Lakshwadeep Travel Guide

Laccadives, the former name of Lakshwadeep, is a group of islands, which is situated some 400 km off India’s west coast in Arabian Sea. These groups of islands are India’s only coral atolls and they are geologically a part of the same chain as the Maldives. Lakshwadeep is known as the smallest Indian Territory. The name Lakshwadeep has been derived from the Sanskrit word meaning Hundred Thousand Islands. This breathtaking place has seventeen uninhabited islands attached islets, ten inhabited islands; four newly formed islets and five submerged reefs.

Coral reefs

 This heavenly place called Lakshwadeeep is one of the most enchanting and attractive destinations, where you can spend your luxurious holiday. This smallest Indian Territory of India is in the Arabian Sea, which consists of five submerged banks, three reefs and twelve atolls. The wondrous marine life, the beautiful villages, the luxurious tourist resorts and the artistic mosque together makes Lakshwadeep a fantastic holiday destination.   

Mesmerizing Lakshwadeep

Climate

 The best and the peak season to visit Lakshwadeep are during the moths from December to April, when the whether is cool and dry. During the months from May to September, the main southwest wind brings monsoon, even during the moths of October to November, the northeast winds do brings rain.

Places of Interest

Aggati Islands

 The pristine natural beauty of Agatti islands in Lakshwadeep, can be described as one of the nature’s treasure on Earth or one may easily call it a Heaven on Earth. The reason behind calling this unique place a “Heaven on Earth” is because of its balanced mix of sunlight, soothing weather, sea breeze and the sandy shore makes a memorable trip for the visitor who visited Agatti. The prime attractions in Agatti, which actually attracts tourists from all the corners of the globe, are the silvery beaches, exotic coral reefs and swaying palm trees, which are gifted by nature to Agatti.

Aggati Islands

Aggati can be called a gateway to Lakshwadeep, has only an airport in the island. This place is best suited for water sports activities. If anyone wants to experience fiberglass boats and country canoes cruises, then Aggati is the best place. Agatti is one of the most attractive tourist destinations, as one gets to experience the mind blowing attractive lagoons in the west, with multi color fish and exquisite coral growth.

Breathtaking Aggati

Amindivi Islands

 Amindivi Islands is also known as Amini Islands, is actually the first human habitat island, and is famous for its superior quality coir products. This island is a small one with 3 km in length and 1.6 km in width; his island experiences a tropical climate.

Amindivi Islands

This island is famous for its craftworks like beautiful walking sticks made of tortoise shell and coconut shell along with carved striking flower motifs on hard coral stones. Here tourists can shop these valuable lovely hand made creations. 

Andretti Islands

 Andretti is the largest island in the Lakshwadeep, even the closest island to the mainland of India through Cochin. This island is considered to be the densely populated island situated with the glare and glamour of natural beauty. This island is truly blessed with many tourist attractions, including some archeological remaining of Buddhism and the tomb of Saint Hazrat Ubaidullah.

Andretti Islands

 This island has a unique feature of lying in the east-west directions, whereas other island lies in the north-south directions. This breathtaking island has got beautiful coconut palms, which adds the beauty of this island, apart from that coir industry flourishes here in a steady manner. If you have patience, then you can have a glimpse of small species of octopus during the neap tides from the seashore of this island. This calm and enchanting beach is a perfect place to spend your memorable evening.

 Kadmat Islands

Kadmat is famous and notable for its long silvery sandy beaches, is a great tourist place, where one can enjoy the facility of having a great sunbath. This island is one of the inhabitant islands of Lakshwadeep with dense coconut palms standing like a s if its welcoming everyone. This island is isolated from the Mainland; Kadmat is recognized for its limestone, which is use for building purpose.

Heavenly Kadmat

 Kadmat is a small island and has gets a credit of a very large beautiful lagoon enclosed by the coral reefs. On the eastern side of the island, there is a narrow lagoon, which dries up during the low tide periods. On the southern tip of the Kadmat Island is the most attractive bank, which is the perfect place to enjoy he Kadmat sunbath.

