Nainital, Bhimtal - Kumaon's Enchanting Lake Towns

SIGHTSEEING IN NAINITAL

Hanuman Garhi: Situated at a height of 1951 meters, with its famous temple, this place is reputed for its glorious sunsets. A very beautiful Hanuman mandir is at the top. Near the temple stands the Uttar Pradesh Government observatory and the Satellite Tracking Center.

Observatory: The clear skies over Nainital prompted the government to setup an observatory here. The observatory has one of the most advance telescopes in India. With the help of this telescope the movement of stars, planets and other heavenly bodies can be calculated to great precision.

Naina Devi Temple: 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.

High Altitude Zoo: 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. 

St. John's Church: This church was built in 1847. A brass memorial is kept in memory of the persons who were buried in the infamous landslide.

Horse riding: Any visitor coming to Nainital cannot miss the joy of riding a horse on the Mall. Not only at the Mall but to reach the Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, Kilburi from the Mallital area one can hire ponies and horses.

PLACES AROUND NAINITAL

Bhimtal: 23 km from Nainital, this is the place for a quiet holiday. It has lovely dappled paths, ravines festooned with dog rose and wild raspberry, farm houses set among terraced fields and citrus trees hung with fruits. The lake offers scope for boating and in the middle of the lake, there is an intriguing looking island with a restaurant.   Click here for accommodation options.

Sat Tal: Originally a cluster of seven lakes, now reduced to five (since two have dried up), Sat Tal (21 km from Nainital) has all it takes to veil the place in a kind of mystique—densely wooded hills, roads that glide under a canopy of gossamer green oak trees, pines and dark brooding firs, little creeks along the shores of the lakes and boat rides on the placid waters.

Naukutchia Tal:  24 km from Nainital, it is the deepest and by far the most picturesque lake in the Kumaon region and derives its name from the nine corners which came together to form it. It is a tranquil, pleasant expanse of water, reflected green by the low, wooded hills cradling it and surrounded by 70 acres of predominantly oak forests which, after the monsoons, show the innumerable hues of the Himalayan forest. 

Ramgarh: 25 kms  from Nainital, it is a picturesque hamlet in the heart of orchard land in the foothills of the Himalayas. Many writers and thinkers have been drawn to the beauty of Ramgarh and it is an ideal place for long walks, to let your creative juices flow or just unwind or introspect.    Click here for accommodation options.

Mukteshwar: 45 kms from Nainital, at 8000 ft, this is an idyllic sojourn in the lap of the mountains and rolling meadows. Surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest it provides a majestic view of the Himalayas. It is popular for the century old Shiva Temple, Chauthijalli rock formations, Angora wool sheep farm, rejuvenating forest walks and enchanting sunsets.   Click here for accommodation options.
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