Nainital
Nanital
is 34 kms from Kathgodam, the nearest railway station located in the foothill,
the gateway of the Kumaon Hills, and is around 336 Kms from National Capital
Delhi. Nainital is also known as Lake District of India. Nainital is set in a
valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference,
and surrounded by mountains. Nainital is a glorious hill station for tourism in
Uttranchal, which was discovered by Lord Barron, a Britisher in 1841 and is
located at a height of 6, 350 feet. In winter Nainital has freezing cold
temperature which falls sometimes even below zero. It is surrounded by
mountains on three sides. The first one is Naina (2615 meters) the second is
Deopatha (2438 meters) and the third is Ayarpatha (2278 meters). Naina is the
highest mountain among the three. Every year during December to February
Nainital hill station gets its annual snowfall. Summer season is also very cool
in Nainital. The highest temperate is not more than 26 degrees centigrade. Thus
most tourists prefer to come at summer to explore Nainital tourism.
Nainital
is named for its beautiful lake “Naini”and it is the base for tourism at here.
This lake is called Naini because it look like eye shape. This Lake is famed
among the visitors, tourists and nature lovers for yachting and boating. The
southern end area of the lake is called Tallital and the northern end area is
called Mallital. Both the areas have pretty cottages, luxuries hotels, villas,
restaurants, food jones, shopping centers, game parlors and luxury shops. Other
place, Naina Peak (6 kms) an other popular picnic spot is at a height of 2,610
metres. Fron the NainaPeak one can have breathtaking view of the Himalayas and
entire lake region down the hill. Among the various temples, NainaDevi Templeis
most famous and is situated on the northern shore of Naini Lake. The presiding
goddess of this temple is “Maa Naina Devi”. Tourists visiting Nainital could
also enjoy the Ropeway which is established by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam. It is
one of the advanced ropeways of India. The Ropeway is controlled electronically
and mechanically both. It is used to carry 12 persons in a single time.
Hanumangarhi located at distance of 3.2 kms from the city is famous for the
Hanuman temple and the spectacular sun-set view from here.
Places of
Interest around Nainital – Bhimtal
Bhimtal
is a town and a nagar panchayat in Nainital District in the state of
Uttarakhand, India, situated at an altitude of 1370 meters above sea level and
is about 22 kilometers from Nainital. The major attraction in Bhimtal is the
Bhimtal Lake, which has an island at its centre. Besides tourism, Bhimtal has
also now become a mini district headquarters since most of the district
administration offices have been shifted to the newly constructed Vikas Bhawan,
the building complex for district administrative offices.
Bhimtal
is an ancient place named after Bhima of Mahabharata. Bhimeshwara Mahadev
Temple, an old Shiva temple in the bank of Bhimtal lake, is believed to have
been built when Bhima visited the place during the banishment (vanvas) period
of Pandayas. The present temple was built in 17th century, by Baz Bahadur
(1638–78 AD), a King of the Chand dynasty, and the Raja of Kumaon.
Bhimtal
Lake: Bhimtal
is 25 kms far from Nainital and 11 Kms. from Bhowali at an altitude of 1370
mts. The famous five Pandavas of ‘Mahabharata’ came there and one of them named
“Bhim” killed a devil on this place. So it is called Bhimtal. The main
attraction of this place is a beautiful lake with its grandeur size of more
than Nainital lake an island in the center of the lake. This lake offers
Boating, swimming and fishing. All luxuries facility for the tourist is
available here. The local bus stand and taxi stand is located nearby to the
lake. The tourist from here could go by road to Naukuchiatal or to Kathgodam,
the nearest railway station, located at 21 Km from here. There is a 17th
century Bhimeshwar temple complex along the 40 feet high dam.
Naukuchia
Lake: Naukuchiatal
or ‘lake of nine corners’ is a small hill station in the Indian state of
Uttrakhand. The lake is 175 feet deep surrounded by hills covered in trees and
shrubs. It is the deepest of all the lakes in the Nainital region. The lake is
fed by an underground perennial spring. It is 4 kms far form Bhimtal and 26 kms
from Nainital at 1220 mts from sea level. A clean and beautiful lake within the
surrounding picturesque valley offers very relaxing feelings to the visiting
tourists. This lake is called so because of its nine corners. Migratory birds
flock to the lake. This is an ideal place for relaxation and to spend your
holidays. Additionally, there is ample scope for rowing, paddling or yachting.
It
is believed by the locals that whosoever sees all the nine corners of the lake
at one shot, attains Nirvana. It is also believed that this lake was created after
hard wordship (Hindi "tap") of Brahmaji and a small temple dedicated
to Brahmaji exist near the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) guesthouse.
According to locals anyone performing a parikarma of the lake will be blessed
by Brahmaji.
Excursions
near Bhimtal
Garg
Parvat:
Near the Bhimeshwar temple is a small hill known as Garg Parvat, which is the
source of river Gargi, also known as Gola Nadi in the region.
Nal
Damyanti Tal:
About 2 km from Bhimtal is Nal Damyanti Tal, a small natural lake. It is
believed that the palace of famous king Nala drowned into this lake. It is a
very sacred place for the dwellers of the region.
Sattal
Lake: About
5 km from Bhimtal is the famous group of lakes known as Sattal, which is a
place of attraction for nature lovers. Clear water of lakes surrounded by thick
forest and voice of birds is a wonderful experience. Hill near the lake is
known as Hidimba Parvat. It gets its name from demon Hidimba of Mahabharata.
Vankhandi Maharaj, a monk and environmentalist lives on the hill now, and has
created a sanctuary for the wild animals around the hill. The area is known as
Vankhandi Ashram.
Karkotaka
Cobra: The
hill of Karkotaka is supposed to be named after Karkotaka, a mythical cobra.
The hill is famous for its Nag temple in the region and on every Rishi Panchami
thousands of people visit the temple and worship the Nag Karkotaka Maharaj.
This is one of the famous nag temples situated in Uttarakhand region.
Reaching to Nainital/ Bhimtal:
By
Train: Closest railway station is Kathgodam located at distance of 35 kms. From
station tourist can hire the pre-paid taxi to reach Naukuchia Tal. Frequent
trains from Delhi to Kathgodam are available which is best way to reach Naukuchia
spot.
By
Air: There is no close Airport to Nainital. The closest Ariport is Delhi which
is located at 320 kms from Nainital.
By
Road: because of hill area, traveling through road for Nainital/ Bhimtal could
be an exciting as the journey covers the hills and ground levels at different
locations. However, the road is not well maintained and it is advisable to take
train till Kathgodam, the nearest Railway station, and then to hire some
private conveyance.
