Nainital

Nainital is an enchanting hill station located in the Kumaon foothills at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level. The tourist destination, considered a hidden gem in the state of Uttarakhand, lures travelers with its bewitching beauty and cozy climate. The eye-shaped lake of Naini with lofty hills surrounding it is an awe-inspiring sight that makes the hill station unique.  The lake around which the town is formed is also a storehouse of many ancient myths and beliefs.  They make the Nainital all the more interesting to travelers.

If you love to spend your vacation in a hill station with a comfortable cool climate, Nainital is the place to be. Nestled between the Himalayan mountain ranges, the town offers a good vantage point to enjoy the enthralling sight of the lofty snow-capped peaks. There are many spots in the land which gives you this exquisite view. Naini Devi Temple,  Jama Masjid, and St John Wilderness Church gives a spiritual aura to the land and symbolizes the religious pluralism of the country.

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Nainital

The place was tucked away from human intervention until the 18th century. The town of Nainital was founded in the foothills of Himalayas in 1841 by the British colonial rulers. The church of St. John in the  Wilderness was one of the first buildings in the region. Within a few decades, the town developed into a health resort for the Europeans who were disgruntled by the heat in the Indian subcontinent.  By the time colonizers left the country in 1947, Nainital became a busy tourist destination.

There are many exciting places that you can visit on your Nainital tour. Naini lake is the first in the list. The captivating beauty of the placid water body attracts tourists to it. A thrilling boat ride is the best way to enjoy the unique beauty of Nainital lake. Eco cave garden is where you get to know the uniqueness of the caves of different animals. The majestic view of the distant mountain ranges is best enjoyed from the Tiffin top and Snow Viewpoint. You have the opportunity to see rare varieties of animals living in the Himalayas in the G. B Pant High Altitude Zoo. Naini Devi Temple cannot be missed because of the myths associated with it. The quaint village of  Peora, fondly called the hidden gem of Nainital, is an epitome of overflowing natural beauty.

Best Time To Visit Nainital

The captivating beauty of the hill station remains untainted throughout the year. Hence the place is considered a year-round tourist destination. Nevertheless, the best time to visit the charming hill station of Nainital is summer. The season which falls between March and June witnesses an in-rush of tourists from different parts of India. The scorching heat in the subcontinent may be the reason for the spike. The temperature in Nainital during this time falls between 14 to 25 degrees Celcius.

November to February is the time to visit the hill station if you love the cool climate. The temperature during this time is 5 to 15 degrees Celcius. The sight of snowfall, which is rare in Nainital, is a bonus for those who prefer this time of the year.

It is better to avoid the Monsoon season as the rains can be quite heavy. You may find yourself stranded in your room because of the harsh weather.

How To Reach Nainital

Nainital is the judicial capital of Uttarakhand state. The residence of the Governor is also located here. Hence the hill station enjoys high connectivity to all nearby towns and cities. Tourists will find no difficulty whatsoever to reach the place. Maybe that is one of the reasons for the high popularity of this hill station.

  • By Rail: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Nainital town. There is regular train service to this Kathgodam from Delhi, Kolkata, and Dehradun. Though the station is located at a distance of 35 kilometers from the tourist destination, you can hire a taxi at an affordable rate. You can opt for a shared taxi as it will bring the rate further down.
  • By Road: There are daily bus services operated by Uttarakhand roadways to Nainital. You can board one from ISBT Anand Vihar in Delhi. A drive to the destination from the capital will take almost 7 to 8 hours. The National Highways NH 24 and NH 87 are in good condition and will take you through some enthralling sights.
  • By Air: The nearest international airport is Delhi. But there is a domestic airport in Pantnagar which is located at a distance of 70 kilometers from Nainital. Taxi service is available from the airport. It will take you directly to the hill station within a couple of hours.