Nainital, Uttarakhand
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Located in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon district, Nainital is a charming lakeside town. It lies at an elevation of around 2,000 metres. Centred around the mountain lake Naini, this picturesque town is surrounded by seven hills, popularly known as “Sapta-Shring.” The imposing mountains and the lake’s sparkling waters together greatly enhance the town’s beauty. Due to its resemblance to the Cumbrian Lake district in England, Nainital was British India’s preferred summer vacation destination, drawing many of the country’s homebound Englishmen. Today’s bustling town in the Great Himalayas may have grown in size, with high-rises blending with bungalows in the colonial style, but it still exudes a classic charm. Nainital, which is located at a height of 1,938 metres, was once home to 60 lakes, the most significant of which was the Naini Lake, around which the town developed. Nainital is not only a well-liked tourist destination; Hindus also regard it as a holy place as well.
Nearby Places to See
Naini Lake
One of the main attractions of the hill town is the Naini Lake, a vast stretch of emerald-blue water in the shape of a crescent. It is a beautiful location surrounded by seven hills, which are reflected in the water’s blue hue, giving it a greenish tint. At the foot of the Great Himalayas, this freshwater lake is surrounded by lush forests with tall oak trees. The northern section is known as Mallital, and the southern portion is known as Tallital. The lake is a popular place for boating, and on most days, you can see colourful pedal boats, row boats, and yachts dotted across its surface. These vessels are the perfect way to explore the lake’s pristine beauty.
One of the main attractions of the hill town is the Naini Lake, a vast stretch of emerald-blue water in the shape of a crescent. It is a beautiful location surrounded by seven hills, which are reflected in the water’s blue hue, giving it a greenish tint. At the foot of the Great Himalayas, this freshwater lake is surrounded by lush forests with tall oak trees. The northern section is known as Mallital, and the southern portion is known as Tallital. The lake is a popular place for boating, and on most days, you can see colourful pedal boats, row boats, and yachts dotted across its surface. These vessels are the perfect way to explore the lake’s pristine beauty.
Corbett National Park
Large lakes, grasslands, marshy depressions, hills, and riverine belts can all be found within the 520 square kilometres that make up Jim Corbett National Park. The park is well-known for housing India’s endangered Bengal tigers, but it also provides a home to a wide variety of other wildlife, including over 650 species of local and migratory birds, 50 species of raptors, 33 species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians, 7 species of fish, and 36 species of dragonflies. Otters and endemic fish-eating crocodiles, among other rare species, can also be seen. An unforgettable experience in this location is a wildlife safari, whether it be in an open jeep or on the back of an elephant. Located about 65 kilometres from Nainital, the park is one of the few locations in the nation that permits overnight stays.
Large lakes, grasslands, marshy depressions, hills, and riverine belts can all be found within the 520 square kilometres that make up Jim Corbett National Park. The park is well-known for housing India’s endangered Bengal tigers, but it also provides a home to a wide variety of other wildlife, including over 650 species of local and migratory birds, 50 species of raptors, 33 species of reptiles, 7 species of amphibians, 7 species of fish, and 36 species of dragonflies. Otters and endemic fish-eating crocodiles, among other rare species, can also be seen. An unforgettable experience in this location is a wildlife safari, whether it be in an open jeep or on the back of an elephant. Located about 65 kilometres from Nainital, the park is one of the few locations in the nation that permits overnight stays.
Pangot
Pangot is a charming little hill town located about 13 kilometres from Nainital. It is ideally located for an unusual travel stopover because it is tucked away in the Kumaon region, among the thick forest of the Naina Peak range. Numerous bird species, including the Khaleej pheasant, the Himalayan griffon, the slaty-black forktail, and lammergeyer, find refuge in Pangot. Additionally, animals like leopards, ghorals, barking deer, and sambar can be found in the lush jungles of Pangot.
Pangot is a charming little hill town located about 13 kilometres from Nainital. It is ideally located for an unusual travel stopover because it is tucked away in the Kumaon region, among the thick forest of the Naina Peak range. Numerous bird species, including the Khaleej pheasant, the Himalayan griffon, the slaty-black forktail, and lammergeyer, find refuge in Pangot. Additionally, animals like leopards, ghorals, barking deer, and sambar can be found in the lush jungles of Pangot.
Kilbury Bird Sanctuary
Kilbury, surrounded by thick forests, is one of the most well-travelled birding routes in the nation. It is located about 6 kilometres from Nainital. More than 580 different bird species can be found in the Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, including brown wood owls, collared grosbeaks, white-throated laughing thrushes, and many others. With oak, pine, and rhododendrons ensuring a lush landscape, it also supports mammals like the leopard cat, sambar, and red fox. Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Reserve is located within the sanctuary as well. The sanctuary, which is located at a height of about 2,200 m above sea level, is a picturesque location with the snow-covered Himalayas rising in the background.
Kilbury, surrounded by thick forests, is one of the most well-travelled birding routes in the nation. It is located about 6 kilometres from Nainital. More than 580 different bird species can be found in the Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, including brown wood owls, collared grosbeaks, white-throated laughing thrushes, and many others. With oak, pine, and rhododendrons ensuring a lush landscape, it also supports mammals like the leopard cat, sambar, and red fox. Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Reserve is located within the sanctuary as well. The sanctuary, which is located at a height of about 2,200 m above sea level, is a picturesque location with the snow-covered Himalayas rising in the background.
Hanuman Garhi
The Hanuman Garhi temple, which is devoted to Lord Hanuman, is located on the outskirts of Nainital towards the south at a height of 6,410 feet above sea level. Neem Karoli Baba, a well-known local saint, is believed to have constructed it in 1950. A mammoth statue of the lord, about 22 ft high, stands against a backdrop of the panoramic Himalayas. The temple’s elevated location provides a good vantage point for admiring beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
The Hanuman Garhi temple, which is devoted to Lord Hanuman, is located on the outskirts of Nainital towards the south at a height of 6,410 feet above sea level. Neem Karoli Baba, a well-known local saint, is believed to have constructed it in 1950. A mammoth statue of the lord, about 22 ft high, stands against a backdrop of the panoramic Himalayas. The temple’s elevated location provides a good vantage point for admiring beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
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