OkTataByebye.com: The Online Travel Community for travelers to find and share personal travel experiences, honest hotel reviews, holiday ideas and travel advice on destinations and cities in India. Nainital Travel Guide 1. Overview 2. How to reach 3. Top rated things to do and see 4. Top rated hotels 5. Top rated restaurants 6. Quick facts about Nainital Guide and overview on Nainital According to ancient Indian mythology, it is believed Naini Lake is one of the religious sites where parts of the charred body of Goddess Parvati fell on earth while being carried by Lord Shiva. The spot where her eyes (or Nain) fell is called Nainital. Discovered by P. Barron, a European merchant in 1839, Nainital was a summer retreat for the British and the Indian maharajas then. It is home to many prestigious educational institutions; among them is Diocesan Boys' School later renamed as Sherwood College, which boasts of alumni’s like Amitabh Bachchan! Nainital is also linked with legendary hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett, who lived here with his family and established one of India's first national wildlife parks the Corbett National Park. Nainital, set amidst the towering peaks of the Kumaon Hills is the perfect destination for weekend getaway to beat the summer heat and revitalize your senses. The beauty of this place beckons nature-seekers, and travel enthusiasts all across India. Nainital, situated at an altitude of 6,358 feet above sea level is set in two parts, Talli Tal and Malli Tal, with the lake separating them. Tallital is the southern side of the lake, while Mallital consists of the northern side. The city is bustling with tourists from April to June and then again from Sept-Oct. The Mall is flocked with many great places to eat and stay suitable to everyone’s budget. Try the Garhwali food at Shiva restaurant, Bara Bazaar. For lip smacking North-Indian cuisine try Sher-e-Punjab and Machan. Try the momo’s at the Tibetan market and don’t miss the popular samosa & jalebi hawker. Alka, Everest, Pavilion and India Hotel are good places to stay at Mall road at the reasonable rates. Opt for Manu Maharani, a 3-star hotel for a luxury stay at the hill station. Other affordable and good places to stay are Grand hotel, Lakeside inn, Sheela and Mount view hotel. Nainital has more than just boating on the lake to offer. Take a walk along the Thandi Sadak which lies on the other side of the lake. Vehicles are not allowed here and hence it makes for a nice walk. Take a look at the Pasan Devi Temple along the way and the Naina Devi Temple at the Malli Tal end. Walk up to see the Raj Bhawan which has been modeled after the Buckingham Palace...
OkTataByebye.com: The Online Travel Community for travelers to find andshare personal travel experiences, honest hotel reviews, holiday ideas andtravel advice on destinations and cities in India.
Nainital Travel Guide1. Overview
2. How to reach
3. Top rated things to do and see
4. Top rated hotels
5. Top rated restaurants
6. Quick facts about Nainital
Guide and overview on Nainital
According to ancient Indian mythology, it is believed Naini Lake is one of the religious sites where parts of thecharred body of Goddess Parvati fell on earth while being carried by Lord Shiva. The spot where her eyes (or Nain)fell is called Nainital.
Discovered by P. Barron, a European merchant in 1839, Nainital was a summer retreat for the British and the Indianmaharajas then. It is home to many prestigious educational institutions; among them is Diocesan Boys' School laterrenamed as Sherwood College, which boasts of alumni’s like Amitabh Bachchan! Nainital is also linked withlegendary hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett, who lived here with his family and established one of India'sfirst national wildlife parks the Corbett National Park.
Nainital, set amidst the towering peaks of the Kumaon Hills is the perfect destination for weekend getaway to beatthe summer heat and revitalize your senses. The beauty of this place beckons nature-seekers, and travelenthusiasts all across India. Nainital, situated at an altitude of 6,358 feet above sea level is set in two parts, Talli Taland Malli Tal, with the lake separating them. Tallital is the southern side of the lake, while Mallital consists of the
northern side. The city is bustling with tourists from April to June and then again from Sept-Oct.
The Mall is flocked with many great places to eat and stay suitable to everyone’s budget. Try the Garhwali food atShiva restaurant, Bara Bazaar. For lip smacking North-Indian cuisine try Sher-e-Punjab and Machan. Try themomo’s at the Tibetan market and don’t miss the popular samosa & jalebi hawker. Alka, Everest, Pavilion and IndiaHotel are good places to stay at Mall road at the reasonable rates. Opt for Manu Maharani, a 3-star hotel for a luxurystay at the hill station. Other affordable and good places to stay are Grand hotel, Lakeside inn, Sheela and Mountview hotel.
Nainital has more than just boating on the lake to offer. Take a walk along the Thandi Sadak which lies on the other
side of the lake. Vehicles are not allowed here and hence it makes for a nice walk. Take a look at the Pasan DeviTemple along the way and the Naina Devi Temple at the Malli Tal end.
Walk up to see the Raj Bhawan which has been modeled after the Buckingham Palace...
Bus : Nainital is well connected with major cities by road. From Delhi, you can take NH24 via Hapur Bypass,Gajraula, Joya and Morad abad Bypass to Rampur, and turn left on to NH-87 towards Rudrapur at Rampur RailwayStation. Just 7 kms ahead of Rudrapur, keep a watch out for Tanda More, marked by Nainital hotel billboards. Theroad continues straight from here to the airport. Take a left turn here for the shortest route to Haldwani through themonkey-filled Terai forests on the outskirts of Corbett National Park. From Haldwani, follow NH-87 to Nainital viaKathgodam, Ranibagh and Jeolikot. Regular buses to Nainital are available from Delhi’s ISBT Anand Vihar at 6 am,9 pm and 10 pm.
