Nainital

At the base of the Kumaon mountain range in Uttarakhand sits the quaint hill town of Nainital. Situated near Dehradun and Delhi, this hill station is the most popular tourist destination in North India. A great weekend escape from Delhi and the surrounding areas is Nainital.

Nainital is a well-liked hill station for families, couples, and even lone travelers because of its beautiful year-round weather. It is perfect for a two-day visit and is easily reachable by road from adjacent large cities. The bus stop is located across from the Naina Lake, which is surrounded by Mall Road on one side and Thandi Sadak on the other.

Nainital was founded by the British because of its similarity to the Cumbrian Lake District. Its exquisite colonial buildings add to the area’s allure. Some relatively unknown tiny hill towns like Pangot, Ranikhet, and Almora are located close to Nainital. There are also a few short hiking routes in Nainital.

Nainital is bound to make an impression on you, whether your activities involve boating in the stunning Naini Lake, indulging in Garhwali and Kumaoni cuisine, shopping for souvenirs, or riding the ropeway to see the breathtaking views of the Himalayas from Snow View Point.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

May through June, when tourism is at its highest, is the ideal time to visit Nainital. Nainital is a year-round destination because of its nice climate all year round. Between April and July, the average temperature is roughly 23 degrees Celsius.

In Nainital, July to September is monsoon season, when there is a lot of rain. Landslides could occur during this period. In Nainital, the winter months are October through February. The temperature is often in the region of 15 degrees Celsius. If you want to see snow, go to Nainital in January.

ATTRACTIONS

Naini Lake

Woodland Waterfall

Bhim Tal

Botanical Garden

Khurpa Tal

Naina Devi Temple

Naini Peak: Previously called China Peak, this is the most breathtaking peak in the Nainital. This pinnacle, which stands at a height of about 2615 meters, is the most notable in Nainital and provides a 10,000-foot view of the entire town. The location is well-known for its beauty and the settings that enhance its allure. Additionally, Naini Lake is set up in this way, making it appear smaller as one becomes taller when reaching this particular peak. Donkeys can be hired at the Naina Peak, which is designated for climbers. Those who are unable to climb can also use this location.

Tiffin Top: You would regret leaving Tiffin Top out of your Nainital vacation. This can be reached by a strenuous 4-kilometer hike through foreboding forest, or by taking a horse ride from the horse stand. The final goal of the Horse Ride is Dorothy’s seat. The exquisitely serene area bordered by deodar, oak, and pine trees. Upon reaching the summit of Tiffin, you will be greeted by a captivating, all-encompassing view of the Kumaun hills, including the obvious Naini Lake.

Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo: Located in Darjeeling, West Bengal, it is the second high altitude zoo in India, having opened its doors in 1994. It is home to a variety of phasants, including the Kaleej phasant and others, as well as high altitude endangered mammals like the Siberian Tiger, Snow Leopard, Goat Antelope-Ghooral, and Serao. A snow leopard is housed on the highest point in the Nainital Zoo, in accordance with the altitude of its natural habitat.

Eco Cave Gardens: The Eco Cave Gardens in Nainital are a collection of interconnected hanging gardens and stone caves that transport visitors to an unusual and distant dream world. With its six hollows and melodic spring, Eco Cave Garden is well-liked by travelers of all ages, but especially by children who are inspired by nature and encouraged to explore new things because they are familiar with an eco-friendly lifestyle that can be deduced from an excellent approach.

Where to Stay

The town offers a fair selection of lodging options, and its well-known hill station blends luxury and affordability throughout its hillsides. The bulk of lodging options in the town can be found along Mall Road, which offers a good selection of reasonably priced hotels, backpacker hostels, homestays, and guesthouses. Numerous moderately priced hotels and villas hold prominent locations near Naini Lake, providing expansive, picturesque vistas towards the northwest as they ascend the hill.

Additionally, there are a number of campsites close enough to stroll from the lake. The resorts have live barbecue, bonfires, and excellent dinners in addition to all the necessities and exciting activities. Luxurious hotels and resorts with colonial architecture, tastefully decorated rooms with wood paneling, premium facilities, and first-rate service can be found along Mallital Road. The properties offer a satisfying staycation experience with on-site eateries, rooftop dining, and a patio with lovely views of the lake and mountains.

HOW TO REACH

The easiest hill station to get to in North India is Nainital. The most convenient way to get to Nanital is via car. Delhi is 300 kilometers away. From Delhi to Nainital, shared taxis, private taxis, and overnight buses are all readily accessible. The closest train station is 23 kilometers away, in Kathgodam. There are buses and taxis that run between Kathgodam to Nainital.

By Flight

There isn’t an airport in Nainital; the nearest domestic airport is in Pantnagar, one hour’s drive from the city. From the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, you can drive yourself to Nainital or take the road to the city.

By Train

The Kathgodam Railway Station, which is 34 miles from Nainital and has multiple trains linking it to Delhi and Dehradun, is the closest station to the town.

By Road

Numerous routes connect Nainital to other cities in North India. If you are traveling from Delhi to Nainital, you must take NH24 through Ghaziabad and the city of Hapur. From Moradabad, you must then switch to NH121. By road, this is the simplest route. Buses from Delhi, Amritsar, and other significant cities also depart often. For this purpose, you can even rent a private vehicle.