Nainital District
essenceofkumaun
NAINITAL HISTORY ~ essenceofkumaun
Nainital is referred to in the ‘Manas Khand’ of the ‘Skanda Purana’ as the lake of the three sages Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha who were reputed to have arrived here on a penitential pilgrimage and, finding no water to quench their thirst dug a hole and siphoned water into it from Mansarovar (sacred lake in Tibet).
The other important mythological reference to Nainital is as one of 64 ‘Shakti Peeths’. It is said that the left eye (Naina) of Sati fell here and this gave rise to patron deity of town Nainital. Thus name of Nainital derivative from Naina and the tal (Lake).
To catalyse formation of a town the administration transferred land to wealthy Sah community of Almora, on condition that they build houses on the land. British wanted to educate their children away from discomforts of plains, so Nainital became an important center of education.
HOW TO REACH NAINITAL
Nainital is connected to National Highway No. 87. Regular buses run from Delhi, Agra, Dehradun, Haridwar, Lucknow, Kanpur & Bareilly. Beside this luxury coaches/TAXI are also available for this place.
By Air
Pantnagar is the nearest airport from Nainital at a distance of 70 KM.
By Road
Traffic Rules On the Mall Road
Entry of heavy traffic is prohibited during months of May, June and October from 8 AM to 10.30 AM & 2.30 PM to 10.30 PM. Light vehicles from 6.00 PM to 10.00 PM and cycle rickshaw from 6.00 PM to 9.00 PM.
By Train
Kathgodam (35 Kms.) away is the last terminus of broad gauge line connecting Nainital with Delhi, Dehradun & Howarah. Haldwani(40 Kms.) & Lalkuwan(56 Kms.) are other railway terminals. Bagh Express connects Kathgodam directly to Howarah via Lucknow.
PLACES TO VISIT IN NAINITAL DISTRICT
NAUKUCHIATAL
It is 26 Kms from Nainital and at 1220 mts above sea level. A pretty deep clean lake with its nine corner is a captivating site.
MUKTESHWAR
Mukteshwar is 2286 mts in altitude and 51 Kms. from Nainital. It is surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest. It is the celebrated scenic spot overlooking long ranges of Himalaya.
GHORAKHAL
Famous for the temple of Lord Golu and Sainik school, it is at a distance of 3 Kms from Bhowali.
SATTAL
Sattal is 22 KMs from Nainital and is at an altitude of 4495 ft. Sattal is an interconnected group of seven lakes which are among the few unpolluted fresh water bodies in India.
BHIMTAL
Bhimtal is 20 KMs from Nainital and is the largest among a cluster of freshwater lakes huddled in the mountains of Uttarakhand. Bhimtal lake has an island at its centre.
KHURPATAL
Khurpatal is 11 kms from Nainital and is a small hamlet frequented by the tourists for its pleasant climate and a beautiful lake with crystal clear water. For angling or fishing, this is the right place.
CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
The Jim Corbett national park is 118 Kms. from Nainital (via Kaladhungi & Ramnagar) and it covers an area of 521 Sq. Kms. The park occupies portions of Kalagarh and Ramnagar forest divisions.
RAMGARH
Ramgarh is 35 KMs from Nainital, and is known as “Fruit bowl of Kumaon” for a variety of Himalayan fruits. Its famous for spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges.
TOURIST PLACES IN NAINITAL DISTRICT
NAINI LAKE
The center of Nainital’s exquisite beauty is the beautiful Naini lake, which make you spellbound at night when the myriads of bulbs from the hill sides and large number hanging near the lake’s edge stab their magic light into its waters.
Naini lake offers ample opportunity for yachting, boating or paddling the boat. The north end of lake is called Mallital and the southern one is called Tallital.
MALL ROAD
Mall road (now named Govind Ballabh Pant Marg) is lined up by many hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, shops, banks etc and it runs on one of side of lake. Mall strolling is the famous attraction for all the tourists. This road is the main link joining Mallital and Tallital.
Thandi Road is on the other side of the lake. It's comparatively less busy and have Pashan devi temple.
FLATTS
Flats are at the northern side of Naini lake and is a place for people from all walks of life. It has a play ground which is used for sports/ games and cultural activities. Famous Bhotia Market is in the flats where vendors sell fancy items. There is a band stand, Mosque, Gurudwara and Naina Devi temple.
ZOO
Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo is at an altitude of 2100 meters and is 1 Km. away from bus stand. It has Monkeys, Himalayan black bear, Leopard, Siberian Tiger, Palm civet cat, Wolf, Silver Pheasants, Hill Fox, Barking Deer, Sambhar.
RAJ BHAVAN
Raj Bhavan is official accommodation of Governor( Uttarakhand). It has marvelous garden, Golf Links, Swimming Pool, Badminton court. The Governor’s House was built in the line of Buckingham Palace.
HANUMAN GARHI
Hanuman Garhi is a religious centre famous for its sun set view and is around 3.5 Kms from the bus stand. It has a temple complex presiding deity being Lord Hanuman besides Ramji and Shivji.
SNOW VIEW
Snow view is an easily accessible hill top, height 2270 mts. and around 2.5 Kms from Nainital town. The spot is accessible through rope way and well connected by motor able road. Snow view offers beautiful and breath taking picture of glittering snows of Himalayas.
KILBURY
Kilbury is around 12 Kms from Nainital. Kilbury gives a breathtaking view of Himalayas. and is an ideal spot for a quiet and peaceful holiday.
CHINA PEAK
Naina peak is the highest peak of the town, at an altitude of 2611 mts. and is around 6 Kms from Nainital. It commands an entrancing view of sparkling snow laden Himalayas and a birds eye view of the lake city of Nainital.