Nainital

It is a heaven for nature lovers and holidaymakers. Referred to as the 'Lake District of India', Nainital occupies a places in the Kumaon hills of the Himalayas. The hill station features impressive lakes and hills and is visited by people of all ages. As history maintains it, the hill station became a focus of public attention after being discovered in 1839 by P Baron, a British sugar merchant. Enamoured of its beauty, the Britisher constructed a house called Pilgrim's Cottage and became a resident of Nainital. Soon the trend was followed by others and Nainital took shape of an administrative town. A visit to Nainital is one of the finest options of getting away from the rat race and the crowd of the city life. Adventure lovers can indulge in sports like paragliding, parasailing and trekking at Nainital.The hill station gives you peace of mind and lets you reconnect with nature.

The lake is a photographer's delight. It is the Naini Lake after which the hill station has been named. The lake is beautifully surrounded by verdant hills from all sides, a feast for your eyes. According to a legend, the lake came into existence when the eye of Sati's body fell out while Lord Shiva was carrying her. The whole town of Nainital is situated circling the Naini Lake.

The place derives its name from seven lakes that are located here. Lying at a distance of 21 km from Nainital, Sat Tal features an ashram run by Dr E Stanely of United States Missionaries. The tourist spot is populated with thick pine and oat trees. For visitors, Sat Tal offers recreational activities like swimming, boating and fishing. The much popular Kohinoor camp is also organised here every summer.

At 8,622 ft above sea level, Naina Peak or the China Peak has the eminence of being the highest peak in the region. It is a much popular picnic spot as well as a good hiking destination for moderate trekkers. Horse rides are also available for visitors to reach the Naina Peak. The place is famously known for some impressive views of the Himalayan ranges. It is at 6 km from Nainital.

The church happens to be one of the most important tourist attractions in Nainital. Founded back in 1844, the St John Church is also one of the oldest buidings in the hill town. Travellers can never afford to miss a visit to the church during their holidays in Nainital. The church stands at half a mile from the Naina Devi Temple.

The temple is a major crowd both for pilgrims and tourists. The original structure of the Naina Devi Temple was destroyed in a landslip in the year 1880. The temple was later rebuilt to its present structure. It stands on the banks of the Naini Lake, towards the northern side. The temple has the idol of the presiding deity Maa Naina Devi.

While on your holidays in Nainital, you can also choose to make a visit to the lovely Govind Vallabh Pant Zoo in Nainital. One of the most well-maintained in the country, the Zoo Garden has animals including deer, bear, tiger, leopard, wolf, palm civet, sambhar and many other mammal and bird species. The Nainital Zoo lies at an altitude of 2,100 m above sea level. It remains closed on Mondays.

The Eco Cave Gardens in Nainital is a favourite of both the young and the young at heart. Kids can particularly enjoy their time at the gardens as it can be a good introduction for them of an eco-friendly life. The famous Caves Garden features six caves along with a wonderful musical fountain. Do remember to make a visit to the gardens to add to the charm of your holidays in Nainital.

It is the temple of Lord Hanuman. Hanuman Garh (or Hanumangarhi) is situated at an altitude of 1,951 m above sea level. Pilgrims arrive here to worship Lord Hanuman, a noble hero and great devotee of Lord Rama as mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Besides, the place is also popular with tourists for heart warming sunset views.

Located at a distance of 3 km from Nainital, it is a peak on the Sher ka Danda Hill. Snow view is aptly named as it affords impressive views of now-laden peaks of the Himalayan ranges. To enjoy eay-feasting to the maximum, a powerful telescope is placed at Snow View, lying at an altitude of 2,270 m above sea level. Visitors can easily reach the place through the Aerial Express Ropeway.