Nainital
Nainital is a beautiful hill station at the foot of the Kumaon Ranges in Uttarakhand. Located near Dehradun and Delhi, it is the most visited hill station in north India. Nainital is a perfect weekend trip from Delhi and neighboring places.
Nainital enjoys pleasant weather throughout the year, making it a popular hill station for families, couples and even solo travelers. It’s easy to get to from the big city by road and is perfect for a two day visit. Naina Lake is the center of Nainital with Mall Road on one side, Thandi Sadak on the other side and the bus stand on the side.
Nainital History
Nainital is one of the beautiful places in Uttarakhand. It is mentioned in many ancient texts as ‘Manas Khand’ of Skandapurana. Then there is the story of the pale eyes of Ma Sati who fell here to form the Naini Lake, the name of which comes from the Hindi word Naina which means eyes.
The British captured Kumaon and Garhwal regions in 1815. Finally, E Gardiner was appointed Commissioner of Kumaun Division in 1815. Mr. G.W. Traill, the second Commissioner of Kumaun, was the first European to visit Nainital. Later, in 1839, a British businessman, Mr P Barron (a sugar merchant) and his friend, a game hunter, got lost in the mountains while hunting. They got lost and found this wonderful place. Barron was so taken by the place that he gave up the sugar business and built a European settlement on the banks of Naini Lake. In 1841, the discovery of Nainital appeared in the publication of “The Englishman Calcutta”. Offices slowly started moving here and the Nainital Municipal Corporation was established in 1850 to provide facilities to the residents.
To promote urban development, the government handed over land in Nainital to the wealthy Sah community of Almora, with the condition that they would only build houses on the land. In 1862, Nainital became the “tropical seat” of the North Western Provinces. After that, the development continues at a high speed. Many schools and colleges were established to educate people.
In the midst of economic upheaval, a landslide on September 18, 1880 caused by continuous rains swept away the Victoria Hotel. About 151 people died under the rubble of the hotel. Although the soldiers were called for help, the people could not be saved. After this was done, the place was torn down and the parking lot was repaired.
Attraction Place to visit in Nainital
Tiffin Top
Tiffin Top is a famous tourist spot in Nainital, also known as Dorothy’s seat. A beautiful picnic spot in itself, one gets a perfect view of Nainital city and the surrounding hills in Kumaon region from here. Adventure activities like abseiling and rock climbing are also done at Tiffin Top. The beautiful Tiffin Top is surrounded by Cher, Oak and Deodar trees. Naini lake and Kumaon hills are beautiful from here. On a clear day, one can also catch a beautiful view of Nanda Devi. The attraction got its name Tiffin Top when people started eating lunch on top of the hill on Dorothy’s chair. The Tiffin Top is also called Dorothy’s Chair because it was built in memory of the English artist Dorothy Kellett by Colonel JP Kellett. The officer’s wife, Dorothy, died while he was on a boat to be with his four children
Grotto Ecological Garden
The Eco Park is famous for its interlocking rock caves, hanging gardens and trickling springs, the Eco Park is a group of six small caves shaped like different animals. Located in Mallital area of Nainital, you will climb. In the evening, you can watch a horror show with different audio video effects.
The Eco Cave Park has been set up to give tourists a glimpse of the Himalayan wildlife habitat by constructing different caves for different animals, as their habitats. Equipped with lanterns, the most famous caves are Tiger Cave, Panther Cave, Apes Cave, Bat Cave and Flying Fox Cave. Visiting Eco Cave Garden is not recommended for old and young people.
Naina’s peak
Naina Peak is the highest peak in Nainital at a height of 2615 meters. The main attraction for tourists in the city, the peak remains covered with snow throughout the year and the cover of the trees that cover it makes it a beautiful sight. Due to the high altitude and beautiful roads, the peak is very popular among tourists and travelers. Also known as China Peak, it is famous among tourists and locals for its romantic sunrise and sunset.
It is a must visit for couples and groups of friends.
One can capture the scene from different angles while visiting Naina Peak. Apart from walking, people also use horse riding to reach the top of the mountain. About three kilometers from the main land is Tanke Band, which is the nearest taxi stand. One can indulge in a nature photography session with the view of the snow capped mountains during the day and the beautiful city of Nainital at night.
The end of the country
Located across the Khurpa Tal in a vast plain, the end of the earth is where the world ends and all you see is a huge mountain covered in snow all around. 4km from the main city, Land’s End is frequented by those who want to travel to the beautiful place and enjoy the beautiful view of Khurpataal lake with mango. Those who are less inclined can take a horse, pony or taxi from the city. Keep in mind that views from Lands End are weather dependent.