Kadmat Islands

Kalpeni Islands

Kalpeni Island or Koefaini as per Arab writers is actually a group of three islands and is considered as one of the most impressing and exquisite islands of islands of Lakshwadeep. Tourists from all the corners of this Earth, is attracted towards Kalpeni, to spend their memorable holidays.

Kalpeni Beach

One of the attractive and unique features about this island is the coral debris along the eastern and southeastern banks, this island is also encircled by lagoons which is a worth to be called a fantastic splendor and is highly rich is coral life. Kalpeni is famous for the water sports activities. Adventure tourists can venture out in their interesting sports like reef walking, snorkeling, sailing yachts and kayaking.

Kavaratti Islands

 Kavaratii is the prime destination of the Lakhswadeep tourists; this enchanting place with eternal natural beauty, with impressive, coral sands and calm lagoon is the head quarter of the Lakshwadeep. The dancing leaves of coconut in the soft sea breeze, the pristine beauty of lush green coconut trees and sandy beaches, makes a dream destination for honeymoon and holidays.

Kavaratti Islands

Urja Mosque is the Kavaratti’s prime attraction and the other attraction is the captivating Aquarium, which has many varieties of corals and a different species of colorful fishes, an ideal destination for a memorable holiday.

Colorful fish

Minicoy Islands

This crescent shaped island is second in area after Andretti Island; this area is credited with the largest lagoon in Lakshwadeep. Mahl is spoken in Minicoy, where rest of islands speaks Malyalam.

Minicoy Island

Minicoy is famous for tuna fish, it is also an important center of tuna canning. People of Minicoy are art lover; traditional dances like Dandi and lava dance are practiced here and performed during their festivals.

Beautiful Coral reefs

Leh Ladakh, Leh Travel Guide, Leh Tourism

Leh is the capital of the Himalayan kingdom Ladakh which is in the Indian state of Kashmir. Actually Leh is located in the crossroads of the old trading route of Tibet, Kashgar and Kashmir, which is in the Indus river valley. Leh was mainly popular because of trading, but after the partition of British India, the trading stopped and finally the borders were closed during the Sino-Indian  war in the year 1962. From the year 1974 Leh was bustling with the tourists, as it was the first time it was opened for all. But the Indian or rather the domestic tourists have stepped their foot in Ladakh, somewhat from 2000, their was a dramatic increase among the tourists in Ladakh after the release of an Indian movie 3 Idiots in 2010.

A part of Leh

Leh is a small town, and one can easily go around by your foot. The picture of old Leh town is somewhat like this, the place is quite compact, with houses made of mud and brick, and he narrow lanes which direct to the east of the main market. Another important place is Chanspa which is northwest of Leh is an agricultural suburb, and has many guest houses.

Chanspa

The elevation of the main market is almost 3524 meters, so first few days of your visit in Leh, you might suffer from altitude sickness.

Climate

  Leh has got cold desert type climate, with long and harsh winters starting from October to the beginning of March, with the minimum temperature dropping down below freezing point. Leh occasionally receives snowfall in winter. Apart from winter, other months in Leh are quite fine and day times are warm and pleasant. The average temperature in Leh ranges from -28 degree Celsius in winter to 33 degree Celsius in Summer. Average rainfall which Leh receives is around 102mm.

Places of interest

Palace of Ladakh

This former Palace of Ladakh was built in the 17th century, is now under construction. This building is one of the noticeable building in Leh. The corridors of the Palace is very dark and spooky, floors have holes. In few words this a great place to explore. A must see, is the most furnished room in the Palace. is the beautiful, mysterious Buddhist prayer room which is at the center of the Palace is worth to praise. The exterior view of this Palace is spectacular. The entry fee is Rs. 100 only.

Palace of Ladakh

Old Town

 The Old town in Leh, is one of the charming place, with old traditional touch in the architecture of the buildings standing still today. This place is seems to be forgotten by the world, a place can be called a hub for the photographers. The Old Town is just a walking distance from the Palace of Ladakh.

Old Town

  Buddhist Temples

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

This temple is above the Palace, was built during 1430, remains open during the morning puja from 7AM to 9 AM.

