Nainital is a beautiful hill station in the foothills of Kumaon in the state of Uttarakhand. Nainital is derived from Naini – Taal or Naini Lake. Situated at an altitude of 1,938 meters (6,358 ft.) above sea level, Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference and surrounded by magnificent view of the Himalayas and the dramatic landscape, serene atmosphere that’s make Nainital the perfect getaway.
Whether it’s shopping for antiques, or looking for that perfect memento or gift, there is a lot that this quaint little hamlet in the hills has to offer. We’ve put together a list of the best shopping haunts for these bits and bobs and other souvenirs to take home.
The Mall Road, Nainital : Mall Road of Nainital, which runs parallel to the Naini Lake, connecting the two ends of the hill town (Mallital and Tallital), is the prime shopping, food and cultural centre of the wonder that is Nainital. Whether it is digging into some luscious food or shopping for the cutest local woollens that are to be found, Mall Road is your go-to for it all. Officially named as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg, the Mall Road in Nainital was built by the Britishers
Bara Bazaar, Nainital : - Bara Bazaar is a renowned market and the Oldest market in Nainital established in 1845 . This market is popular for candles and cane sticks, along with items like, scarves, shawls, wood crafts and cardigans. Handicraft and fresh fruit jam of Bara Bazaar are famous with both locals and tourists. There are also many restaurants located here, which offer an array of delicious dishes to visitors.
Tibetan Market : - Bhutia Market - Bhutia Market is the most popular street market in the city. Besides an extensive variety of woollens and winter wears, the market is popular for its sumptuous Tibetan food. Roadside stalls and eateries sell mouth-watering thukpa and momos among other regional food items. Some of the best things sold at the Bhutia Tibetan Market include shawl, muffler, Himalayan bags, and Tibetan handicraft paraphernalia.
For those who’d like to wander off the beaten track and experience the beauty of nature. The beautiful town of Nainital very well caters to adventure junkies because it offers the best trekking tours. The adventurers should think about preparing a daring encounter at one of the treks around Nainital listed below for a thrilling journey.
Tiffin’s Top or Dorothy’s Peak- Altitude: 2292 Meters, Distance : 14 Kilometer : Taking a trip on the Nainital ropeway is a must-do thing in Nainital. The trolley ride on the ropeway carries visitors to Tiffin’s Top, also referred to as Dorothy’s Peak. Visitors who wish to add a little adventure to their trip to Tiffin’s Top should take an alternate route that includes a short trek to the peak’s summit. The trek begins from the centre of Nainital city. Most importantly, the trek goes through lush green forests and awe-inspiring views
Naini Peak- Pangot Trek- Altitude: 2611 Meters- Distance: 14 Kilometers : The Naini or China Peak and Pangot treks near Nainital are well-known trekking routes. It is the perfect trip for trekking enthusiasts and adventure junkies. The hike begins in Mallital, and continues up the famed Snow View hill to Naini Peak or China Peak. Due to the high altitude and scenic trails, the peak is very popular among hikers and trekkers. It is renowned among tourists and locals for its romantic sunrise and sunset
Brahmatal Trek- Altitude: 3734 Meters- Distance: 5 Kilometers : Brahmatal, a lake steeped in folklore, lies nestled in the depths of the Himalayas. Brahmatal trek include varied landscapes, from deep and shady oak and rhododendron woods to snow-covered fields, lakeside camping at Bekaltal, the mountainous Brahmatal lake region, and a critical glimpse of fantastic high peaks gleaming across a beautiful sky.
Guano Hills- Altitude: 1800 Meters- Distance: 6 Kilometers : Guano Hills is considered a hiker’s paradise. It is one of the several must-visit places for tourists visiting the lake town of Nainital because of the sounds of birds chirping combined with the enchanting forest that contains bamboo, oak, and deodar trees. Pangot Village is the starting point for the hike to Guano Hills. Tourists are only permitted to hike between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Land’s End- Altitude: 2118 Meters- Distance: 4 Kilometers : Land’s End Peak, as the name suggests, is practically where the land ceases. There are a few hundred meters long desolation beyond the peak. As a result, it provides a magnificent view of the Himalayas, gorges, and lakes. The breathtaking views from the trail and the mountain make it an excellent place to go hiking for a day or two to picnic with your family.
