PLACES TO VISIT IN NAINITAL

There are many places to visit in NAINITAL. which is a popular boating site with Goddes Naina Devi temple on its north shore. it is a tiny British hill station.it is a Kumaoni region of Uttrakhand state that is situated around the Naini Lake in the HIMALYAS in the north. It was established by the Britishers.

The air and beauty of this place are amazing and it is the perfect place for vacations or breaks. Places to visit in Nainital have some destinations which are visited over and over again by the tourists -Tiffin Top, Kilbury, High Altitude Zoo, Ariel Roapway, Mall Road, Naini Lake, Eco Cave Garden, Naina Peak, The Flatts, Kainchi Dham, Naina Devi Hindu Temple, Snow View Point.

TIFFIN TOP

It is one of the most beautiful locations in Nainital. It was made by British Army officer Col J.P. Kallet.

Initially, people came to Dorothy’s seat on this hill to have their lunch, that is why it was named Tiffin Top and it is also known as Dorothy’s seat. and it is a perfect picnic spot for family in places to visit in Nainital

LOCATION

is situated at an altitude of 2300 meters in Ayarpatta Hills and a distance of 4 km from Mall Road of Nainital.

ACTIVITIES AT TIFFIN TOP

One can get a 360 view of Nainital from here along with other hills of the Kumaon region. This can also be a flawless spot from a photographer’s point of view. Other than this, hiking and horse riding are also possible here. Apart from being a picnic spot, it is also a viewpoint from where one can get a wonderful view of Goddess Naina Devi temple if the weather is clear.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Well, there is no time restriction to visit Nainital, but if one wants to see a 360-degree view of Nainital from Tiffin top along with other hills of the Kumaon region then it should be ensured that the weather is clear and sunny. This site cannot be seen with overcast. Therefore, the summer season (March to June) is considered the best to visit here

HOW TO REACH AT TIFFIN TOP

Tiffin Top is situated at a distance of 4km from Nainital City. To reach the tiffin top one can hire a shared or booked taxi from Mallital in Nainital city. On the other hand, one can go to Bara Patthar via taxi and hire a pony from there whose charge is almost INR500-700 per head.

KILBURY BIRD WATCHER’S PARADISE

Places to visit in Nainital, This area for bird lovers is located at a height of about 2528 meters which is a perfect place to watch birds and study on them. People can see different species of birds at Kilbury or this place is also best to capture them in camera. More than 400 species of birds have been found in the forests of Kilbury.

Along with 250+ species, other species of owl, woodpeckers, thrushes, eagle, and cheer pheasant are also found here. at Kilbury, tourists can also experience hiking in the dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron along with thousands of medical plants and trees. This is an outstanding location to hear birds chirping and see them.

People who are annoyed with the noise of vehicles and machines in urban areas should definitely visit Kilbury Sanctuary. It provides a fresh environment along with mind relaxation and connects one to nature.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

To visit Kilbury, you should avoid weekends due to the bustle of visitors, birds may not be visible properly, and also choose the time of sunrise and sunset since at this time bird activity is at its peak and the number of tourists is also less.

HOW TO REACH KILBURY

Kilbury is 13km from Nainital before Pangot village on Kilbury road, one can reach by regular sharing taxi or booked taxi. On the contrary, a rented bike or scooter for couples is also a better option.

HIGH ALTITUDE ZOO

It is a great attraction at places to visit in Nainital for wildlife lovers, which is named after Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant. This zoo is a safe shelter for all endangered species and a popular tourist place either.

It was established in 1984 but was opened for visitors on 1st June 1995. the zoo is managed by Bharat Ratna P.G.B.Pant High Altitude Zoo Management Society and Funds come from the entry fees of the zoo.

LOCATION

it is situated on a hill named Sher Ka Danda, 2km from the bus stand of Tallital which has a well-connected road. The high-altitude zoo is at a height of 2100mtr covering an area of 4.6 hectares. It is one of the famous places to visit in Nainital.