Namgyal Tsemo Gompa

Soma Gompa

Soma Gompa, is one of the large modern Gompa, is around the Main Bazar. This place is also the location of  Ladakhi Buddhist Association, which is a political organization, and has a tie with Hindutva groups.

Soma Gompa

Karma Dupgyud Choeling

 This monastery follows the style of Karma Kagyu Style.

Shanti Stupa

This modern stupa, was built by Buddhist Japanese group. This stupa, has somewhat became a little worn out, but still a worth to visit.

Shanti Stupa

Pangong Tso

 Pangong Tso, is one of the charming lake, which is located at an altitude of 4350 meters. One will be blind to the awesomeness of the deep blue water of the lake, and the mighty tall mountain peak surrounding the lake like a guardian. The lake lies on on the boundary of Indo-China, with one-fourth part of the lake being in India. There is a road to this lake, which passes through Chang-la pass, which is said to be 5424 meters, almost 149 km from Leh. On this way to this place, is where a Yak safari is done. This passage is quite tough to cross by car. Bikers those who are experienced should have any problems.

Breathtaking Pangong

Pangong Tso surrounded by mountain

Monasteries in Ladakh

Most travelers, use Leh as the central point to visit all the most happening Buddhist monasteries and numerous Gompas in Ladakh.

Monastry in Leh

Transport

Road

 Leh is connected to the rest of India, by two high altitude national highways, both are subject to deep snows and is difficult to pass during winter. The National Highway 1D which passes from Srinagar via Kargil is open for longer period of time and Leh Manali highway, is tough route due to high passes and plateaus.

Leh-Manali Highway

Air

Leh's nearest airport is Leh Kushok Bakula Rimpochee  airport, where daily flights ply from Delhi, atleast on Kingfisher, Jet Airways or Indian airlines.

Another important thing in Leh, is their carnival, which is worth to enjoy, this carnival attracts tourists from all the corner of the globe.

Carnival of Ladakh

Leh is not only a haven for the trekkers or mountaineers but also a great place for honeymoon, a perfect place to bond with your partners among the mountains.

Khajuraho Group of monuments, Khajuraho Travel Guide, Khajuraho Tour

Khajuraho, a small town, famous for the group of Hindu and Jain temple is located in the Bundelkhand region of the Indian state, Madhya Pradesh. This temple is the part of UNESCO World Heritage Site, these temples are famous for their beautiful and remarkable rock carvings. The Vindya range of mountains are perfect backdrop of Khajuraho, which makes the place more fascinating destination for the tourists.
 

Khajuraho Caves

The art or the architecture of the Khajuraho's temple is an indication of an essence of the philosophy of Indian artistic style. The amorous sculptures of Khajuraho depict Kama Sutra are unique in the world. These sculptures which represents the Indo-Aryan architecture, a lyrical hymn of love and passion is coagulate in stone, shows the Chandela dynasty's immense love and respect for the forbidden art.These temples are not only famous for its erotic sculptures, but these temples too have some revered Gods of Hinduism.

During the rule of  Chandela dynasty, these temples were built between 950 A.D to 1050 A.D. During the 13th century, when there was a decline of Chandela dynasty, then for years these temples were left covered under the dense date palm trees. The city has got its name from it, date palm in Hindi means Khajur. During the ancient times, the city was called Vatsa. 

In the year 1838, a British army engineer Captain T.S. Burt, have rediscovered them, but by that time 22 out of original 85 temples have only survived.

Climate

Khajuraho has got an extreme variation in the day and night, with minimal rainfall. The summers are usually too hot with, 45 degree Celsius, the winters are pleasant with 27 degree Celsius. Since summer months are too hot, winter is the perfect time to visit. Another good time to visit Khajuraho is March, during that time Khajuraho dance festival takes place. So its better to visit Khajuraho from September to March.

Tourism

In every temple one will have a chance to see the depiction of kinship, royalty, armies, wrestling, marriage, courtship, lovemaking, dance, music, spiritual teaching, meditation, plants, animals, and abundance of all human forms.

