My Trip to Nainital

Nainital is a beautiful hill station in the Himalayas. My father is very fond of Nainital. This year we went just after Deepawali to Nainital on a short trip. There is the direct suitable connection by train to Nainital from Ghaziabad so we first went to Kathgodam.

From Kathgodam we took a taxi and by road went to Nainital. It was a call for BANDH (a strike) in Uttarakhand, the new state people wanted to be carved out of Uttar Pradesh, so there were very few people on the roads and shops were closed.

We were stopped a kilometer short of Nainital by roadblocks and we had to cover this last kilometer of our journey on foot. When we reached our Paradise Homestay, we saw monkeys were playing opposite our suite. There is a lake named Naini here. There were pedal boats and rowboats in it. Pedal boats were in three shapes – Duck-shaped, Fish-shaped and standard ones.

Top Tourist Attractions in Nainital

A place of tranquility (which is Nainital) amidst chaos (going in mind) is a desperation of escape from rut. Coming up to the altitude of this lake city, people of all faith find a way to connect to divine and Nature together as one, be it in the clanging bells of temple or aroma of burning candles in church or in the serene silence of understanding Himalayas. Start knowing Nainital with:

Naina Devi Temple: Represented by the ‘eyes’ of goddess, the deity Shakti is the venerated with emotions and rituals.

Lake Naini: The natural reservoir of water, the lake is the life, bread and butter of the hill city as intermingled as it is with tourism of Nainital.

St. John in Wilderness: A church, set up in 1844 just when the city was getting developed as a English preserve, has now become a place of paying respect to one more religious faith.

Naina Peak: Also referred to as China Peak, the beauty is as marvelous as majestic Himalayas could allow it to be. Trekking to the summit of the peak is worthy of all the efforts it requires of the tourist.

Sitavani Temple: Associated with the event of Sita, wife of Rama, going inside the earth after giving sons- Luv and Kush to King Ram.

Snow View Point: Another place to admire Nature with eyes, it showcases peaks Trishul, Nanda Devi and Nanda Kot. Cable car and motorable road, both are fine options to enjoy this experience.

Hanuman Garhi: Dedicated to the aide and devotee of King Ram- Hanuman, the temple is built on a hill by a local saint, 3 Km away from Nainital.

Tiffin Top: On Ayarpatta Hill, the place is idea for some breathtaking clicks of Himalayan grandeur. A vantage point called Drothy Seat is also located here.

Lakes around: Sattal (Saat Tal), Khurpa Tal, Bhim Tal, Naukuchiatal, are some of the lakes that are never missed for various opportunities varying from boating to parasailing and not to mention photographing.

Land’s End: Waters of Khurpatal can be spell bounding- this is what is the first thought on mind when here. Neighboring hills and valley can make an inevitable feeling of ‘end of the land’ literally.

Eco Cave Garden: Located in the Mallital town, this natural park is a comparatively latest addition in Nainital travel package.

Kilbury: A picnic spot of sorts, the place is enchanting with forests of deodar and oak and trail to Naina Peak.

Governor’s House: Architect F.W. Stevens put Victorian Gothic style in a good use while designing this summer residence in 1899, so much so that it is appreciated for its work till date.

Gurney House: Remembered as the residence of Jim Corbett who played a key role in establishing the first national park of India, this is now turned into a museum shedding some light on the life of this hunter turned conservationist.

Other Must Vist Places around Nainital

Mukteshwar

Named after Mukteshwar Dham- temple of Lord Shiva, the place is visited by devotees of Lord Shiva as well as hill station lovers.

Almora: The beautiful place is ideal for a summer escape, with all its temples, Nature’s destination that serve as perfect picnic spot.

Bhowali: Just 10 Km away from Nainital, this place is popular for apricots, apple, strawberries, etc. Cycling through the place can be a great delight.

Haldwani: When in Nainital, going to Haldwani is just a matter of one hour or more, covering 30 Km distance between. Also referred to as ‘Gateway to Kumaon, the place is a tourism charm.

Ranikhet: Approximately 56 Km from Nainital, the place is considered to be a fruit heaven with orchards of various trees pouring sweetness. The serene place is ideal for outing on road.

Best Time to Visit Nainital

According to personal choices for a break, the best time could vary. However, on a general note, Nainital tour is considered best during the months of March to November.

We had lunch at Paradise Homestay. Our trip was a very short one – four days only since my mom had to attend the marriage of my mama (uncle) at Kanpur.

There were two trollies. I purchased so many beautiful candles from Nainital. My  Wife took Golu Dev and Lord Ganesha’s statue molded wax. We came down on the fourth day to Haldwani. The train was ready to go. We boarded the train immediately and next morning we came back to our residence at Ghaziabad.

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