Nanital – The Perfect Holiday Gem

Posted on Feb 3 2016 - 7:05am by Editorial Staff

Naintal

Nainital is perhaps one of those few vacation spots that house everything a vacationer looks for in a perfect getaway. Towering mountains of the Himalayan range, sweeping lush greenery, and clear waters, this hill station boasts exquisite landscape. It is a lovely tourist attraction that has enticed a plethora of travellers from all parts of the country. Known as the City of Lakes, the hill station derives its name from the Naini Lake. The exquisite lake, a pear shaped water body, is around two miles in circumference and surrounded by an envelope of the majestically mighty hills. With an environment of calmness, cool weather and a chance to break free from the hustle bustle of everyday life, numerous tourists arrive in Nainital each year to spend their holidays.

The astounding natural beauty isn’t the only attribute that Nainital, situated in the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand, houses. The hill station’s charm is further augmented by an abundance of temples and religious sites. History says that Naini Lake is among the 64 Shakti Peethas where parts of Goddess Parvati fell when Lord Shiva carried her. Nainital – literally meaning “lake of the eye” – is the site where Parvati’s eyes fell. The Naina Devi Temple, along the north of the lake, is devoted to her. Nainital’s beauty is also reflected in the words of Percy Barron, who discovered the hill station in 1841, and said it was “the best site I have witnessed in the course of a 1500 mile trek in the Himalayas.”

Places to visit

Several locations underline the overall appeal of Nainital. These are the places that have significantly contributed in making Nainital one of the most visited hill stations in India.

Unarguably, and unmistakably, the best location to visit when in Nainital is the Naini Lake. A pristine and clear water body, enveloped by towering mountains on all sides, the lake is a favourite spot among locals and outsiders alike. During late evenings, the beautiful view of the water surface reflecting the lights from the houses, hotels and cottages located on the mountains along the lake is one of the many enchanting and breathtaking attributes of the Naini Lake.

Located along the northern shore of Naini Lake is the Naina Devi Temple, a religious site holding great significance among Hindus. Revered as one of the 64 Shakti Peethas, it is a major tourist attraction. Although it was demolished as a result of a devastating landslide in 1880, its popularity among locals and travellers alike led to its reconstruction.

Nainital isn’t all about natural exquisiteness. For those who want a bite of shopping from their vacations, the hill station has the perfect remedy. The Mall Road, connecting Mallital and Tallital, is the busiest section in the hill station. The peak season witnesses a spike in the number of travellers, which forces traffic to not be permitted to enter the mall road to ensure a smooth conduction of business and trade. Shopping centers, hotels, restaurants and street shops constitute the overall charm of this strip.

Nainital Winter Carnival

The Nainital Winter Carnival is a seven day event that witnesses several cultural performances and adventure activities and competitions. Some of the cultural activities organised as part of the event include musical, dance and other performances. Adventure enthusiasts and those seeking to indulge in outdoor activities can participate in a string of competitions and contests like trekking, mountain biking race, paragliding and roller skating show. Last year, hikers got an opportunity to fulfil their desires, with a trek organised from Pant Park in Mallitaal to China Peak – both locations situated along the Niani Lake.

Where to stay

In the heart of a spectacular exhibit of nature, one should only opt for resorts in Nainital that are nothing short of perfect in terms of sophistication, hospitality and providing the most spectacular sights.

With a breathtaking view of the mighty hills and beautiful sweeping greenery, Sterling Holidays’ Bhawanipur Greens offers its guests an ideal opportunity to unwind from the monotony of everyday life and breathe in nature in all its glory. A wealth of amenities, fine hospitality and luxury underscore the overall charm of this resort.

Members can go with the Studio room, while guests can avail the Classic Room. A discotheque, billiards room and gym area highlight the wealth of amenities the resort offers to its guests and members.

How to reach

Nainital can be reached by bus, owing to an excellent and well developed road connectivity to important destinations in northern India. A multitude of buses run from New Delhi to Nainital daily, with several operators offering a range of options like air conditioned, non air conditioned and sleeper buses.

One can also reach Nainital by trains. The closest railway station, at Kathgodham, is 34 kilometers away. One can hire a private cab or take a ride in a shared taxi to reach the destination. Trains from important destinations like Delhi and Lucknow arrive at Kathgodham.

Nainital does not have air connectivity. The nearest airport, Pantnagar, is located at a distance of 65 kilometers.

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Editorial Staff at I2Mag is a team of subject experts.