Nainital - The beautiful lake resort nestles amidst seven hills in a lush valley at an altitude of 1938 metres. In 1841, the British first discovered Nainital as a holiday resort. Today, the town has emerged as one of the most important hill resorts of India.
Naini Lake : The eye (naina) shaped lake surrounded by lush hills is named after Goddess Naini and is the icon of Nainital. According to legends, the lake was formed when the eye of Goddess Sati fell here, while Lord Shiva was carrying her body. The Naina Devi temple at the northern end of the lake is said to be the exact spot where Parvati's eye is said to have fallen. The gaily coloured yachts sailing on the waters of the lake is a sight to behold.
Naina Peak (6 kms) : Popular picnic spot at a height of 2,610 metres. Breathtaking view of the Himalayas and entire lake region.
Laria Kanta (6 kms) : Picnic spot at an altitude of 2,481 metre. Panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Snow View (2.5 kms) : Scenic picnic spot. Affords fine view of the snowclad Himalayas. Can be reached by a ropeway, horse or on foot.
Dorothy Seat (4 kms) : A memorial to a British lady, said to be killed here in an accident. Fine view of the town and lake can be enjoyed from here.
Hanumangarhi (3.2 kms) : Pilgrim site and spectacular sun-set views.
Khurpa Tal (5 kms): The lake on Nainital - Ramnagar road is an angler's delight.
Lands End (4 kms) : The hill affords fine view of Khurpa Tal and the terraced fields on the side of the hill.
State Observatory (4.4 kms) : It is ideal for astronomical studies and optical tracking of artificial earth satellites.
AROUND NAINITAL
Bhowali (11 kms) : Health resort and orchard country.
Bhimtal (22.5 kms) : Serene scenic lake resort. Mukteshwar (50 kms) : This small hill station amidst thick wooded forest affords majestic view of the Himalayas. Nearby is a stone hole of Chauli Ki Jali, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spectacular view of Almora and the peaks of Adi Nampa of Nepal stretching upto the Chaukhamba peaks of Garhwal can be enjoyed a moonlit night. It is also known for Indian Veterinary Research Institute.
Naukuchia Tal (26 kms) : A lake with nine corners. Migratory birds flock to the lake. Good boating and fishing spot.
Sat Tal (20 kms) : Lake resort.
Jeolikote (18 kms) : Health resort and bee-keeping centre.
Kilbury (10 kms) : It is a part of a forest reserve and is rich in flora and birdlife.
Naina Peak (6 kms) : Popular picnic spot at a height of 2,610 metres. Breathtaking view of the Himalayas and entire lake region.