WHAT IS A NAINITAL ZOO FAMOUS FOR

Nainital zoois  famous for kids and family spots and it is also famous for wildlife tourism.

WILDLIFE SPECIES IN NAINITAL ZOO

• Himalyan Black Bear, Himalyan Martin, Himalyan Civet
• Steppe Eagle, Hill Partridge
• Tibetan Wolf, Japanese Macaque
• Sambar, Barking Dear, Goral
• Colorfull+Male & Female Pheasant
• White Pea Fowl, Red Jungle Fowl
• Leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger
• Rose Ringed Parakeet, Blossom Headed Parakeet, and Many More.

HOW TO REACH NAINITAL ZOO

Despite being well connected by road, private vehicles are prohibited from reaching the zoo. Going to the zoo, one can hire a sharing jeep which charges only INR30-40 or tourists can also enjoy this little journey by walking.

ENTRY FOR NAINITAL ZOO – paid entry

ENTRY FEE

For adults: INR 100

For kids: INR 50

Adult(foreigner)  :  INR 200

kids(foreigner)     :  INR 100

Important note:

• free entry for senior citizens, specially-abled, and children below age 5.
• free entry for students at the zoo’s special events.
• Nainital Zoo CLOSED on Monday.

Open and close timing

10:00 am to 4:30 pm

NAINITAL ZOO PROGRAMMES AND EVENTS

• World “environment”day on 5th june
• Ozon layer conservation day on the 16^th
• Wildlife week from 1^stto 7^{th October}

ARIEL ROPEWAY

The cable car is a very famous adventure of Nainital and plays an important role in making Nainital a complete hill station along with more places to visit in Nainital. This development has been made by Swiss technology.

This cable car connecting Mallital to Snow View Point (2270mtr) is capable of carrying 11 people or 825kg weight at a time. Through this trip, one gets to see a panoramic view of Nainital Lake and other mountains. This trip takes only 3 minutes time due to which tourists can save their time along with the adventure.

LOCATION

Ariel Ropeway of Nainital starts from Mallital in the main city and connects Snow View Point.

WHAT IS ARIEL ROPEWAY FAMOUS FOR-it is popular for viewpoint and ropeway advantage.

ENTRY TYPE

PAID ENTRY(from both sides)

For adults:   300 per head

For kids:     200 per kid

MALL ROAD

The road is the busiest road in Nainital. It is parallel to Naini Lake and connects two shores (tallital and mallital) of Naini Lake.

Mall Road was built by the Britishers although later its name was changed to Bharat Ratna  Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant Road. However, the local people still know it by its old name Mall Road. Tourists and local people enjoy walking in the evening on this road. Because it is on the banks of the lake, one gets to see the beautiful view of the lake from here and at the same time, it is also a perfect tourist destination from the point of view of photography.

There are also various types of hotels, restaurants, banks, travel agencies, beverage cafes, and many shops for shopping. These shops are mainly famous for various types of candles which are in different shapes and sizes, wooden artifacts, handicrafts items, handmade handloom, clothes, jackets, shawls, and unique toys. Due to Nainital being a tourist place, Mall Road has a strictly no parking zone during the season(march- June & sept-Oct). traffic on this road is restricted at time limit intervals so that the tourist can have a crowd-free walk amidst the nature places to visit in Nainital.

LOCATION

Mall Road is at a distance of about 1.5 km from Nainital Bus Stand.

BEST TIME TO REACH

there is no time limit to visit Mall Road. It looks stunning during all seasons.

WHAT IS THE MALL ROAD FAMOUS FOR

Mall Road is used for various activities by tourists like eating local cuisine, shopping, capturing lake views in cameras, and walking with nature. it is one of the core place among the places to visit in Nainital.

