Nainital Hill Station
Nainital, Uttaranchal is famous not just for its green hills or many lakes.
It is also famous for it's many legends and stories. Hundreds of ancient temples
and peaks with astounding views of the mountains in the background add to Nainital's
magical appeal.The history of this dainty town sails over the surface of the
Naini Lake, where oarsmen narrate the stories of the rishis who brought the
waters of the sacred Mansarovar River to formSuffocating at times with thousands
of tourists, Nainital is also home to Sherwood, one of India's most prestigious
schools.
NAINITAL (Location)
Nainital is 34 Km from Kathgodam, the gateway of Kumaon and the terminus of
North Eastern Railway. It is 304 km from Delhi, capital of India, and 388 km
from Lucknow the State capital. According to the District Gazetteer Nainital
is situated at 29 degree 24' north latitude and 79 degree 28' east longitude,
in a valley of the Gagar range running east and west, which is bounded on the
north by the peak of China, which rises to a height of 8.568 feet, continued
by the Alma peak (presently known as Snow-View) and the Sher-Ka-Danda to the
eastern extremity, where the ridge descends almost to the level of the lake.
On the west the rugged hill of Deopatha rises to a height of 7,987 feet, and
on the south Ayarpatha attains an elevation of 7,461 feet diminishing gradually
towards the east.
While the intervening portion between these two hills is a mass of rocks
piled up loosely together which goes by the name of Handi Bandi, and is formed
of the transition limestone of Mussoorie. exhibiting every where vast rents,
fissures and boulders of all sizes and shapes. The eastern boundary is the
pass through which the surplus water of the lake find an exit, forming the
principal source of the Ballia river, which falls into the Gola near Ranibagh.
The western end of the valley consists of a series of gentle undulations formed
by the debris of the surrounding hills. Thus Nainital is situated at a height
of 1939 metres from sea level & is surrounded by some outstanding
Peaks and hills. The town has the famous lake to which it owes its name.
The surface of this lake has an elevation of 1.935 m above sea level. Maximum
length & breadth being 1,434 m & 463 m.respectively.
The depth of this lake is said to range between a maximum 28 metres and
a minimum of 6 metres. Most Important Characteristics of the town Nainital
has some unique features and physical characteristics. By far the greatest
attraction is provided by the lake Naini. Flowing on the base of rising peaks.
Cheena, Laria-Kanta, Deo- patha, Snow view and others, the lake presents a
view which lingers in memory. All around the lake is wide road, the Mall,
now known as G. B. Pant Marg, which is crowded by pedestrian and rickshaw
traffic. All this is mirrored up and brightly reflected in the glittering
blue waters of the lake.
NAINITAL (History)
Mythology
According to a legend Parwati the daughter of King Daksha held a great 'Yajna'
but did not invite Parvati and her consort Shiva. Parvati could not bear this
direct insult, in her great fury Parvati gate-crashed into the 'Yajna' ground
and leaped into the high flames of 'Yajna' fire to end her life.And later
lord Shiva retrieved her half-charred corpse himself. The majority of the
local people believe that the eyes of Sati dropped in the lake while her body
was being carried by Lord Shiva to Kailesh Parvat. Hence,the lake was given
the name of 'Nainital' or Naini lake. Later the spot became famous by this
very name.
NAINITAL (Recent history)
Nainital was founded in the year 1841 by Mr. P. Barron, a European merchant
and an enthusiastic hunter from Rosa, near Shahjahanpur. Mr.P.Barron was the
first European who took great fancy to this land. Moved by the beauty of the
sparkling lake he wrote: "It is by far the best site I have witnessed
in the course of a 1,500 miles treak in the Himalayas." It is very less
is known about the history of Nainital. This region was called Khasdesh in
ancient times and Khasis ruled this region before Christ was born. The name
"NAINI" is derived from a temple to the goddess 'Naini Devi"
built on the upper edge of the lake and was destoyed by the landslip of 1880.
It was subsequently replaced by a modern structure. The word "Naini"
means 'Eyes'and 'Tal' means 'Lake'.
CLIMATE
Nainital, owing to its location, is colder than the rest of the hilly tract
of Kumaon region. During monsoon, it gets heavy rainfall. The climate, therefore,
is damp. The neighbouring areas of Almora and Ranikhet are warmer than Nainital.
Similarly humidity in Nainital is less than in other hill towns. The monthly
maximum and minimum temperature of the town ranged between 28.06 degree C
and 7.06 degree C.
NAINITAL (Places to Visit)
BHIMTAL :- (1371 MT) About 22 kms from Nainital, nestled in a beautiful pristine
valley, this jem of a lake is the largest around Nainital. The beauty is enhanced
by a small Island surrounded by crystal blue water.
KHURPATAL
At an altitude of (1635 MT) there lies just another beautiful spot at a distance
of 12 km from Nainital popularly known as Khurpatal. It is considered to be
anglers paradise having clear water and a good harvest of fishes.
