Nainital is one of the most popular hill station in India, which not only offers majestic view of Himalayas and Lakes. Located at an altitude of 1,938mts above sea level, Nainital derives its name from Naini Lake, a prominent tourist spot of Nainital. Nainital is located in the Kumaon region and is popularly known as the Lake District of India.
Nainital is a famous tourist destination of India, attracting hundreds of both domestic and foreign tourists every year.
It shines as a glittering jewel in the Himalayan Mountains and is surrounded with lakes and nature's bounty. Some of the important places in the district of Nainital are Haldwani, Hairakhan, Kaladhungi, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal.
These are some of the popular tourist spots in Nainital.
Naina Devi Temple: The deity of the temple is Maa Naina Devi represented by two eyes. The temple was destroyed by the drastic landslide of 1880, and was later rebuilt because the temple was of great importance amongst locals. Naina Devi Temple is located on the northern shore of Naini Lake.
Naini Lake : Amidst seven mountains touching the sky, the heart of the place is a ravishing lake showering its beauty with pristine and stagnant water. Naini Lake has earned respect since beginning and even the district is named after this enchanting lake. The lake offers ample opportunities for adventure lovers as well with yachting, boating and paddling facilities. One can explore the lake from one end to another watching the dynamic sun setting for the dusk providing peace and tranquility. Naini Lake is divided into two parts Mallital and Tallital. The north end of the Lake is called Mallital and the southern end of the Lake is known as Tallital. Both ends of the Naini Lake have shopping centres with luxury and varied shops.
The lake is on its majestically height during the night time when the light of the houses, cottages and hotels situated on the mountains covering Nainital reflects upon it and makes the view invigorating. During night it feels like there's a city underneath the stagnant water of Naini Lake. The perimeter of Naini Lake is approximately 3.5kms. Nainital is an ideal destination for families, honeymooners, poets and writers, nature lovers and adventure lovers as well.
The Mall Road: Mall road nexuses Mallital with Tallital and thus is busiest road of the town. During peak season (May and June) vehicles are not allowed to enter mall road so that the trade keeps on strolling as this point is famous amongst tourists. Mall road is now named as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. The road is filled with hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, banks, travel agencies and street shops as well.
The Flats: The Flats is situated on the northern side of the lake where the statue of Govind Ballabh Pant is erected. The Flatts covers a large area touching the lake. The Flatts has a cemented playing ground which is generally used for cultural activities during festivals but you can see kids playing there most of the time. The Flats get crowded in the evening because of the chat bazaar and famous Bhotia Market selling their varied and unique products. The divine Naina Devi Temple is situated on the Flatts alongwith a mosque and gurudwara.
Zoo: Govind Ballabh Pant high altitude zoo is situated around 2km from the bus station. The zoo is set at an elevation of 2100mts above sea level providing high altitude animals a sufficient and habitat like environment. The Zoo consists of animals like Leopard , Hill Fox, Siberian Tiger (snow tiger), Palm civet cat, Wolf, Silver Pheasants, Barking Deer, Sambhar, Monkeys, Rose ringed Prakeet, Himalayan black bear, Ghoral, White Peacock. The zoo is closed on Mondays and the entry ticket is of Rs. 10. Feeding animals is strictly prohibited in the zoo and eatables are also not allowed (you can take liquid diets).
Aerial Ropeway: The Aerial Ropeway commences at Mallital and is connected with Snow view point situated at a breathtaking elevation of 2275mts above sea level. Snow view point offers the majestic views of puissant Himalayan range. Two trolleys carries passenger from the flatts to snow view point in approximately two and a half minutes of time. The capacity of the trolley cabin is 11 persons or 800kgs of weight.
Governor's House (Raj Bhawan): Governor's House was built in 1899 and designed in the Victorian Gothic domestic style by the architect F.W. Stevens as the summer residence of the governor of North West Province. Presently, Raj Bhawan is the official guest house for the governor of Uttarakhand and for state guests stay. It consists of a two-storied mansion with 113 rooms, a large garden, a swimming pool, and golf court as well. Previously obtaining prior permission was must for visiting. But now by purchasing Entry Ticket of Rs. 30 you can go to explore Raj Bhawan.
