Honeymoon in Nainital, Uttaranchal, India

Located at a height of 1940 meter above sea level and placed, around the beautiful lake, Nainital, is the charming hill resort of Nainital. Surrounded by seven hills, this attractive hill station was once the summer capital of Uttar Pradesh and is expected to become the future capital of the new state of Uttaranchal.

The most sought after hill resort in India, its quaint cottages, colorful markets, the lush landscape and the beautiful lake, at the very heart of it, makes Nainital a delightful spot. With many interesting walks thorough the forests, to points with superb views of the Himalayas.

HISTORY

In 1839, an English traveler, discovered the Naini Lake, and its surrounding areas now known as Nainital. A green and pleasant land, it immediately appealed to the homesick Britishers, who were reminded of the Cambrian Lake District. It became popular with the British Raj after a Mr. Barron had his yacht carried up here in 1840.

The Nainital Boat Club, whose wooden clubhouse still graces the edge of the lake, became the fashionable focus of the community. Disaster struck on 16 September 1880, when a major landslide occurred, burying 151 people and creating the recreation ground now known as the Flats.

CULTURE

There is little of architectural interest other than the colonial style villas overlooking the lake. Angling, Mountaineering and trekking are of interest here.

SHOPPING

For shoppers, Nainital lays itself out on the Mall, Mallital and Tallital bazaars and the Tibetan market. Woollens, candles and cane sticks are nice buys to carry back home.

FOOD

Nainital doesn?t have an authentic cuisine, but offers a wide-ranging variety of Indian and continental food. Most restaurants are located on either of the Malls, typically visited by tourists.

ENTERTAINMENT

Lake, Mall , Flatts,Zoo, Ropeway, HorseRiding, Rajbhawan, CaveGarden, Hanumangarhi ,Observatory , Snow View , China Peak ,Lands End Tiffin Top Kilbury.

LOCATION

277 km north of Delhi and at an altitude of 1,938 m, Nainital is surrounded by hills with a thick forest cover.

By Air

Pantnagar 70 Kms from Nainital is the nearest air port . The other nearest air ports are at Delhi and Lucknow.

By Rail

The Shatabdi Express shuttles once a week (Sundays) between Delhi and Kathgodam (35 km from the hill station), only during the summer season. Railway station: Nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 35 km south of Nainital ? connected with Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Agra, Bareilly and Lucknow.

By Road

Good motorable roads. Delhi Transport Corporation runs deluxe coaches to Nainital. So do many private operators in the Capital. Road distances to Nainital: Delhi 322 km; Bareilly 141 km; Lucknow 401 km; Almora 66 km; Ranikhet 60 km; Kausani 120 km; Corbett (Dhikala) 128 km. Bus terminus: Most buses and shared jeeps leave from the bus stand at Tallital.

CLIMATE

Summers are pleasant in Nainital as temperatures remain between 11?C and 27.5?C. In the winters, however, temperatures may drop between 2?C and 16?C.

This attractive lake is said to be, one of the emerald green eyes of Shiva's wife, Sati (Naina is Sanskrit for eye). When Sati's father failed to invite Shiva to a family sacrifice, she burnt herself to death in protest. Shiva gathered the charred remains in his arms and proceeded to engage in a cosmic dance, which threatened to destroy the world. To terminate the dance, which threatened to destroy the world, Vishnu chopped up the body into pieces, and the remains were scattered across India. The modern Naina Devi Temple at the northern end of the lake is built over the precise spot where the eye is believed to have fallen.

Located above the Mall, Snow View at 2270 meter is an easily accessible peak, which offers a brilliant view of the majestic Himalayas, and is an ideal picnic spot.

CHURCH OF ST.JOHN - A popular landmark of the region, is the Bara Bazaar, a vibrant market, above which is the Church of St John-in-the-Wilderness, which is one of the earliest structures of Nainital.

DOROTHYS SEAT - A 4 km walk to the west of the lake, brings you to Dorothy's Seat (229m), also known as Tiffin Top. The Seat is a memorial, to an English lady who is believed to have died in an accident at the spot.

GURNEY HOUSE - For wildlife lovers, the Gurney House is of much significance, as it was the former residence of the great hunter - turned - conservator of man-eating tigers, Jim Corbett.

HANUMANGARH & OBSERVATORY - Situated on top of the 1950 m high Manora Peak is the Uttar Pradesh State Astronomical Observatory, which is open to the public at certain times. Nearby is the Hanumangarh temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god, which is also renowned for its sunset over the plains.

LANDS END - Close to Dorothy's seat, a group of twelve peculiarly formed rocks is Lands End (2118 m), which overlooks terraced fields and the Kurpa Tal Lake (1635 m). It's a lovely walk from Dorothy's seat to Lands End through a forest of oak, deodar and pine.

NAINA PEAK - The highest summit in the area is the Naina Peak, 2610 m, looming over Mallital, which offers some breathtaking views of the entire area from Gangotri to Nepal.