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.
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 horse back.
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 & 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.