NAINI LAKE

Nainital Lake is mostly known by the name of Naini Lake which is a vast tourist attraction of Uttarakhand along with Nainital. This is a dam situated in the center of Nainital. Tourists from all over the world come to see this lake.

this is the hearth of along places to visit in nainital. Surrounded by Naini Peak in the northwest, Tiffin Top in the southwest, and Snow Peak in the north, the shape of this Lake is like a human kidney. At the time of sunrise and sunset, when the rays of the sun fall on the water of the lake, it appears as if the sun is there on the lake.  Naini Lake is an exquisite spot for boating.

On all four sides of Naini Lake, there are seven different mountains named AYARPATTA, DEOPATA, HANDI BANDI, CHINA PEAK, ALMA, LARIA KANTA and SHER KA DANDA. Naini Lake has divided itself into two separate divisions which are Tallital (southern part) and Mallital (northern part).

The goddess Naina Devi temple is on the northern shore of this lake. Boating is also a better option to reach this temple. Naini Lake was discovered by British businessman P.Baron in 1839, the length of this lake is approximately 2km and its depth is still unknown.

LOCATION

Naini Lake is located in the heart of Nainital.

WHAT IS NAINI LAKE FAMOUS FOR

boating, kayaking, lakes, romantic, yachting, peddling.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

throughout the year

BEST TIME FOR BOATINGS

March,April, May,june, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

ENTRY TYPE- free entry

BOATING CHARGE- INR200 to INR500 according to boating distance.

ECO CAVE GARDEN

This garden is a newly developed tourist place in Nainital which connect the caves of different animals. This cave garden is managed by Kumaon Mandal Development Corporation.it is made so that the places to visit in Nainital could increase and attract more tourism.

Caves made in different shapes provide a natural shelter to animals. The Eco cave garden has a tiger cave, panther cave, bats cave, squirrel cave, flying fox cave and ape Cave is also included.

These caves are illuminated with petroleum lamps. musical fountain makes this cave even more wonderful which is allowed only during the seasonal time. This is the best spot for children’s educational tours and also for couples, it is a perfect destination.

LOCATION

eco cave garden is located at Sukhatal,mallital in Nainital city. It is just 1km away from Mallroad.

HOW TO REACH ECO CAVE GARDEN

Since the eco cave garden is located just 1 km from Mall Road, one can easily visit the destination by walking. besides one can also hire a taxi.

ENTRY TYPE- paid entry

For adults:  INR50

For kids:  INR25

Camera fee     :  INR40

TIMING TO OPEN AND CLOSE

10:00 am to 4:30 pm

NAINA PEAK(china peak)

This peak is the highest hill in Nainital and also the main tourist attraction of places to visit in Nainital. Local people of Nainital are also known for this peak by the name of China Peak or Cheena Peak.

The mountains of China are visible from Naina Peak, hence it is also known as China Peak. This is the best spot for foot travelers and is also popular for its fresh air and views. The view of the Himalayas and birds can be seen very close to Naina Peak.

The height of Naina peak is 2615mts which remains covered with white milky snow throughout the year. Due to this specialty, this peak is the most unique peak of Nainital and a perfect place for hikers and trekkers. subsequently, this destination is also quite famous for photography.

LOCATION

Naina Peak or China Peak is located at 6km from Mallital.

WHAT IS NAINA PEAK FAMOUS FOR

Naina peak is a popular place for hiking, trekking, mountains and peaks, and viewpoints.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

March-June and September-December after sunrise and before sunset.

ENTRY TYPE-free entry.

HOW TO REACH NAINA PEAK

since Naina Peak is 6km away from Mallital, therefor hiring a taxi is a better option so that one can enjoy a comfortable journey. With the exception of, tourists can also reach their destination by feeling nature via horse riding from Mallital.

THE FLATTS

An ordinary part of Nainital, but without it perhaps Nainital is incomplete. This area situated in the Mallital of Nainital, is beside the lake and is known by the name of the flats.

