Nainital is a popular hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and headquarters of Nainital district in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 2,084 metres (6,837 ft) above sea level, Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are Naina (2,615 m (8,579 ft)) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m (7,999 ft)) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m (7,474 ft)) on the south. From the tops of the higher peaks, “magnificent views can be obtained of the vast plain to the south, or of the mass of tangled ridges lying north, bounded by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas.”
HOW TO REACH
By Air:-
One who is inquiring about how to reach Nainital has also option of flight. The nearest Domestic Airport from Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, Pantnagar, roughly one hour drive from the city. It is well connected to New Delhi and Mumbai via Jet Airways, Air India and Spice Jet. The nearest International Airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, roughly five hour drive from Nainital. Frequent Flights to various national and international destinations take off from here.
By Bus:-
Nainital is 23 Kms from Kathgodam, 34 Kms from Ramgarh, 55 Kms from Ranikhet, 62 Kms from Almora, 63 Kms from Ramnagar, 165 Kms from Chandpur, 196 Kms from Kotdwara, 223 Kms from Haridwar, 242 Kms from Rishikesh, 275 Kms from Dehradun and is linked through Uttrakhand State Road Transport Corporation (USRTC) and some private travel services.
By Train:-
Nainital has also The nearest Railway Station from Nainital is Kathgodam Railway Station, located at a distance of 24 Kms from the city. Kathgodam Railway Station is connected to the major cities of Uttrakhand. It is linked with the cities like New Delhi, Dehradun, Lucknow, Kanpur, Jammu and Kolkata via Anvt Kgm Sht, Utr Samprk K Express, Bagh Express and Kgm Garib Rath.
Naina Devi Temple:-
One of the religious places for Hindus, Naina Devi Temple is believed to be one of the 64 Shakti Peeths where one of the body parts of Goddess Sati fell on earth when Lord Shiva carried her body. A gigantic Peepal tree lies at the left of the main gate and has its own importance in history. The idols of Maa Naina Devi, Lord Ganesh and Mata Kali Devi are situated inside the temple. The temple is a very beautiful destination to visit.
Hanuman Garhi:-
Hanuman Garhi was made by Neem Karoli Baba in the year 1950 and is 3 Kms from Nainital. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is situated at an altitude of 6401 ft in the town of Tallital. One of the most amusing features offered by this temple is the picturesque view of the sunset and sunrise.
Naini Lake:-
One of the most beautiful lakes in Nainital, Naini Lake is a very popular tourist spot. This destination is located in the heart of the city and is present in the shape of an eye. The northern end of the lake is called as Mallital while the southern end is called as Tallital. The place is perfect destination for lake lovers. It is a wonderful picnic spot for tourists.
Land’s End:-
Land’s End is a wonderful tourist destination which is located at a distance of just 3 Kms from Nainital at an elevation of 2118 meters. This place offers a beautiful panoramic view for its visitors and is an apt destination to enjoy the vacations with family. It is considered to be the dead end of Nainital.
Bhimtal lake:-
A small town, just 20 Kms from Nainital, Bhimtal is immensely famous for its Bhimtal Lake, which has a small island in its center. Sattal is believed to be older than Bhimtal and the name of the town has been derived from the renowned legend of the Mahabharata, Bhima who is said to have traveled this region during his time of exile.
SHOPPING:-
Shopping in Nainital is a delightful experience. For a discerning shopper, it is impossible to return from a tour without shopping in Nainital. Fabrics and woolen garments are the most popular items for shopping in Nainital. Most of such woolens are woven by the women of Almora. A variety of sweaters, cardigans, caps and shawls in exquisite designs and brilliant colors would arrest your eyes.
FOOD:-
People are mostly rice eating in habit but wheat, maduwa and other grains are also consumed. In pulses, people prefer Urad, Gahat, Bhatt, Masur. Meat is also common among the people. Ceremonial food consists of Kheer, Singhal, Poori, Pua, Bada, Kapa made of Palak, Raita, Khatai etc. The other typical kumouni foods are Chudkani & Bhattiya made of bhatt & Soya been, Gautras made of Gahat, Jholee made from mattha, Gaba vegetable. In towns restaurants provide general food along with Chinese & South Indian dishes. There are people who enjoy fishes, Tharus and Bengali settlers comes in this class.