Audio guides

The Archeological Survey of India have introduced official self guided, audio tour facilities for international standards for visitors. This device allows the visitors to see the Khajuraho Group of Monuments at their own pace. Guides may avail this service from the official audio guide booth, near monument ticket counter. Prices for audio service guides are Rs.100 for English and other foreign languages and Rs.60 for Hindi and other Indian languages.

Western Group of Temples

The entry fee of Rs.10 is for the Indians and USD $5 for the foreigners to enter the western group of temples, if anyone has got the ticket of Taj Mahal, can use it here.The temples are open from sunrise to sunset. These group of temples are richest and largest of all the temple group.

Lakhmana Temple: This Vaishnavite temple is one of the oldest and finest temple among the western group of temples,is named after the ruler, who built this temple. There is an A horizontal beam over the entrance of this temple, which shows the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu with her consort and Shiva with Lakshmi.

Lakhmana Temple

Kandariya Mahadeo Temple: This temple is beautifully decorated with the many sculptures which are considered to be among the greatest masterpiece of Indian art.

Kandariya Mahadeo Temple

Devi Jagdamba Temple: This temple is dedicated to the Goddess, is smaller in size and well proportioned temple, and is considered to be the home of the some of the finest sculptors of Khajuraho. The garbha griha has got the huge image of Goddess of Universe (Devi Jagdhambi), this temple was actually started as Vishnu temple. This temple has three band of sculptures, the third is in the uppermost house, has got some of the erotic sculptures.

Chaunsat Yogini: This temple is the only granite temple among the Khajuraho temple group.

Chitragupta Temple: This temple is dedicated to Sun God Surya, this temple is faced eastwards towards the rising sun.

Chitragupta Temple

Matangeswara Temple: This temple is actually dedicated to lord Shiva, a 8 ft huge Shiva lingam adorns the temple.

Varaha Temple:This temple is dedicated to the Varaha avatar of Lord Vishnu, where he holds the statue of Vraha means boar in the center stage and the Seshnag lying beneath. Tthe idol is carving of  Devi Saraswati, on the snout of Varaha, reflects that every word seeks blessings from Devi Saraswati.

Part of Varaha Temple

Vishwanath Temple: This temple is totally dedicated to Lord Shiva, also known as Vishwanath means master of the Universe, in that same premises also has a temple dedicated to Nandi, the companion, the attendent and the closest aide of Lord Shiva.

Light and sound show at Western group of temples is held at every evening, narrated by the Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachhan. For Indians, the entry fee is Rs.120, and for the foreigners

Eastern Group of Temples

Parshvanath Temple: This temple is largest among eastern group of temples, has got exquisite carvings in details. The sculptures which are on the northern outer wall of the temple, highlights the temple. These images were installed in 1860. The three roofs in the temple depicts mixture of Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim influence.

Parshvanath Temple

Ghantai Temple: This Jain temple has an embellishment, which depicts the 16 dreams of Mahavira's mother and a Jain Goddess on a Garuda.
Adinath Temple: This temple is dedicated to Jain God (Tirthankar) Adinath, this temple is beautifully decorated with artistic sculptures including yakshis.

Flying Celestial of Adinath Temple

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Brahma Temple: This Vishnu temple is made entirely of granite and sandstone,is considered one of oldest temple of Khajuraho.
Vamana Temple:This temple is located in secluded place, is known for its simple  architecture,this temple is dedicated to dwarf form of Lord Vishnu.

Vamana Temple

Southern Group of Temples

Dulhadev Temple: This temple is the last temple of Khajuraho, it lies south of the Ghantai Temple. A Shivalingam is enshrined on that temple. The striking feature of that temple is the ornamental figures and the sculptors of Apsara.

Sculpture of Dulhadev Temple

Beejamandal Temple: This temple is near Chatturbhuj Temple,is ruined now.
Chatturbhuj Temple or The Jatkari Temple: This temple is built in1100 A.D. this temple is devoid of erotic sculpturs. There is 9ft intricatly carved Vishnu idol on Chatturbhuja.