Snow View Peak- Altitude: 2270 Meters- Distance: 3 Kilometers : Snow View Peak is one of the most popular tourist destinations around Nainital. The Snow View Peak features a charming cluster of shrines at the top and provides a spectacular view of the neighbouring mountain ranges and valleys.
Scenic bends and stunning views of the majestic Himalayas make driving around Nainital rewarding experience. From some of the finest Heritage buildings, Temples, Tibetan Market or longer drives to charming villages, follow the mountain roads to where they take you.
Nainital Lake : Visitors can take a leisurely boat ride on the lake and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains. the Nainital Lake offers a breathtaking view, especially during early morning and sunset.
Naina Devi Temple : Naina Devi Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site and one of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas in India. The presiding deity of the Naina Devi Temple is Maa Naina Devi or Mata Sati. According to Hindu mythology, the temple is built on the spot where Goddess Sati's eyes fell when Lord Vishnu cut her body into 51 different parts.
Nainital Ropeway : Nainital Ropeway or the Cable Car Ride is the most popular tourist attraction in the city of Nainital and touted as one of the fastest ropeways in the country. The aerial ropeway connects Mallital to the Snow viewpoint- from the base to a height of 2270 metres. The aerial trip hovering over the Naini lake and the valley offer panoramic views of the breathtaking landscape.
Eco Cave Gardens : Famous for its interconnected rocky caves, hanging gardens and the musical fountain, the Eco Garden are a set of six small caves in the shape of various animals. Located in the Mallital area near to our hotel, you need to crawl your way in. In the evenings, you can see the spectacle of the musical fountain with various audio video effects.
Snow View Point : Snow View Point in Nainital stands at a dizzying altitude of 2270 meters above sea level and is one of the most attractive tourist spots of the area. Snow View Point offers a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas draped in a blanket of milky-white snow. One can see a picturesque view of all three important peaks- Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot peaks together from this point.A huge pair of binoculars has been installed at the Snow View Point that allows you to take a closer look at the Himalayan range and its magical peaks.
Nainital Zoo or High Altitude Zoo : Established in 1984, Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo or Nainital Zoo is situated on the Sher ka Danda hill in Tallital, Nainital. Perched at a height of 2100 metres and spread over an area of 4.6 hectares makes it the only one of its kind. The zoo is home to several endangered species and is a popular tourist spot. Nainital Zoo is managed by the Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Vallabh Pant High Altitude Zoo Management Society. The major wildlife spotted at the zoo includes Himalayan Bear, Himalayan Civet, Hill Patridge, Tibetan Wolf, Sambar, Barking Deer, Royal Bengal Tiger among other species of birds and animals.
Governor's House or Raj Bhawan : aj Bhawan was built in 1899 by designer F.W. Steven. Home to the popular golf course, the Governor's House is a Victorian Gothic edifice resembling the Castle of Scotland very closely and consisting of two stories of buildings with 113 rooms, garden, swimming pool and of course, the golf course.. The Governor's House now serves as the residence of the Governor of Uttarakhand. A guided tour is available to explore the Raj Bhawan.
Kilbury Bird Sanctuary : Kilbury is famous and excellent birding habitats. A myriad of bird species can be seen along the way to Pangot. Some of these include Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, Spotted & Slaty-backed Forktail, Himalayan Griffon and Khaleej pheasant. Spotting mammals like Yellow-throated Himalayan Marten, Sambhar, Himalayan Goral, Leopard Cat, Serow, Wild Boar, Red Fox etc., is also not uncommon. Thick oak, pine and Rhododendrons dominate the vegetation of Pangot and nearby areas.
