Nainital is a beautiful hill station in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is famous for its picturesque lake, charming colonial architecture, and scenic natural beauty. Nainital is also a popular destination for adventure lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and spiritual seekers. If you are planning to visit Nainital, this travel guide will help you with some useful information and tips. One Day Nainital Local Sightseeing Trip by Cab

Overview of Nainital

Nainital is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level. The town is named after the Naini Lake, which is shaped like a crescent and has two ends: Mallital and Tallital. The lake is surrounded by green hills and offers a serene and picturesque view. The town is also known as the “Lake District” of India, as it has several other lakes in and around it, such as Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, and Khurpatal. One Day Nainital Local Sightseeing By Private cab

Nainital has a rich history and culture, dating back to the ancient times. According to mythology, the lake was formed when the eyes of Goddess Sati fell on this spot while her body was being carried by Lord Shiva after her death. The word “Naina” means “eye” in Hindi. The town was also a summer retreat for the British rulers, who built many bungalows, churches, schools, and hotels here. Some of the prominent personalities who were born or associated with Nainital are Jim Corbett, Amitabh Bachchan, Anoop Jalota, Manish Pandey, and Major Somnath Sharma. Manali – Best Travel Guide

Nainital offers a variety of attractions and activities for tourists of all ages and interests. You can enjoy boating on the lake, visit the temples and churches, shop at the Mall Road, explore the wildlife at the zoo and national park, indulge in adventure sports like paragliding and trekking, or just relax and admire the beauty of nature.Best Time to Visit NainitalNainital is an all-year destination but the weather is the best between March and June. The summer season is pleasant and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 27°C. This is the peak season for tourism, as many people flock to Nainital to escape the heat of the plains. You can also witness some festivals and events during this time, such as Nanda Devi Mela, Nainital Mahotsav, and Kumaon Festival. Dalhousie – Best Travel Guide

The monsoon season lasts from July to September, when Nainital receives heavy rainfall. The rain enhances the beauty of the town and makes it more green and fresh. However, this is not a good time for sightseeing and outdoor activities, as there may be landslides and roadblocks. You can get some discounts on hotels and travel during this time.The winter season lasts from October to February when Nainital experiences cold and chilly weather. The temperatures can drop to below zero degrees Celsius at night. This is a good time for honeymooners and snow lovers, as Nainital gets covered with a white blanket of snow. You can also enjoy some winter sports like skiing and skating here. However, you should carry warm clothes and woolens for this season.

Things to Do in Nainital

Nainital has something for everyone, whether you are looking for adventure, spirituality, wildlife, or romance. Here are some of the things you can do in Nainital:

• Boating on the Naini Lake: The Naini Lake is the main attraction of Nainital and offers a relaxing and enjoyable experience. You can choose from different types of boats like paddle boats, rowing boats, yachts, and gondolas. You can also hire a guide or a boatman to accompany you on your ride. You can admire the scenic views of the lake and the hills from the boat.
• Visiting the Naina Devi Temple: The Naina Devi Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi or Mata Sati who is believed to be one of the forms of Goddess Durga. The temple is located on the northern shore of the lake and has three idols: Maa Kali, Maa Naina Devi, and Lord Ganesha. You can offer prayers and seek blessings from the goddess at the temple.
• Shopping at the Mall Road: The Mall Road is a long stretch of road that runs along the lake and connects Mallital and Tallital. It is a bustling shopping hub that has many shops, restaurants, cafes, and hotels. You can buy various items like clothes, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, candles, books, and more at Mall Road. You can also bargain with the shopkeepers to get the best deals. You can also find some branded outlets and showrooms on Mall Road.
• Exploring the Eco Cave Garden: The Eco Cave Garden is a network of interconnected caves that showcase the natural habitat of various animals. You can learn about the wildlife of Nainital by visiting the caves with different difficulty levels. You can also see some birds and animals like monkeys, deer, and leopards in the vicinity. The garden also has a musical fountain that operates in the evening.
• Witnessing the Snow View Point: The Snow View Point is one of the highest points in Nainital that offers spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. You can reach the point by taking a cable car ride from Mallital or by trekking or driving up to the point. You can also take a telescope to get a closer look at the mountains.
• Seeing the rare animals at the High Altitude Zoo: The High Altitude Zoo is a zoo in Nainital that houses some rare and endangered species of animals, such as snow leopard, Himalayan bear, Tibetan wolf, and red panda. The zoo is spread over 4.6 hectares of land and is situated at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level. You can also see some exotic birds and reptiles at the zoo.
• Indulging in adventure sports: Nainital is a paradise for adventure lovers, as it offers various adventure sports like paragliding, rappelling, rock climbing, trekking, camping, and more. You can enjoy these activities at places like Tiffin Top, Lovers Point, Snow View Point, and Eco Cave Garden. You can also find professional trainers and operators who ensure your safety and thrill.