Chatturbhuj Temple

Khajuraho Dance Festival

Khajuraho dance festival is a weak long festivals of classical dances held every year against the backdrop of magnificently lit Khajuraho temples, is organized by the Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad.
This festival highlights the richness of the various styleof Indian Classical dances like, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Manipuri, Kuchipudi, Kathakali. Recently modern dances are also added. This dance programmes are held in the open air auditorium in front of Chitragupta Temple and Vishwanath Temple belonging to the western group.

Khajuraho Dance Festival

Transport

Air

Kajuraho Airport is the nearest airport, which is 5 km away from the main city.

Rail

Khajuraho station was opened in the year 200,linking to Jhansi. There are trains from Agra, Varanasi, New Delhi.
Satna is the alternative station  for Khajuraho.

Road

Khajuraho is well connected by Satna and Jhansi withregular bus services.

Shillong Tourism, Shillong Travel Guide, Shillong Hill Station

Shillong is one of the largest town ans capital of the Indian state called Meghalaya. Shillong is the perfect place where you can have a perfect honeymoon with the clouds. This city has got a milder climate than the tropical India, as this place is located in surging pine covered hills. The city which is popularly known as abode of clouds, is1496 meters above the sea level; since Shillong is a home of many waterfalls, hence it is called the Scotland of East. One will find the a touch of British legacy still today, in the architecture and also in the food habits of the residing people of Shillong.

View of Shillong

The architecture of the houses of Shillong, is that of the Assam style; the roofs are slanting, large number of windows are present and the floors are made of wood, which looks like a piece of art. These Assam style houses is beneficial for Shillong as this place receives heavy rainfall, and are very much prone to earthquake. During the monsoon, Shillong receives heavy rainfall, this last for a longer period of time than rest of India. Therefore, an umbrella is very necessary, tourists who wishes to visit Shillong, must pack an umbrella in their bag. Although people avoid to visit Shillong during the monsoon, but this is the time, Shillong remains clean as all the garbage are cleared with rain water and at that the waterfalls are at full strength.

Climate

Shillong has got a pollution free summer, where the temperature remains 23 degree Celsius, the temperature of Shillong varies 4 degree Celsius during the winter months. Usually Shillong receives less perspiration, then rest of the country. Shillong and monsoon goes simultaneously, the monsoon arrives in the June and rains until, the end of August.

So, it is advisable, that the best time to visit Shillong is during October to November and March to April.

Places of interest

 There are many places in and around Shillong, which are tourist spots, here we will be discussing some of the well known tourist spots.

Elephant Falls

Elephant Falls, is in the upper Shillong area, it also houses the Eastern Air Command of Indian air Force. This picturesque waterfall is more of a collection of smaller falls, it is not a continuous falls.This scenic fall has got a footpath which leads to the bottom of the fall from where it reaches a small lake. The name of this Elephant Fall was given by the British, as there is a rock by the side of the fall, which resembles elephant, this rock was destroyed in earthquake.

Elephant Falls

 Shillong Peak

Shillong Peak is 1965 meters above sea level, is the highest point in Meghalaya. From this point, you can have bewildering view of Shillong, the city's beauty during the night is something worth to remember. It also has the radar station of Indian Air Force , the tourists are advised not to take snaps of the radar facilities there, they should once declare their camera, as soon as they reach the point.

Shillong Peak

 Entomological Museum (Butterfly Museum)

This museum has got a huge collection of different types of butterflies. This museum is very beneficial to the students of Zoology. This museum is not only attractive and beneficial for the children but also for the adults too as they will have an opportunity to enjoy and play with the different kinds of colorful butterflies. This Museum present some of the fine and rare species of butterflies and moths.

Shillong Golf Course

Shillong Golf Course is the first golf course in India which has 18 holes in it, it is almost at an altitude of 5200ft. This place is like a dreamland for the putters. This golf course is one of the beautiful and is located in such a unique place, that it is compared with the 'Glen Eagle Course' of the United States.

Shillong Golf Course

Bishop and Beadon Falls

These two very beautiful falls are located in the Suna valley. Suna is a home to many wild animals, like leopards, langurs, deer, wild cats and variety of bird species.