Along with places to visit in Nainital it provides a facility for parking vehicles. The flats are a meeting ground for local people but it is a very famous and active place for tourists. There is a ground adjacent to the lake in the north of Naini Lake where all kinds of vital activities are done for Nainital city.

From spicy chat, junk food, and various types of juice to shopping at  Bhotiya Market, this is a famous place. excluding, Naina Devi temple, Mosque, Gurudwara, Fountain, Capitol cinema, and Roller skating rinks, tourists can also have a relaxing view of Naini Lake from Thandi Sadak. Tournaments of different sports are organized in the Flats Sports Academy such as Volleyball, Cricket, Football, Badminton, Boxing, Bike riding races, etc. All Kumaon cultural festivals are also organized in this flat.

HISTORY OF NAINITAL FLATTS

Before the landslide of 1880, there were many shops and houses instead of flats however due to the landslide, everything was scummed to debris. After the landslide, all the debris was removed and flats were built there only the Naina Devi temple was reconstructed as a tribute to all the 150 people who died in the landslide.

KAINCHI DHAM

This is a temple and ashram which was established by the great saint Neem Karauri in the decade of 1960 on the Almora-Nainital road, hence it is also known by the name of Neem Karauli Baba. beyond its spirituality, sacredness, and religious greatness, this temple is filled with natural beauty. This ashram is surrounded by two pillars that cut one another like scissors, hence it is named Kainchi Dham temple.

A river flows across the temple which further adds to its beauty and greatness. Situated between the hills and the river, this temple is a good place for those who want to meditate and contemplate in peace. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The founder of the temple, Neem Karauri, is mostly known as Neem Karauli Baba. he is known as an incarnation ever since he attained Samadhi in Virandhwana on 10 September 1973.

On 15th June, on the birthday of Neem Karauli Baba, a Bhandara is organized by the Ashram in which a crowd of tourists and locals gather.

Kainchi Dham became more famous when Apple’s former CEO Steve Jobs visited the temple in 1973. Steve Jobs came to India looking for answers to his questions. he was looking for a place with calm and peace in his stressful life. Where he could meet Nirvana and the truth of life by self-inspection and his search finally ends after reaching Kainchi Dham. he meditated and went back. Afterward, he went back and launched Apple. subsequently, Facebook CEO and founder Mark Zuckerberg also visited this ashram and recently Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma also spent their quality time in Kainchi Dham’s ashram. Nainital has a lot of places although Kainchi Dham is on top in the list of places to visit in Nainital.

LOCATION

Kainchi Dham Temple is situated 1400 meters above sea level, between two hills, 17 km away from Nainital on the Nainital-Almora road.

ACCOMMODATION AT NEEM KARAULI BABA AASHRAM

This ashram is a perfect place to stay in a peaceful environment where tourists can stay and eat for a maximum of 3 days. To get a relaxing stay at this place, the tourist has to write a request letter to the manager in which one has to mention a few information related to himself. such as One’s name, address, email, mobile number, photo, etc.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

March to June in summer and September to December in winter are considered best for visiting.

TIMING TO OPEN AND CLOSE

in summer 6 am to 7 pm In winter 7 am to 5 pm.

ENTRY TYPE- free entry

HOW TO REACH NEEM KARAULI BABA

since Nainital-Almora is a well-connected road therefor one can hire a sharing taxi, booked taxi, or even a bus to reach Kainchi Dham.

NEARBY RAIWAY STATION- Kathgodam 45km away from Kaichi Dham.

NEARBY AIRPORT- Pantnagar 76km away from Kainchi Dham.

NAINA DEVI HINDU TAMPLE

LOCATION- Goddess Naina Devi Temple is situated near Mallital Lake on the north shore of Naini Lake. It is located in the center of Nainital city at a distance of approximately 1.5 km from Nainital bus stand.

