Nainital Travel Guide

This attractive hill station was once the summer capital of Uttar Pradesh and is the largest town in Kumaon. This region is called the Switzerland of Asia Like most hill stations homesick Brits who were reminded of the Cumbrian Lake District founded Nainital.

The first recorded discovery of this now popular hill station was in 1841 when a Britisher 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  to becmme  a well-known  hill station and within  a few years  the summer seat of the provincial  government.

According to local belief the origin of Nainital dates back to mythological times. Sati Lord Shiva consort committed suicide at the yajna of Daksha Prajapati. When  Lord  Shiva  roamed  the  universe carrying her dead body  Sati’s eyes fell  near the lake where the Naina Devi temple  is the venue  of an autumnal  fair. In ancient  times the lake was  known  as the Tri-Rishis  Sarovar  the lake of the three Rishi-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 flats, the level ground by the lake. Nainital’s range from quiet walks in meadows and forest of pines and deciduous to adventure sports as well as popular entertainment. This hill resort can be enjoyed at any time of the year.

The hotels and popular villas of this popular resort are set around the peaceful Naini Lake or Tal hence the name. This is certainly one of the most pleasant hill stations to visit and there are many interesting walks through the forests to point with superb views of the Himalaya.

Places of attraction

Snow View:  Situated  at 2270 mts. this  popular vantage  point is accessible  by ropeway. It offers an excellent view of the northern Himalayan ranges dominated by Nanda Devi. Alternatively anyone can take one of the beautifully groomed horses from Mallital to Snow View offering a pleasant alternative to the steep to 2 kms walk. A walk up to  Snow  View can take in the tiny Gadhan  Kunkyop Ling Gompa  of the Gelupa  order ( of which Dalai Lama  is the spiritual  leader).

Take the road uphill from the Hotel city Heart from where a path branches off towards the gompa (the colourful prayer flags are visible from the road).

Naina Peak : At 2611 mts., this is the highest peak bordering the lake. A popular picnic spot which offers a panoramic view of the resort it is a 5 kms walk from the lake. From the top there are stunning views of the Himalaya including Nanda Devi and the mountains on the Tibetan  border.

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. This is also known as Tiffin top from where it’s a lovely walk to Land’s End through a forest of Oak, Deodar and Pine.

Land’s End : Situated at 2118 mts. on the southern border of the lake this hill affords a view  of another Lak Khurpa  Tall.

Hanuman Garhi: Other destinations for walks include the Hanumangarhi   temple 3 kms south of Tallital which is known for its sunset. It is 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.

Naini Lake : This  attractive  lake is said to be one of the emerald  green  eyes of Shiva’s wife Sati  ( Naina  is Sanskrit  for eye).The modern  Naina Devi Temple at the northern  end of  the lake is built over the  precise  spot where the eye  is believed  to have  fallen.

Sat Tal: It is a large lake in an amphitheatre of hills with a wooded island which is a popular  picnic spot also.

Nainital Zoo: 1.5 kms south-east. The zoo specializes in high-altitude species and is open from 10am to 5pm daily except Monday.

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