Snow View Point: Snow view point offers the invigorating view of snow clad peaks of the majestic Himalayan range like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot. Snow view is the most easily accessible cliff amongst other nearby mountains surrounding Nainital. The peak is connected by motorable roads and aerial ropeway or cable car. The ropeway is opened for seven days a week from 10am to 5pm. The point has some restaurants, tea shops and even photographers to click your pictures.
Eco Cave Garden: Eco Cave Garden is located one kilometer above Mallital near Kumaon University Campus. This spot is a latest tourism spot of Nainital. Cave Garden offers caves of different kinds of animals which you can explore by going in it. There are no real animals there for sure. Entry Ticket: Rs.10. Cave Graden can be a thrilling experience for the children as going through the caves and the interesting history would surely fantasies them. This cave remains open from 9:30 am till 5:30 pm.
Naina Peak / China Peak: Naina peak is situated at a breathtaking altitude of 2615mts above sea level. Naina Peak is the highest point of the town and is located 6km north to Mallital. Naina peak is also known as China peak and Cheena peak. Naina peak offers invigorating views of the enchanting snow clad peaks of the mighty Himalayan range, the bird's eye view of the pristine Naini Lake and the Nainital town itself. In order to enjoy the celestial beauteousness of this point one must trek 6km by foot or can hire a pony from Mallital or Snow view. But remember the trek of 6km is worth the view from the summit of the Naina peak.
Tiffin Top: Tiffin Top is situated 4km from Nainital set at an altitude of 2,292mts above sea level on Ayarpatta hill commanding splendor views of the neighboring country side and the majestic Himalayan range. Tiffin Top & Lands end can be covered at a stretch as both spots are located side by side. Dorothy seat is a stonework picnic perch on Tiffin Top built in memory of an English lady painter Dorothy Kellet by her husband and admirers after her death in a plane crash.
Land's End: The main attraction of Land's End is the beautiful view of the stagnant water of the Khurpatal. Land's End is set at an elevation of 2,120mts above sea level offering splendid views of neighboring hills and the green valley with rural houses. In order to reach Land's End one can drive to Barapathar on a vehicle and then trek 1km to the spot where one feels like the land has really come to an end.
Binayak: It is one of the famous trails in Nainital, which is perfect spot for trek in Nainital. So all those people who are passionate about trekking and planning to visit Nainital in the near future then Nainital binayak trek is the best trekking spot.
Hanuman Garhi: is a very well known Lord Hanumans Hindu Temple which is positioned to south of the Tallital. It is around 3.5 kilometres away from the bus stop of Nainital. Not only for its religious importance, the Hanuman Garhi temple is well known for its premeditated location. It is located at a site and height that offers the artistic scenery of sunsets and sunrises. While visiting this temple, you may also visit the Ashram of Bapu Lila Sah and Shitla Devi temple which are very close to Hanuman Garhi.
What to do in Nainital
Boating in Naini lake
Bird Watching
Kayaking
Rock Climbing
Trek to Tiffin's
Nature Walks
Ropeway (Cable Car)
Horse Riding and more.
Mussoorie, Dhanaulti Tourist Spots
Mussoorie, the queen of the hills, is one of the most popular and fascinating hill of northern India. Its green hills and varied fauna and flora make it a colourful and picturesque hill station, commanding a wonderful view of extensive Himalayan snow ranges to the North-East, and Panoramic view of the Doon valley to the south.
These are some of the popular tourist spots in Mussoorie
Camel’s Back Road: The place offers a picturesque view of the sunset and a life like resemblance of a sitting camel. One can also enjoy long walks and horse riding here.
Lake Mist: About 5 km before Kempty falls on the Mussoorie Kempty road is a developed good picnic spot with accommodation and restaurant facilities, boating is also available. The place showcases nature in an exquisite manner. With the Kempty river flowing through it, Lake Mist has many small but beautiful waterfalls made by the river. Thus, this is a gem in the queen of hills.
Gun Hill: One can enjoy a thrilling ropeway ride to Gun Hill, the second highest peak of Mussoorie(2122 mts). The peak offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.
