Nainital

      

Nainital , Uttaranchal is famous not just for its green hills or many lakes. It is also famous for it's many legends and stories. Hundreds of ancient temples and peaks with astounding views of the mountains in the background add to Nainital's magical appeal.The history of this dainty town sails over the surface of the Naini Lake, where oarsmen narrate the stories of the rishis who brought the waters of the sacred Mansarovar River to formSuffocating at times with thousands of tourists, Nainital is also home to Sherwood, one of India's most prestigious schools.

Nainital is 34 Km from Kathgodam, the gateway of Kumaon and the terminus of North Eastern Railway. It is 304 km from Delhi, capital of India, and 388 km from Lucknow the State capital. According to the District Gazetteer Nainital is situated at 29 degree 24' north latitude and 79 degree 28' east longitude, in a valley of the Gagar range running east and west, which is bounded on the north by the peak of China, which rises to a height of 8.568 feet, continued by the Alma peak (presently known as Snow-View) and the Sher-Ka-Danda to the eastern extremity, where the ridge descends almost to the level of the lake. On the west the rugged hill of Deopatha rises to a height of 7,987 feet, and on the south Ayarpatha attains an elevation of 7,461 feet diminishing gradually towards the east.

According to a legend Parwati the daughter of King Daksha held a great 'Yajna' but did not invite Parvati and her consort Shiva. Parvati could not bear this direct insult, in her great fury Parvati gate-crashed into the 'Yajna' ground and leaped into the high flames of 'Yajna' fire to end her life. And later lord Shiva retrieved her half-charred corpse himself. The majority of the local people believe that the eyes of Sati dropped in the lake while her body was being carried by Lord Shiva to Kailesh Parvat. Hence, the lake was given the name of 'Nainital' or Naini lake. Later the spot became famous by this very name.

Places to Visit
BHIMTAL :- (1371 MT) About 22 kms from Nainital, nestled in a beautiful pristine valley, this jem of a lake is the largest around Nainital. The beauty is enhanced by a small Island surrounded by crystal blue water.

KHURPATAL : At an altitude of (1635 MT) there lies just another beautiful spot at a distance of 12 km from Nainital popularly known as Khurpatal. It is considered to be anglers paradise having clear water and a good harvest of fishes.

SATTAL : Iterally meaning seven lakes is a group of small lakes nested together, about 23 kms from Nainital at an altitude of (1370 MT) still untouched by modernisation - one can see the natures beauty at its best.

NAKUCHIYATAL : (1218 MT) About 4 kms from Bhim Tal -lies the mystique lake with 9 corners. Surrounded by dense forested hills on all sides it provides solace from the maddening rush of the plains.

Kainchi : It is a placed at an altitude of (1400 MT) at a distance of 20km from Nainital & liked by both tourists and devotees. It is a modern pilgrimage centre established by Neem karoli Baba a saint of early sixties of twentieth century.

KILBURY : At about 12km. from Nainital at a height of (2528 MT) lies a place fit for weekend picnics.It is famous for its flora and fauna and bird watching.One can have a wide panoramic view of Himalayas along with a view of Tarai and Bhabhar.

KAUSANI: (1890 MT) 120 Km from Nainita 1ies the beautiful town of Kausani -also called the Switzerland of India. It provides an enchanting sunrise over the Himalayas -a rich experience which will remain alive in your memories for lifetime.

RANIKHET: (1829 MT) This beautiful hill resort is about 63 km from Nainital. Its beauty lies in its simplicity - beautiful pine trees create a nostalgic feeling. The orchards, the temples, the joy grounds will back on you again and again to its fold.

How to reach Nainital
BY Air : The nearest airport is at Pantnagar, 71 km away. It is connected by Vayudoot services with Delhi. A coach takes the tourists to Nainital. Taxis are also available.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is at Kathgodam, 35 km away. Nainital is connected by rail to Delhi, Agra, Bareilly and Lucknow. Taxis and buses are available from Kathgodam to Nainital.

By Road: Nainital is connected by good, all-weather roads to Delhi (322 km), Bareilly (141 km), Almora (66 km) and Ranikhet (60 km). Public and private bus companies ply regular bus services between Nainital and Delhi, Lucknow, Bareilly, Hardwar, Dehradun, Almora, Ranikhet, Ramnagar and other important towns in the state.

By Local Transport: Taxis,autos and ponies are available.