HISTORY OF NAINA DEVI TEMPLE- One of the popular philosophical places of Nainital is mentioned till the 15th century (AD) or the Kushan period. According to legends, the idol was installed by a man named Moti Raam Shah in 1842 but this temple was completely destroyed during the landslide of 1880. In 1883, this temple was rebuilt with deep faith and tribute. This tribute was dedicated to those who died in the landslide of 1880.

FESTIVAL AND CELEBRATION AT NAINA DEVI TAMPLE

Nanda Ashtami is celebrated between the months of August to September which is celebrated with great enthusiasm in the entire Kumaon region. This festival is a symbol of worship and enthusiasm of Nanda Devi. Nanda Devi is the highest peak of the Western Himalayas. As the name suggests, Nand Ashtmi is a festival celebrated for eight days. During this time devotees have come from all over the country and have taken the blessings of the Goddess.

On the eighth day of worship, the idols of two sisters Nanda Devi and Naina Devi are immersed. besides, the festivals of Navratri, Chaitra Mela, and Shravani Mela are also celebrated with great enthusiasm. Naina Devi temple is the best place to visit in Nainital for those who have a great faith in Hinduism. a huge crowd of devotees who come to worship and seek the blessings of the Goddess.

ENTRY TYPE AND TIMING

free entry for everyone and it is open 6:00 am to 10:00 pm morning to evening all days a week.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Actually, tourists visit here throughout the year but for a special experience, the Navratri period (Sept. to Oct.) is the best option to visit here. Aside from, Shravani Mela (July to August) and Chaitra Mela. (March to April) can also give you a different level of experience.

HOW TO REACH NAINA DEVI TEMPLE

Naina Devi Temple is situated on the banks of Naini Lake in Mallital of Nainital city. It is at a distance of 1.5 km from the Nainital bus stand so tourists can hire a cab or also reach by boating from Tallital. not including some tourists can also enjoy an auto rickshaw, or rented motorcycle ride from Mall Road and can also enjoy this journey on foot while enjoying the views of Naini Lake from Mall Road.

SNOW VIEW POINT

If you want to see snow-covered mountains amidst the clouds then your search will end at Snow View Point Nainital. Snow View Point, 2km from Nainital city, offers a mesmerizing view of the snow-covered hills to visitors.

As the name suggests, the peak here is covered with milky white snow throughout the year. Situated at a height of 2270 meters above sea level. Snow View Point is a perfect place for photography. Being free from dust, pollution, noise, and crowds not only appeals to the tourists but also gives them solace in getting away from the stressful life.

Several pairs of binoculars have been installed at the snow view point through which a close view of the mountains of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot can be seen, and on zooming there is a temple also visible which has statues of Lord Ram, Sita, Hanuman, Luxman, Shiva and Durga can be seen. The Himalayan mountains also give a close and clear view through binoculars. From its other side, a 360 view of Nainital and Naini Lake is visible.

LOCATION

This destination is situated at an altitude of 2270 meters, 3 km away from Nainital city.

ENTRY TYPE- free entry

TIMING OPEN TO CLOSE- it is open from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm morning to evening and closed on Saturday.

BEST TIME TO VISIT-

Due to the hilly terrain, the temperature falls below 0 degrees in winter, hence tourists are advised that the summer season(March to June) is wonderful for visiting the snow view point when the temperature remains between 10-25 degrees and the sky is clear and the views are clearly visible so that the tourist does not have to struggle to see the views.

HOW TO REACH SNOW VIEW POINT

Since the snow viewpoint is well connected from the road, tourists can also hire a taxi or pony to go here but a cable car(ropeway ride) will be a better option for adventure. The roadway is easily available from Nainital’s Mall.

WHAT IS SNOW VIEW POINT FAMOUS- This spot is popular for kids & families, picnics, views, and leisure.

buy some weather-appropriate clothes before reaching hill station to keep yourself comfortable. here are some, please take a look and click HERE

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