Places to Visit in NainitalNainital has many places to visit that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some of the places you should not miss in Nainital:

• Naini Lake: The Naini Lake is the most famous attraction of Nainital and is shaped like a crescent. It is surrounded by green hills and offers a serene and picturesque view. The lake is also known as “Tri-Rishi-Sarovar”, meaning “the lake of three sages”, as it is believed to have been created by three sages who wanted to quench their thirst.Naina Devi Temple: The Naina Devi Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi or Mata Sati who is believed to be one of the forms of Goddess Durga. The temple is located on the northern shore of the lake and has three idols: Maa Kali, Maa Naina Devi, and Lord Ganesha. You can offer prayers and seek blessings from the goddess at the temple.Mall Road: The Mall Road is a long stretch of road that runs along the lake and connects Mallital and Tallital. It is a bustling shopping hub that has many shops, restaurants, cafes, and hotels. You can buy various items like clothes, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, candles, books, and more at Mall Road. You can also bargain with the shopkeepers to get the best deals. You can also find some branded outlets and showrooms on Mall Road.Eco Cave Garden: The Eco Cave Garden is a network of interconnected caves that showcase the natural habitat of various animals. You can learn about the wildlife of Nainital by visiting the caves with different difficulty levels. You can also see some birds and animals like monkeys, deer, and leopards in the vicinity. The garden also has a musical fountain that operates in the evening.Snow View Point: The Snow View Point is one of the highest points in Nainital that offers spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. You can reach the point by taking a cable car ride from Mallital or by trekking or driving up to the point. You can also take a telescope to get a closer look at the mountains.High Altitude Zoo: The High Altitude Zoo is a zoo in Nainital that houses some rare and endangered species of animals, such as snow leopard, Himalayan bear, Tibetan wolf, and red panda. The zoo is spread over 4.6 hectares of land and is situated at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level. You can also see some exotic birds and reptiles at the zoo.Tiffin Top: Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy’s Seat, is a popular picnic spot in Nainital that offers panoramic views of the town and the lake. The spot was built in memory of Dorothy Kellett, an English painter who died in a plane crash. You can also indulge in some adventure activities like rappelling, rock climbing, and paragliding here.Lovers Point: Lovers Point is a romantic spot in Nainital that offers stunning views of the valley and the lake. It is also a good place to witness the sunrise and sunset. You can also enjoy some horse riding and photography here. Lovers Point is also known as Suicide Point because of its steep slope and height. However, it is now well protected with railings and fences to prevent any mishaps.

Must See Attractions in Nainital

Nainital has many attractions that are worth seeing and experiencing. Here are some of the must see attractions in Nainital:

• Naini Lake: The Naini Lake is the most famous attraction of Nainital and is shaped like a crescent. It is surrounded by green hills and offers a serene and picturesque view. The lake is also known as “Tri-Rishi-Sarovar”, meaning “the lake of three sages”, as it is believed to have been created by three sages who wanted to quench their thirst.Naina Devi Temple: The Naina Devi Temple is a sacred Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi or Mata Sati who is believed to be one of the forms of Goddess Durga. The temple is located on the northern shore of the lake and has three idols: Maa Kali, Maa Naina Devi, and Lord Ganesha. You can offer prayers and seek blessings from the goddess at the temple.Snow View Point: The Snow View Point is one of the highest points in Nainital that offers spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. You can reach the point by taking a cable car ride from Mallital or by trekking or driving up to the point. You can also take a telescope to get a closer look at the mountains.High Altitude Zoo: The High Altitude Zoo is a zoo in Nainital that houses some rare and endangered species of animals, such as snow leopard, Himalayan bear, Tibetan wolf, and red panda. The zoo is spread over 4.6 hectares of land and is situated at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level. You can also see some exotic birds and reptiles at the zoo.Mall Road: The Mall Road is a long stretch of road that runs along the lake and connects Mallital and Tallital. It is a bustling shopping hub that has many shops, restaurants, cafes, and hotels. You can buy various items like clothes, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, candles, books, and more at Mall Road. You can also bargain with the shopkeepers to get the best deals. You can also find some branded outlets and showrooms on Mall Road.

Significance of NainitalNainital is not only a tourist destination but also a place of cultural, historical, and religious significance. Here are some of the reasons why Nainital is significant:

• Nainital is considered as one of the most sacred places in Hinduism, as it is believed to be the spot where Goddess Sati’s eyes fell on Earth when Lord Vishnu cut her body into 51 different parts. The word “Naina” means “eye” in Hindi. The town is also associated with legends of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, who are said to have performed penance here.Nainital is also a place of colonial heritage, as it was a summer retreat for the British rulers, who built many bungalows, churches, schools, and hotels here. Some of the prominent buildings that reflect the British era are Raj Bhawan, St. John’s Church, Gurney House, Sherwood College, and All Saints’ College.Nainital is also a place of natural beauty and biodiversity, as it has several lakes, hills, forests, and wildlife that make it a paradise for nature lovers. Some of the rare and endangered species that are found in Nainital are snow leopard, Himalayan bear, Tibetan wolf, red panda, cheer pheasant, monal pheasant, Himalayan griffon vulture, Himalayan tahr, goral, barking deer, leopard cat, yellow-throated marten, otter, pangolin, flying squirrel, and more.Nainital is also a place of adventure and thrill, as it offers various adventure sports like paragliding, rappelling, rock climbing, trekking, camping, and more. You can enjoy these activities at places like Tiffin Top, Lovers Point, Snow View Point, and Eco Cave Garden. You can also find professional trainers and operators who ensure your safety and thrill.

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Conclusion

Nainital is a hill station in Uttarakhand, India, that offers a variety of attractions and activities for tourists of all ages and interests. You can enjoy boating on the lake, visit the temples and churches, shop at the Mall Road, explore the wildlife at the zoo and national park, indulge in adventure sports like paragliding and trekking, or just relax and admire the beauty of nature.Nainital is also a place of cultural, historical, and religious significance. It is considered as one of the most sacred places in Hinduism, as it is believed to be the spot where Goddess Sati’s eyes fell on Earth. It is also a place of colonial heritage, as it was a summer retreat for the British rulers. It is also a place of natural beauty and biodiversity, as it has several lakes, hills, forests, and wildlife that make it a paradise for nature lovers. It is also a place of adventure and thrill, as it offers various adventure sports like paragliding, rappelling, rock climbing, trekking, camping, and more.Nainital is an all-year destination but the weather is the best between March and June. The summer season is pleasant and comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 27°C. This is the peak season for tourism, as many people flock to Nainital to escape the heat of the plains. You can also witness some festivals and events during this time, such as Nanda Devi Mela, Nainital Mahotsav, and Kumaon Festival.The monsoon season lasts from July to September, when Nainital receives heavy rainfall. The rain enhances the beauty of the town and makes it more green and fresh. However, this is not a good time for sightseeing and outdoor activities, as there may be landslides and roadblocks. You can get some discounts on hotels and travel during this time.The winter season lasts from October to February when Nainital experiences cold and chilly weather. The temperatures can drop to below zero degrees Celsius at night. This is a good time for honeymooners and snow lovers, as Nainital gets covered with a white blanket of snow. You can also enjoy some winter sports like skiing and skating here. However, you should carry warm clothes and woolens for this season.I hope this travel guide helps you plan your trip to Nainital better.