Beadon Falls

Bishop Falls

Sweet Falls

Sweet Falls is a very steep fall, and is located in the Happy Valley. It is advisable that extreme caution should be taken, as there are no barricades, the rocks are always very slippery due to rain or dew.

Sweet Falls

Lady Hydari Park

Lady Hydari Park is a place where variety of local flowering plants and orchids are found. There is a mini zoo and a deer park which is spread more than a kilometer. This place has got a beautiful picnic spot for the local crowd. This park is named after Lady Hydari, wife of the then Governor of Assam.

Lady Hydari Park

Flowering Plants at Lady Hydari Park

Wards Lake

Wards Lake is an artificial lake, has got a garden and a boating facilities. Wards Lake is locally known as Nan-Polok.

Wards Lake

Don Bosco Centre of Indigenous Culture

The Don Bosco Museum is actually part of DBCIC (Don Bosco Centre of Indigenous Culture). DBCIC comprised of research on cultures, publications, animation programmes, training. The museum which is a place of knowledge sharing about the culture of north east in particular and other cultures too. DBCIC is at Mawlai, Shillong.

Transport

Although Shillong is well connected by road. But Shillong has got no rail connection, air connection are not that of worth. Umroi airport is the only airport of Shillong , where limited flights ply.

Roadways

Shillong is well connected with the other northeastern states, two major national highways passes through Shillong, they are National Highway 40 is connected to Guwahati; National Highway 44 is connected to Tripura and Mizoram.
Private buses and state transport buses ply to and from Shillong daily. Sumo taxis are also available to the destination like Tripura, Guwahati and other cities and towns of north eastern states.

Nainital Tourism, Nainital Travel Guide, Nainital Hill Station

Nainital, in Uttarakhnad, is one of the popular Indian hill station. The name Nainital, is derived from its famous lake, called Lake Naini. This dream place is nestled in amidst of the mighty peaks of the Kumaon hills, this dream place offers one a lot. Nainital, to provides with all the facilities, one would love to have in a hill station from, exploring Jim Corbett's home, to feeding animals in the zoo, from boating, to picnicking on the hills. Lake Naini has separated Nainital into two parts: Tallital and Mallital. In the southern side of the Lake is Tallital and on the northern upper reaches of the lake is Mallital. In the year 1880, this town was destroyed in the landslip, but later, Nainital was re-built by the British. This place is renowned for its lake, prestigious educational institutions. Nainital is also known as the Lake district of Uttarakhand. If anynone is planning to make a trip to this dream land, then Summer time in India that is from May to July, is the perfect time. Nainital is great place for the couples , those who are planning for honeymoon.

Nainital

Climate

Nainital experience temperate summer, the maximum temperature in summer is almost  27 degree Celsius, and 7 degree Celsius is the minimum temperature. Nainital draws maximum tourists in the months of summer. While, during the winter months, Nainital receives snowfall between, December to February, the maximum temperature in the winter is almost 15 degree Celsius, while the minimum temperature is almost -3 degree Celsius.

Snowfall in Nainital

Tourism

Tourism is one of the important segment of  Nainital's economy. The following are the places which are mostly visited by the tourists.:

Nainital Lake

Also popularly known as Lake Naini, this eye-shaped lake is situated in the heart of the city, Nainital earned its name, owing to this lake. This lake is a hotspot and attracts tourists like magnet, those who visit this hill resort. Well, the tourists can indulge themselves in the leisurely walk along the bank of the lake, or can indulge themselves in boating. Tallital is the southern end of the lake, while Mallital is the northern end of the lake. The two banks of the lake is connected by the Lake Bridge, which has quite a few shops and post office, this is the only one post office in the world to be located on a bridge.

Nainital Lake

Naini Devi Temple

On the northern shore of Lake Naini, is the Naini Devi Temple, the deity which presides in this temple is the Naina Devi, she is represented by two netras (eyes). On the both the sides of Naina Devi are the deities of  Lord Ganesha and Mata Kali. Nainital is actually believed to be one of  the Shaktipeethas, one of the body part of Sati fell, when Lord Shiva was carrying her body. It is assumed that the eyes (netras) of the Goddess have fallen here. This shrine is a must visit for the Hindu devotees, those who visits Nainital, this temple was reconstructed after it got damaged in the landslide of 1880. From the temple, overlooking the lake, one can get a beautiful view of the hill station.

