Nainital – “Queen of Lakes”
Updated: Mar 12, 2020
One of the most visited and popular hill stations in India, Nainital is located in the Kumaon district of Uttrakhand state. Driving down from Delhi to Nainital (Approximately 300 KM) is one amazing experience.
It is around an 8 Hour Journey and the roads are quite decent without much traffic. One can take the main highway route which Google suggests - Via Rampur- Rudrapur or the other via Bazpur - Kaladhungi route.
As soon as the ghat starts after the Jim Corbett Museum, the temperature drops and the scenic beauty makes you forget the everyday hassle of the city lift. The clouds touching the grounds is one another blissful sight.
Amidst the mountain range, the beautiful blue water lake grabs your attention and that’s the beauty of the city, Nainital. It find a mentions in the myths and legends of the Hindu Mythology.
Nainital is considered to be one of the ‘Shakti Peeths’ or religious places where the parts of the burnt body of Goddess Parvati fell on the earth when being carried by Lord Shiva. Nainital is the spot where her eye (Nain) fell and hence called as ‘Nainital’ or the ‘Lake of the eye’. And so, one may find the temple of Goddess Shakti on the shore of the Naini Lake. Nainital Lake is also referred as the ‘Queens of the lakes because of its mesmerizing beauty and lavishness.
Pleasant weather and the astonishing beauty attracts most tourists. From foreigners to honeymoon couples and families come down to Nainital for a relaxing vacation or a weekend trip.
Things to do:
Visit Naini Devi Temple
Enjoy Boating in the lake listening to the legends from the boatsman
Visit Cave Garden and Golu Temple
Drive down Sattal and Bhimtal
See the snow view point and Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat) via Ropeway
Visit Pt. G. B. Pant high altitude Zoo
Places to Stay:
Finding accommodation in Nainital is not a task. This destination offers various budget to luxury hotels. Some given below:
Naini Retreat
The Earls Court
Shervani Hilltop
Nainital - Bhawanipur Greens
Sattal forest resort
Cloud 7
The Pavilion
Vikram Vintage Inn
The Manu Maharani Hotel, Nainital
Hotel Chevron Fairhavens
Where to Eat:
The mall road offers a variety of restaurants and eateries serving global cuisine to their guests. following are a few suggestions:
Sakley's Restaurant & Pastry Shop
Panorama - Indian cuisine with a twist
Places to Shop:
The mall road is situated on the banks of the lake where one may shop woollen wears, souvenirs, wooden handicrafts and artifacts, Tibetan artifacts, bags, scarfs and shawls, junk accessories etc. at an affordable price. Nainital is also famous for its wax candles, homemade ones with fragrance and in different shapes and sizes. Weather changes in a fraction of seconds in Nainital. Hence, one needs to be well prepared. The unexpected rains may suddenly drop the temperature.
Happy Travels!