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NAINITAL
Nainital, in Uttaranchal is famous not just for its green hills or many lakes, is also famous for its many legends and interesting stories. Numerous ancient temples and peaks with amazing views of the mountains in the surroundings add to Nainital's magical appeal. The history of this exquisite town sails over the surface of the Naini Lake, where local people narrate the stories of the rishis who brought the waters of the sacred Mansarovar River. Nainital is also address to Sherwood, one of India's most prestigious schools.
According to a legend Parwati the daughter of King Daksha held a great 'Yajna' but did not invite Goddess Parvati and her partner Lord Shiva. Parvati could not bear this humiliation and in her fury, gate-crashed into the 'Yajna' and leaped into the flames of the fire to end her life. And later lord Shiva retrieved her half-charred body himself. A majority of the local people believe that the eyes of the Goddess dropped in the lake while her body was being carried by Lord Shiva to the Kailesh Parvat. Thus, the lake was named 'Nainital' or Naini Lake.
Places of Interest
Bhimtal
About 22 km from Nainital, nestled in a beautiful spotless valley, this gem of a lake is the largest around Nainital. Its beauty is enriched by a small Island surrounded by crystal clear blue water.
Khurpatal
At an altitude of (1635 MT) lies just another beautiful spot at a distance of 12 km from Nainital popularly known as Khurpatal. It is considered to be angler’s paradise with clear water and a good harvest of fish.
Sattal
Quite literally meaning seven lakes is a group of small lakes together, about 23 km from Nainital at an altitude of (1370 MT) still untouched and intact from modernization –nature is at her best here.
Nakuchiyatal: (1218 MT)
About 4 km from Bhim Tal -lies the charismatic and mystique lake with 9 corners. Surrounded by dense wooded hills on all sides it provides succor and relief from the maddening and exasperating rush of the plains.
Kainchi
It is a placed at an altitude of (1400 MT) at a distance of 20km from Nainital & favoured by both tourists and devotees alike. It is a modern contemporary pilgrimage centre established by Neem karoli Baba, a saint of early sixties of the twentieth century.
Kilbury
At about 12km. from Nainital at a height of (2528 MT) lies a place fit for weekend getaways. It is famous for its flora and fauna. One can have a broad panoramic view of Himalayas besides a view of Tarai and Bhabhar.
Kausani :( 1890 MT)
120 Km from Nainital lies this beautiful town of Kausani -also called the Switzerland of India. It bestows an enchanting sunrise over the Himalayas -a rich experience that will be etched in your memories for life.
Ranikhet :( 1829 MT)
This beautiful hill resort is around 63 km from Nainital. Its beauty lies in its plainness and simplicity The orchards, the temples, the joy grounds provide an excellent retreat spot.
General Information
Altitude: 1938 Meters or 6,360 ft, above sea level.
Climate: Summer- Max 27 C. Min 10 C. Winter- Max 15 C. Min 3 C.
Best Times to Visit Season: March to June & September to November
Travel Information
Air: The nearest airport is at Pantnagar, 71 km away. It is connected by Vayudoot services with Delhi. A coach takes the tourists to Nainital. Taxis are also available.
Train: The nearest railhead is at Kathgodam, 35 km away. Nainital is connected by rail to Delhi, Agra, Bareilly and Lucknow. Taxis and buses are available from Kathgodam to Nainital.
Road: Nainital is connected to Delhi (322 km), Bareilly (141 km), Almora (66 km) and Ranikhet (60 km). Public and private bus companies ply regular bus services between Nainital and Delhi, Lucknow, Bareilly, Hardwar, Dehradun, Almora, Ranikhet, Ramnagar and other important towns in the state