Travel and Experience: September 2013

NAINITAL IN UTTARAKHAND-

Nainital is a beautiful and very popular hill station located in the kumayun region of Uttarakhand. Nature has generously endowed Nanital with numerous lakes, green valleys and picturesque landscape.During our visit to Nainital,we stayed in"The Naini Retreat",overlooking the beautiful valley. In Nainital and round about, there are several places of adventure and recreations.

Naina Peak (also known as China Peak) located at a height of 2610 mtrs. is a scenic place, another such popular place is Snow View peak. On a clear day, tourists can enjoy a panoramic view of the snow capped mountains from these peaks. Tourists may also avail the facility of Aerial Rope ways (Cable Car) to reach Snow View Point .State Observatory, under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, is an attraction for those people, who are interested in the studies of astrophysics, optical tracking of earth satellites and solar system. However the biggest attraction in Nainital is the Nainital Lake itself, which is about 67 ft deep and a preferred place for boating and yachting for all. Where as Nainital Lake is located in the centre of Nainital, there are several other lakes in this lake district. The Bhimtal Lake, which is about 22 km from Nainital, is biggest lake in this region. The other two important lakes are the Khurpatal Lake along the Kaladhungi road and Naukuchiyatal Lake. Naukuchiyatal Lake is about 130 ft.deep and is a nine cornered lake.
The other places of interest are High Altitude Zoo and Botanical Garden . High Altitude Zoo is at a distance of 1.5 km.from the bus station and it houses several animals ,who used to live in such high altitude. Botanical Garden is about 5 km away from Nainital on the way to Kaldhungi. This garden, extending to an area of about 30 hectares, has a collection of several native plants and species.The Flat (plain) area in Mallital, adjacent to the lake, is a popular place for sports and other recreation activities. Mall Road which links the Tallital to Mallital along the beautiful lake is the most preferred place of shopping and eating in Nainital. While shopping in Nainital ,locally made wooden items , candles and other gift items are the main attractions.
Nainital is a place of religious significance also and there are several places of religious importance. The Naina Devi temple, located at the north bank of Nainital Lake is believed to be the same place where the eyes (nain, as called in the local language) of Sati fell during the ancient time, when the charred body of Goddess Sati was being carried by Lord Shiva. This is the reason why this lake is known as Nainital. During our visit to Nainital, we also visited Mukteshwar town which is about 50 kms from Nainital and is located at a height of 2286 mtrs. This is a celebrated place of scenic beauty and also known for a spot locally known as chaulli ki Jhali, which is also a favourite place for Rock Climbers. However Mukteshwar (also known as Mukteshwar Dham ) is mainly dedicated to a old and famous temple of Lord Shiva, which is located at the top of the hill within deep forest.Tourists interested in wild life and birds watching are advised to visit Jim Corbett National Park,which is about 52 kms from Nainital and is a well known Tiger Reserve.

Some of the photographs of Nainital are as follows-