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.

Mussoorie Tourism, Mussoorie Travel Guide, Mussoorie Hill Station

Mussoorie known as " Queen of Hills" is a hill station is situated in the foothills of Garwhal Himalayan ranges, located in Uttarakhand in the northern part of India, it is also a municipal board in the district of Dehradun. Mussoorie is almost 290 km north to New Delhi and almost 35 km away from Dehradun, which is the state capital city. Barlowganj and Jharipani are the two townships, Landour, which also includes military cantonment is greater part Mussoorie. Mussoorie is averagely 6,170 feet. Mussoorie was once called dreamland place for tourist as it has that flavor in its atmosphere which includes amazing green hills, with varied of flora and fauna, to the northeast, it has a commanding snow range. One will be mesmerized to see the sparkling view of Shiwalik ranges which is to the south of Mussoorie and the Doon Valley. Lal Tibba is called the highest point in Mussoorie which is almost over 7,510 feet.

The best time for the tourist to visit Mussoorie is between mid March to mid November, but in the monsoon months like from July to September may sometimes be an inhibiting factors, due to downpours.

View of Mussoorie

It can also be said that Mussoorie is considered as the gateway to the Northern India shrines like Yamontri and Gangotri. Dehradun is the closest railway station for Mussoorie. Buses and taxis are always available at regular intervals for Mussoorie, it is well connected by roads to Delhi and other cities too.

Tourism

Mussoorie's economy depends on the tourism industry, people all over the world are attracted to this dream place due to its natural beauty. There is a place called "Camel's Back Road", it is also known as nature walk, the name derived from the road, which has an outcrop from rock, which is the shape of a camel. On the midway of the loop a cemetery is located. The second highest point in Mussoorie is the "GunHill", it is said that previously a sound of a canon used to be heard and that too was for many years, one can easily access this place by car. St. Mary's church is considered as the oldest church in the Himalayans, is on the Mall Road. A nice picnic spot is sited on Kempty Falls. Another favorite destination for the tourist is the "Company Garden", one will be surprised to see the vast collection of flowers and plants. In India, the first Tibetan Temple which was constructed in 1960 by the Tibetan refugees is in Happy Valley. Another great place for tourist is Lal  Tibba. 

Apart from these places, there are other places of interest, which tourists like to visits are:

Lake Mist: This place is best enough to enjoy in exquisite manner, only 5 km before Kempty Falls, this place is perfect for the picnic spot, where all the facilities are available including restaurants too accommodations, boating is also there in addition to extra enjoyment. The river Kempty which is flowing through adds extra beauty, hence Lake Mist has many waterfalls which are made by this rover. in a word this place can be called a gem of Mussoorie.

Mussoorie Lake: City Board & Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority has built a very new and developed picnic spot, which falls on Mussoorie- Dehradun road, having the facilities of pedaled boats, one will be mesmerized to see the view of lake at night, Doon valley looks absolute outstanding from this place.

Mussoorie Lake

Bhatta Falls: Near Bhatta village almost 7 km away from Mussoorie lies on Mussoorie- Dehradun road, the falls is almost 3 foot in height, there are ponds and other places for amusement.

Bhatta Falls

Cloud end: Surrounded by the thick dense forest , this hotel was actually built by British and is among the first four buildings of Mussoorie, now this is converted into hotel, one will able to see wide varieties of flora and fauna.

Van Chetna Kendra: Established in 1993, this sanctuary is considered as the oldest one, where many extinct birds are spotted. Well in one word we can say, that Mussoorie is a perfect honeymoon destination for couples.

Uttarakhand Tourism, Uttarakhand Travel Guide

Uttarakhand is one of the state in the northern part of India, was formerly called Uttaranchal, this place is also called the" Land of Gods" as throughout the states, many Hindu temples and pilgrimage centers are found.. Uttarakhand is mainly popular as it has got the natural beauty of the Himalayas, the Bhabhar and the Terai. In the year 2000, on 9th November, this 27th state the Republic India was actually carved out from Himalayan and also the northwest districts of Uttar Pradesh. This state is divide into two parts that is Garwhal and Kumaon and it also has the total of 13 districts. Dehradun is the capital of Uttarakhand. Depending on the place of origin, the natives of this place is called Garwhali and Kumaoni. Uttarakhand is actually called the 19th most populous state in India. Rajputs and Bramhins consists the largest population of the state. Garwhali and Kumaoni are the regional language and Hindi is most spoken language in this state.

Uttarakhand

The main staple food in Uttarakhand is wheat along with it, vegetable is the primary food, although non-vegetarian dishes are also served.One will find use of tomatoes, milk and other dairy based products in Uttarakhand cuisine. Mustard oil and ghee are mostly used in cooking. Another famous food is madua( Buck    Wheat) which is mostly famous in the interior parts of Kumaon. Bal Mithai is another popular fudge like sweet, is a must try when one visits there.

Another important part of Hindu pilgrimage is the Kumbha Mela, which is famous in Uttarakhand.

The Himalayas

One can easily say that Uttarakhand is a home of many rare species of animals and plants, they are protected and reserved by national parks and sanctuaries. One of the oldest park is Jim Corbett National park is found here, along with it Valley of Flowers National Park, Nanda Devi National park and others are considered as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

River Rafting

Uttarakhand gets many tourist from all over the world, as it has got some spots, which is located in the Himalayas. Ganga and Yamuna are considered as the two holy rivers in Hinduism is originated from there.As Uttarakhand is consider as " Land of Gods", Uttarakhand has got many holy Hindu shrines. in the upper reaches of the state, Badrinath and Kedarnath is located.One of the prime Hindu Destination is Haridwar" Gateway to God". A place called Risikesh near Haridwar is also famous, this place is known as preeminent yoga center in India. Haridwar also hosts Kumbha Mela every twelve years, where many tourists participate from all over the world. Uttarakhand is not only a pilgrimage place for Hindus, but also for Sikhs, Hemkund which is in Himalayas. In the southwest of Dehradun, is the world's highest Buddha Stupa named Mindroling Monastery which is symbol of Tibetan Buddhisim .Other famous hill stations in Uttarakhand are Nainital, Mussorie, Landsdown, Almora, Ranikhet, Bhimtal, Kasauni. In the backdrop of snowclad mountain is Vasundhara Falls is near Badrinath. Uttarakhand is also a destination for rock climbing, hiking and mountaineering. In Rishikesh , there is a development in adventurous tourism like whitewater rafting.As this place is almost nested to Himalayas, this place is suitable for rock climbing, mountaineering, rafting and other adventurous sports. Roopkand is also a popular trekking site, where skeletons were found in the lake discovered by National Geographic Channel. One will have to pass through the beautiful meadows of Bugyal, which trekking to Roopkand pass.