Need a break from the heat and the dust? Arrive at the hill resort of Nainital. The popular summer retreat of India, Nainital attracts innumerable tourists during the summer heat. The hill resort is indeed a pleasure. The gorgeous greens and the majestic mountains add to the beauty of the hill resort. The small town of Nainital in Uttaranchal is dotted with cottages, villas and bungalows. Situated at an altitude of 1,938 meters the hill resort of Nainital offers several places of interest to the tourists. The hill resort is believed to have derived its name from the goddess Naina. There is a temple dedicated to the goddess Naina too in Nainital. Other legend claims that the Naini Lake in Nainital lends its name to the hill resort. The natural beauty and the charm of the scenic spots besides the cool weather make Nainital the place to be in during the summers.

The hill resort of Nainital has since long been the refuge of the sun scorched souls of the plains. The British made it there summer headquarter. The British sugar manufacturer of Saharnpur brought Nainital into limelight. Way back in 1841 AD Nainital was frequented. The natural beauty and especially the Lake made Nainital one of the favourite summer destinations. Since then till date the people throng the hill resort of Nainital.

Tourism Places

The hill resort of Nainital is dotted with places of tourist interest. Amongst the many landmarks in Nainital is the Naini Lake. The Lake is also referred to as the Tririshi Lake. The tourists find the lake breathtakingly beautiful. You may even enjoy boat rides on the lake. Nainital Boat Club also offers yachting facilities at the Lake. The prime attraction of Nainital hosts the annual Kingfisher Yachting Competition in the third week of June.

While in Nainital you must visit the Cheena Peak or the Naina Peak. You can enjoy the panoramic vistas of the snow-capped Himalayas and the Nainital Valley. Then there is the View Point that is another vintage point in the hill resort of Nainital. Check out the spectacular sights of the Himalayas and the Tibetan borders too. You may carry or hire binoculars to get the better views. You may take the ropeway that starts at the Mall in Nainital.

Then there is the Hanumangarh temple. Besides praying you may enjoy the sunset from the temple. Close to the temple is an observatory. Night view of the moon from the observatory should not be missed.

Nainital also has the St. John Church. The church is one of the oldest buildings of Nainital built after the British turned it into a hill resort.

The British Cemetery and the vintage point of the Dorothy's Seat on the Tiffin peak are other places worth seeing in Nainital.

Tourist Destinations

From Nainital you may further visit the Sat, Bhim and the Naukuchiya Tal.

Sat Tal is 21 km away from Nainital. It was a cluster of seven tal or lakes originally. The pine and oak trees add to the beauty of Sat Tal. You may try boating in the lake and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake at the same.

Then there is Bhim Tal at a distance of 23 Km from Nainital. The lake offers opportunities for water sports too. The natural beauty of the place makes it an excellent excursion option from Nainital.

The Naukuchiya Tal, 27 km from Nainital is another place worth visiting. The nine corners of the Lake lend it the name. It is the picture perfect spot to visit far from the madding crowds in Nainital.

What to Buy

The hill resort of Nainital offers several shopping items to its tourists. You must check out the renowned Handloom products and Kumaon woollens for their quality and warmth. Nanital also offers shaped candles that are locally produced. The candles are available in captivating colors and delightful designs. These attractive items make excellent options as gifts and souvenirs.

How to Reach

The hill resort of Nainital is easily accessible. The Airport at Pant Nagar is 71 km away from Nainital. Flights link Pant Nagar with other places like Delhi. From Pant Nagar you may reach Nainital through bus or taxi.

The Kathgodam Railway Station is 35 km from Nainital. It connects Nainital with Delhi, Agra, Bareilly, and Lucknow. From the station you may reach Nainital through bus or taxi.

The excellent road network links Nainital with Delhi, Bareilly, Almora, and Ranikhet. The bus stand of Tallital is just one km from the city center of Nainital.

For local transportation within and around Nainital there are taxis, Ponies, cycle rickshaws and buses run by the State Road Transport Corporation.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit any hill resort in India is certainly the summer months from March to June. The months of September and October are also pleasant to be visited. Though the monsoon season in between from end of June to August should be avoided.

Where to Stay

Accommodation is easily available in Nainital. You may take your pick from the several hotels and lodges that cater to the needs of the tourists. The accommodation options are in ample in Nainital. They suit the budget of the varying tourists that flock to the hill resort, especially during the summer months. Good food is also available at the several restaurants and eateries in Nainital.

Fairs and Festivals

The hill resort of Nainital plays hosts to several fairs and festivals that attract tourists and the localities alike. As the name indicates the Autumn Festival is celebrated in the autumn season. The annual festival takes place in honor of the goddess Naina Devi in the month of September. The hill resort gets renewed after the monsoons.

The winter months of October and November see the Kumaon Festival. The Kumaon festival is Organised by the Tourism Department of Uttar Pradesh. Besides the gaiety in the air the festival is the perfect time to get an insight into the local cultures and traditions.

For the adventure sort lovers, Nainital is the place to be in for Regatta. Annually in the third week of June, a sailing race takes place in the Naini Lake. You may hire the Yachts from the Nainital Boat Club and enjoy!