SATTAL
Iterally meaning seven lakes is a group of small lakes nested together, about
23 kms from Nainital at an altitude of (1370 MT) still untouched by modernisation
-one can see the natures beauty at its best.
NAKUCHIYATAL :- (1218 MT) About 4 kms from Bhim Tal -lies the mystique lake
with 9 corners. Surrounded by dense forested hills on all sides it provides
solace from the maddening rush of the plains.
Kainchi :- It is a placed at an altitude of (1400 MT) at a distance of 20km
from Nainital & liked by both tourists and devotees. It is a modern pilgrimage
centre established by Neem karoli Baba a saint of early sixties of twentieth
century.
KILBURY :- At about 12km. from Nainital at a height of (2528 MT) lies a place
fit for weekend picnics.It is famous for its flora and fauna and bird watching.One
can have a wide panoramic view of Himalayas along with a view of Tarai and
Bhabhar.
KAUSANI :- (1890 MT) 120 Km from Nainita 1ies the beautiful town of Kausani
-also called the Switzerland of India. It provides an enchanting sunrise over
the Himalayas -a rich experience which will remain alive in your memories
for lifetime.
RANIKHET :-(1829 MT) This beautiful hill resort is about 63 km from Nainital.
Its beauty lies in its simplicity - beautiful pine trees create a nostalgic
feeling. The orchards, the temples, the joy grounds will back on you again
and again to its fold
NAINITAL (Near By Sites )
CHINA PEAK :- (2611 MT) The highest peak of Nainital provides a challenge
to the most avid trekkers. Situated about 6 kms from the town China Peak is
known for its splendid Bird's eye view of the town, the Himalayas and also
the vast expanses of the Terai regions of Kumaon
SNOW VIEW :- (2270 MT) About 3 kms from the town and also accessible via
a cable car. Snow view is one of the most visited tourist spots of the town.
It provides enchanting view of the town and 350km long range of the Himalaya.
TIFFIN TOP :- (2290 mt) also known as Dorothy's seat -in memory of an English
lady Mrs. Kellet Dorothy, who was killed in an air crash Tiffin top is a short
trek of about 3 kms from Nainital and provides excellent view of the Himalayas
and the town.
OBSERVATORY :- It is about 4.5 km from Nainital. Situated at an altitude of
(1951 MT).Observatory is basically a place of astronomical studies.Public
is shown round some of the instruments during working days at afternoons.For
niht viewing three four days on moonlit nights are fixed and permission is
needed.
LAND'S END (2118 MT) About 4 kms from town provides a magnificent view of
the plains and the beautiful Khurpa Tal surrounded by beautiful village and
pine forests.
HANUMAN GARHI :- (1950 MT) About 3 kms from Nainital is the famous temple
of Lord Hanumanji. One can view the magnificent sun set from here.
VIEW POINT :- About 5 kms away from Nainital on the way to Kilbury, nestled
at a height of about (2300 MT)is the beautiful tourist spot, from here one
can have a glimpse of mighty Himalayan ranges and lower forested ridges. It
is a very good place to pass some time in solitude enjoying the beauty of
nature.
NAINITAL - THE LEGENDARY LAKE
The Nainital Lake finds mention in the Manas Khand (chapter) of the Skanda
Purana (scriptures) as the Tririshi Sarovar, i.e., the lake of the three sages.
Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha. Legend has it that in the course of their pilgrimage
the three sages arrived here, only to find the place without water. Meditating
on the sacred and bountiful Mansarovar Lake, they dug a hole here. So great
was the power of their tapas (meditation) that the hole soon filled with water.
The name Nainital is derived from an old temple of Goddess Naina Devi on the
shore of the lake. The origin of the temple is shrouded in mystery. It is
believed that Lord Shiva, gone berserk after the death of his consort Sati,
strode the earth like a colossus, with Sati. s half-charred body over one
shoulder. As he passed over the lake, Sati. s left eye dropped there. The
place was sanctified as the home of the Goddess Naina Devi (from naina, meaning
eye).
NAINITAL - GETTING THERE
The nearest airport is at Pantnagar, 71 km away. It is connected by Vayudoot
services with Delhi. A coach takes the tourists to Nainital. Taxis are also
available.
The nearest railhead is at Kathgodam, 35 km away. Nainital is connected
by rail to Delhi, Agra, Bareilly and Lucknow. Taxis and buses are available
from Kathgodam to Nainital.
Nainital is connected by good, all-weather roads to Delhi (322 km), Bareilly
(141 km), Almora (66 km) and Ranikhet (60 km). Public and private bus companies
ply regular bus services between Nainital and Delhi, Lucknow, Bareilly, Hardwar,
Dehradun, Almora, Ranikhet, Ramnagar and other important towns in the state.
Nainital Hill Station Tour Reservation Form
Copyright
©
North India Travel. All Rights Reserved