small town in the hills of Kumaon, Nainital is a lovely
hill station surrounded by mountains on three sides. Once this area had many
lakes and it was called the City of 60 lakes or 'Chakta'. Most of the lakes
in the region have disappeared and whatever remains is just a glimpse of
what they might have been in the past. Today the life of Nainital revolves
around the lake of Naini.
But
there are few other lakes around Nainital which are equally beautiful and
attractive as the Naini lake. River Ramganga originates from the Doodha
Tauli ranges in district Pauri Garhwal. It enters into district Nainital,
before re-entering into district Pauri Garhwal. Nainital was discovered in
1841 by a Britisher called Lord Barron. The weather, the surrounding and the
mesmerising beauty of this area attracted the British administrator who
turned Nainital into the summer capital of the United Province. Being a
major tourist place Nainital is always bustling with visitors and it is
always better if accommodation and other facilites are prearranged.
Religious Places in Nainital Hanuman Garhi ( Nainital
):This place is of religious importance. Situated at a height of
1951 meters this place was established by Baba Neem Kiroli. A very beautiful
Hanuman mandir is at the top. From Hanuman Garhi watching the Sunset is very
soothing. You can walk down from Nainital to Hanuman Garhi.
Naina
Devi Temple ( Nainital ): The attractive lake of Nainital is said
to be the eyes of Sati, wife of Lord Shiva. Sati jumped into the sacrificial
bonfire. Lord Shiva to mourn the death of his beloved wife carried the body
across the country. The remains of her body fell at various places which
today are sacred worship places for the Hindus.
St.
John's Church ( Nainital ): This church was built in 1847. A brass
memorial is kept in memory of the persons who were buried in the infamous
landslide. The few bodies which could be dug out were buried in the church
premises.
Snow View ( Nainital ): The Snow view
point is located at height of 2270 meter from the sea level. This place can
be reached by the ropeway or the ponies available at the Mallitaal.
Zoo
Gardens ( Nainital ): Naini Tal has a small but a very beautiful
Zoological garden. There are many animals kept here which includes Deers,
Bears, Tigers and many more. The hygiene and cleanness of the zoo is a point
which attracts the mind even if one ignores it. Not surprising this zoo is
one of the most clean zoos in the country. The zoo can be reached on foot or
taxi can be hired.
Kilburi ( Nainital ): Kilburi
is slightly away from Nainital. 12 kms from the main town, this place is
peaceful and quite. Located amidst green forests this place provides a break
from crowds of the city. Kilburi gives a very good view of the Himalayas.
The forest department has got its guest house here. Kilburi takes you into
the laps of nature from rush of the cities.
Excursions
in Nainital Sat Tal ( Seven Lakes): On the way
from Nainital to Bhimtal is a group of seven lakes called the Sattal. Nature
has really provided this place beauty in abundance. There is government
Bunglow where you can spend the night. Taxis and buses are available to
Sattal from Nainital. It is 22 Km from Nainital.
Bhimtal:
The myth goes that the lake was built during the Mahabharata era. You
can get taxis and buses at regular interval from Nainital. On the
Nainital-Bhimtal road is Mahra Village. Here through the efforts of Dr.
Yashodhra Mathpal a rich collection of the cultural and archeological items
have been made. These artifacts from the Uttrakhand region gives you an
insight into the cultural heritage of this area. At Bhimtal you can enjoy
boating and have food at the restaurant on the island in middle of the lake.
Bhimtal is 23 kms from Nainital and there are good accommodation facilities
at the place.
Naukuchia Lake: Just four kms from
Bhimtal is lake with nine corners hence it is known as the Naukutchia lake.
This is an ideal place to spend your holidays and relax. The lake is full of
lotus and is surrounded by forest with a backdrop of the mountains, all this
creates an ideal condition to enjoy boating in here or sit on the banks and
feel the breeze coming from the lake. There are regular bus and taxi
services to this place and the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam has got its rest
house where you can stay.