Located on the foothills of the Kumaon Himalayas, Nainital is one of the most favorite hill stations in North India. Developed around the eye-shaped Naini Lake, this hill station has developed into the judicial capital of Uttarakhand. With easy reachability and inviting natural beauty, over the years Nainital has managed to create a space in the hearts of peace seekers and nature lovers. With cascading waterfalls, exotic scenic beauty, and a dynamic culture, over the years some nearby places have also developed as pretty little hamlets. It is the ideal location offering the best of both worlds ranging from peaceful getaway and adventure activities to religious and spiritual awakening. Nainital is the first choice among travelers for a weekend getaway or a quick refreshing tete-a-tete with nature.
There are 2 popular histories regarding Nainital:
The earliest mention of Nainital is found in the Hindu Vedic text of Skanda Purana. It was then known as the tri-rishi-sarovar or the Lake of three sages. Sage Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha are said to have arrived here during their pilgrimage. They were thirsty but were unable to find a water source so they decided to dig a hole and siphon water from Mansarovar Lake in Tibet.
Another important significance of Nainital lies in its religious nature. It is one of the 64 Shakti Peethas of India. During lord Shiva’s mourning period, Sati’s charred left eye had fallen in Nainital. Marking this Shakti Peeth is an ancient temple located at the northern end of the lake. Ever since then, Nainital has developed into one of the most important places of Shakti worship and a much-loved religious destination.
The serenity of Nainital can be enjoyed throughout the year. The best time to visit ranges from March to early July. Another best time to visit Nainital is from late September to February. Avoid traveling anywhere on the hills during the peak monsoon season. During the rainy season, Nainital remains susceptible to sudden flash floods and random landslides causing roadblocks. Pack your luggage as per the season’s demands since it gets very cold during the winter. During summertime the days are still bearable however, it does get a little cool at night.
The best way to reach Nainital from anywhere in India is to first reach Delhi. The hill station is just a little over 300 km from Delhi. Once in Delhi, there are bus, railway, and roadway options also available. Going by road in a bus or a cab is probably your best option to reach Nainital. The journey is 7 hours and the roads are very well made. Trains may be subject to unexpected delays. Cabs for hire or cars on rent are also easily available to book from Delhi. Private and government buses are also readily available for Nainital from Delhi. The roads are so well made and properly maintained that people can even take their bikes to add a hint of adventure to their trip. One of the most convenient ways to get to this hill station is also by booking a Nainital tour package.
Nainital is a heavily commercialized and very famous tourist destination. It draws tourists, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts from all over India. If you are in Nainital here are some places to visit to include in your travel plans:
When in Nainital it is impossible for anyone to get bored. Here are some interesting things to do in Nainital:
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There are many popular tourist spots in Uttarakhand and Bhimtal is one of them. Located at a distance of 20 km from Nainital, it is an ideal location for nature lovers, adventure junkies, and history lovers. The picturesque location is less crowded than Nainital, so it is one of the perfect spots for peace seekers. Further, the tourist spot is very well-known for its ancient temples, stunning m...