nainital is perched atop the Kumaon Hills at an altitude of 1,938 m above sea level. It is the headquarters of the Nainital District, located in the state of Uttaranchal in north India.

When to Visit:

Nainital is a major summer destination and is best visited when people are thinking of avoiding the heat in the plains. Mid-April to mid-July and October are the high seasons here. But then of course, if you like to chill out whatever the weather, do come during November. Sip on the hot tea as the locals do, for the weather can be rather nippy. The view across the Naini Lake is spectacular, do check it out.

Orientation & Getting Around:

Cycle rickshaws are a good option for seeing around the Mall and come cheap too. Taxis offer a luxury ride, but are very heavy upon the pocket! If you know the roads, then nothing like exploring Naini on foot. A walk along the Mall area with the heady combination of the weather and the serenity of the place promises to be the ultimate in a vacation experience. You can also consider riding on a horse, which can be hired at Barapatthar. But horse riding inside Nainital town is a strict no. Ropeway: cable-car (Tel 35772) from Poplar's, Mallital to Snow View, summer 0700 - 1900. Return fare Rs. 50, advance booking recommended in season, tickets valid for one hour halt at the top.

Dial in code(s): City code:05942

Distance(s):

• 51 km from Mukteshwar
• 60 km from Ranikhet
• 19 km from Baijnath
• 100 km from Jageshwar
• 95 km from Binsar
• 128 km from Corbett National Park
• 310 km from Delhi
• 40 km from Haldwani

How to Reach

Road: 

State transport as well private operators run buses from Tallital Bus Stand to Dehrarun (300kms) Delhi (310kms) Haldwani (40kms) and Ramnagar (65kms).

Rail: 

Kathgodam, 35 km away, is the nearest railhead. Trains link the town to Delhi, Kolkata, Dehradun and Lucknow. From Kathgodam, there are taxis available on shared seat basis, for those on shoestring budgets. Regular cabs and buses are also at your service.

Air: 

Pantnagar, about 70 km from Nainital, is the nearest airport with direct flights to Delhi. From here you have to either hire a cab or take a bus.

Must see, Must do

Mountain Gazing

For the best views, take the cable car to Snow-View Point. If the skies are clear, you can spot the soaring Nanda Devi; at 7,816 m, it is among the tallest mountain peaks in the world. The cable car operates between 10 am and 4 pm.

Naina Peak (China Peak)

The highest peak of the town, it commands a panoramic view of the snow-laden Himalayas, from Bandar Punch in the west to Api and Nari peaks of Nepal in the east. You can also get a bird's eye view of Nainital town. For those not wanting to exercise their legs, there are ponies and horses to ride upto Naini Peak. These can be hired from Snow-View Point or from Mallital.

Land's End

At an altitude of 2,118 m, you get a bewitching view of the surrounding hills and valleys and the lovely Khurpatal Lake. The place couldn't have been better named as you walk up the gentle slope, the land really does seem to end. The best way to get here is to take a drive up to Barapatthar and then walk the last kilometer.

Dorothy Seat and Tiffin Top

As the name suggests, pack a picnic hamper and head to this rugged hillside for a lazy afternoon. Dorothy Seat is a memorial for an English painter named Dorothy Kellet, built by her husband and admirers. You can cover Tiffin Top and Land's End in one go.

Shopping

Nainital is replete with souvenir shops and emporiums that sell textiles, clothing and handicrafts. The Mall Road, now named Govind Ballabh Pant Marg, is an excellent place for shopping for bric-a-brac and gifts. Other shopping hubs are Mallital Bazaar, Tallital Bazaar and Tibetan Market near Naina Devi Temple. Panchachuli Shop (Mallital, near Naina Devi Temple) sells fabrics hand-woven by the women of Almora. Intricately carved cane sticks, multicolored candles and wooden carvings are the local specialties. You can get these at Gupta Gift Emporium (Bara Bazaar in Mallital), Hill Top Tourist Point (Nainital, Ph. 235388) and Kasta Kala Kendra (Chorekhet, Khurpatal). If you want to pick up sweaters, check out Bohtia Bazaar at the Mall. Bhowali, about 11 km from Nainital, has a fruit mart where you can buy fresh-from-the-orchard apples, peaches and cherries.

Travel Tips

• Nainital is a photographer's delight, so do not forget to take a camera with both wide angle and zoom lens for capturing the distant Himalayan peaks and vistas.

• There is always a nip in the air, so ideally pack some warm clothes.

• A good pair of walking shoes always helps in the hills.

Emergency Info:

TRC Reservation Office,Nainital - 231436, 236374 (Fax)

Ropeway, Nainital – 235772

Bus Station,Nainital – 235518

Nainital Club Reception - 235611,235711,235722

B.D.Pandey Hospital,Nainital - 235012,235022

Fire Services Nainital – 235626

Commissioner (Nainital) - 235750, FAX-236041.

Addl. Commissioner - 237084, 237085

M.D. KMVN, Nainital - 236897,235700, 236209.

Deputy Director (Tourism) - 235337.