Discover Destination
A gem in perfect setting, the Nainital hill station
promises an alluring experience where the beauty of nature
weaves a mysterious fantasy. One can catch the sunrise at
Tiffin Top, an early morning jog on Thandi Sadak, an afternoon
walk to China Peak, the sun setting over the snow clad
Himalayas seen from Kilbury, a passing leopard at Pangot, a
ride in a yacht skimming across the surface of Naini Lake when
the clouds come rolling in over the lake, or a round of golf
at the unique links style natural golf course at the Raj
Bhawan, over a weekend trip . Nainital unravels in layers and
is best seen in no hurry.The lure of Nainital is mysterious
and some of the major attractions of Nainital are listed
below:
Highest Sailing Club in the world:
Nainital boasts of having the highest sailing club in the
world. The Boat House Club conducts yacht races or regatta
(as it is more popularly known) every year in June &
October. Tourists can also go on joy rides at nominal charges.
Boat House Club : The Boat House Club ,on
the lake, dating back to the mid-19th century, is must see. At
its wooden-floored bar, head for the tables facing the lake.
Sunlight streams in through the windows - its quite a
sight. In the evenings, the magical town lights and stars do a
giddying dance on the waters of the lake, and you get a
glimpse of a genteel world gone by. It houses Bar and
Billiards Room.
Naina / China Peak – A two & a
half hrs walk at 2610m. It is the highest point in Nainital.
One can either trek or go on horseback.
Snow View Point – A cable car ride
runs from Mallital to Snow View Point (2270 m). This point
offers a panoramic view of the entire Himalayan range (The
ropeway is open from 0930 1300 hrs & 1400
1700 hrs).
Dorothy Seat/Tiffin Top – At 2292 m,
the point sits atop the hill with a scenic trail that is
somewhat exhausting, approximately 4 km from the lake.
Land’s End: At 2100 m, this
mountain road ends at a point where one gets a magnificent
view of the plains and the beautiful Khurpa Tal Lake, which is
surrounded by a beautiful village and pine forests. One can
also view the magnificent sunset from this point. Normally
travelers go on horse back as the trail is fairly flat.
Hanuman Garh: This group of temples offers
a spiritual insight into Nainital. A short car ride takes one
to Hanuman Garh, which as the name suggests, is a spiritual
abode dedicated to Hanumanji or the Monkey
God.
Observatory: This state observatory is
approximately 6 kms from Nainital. One has to get prior
appointment before one wants to visit this place for star
gazing.
Zoo: This high altitude zoo houses a large
variety of species of animals and birds that are normally
native to high altitude areas. The most popular attractions
are a pair of Siberian Tigers (closed on Monday).
Naini Temple:
It is believed that this ancient temple was built in the 15th
century. Till today, hundreds of Kumaonis visit the shrine for
their daily spiritual fix.
Caves Garden and Musical Fountain: This
is the latest addition in the list of numerous tourism spots
in Nainital. It is located in Sukha Tal, around one km from
Mallital. The resort arranges for trips to the Cave Garden
every evening for a nominal charge.
Kilbury: Kilbury is an ideal picnic spot
for viewing sunsets, and is really very popular with tourists.
The distance of about 12 kms on a motorable road can be
covered by car.
Raj Bhawan: The foundation of the Nainital
Raj Bhawan, modelled after Buckingham Palace, was laid on
April 27, 1897 and was completed in March 1900. The
architecture of this Government House has been professionally
described as of "the early domestic gothic style".
The building stands upon a plateau and the combined effect of
its environs, the vividly green lawn, grey stone steps and
well-ground old deodar trees reminisces the English
countryside.
St. John's Church: The church of St. John
in the Wilderness was established in 1844 and is located on
the north end of town (Mallital), about half a mile north-west
of the Naina Devi temple. The church was so named by Daniel
Wilson, the Bishop of Calcutta. A brass plaque on the altar is
inscribed with names of the victims of the Landslip of 1880.