Naini Devi Temple

St. John in the Wilderness

This church was established in the year 1844, this church is north of the town Mallital and almost half a mile north west of the Naina Devi Temple. This church was named after Daniel Wilson , the Bishop of Calcutta, who fell ill, during his visit to Nainital in 1844, to lay the foundation of the church, he was obliged to sleep in an unfinished house in the edge of the forest. The names of the victims of the landslide in 1880, was altered on the brass plaque.

St. John in the Wilderness

Governor's House

Governor's house is also known as Raj Bhavan, This Government House was built in the year 1899, this was designed in the Victorian Gothic domestic style, F.W Stevens was the architect of the Government House. Now the Raj Bhavan has become the guest house for the Governor of Uttarakhand and for the state guest.

Governor's House

Snow View

Snow View is at an altitude of 7,450 ft and is located at the top of  Sher-ka-danda Ridge which is north by north east of the town center, and is easily accessible by cable cars. Charges for the car is Rs.150 per person and for children it is Rs.75. There is a charge for staying an hour at that point. The timing of visiting Snow View is from 10 am to 5 pm. On a very clear day, one will be spell bounded to see the snow clad Himalayas, including Nanda Kot, Trishul, Nanda Devi. Late October to November are the best time to view this mountains.

Snow View

Naini Peak

Naini Peak is also known as Naina Peak, Cheena Peak or China Peak, is the highest peak of the town, with the altitude of 8,579 ff, and at the walking distance of 6km from the north end of the town Mallital. From the top of the peak, one will have a opportunity not only to view the broad swath of snow capped Himalaya, but also will be lucky enough to have a panoramic view of the Nainital town.

Naini Peak

Tiffin Top

Tiffin's Top is also popularly known as Dorothy's Seat, is almost 7,520 ft on Ayarpatta hill, which is almost 4 km from the center town and they offer an amazing. Dorothy's Seat is actually a stonework picnic perch on the Tiffin Top was built as a memorial of a British Army officer's wife Dorothy Kellet by her husband Col. J.P Kellet.

 

 

Tiffin Top

Gurney House

Gurney House is a former residence of Jim Corbett is on the Ayarpatta hill. Before leaving for Kenya, Jim and her sister Maggie, sold this house to a zamindari family from Bihar. Though this is a private residence, but this house is open to all the visitors as a museum of Corbett memorabilia.

Gurney House

Place's near Nainital

The Jim Corbett National Park

One of the oldest national park in India is in the Nainital district. Jim Corbett National Park is west by north west of Nainital, contains a large variety of species, starting from tiger, sambar deer, chital, elephant, flying fox, wild boar, Indian Pangolin, King Cobra, hedgehog.

The Jim Corbett National Park

Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar can be called a picturesque town, which is almost 52 km north east of Nainital, is also a place of Indian Veterinary Institute.One will also have a chance to view the unhindered  high mountains of western Himalayas, including Trishul, Nanda Kot and Nanda Devi.

Bhimtal Lake

Bhimtal Lake is the biggest lake of Nainital, is almost 22 km from the city. This lake is named after second Pandava brother in Mahabharata, Bhim, who was known for his prestigious strength. This lake is almost 4,490 ft in height. There is a popular restaurants on the island of the lake. In the 17th century a temple complex was built, Bhimeshwar, beside a 40 ft high dam was built at one end of the lake.

Bhimtal Lake

Transport

Rail

Kathgodam is almost 35 km away from Nainital, is the nearest railway station. Trains for Kathgodam are available from  Delhi, Gorakhpur, Lucknow Dehradun, Howrah (Kolkata), Haridwar.

Road

There is a daily bus service from Delhi, the buses leaves from ISBT  Anand Vihar Delhi, and runs by Uttarakhand roadways.

Air

PantNagar Airport is the nearest airport of Nainital, this airport handles only six schedule flights a week.