Astronomical Observatory : Astronomical Observatory or Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Science (ARIES) helps you see the stars, celestial bodies, the moon and other heavenly bodies with the help of high powered, imported telescopes. The centre requires you to make prior appointment before visiting the place. Housing one of the most advanced telescopes in India, the Astronomical Observatory in Nainital is an autonomous institute open of the public during working days and afternoons. For night viewing, three four days are fixed during the full moon period, the permission for which has to be obtained priorly.
Kainchi Dham or Neem Karoli Baba Ashram -Religious Sites : Neem Karoli Baba Ashram is a quaint little ashram and Hanuman Temple that is located on the Nainital-Almora road and is popular as Kainchi Dham among the visitors. Situated at the height of 1400 metres above the sea level, this modern pilgrim centre has been built in dedication to Shri Neem Karoli Baba Maharaj Ji, a Hindu guru who was a devotee of Lord Hanuman and is reputed to have performed many miracles throughout his life.
Hanuman Garhi Temple-Religious Sites : Located on the Nainital-Haldwani route, Hanuman Garhi is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Perched atop 6,401 ft. high, the temple was built by a local saint Baba Neem Karoli in 1950 and is located close to Ashram of Bapu Lila Sah and Shitla Devi temple. The view of the rosy sky during sunset and sunrise is what attracts tourists to Hanuman Garhi.
Mukteshwar Temple- Religious Sites : Mukteshwar temple is an ancient temple which is almost 350 years old and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Perched on top of the highest point in Mukteshwar temple lies approximately 2312 m above the sea level. This grand temple is identified as one of the eighteen most important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in the Hindu scripture.
St John Wilderness Church : Situated near to Vikram Vintage Inn, adjacent to the High Court of Uttarakhand. St John Wilderness Church is the oldest and one of the best churches in the town. St John Wilderness Church is named after a Bishop from Kolkata who spent the better half of his life here and is dedicated to St John the Baptist. The beautiful architecture of the edifice is a cherry on the cake
Lands’ End : Land’s End is literally the spot where the land ends and all you can see is steep cliffs surrounded by snow-dusted mountains. Land's End is frequented by adventure enthusiasts who trek to the scenic spot and relish the breath-taking view of mango-shaped Khurpa taal Lake.
Khurpa Taal : hurpa Taal is a pristine lake situated at an elevation of 5500 feet. Laced with tall trees, the lake is considered ideal for fishing owing to its crystal clear waters and abundance of freshwater fish. Unexploited by tourists, the lake is a secret haven replete with bounteous nature.
Sattal : A group of seven fresh water lakes, a stash of nature's bounty and loads of migratory birds and panoramic vistas make this wonderful place called Sattal. A paradise for nature buffs and bird watchers, Sattal has mystery to it that makes it all the more charming and photographer's paradise. The area boasts of its cluster of seven interconnected lakes namely: Panna, Naldaymanti Tal, Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharat and Sukha Tal flanked by lush green cover of oaks and pines.
Naukuchiatal : Naukuchiatal, a small picturesque lake village is a destination for those who seek quietude and tranquillity beneath the shade of pure nature. This place is mainly known for its nine cornered lake which measures up to 1 km in length and 40 meters deep.
Bhimtal Lake : Bhimtal Lake, one of the most famous lakes. An island at the centre of the Lake is a famous tourist attraction and also houses an aquarium with a variety of fish species and a temple. Bhimtal Lake is located at an elevation of over 4500 feet, in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is a 'C' shaped lake that expands over an area of 47 hectares.
Himalayan Botanical Garden : The Himalayan Botanical Garden is a mesmerizing botanical garden hosting exquisite species of plants and herbs of Himalayan origin. Nestled in the lap of green hills in the backdrop of snow-covered Himalayan peaks at an altitude of 1900 meters. The major attractions of the 30-hectares garden are the butterfly park, orchidarium, herbarium, fernery, Geodesic dome, zero points, and library.
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