Cable Ride: Enjoy a Ropeway ride to the second highest peak of Mussoorie. It can also be negotiated by bridles path which forks-off from Mall Road near Kutchery and to reach takes about twenty minutes. The Ropeway distance is only 400 mtrs. And the sheer thrill of the ride is memorable.
Mussoorie Lake: A newly developed picnic spot situated on Mussoorie-Dehradun road. The lake is situated at 6 km on Mussoorie-Dehradun road having a facility of pedaled boats. It offers an enchanting view of Doon Valley and nearby villages. View during Night is marvelous.
Vinog Mountain Quail Sanctuary: 11 Kms to the south of Library Point lies an old sanctuary established in 1993 and covering an area of 339 hactares. It is famous for the extinct bird species, Mountain Quail(Pahari Bater), which was last spotted in 1876.
Kempty Fall: 15 kms from Mussoorie on the Yamunotri Road is the most fascinating and the biggest water fall, Kempty located in a beautiful valley of Mussoorie.
Dhanaulti: 24 Kms from Mussoorie. Dhanaulti Dhanolti provides a breath-taking view of the valleys and the Himalayan peaks. The long wooded slopes, lazy outings, cool caressing breeze, warm and hospitable inhabitants, lovely weather and fabulous view of of snow covered mountains makes it an ideal retreat for a relaxed holiday.
Nagtibba: 34 kms from Mussoorie one reaches Thatyur. 7 Kms further is devalsari and a 14 kms further trek to Nagtibba is an ideal spot for trekking.
Surkanda Devi: Situated at an elevation of 3030 mts above sea level near village Kaddukhal the temple of Surkanda Devi is 33 kms from Kaddukhal and one has to trek about 2 kms. The temple of Surkanda Devi is situated on the top of the mountain and is of great religious significance. A fair is held every year on “Ganga Dussehra” during May - June in which thousands of people participate.
Lakha Mandal: Lakha Mandal is situated on the Yamunotri road, past Kempty Falls. There are hundred of idols of archaeological importance which have been preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. According to the legend, the Kaurvas made a shellac house and conspired to burn the Pandavas alive here.
Bhadraj Temple: About 15 kms from Mussoorie, it is an ideal spot for trekking via Park Toll-Clods end, Dudhi. Situated on the extreme western region of Mussoorie town, Bhadraj offers a commanding view of the Doon Valley. Chakrata ranges and Jaunsar Bawar areas can be viewed from here. Bhadraj Temple is dedicated to Lord Bal Bhadra, brother of Lord Krishna.
Municipal Garden: A perfect picnic spot the garden with its artificially created lake with paddled boating facility. It is located at a distance of 4 km by rickshaw cycles, pony or by a car and 2 km via Waverly Convent School road on foot.
Yamuna Bridge: About 27 kms from Mussoorie on Chakrata-Barkot road, is an ideal spot for fishing.Childer's Lodge :- is the highest peak of Mussoorie near Lal Tibba, it is situated at 5 km from the Tourist Office and one can go on horse back or on foot. The view of snow-clad mountains is exhilarating.
George Everest House: The George Everest House is the peak estate of Sir George, the surveyor General of India. Sir George had his office and residence here. The Mount Everest, the highest peak of the Himalayas was named after Sir George .
Jwalaji Temple: The Jwalaji Temple is situated on the top of the Benog Hill and has an idol of Mata Durga. The temple is surrounded by the thick forests and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks, Doon valley and Yamuna valley
Bhatta Fall: About 7 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie - Dehradun road. Access by car or bus upto Balta village from where the fall is 3kms by car or foot. An ideal spot for bathing anf picnics.
Jharipani Fall: About 8.5 kms from Mussoorie on Mussoorie - Jharipani Road. Visitors can go by bus or by car upto 7 kms to Jharipani from where the fall is 1.5 kms, on foot.
Van Chetna Kendra: At a distance of about 2 kms on Tehri bye pass road, this place is developed as a picnic spot and has a park surrounded with pine forest and flowering shrubs, and is approachable by foot or taxi /car. The main attraction is the wildilife of the park like Ghurar, Kanankar, Himalayan Peacock, Monal etc.