Train : Kathgodam (33 km away) is the nearest railhead connected daily to Delhi by the overnight Ranikhet Expressand by the Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express. The Dehra Dun-Kathgodam Express (daily)is a good overnightconnection between Kumaon and north Garhwal. The Bagh Express (daily) is a good overnight link with HowrahJunction and Lucknow.
Flight : Pantnagar,71 km away (Tel: 05944-233685), is the nearest airport. Only chartered and VIP flights areoperational.
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Top rated things to do and see in Nainital
Eco Cave Gardens
Rank # 1
Catagory : Zoos & Amusement Parks
About the Attraction : A hot favorite with children Eco Cave Gardens bring out the explorer in them. The garden, 2km further up from Mallital consists of six caves which get narrower as you progress though there is a facility to getout after every cave. It is recommended that people who are claustrophobic should not explore the later onesespecially. There is musical fountain which operates during the peak season. It is open from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.Fee: Adults - Rs. 20/-, Children - Rs. 10/-, Camera fee - Rs.25/-.
Raj Bhawan
Rank # 2
Catagory : History and Culture
About the Attraction : Nainital Governor’s House (Raj Bhavan) was built in 1899 and designed in a Victorian gothicstyle by the architect F.W. Stevens. Built as the much envied summer residence of the governor of the North WestProvince, it later became the summer residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the United Provinces. Currently, RajBhavan is the official guest house for the governor of Uttarakhand and for visiting state guests. The beautiful estateconsists of a two-storied mansion with 113 rooms, lush gardens over 220 acres, a swimming pool, and a 18- holegolf course. One can enjoy a game of golf with special permission. Raj Bhawan Golf Club is a 100-year-old courselocated at Nainital. This 18-hole par-61 championship golf covers an area of 45 acres. It is one of the few RajBhawans in India which allows the public to enter its gates to explore its lovely interiors. The conservatories on thegrounds are really worth a look. The Raj Bhawan has a rich collection of 19th and 20th Century weapons like lances,
swords, muzzle loaders, elephant tusks and other trophies and collection of Medals and antique furniture.
About the Attraction : Just 63 km away is the Jim Corbett National Park, which is India''s oldest national park. Thepark is home to elephant, tiger, chital, sambar deer, nilgai, gharial, king cobra, muntjac, wild boar, hedgehog,
common musk shrew (White-toothed shrew) and nearly 600 species of birds.
Sattal
Rank # 4
Catagory : Tours Nearby
About the Attraction : As the name suggests Sattal or Sat Tal is a cluster of seven small interconnected lakes inthe midst of an old oak forest. Sattal is at a distance of about 23 km from Nainital in the Lower Himalayan Range atan altitude of 4,495 ft.
Kilbury Rank # 5
Catagory : Tours Nearby
About the Attraction : A popular picnic spot just 13 km via a well-connected road from Nainital, is ideal for a quietand peaceful weekend getaway. You can get panoramic views of the snow peaks on clear days. It is at the edge ofthe reserve forest and there is also a forest bungalow here. Kilbury is famous for its flora and fauna and birdwatching.
Tibetan Market
Rank # 6
Catagory : Shopping
About the Attraction : The Tibetan market along the edge of the lake is very popular and ideal if you good atbargaining; and while shopping do try the famous momo’s here.
Naini Lake
Rank # 7
Catagory : Nature and Adventure
About the Attraction : The buzz in Nainital is around its eponymous lake. It is a heavenly experience to be on thelake. It isn’t quiet, but it isn’t loud, and the surroundings - hills and the blue sky add to the beauty of the Naini Lake.Boating in the tranquil Naini Lake is a must for honeymooners and families on a holiday. You can either opt forpaddle boats for some privacy or hire a row-boat which comes with a boatman. Enjoy a drink at the lake-facing baror a game of billiards at The Boat House Club, built in the mid-19th century. For the adventure sport lovers, there isa sailing race held annually in the third week of June.
Gurney House
Rank # 8
Catagory : History and CultureAbout the Attraction : The former residence of Jim Corbett located on Ayarpatta Hill is now a museum of Corbettmemorabilia. The surrounding hillside is rich with deodar, oak, pine and rhododendron.
About the Attraction : It is one of the oldest monuments in Nainital. The church was built in 1847 AD after theBritish developed Nainital as a hill station. It is located on the north end of town (Mallital), close to the Naina Devi
Temple. The church is named by Daniel Wilson, the Bishop of Calcutta. A brass plaque on the altar is inscribed withnames of the victims of the landslip of 1880.
Tiffin Top
Rank # 10
Catagory : Nature and Adventure
About the Attraction : Set upon the Ayarpatta Hill at 7,520 ft, this picnic spot (also called Dorothy's seat) was builtas a memorial to an English artist - Dorothy Kellet - by her husband and admirers after her death in a plane crash.The spot is also known as Tiffin Top, as it used to be popular for picnics during the time of the Raj. It is a 4 km hike
from the town centre and commands a lovely view of the neighboring country side. The hill-station offers manyfascinating walks with different vistas of the lake and the hills. Some trails are good for bird watching and evenspotting deer and other common animals. Enjoy views of Khurpatal, another lake below on the trail from Tiffin Top toLand's End.
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Top hotels in Nainital
Hotel Alka
User Rating : 9 /10
Address : -
Contact : - 9271183986
Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500
Highly Rated for: Value
Amenities : Air Conditioner,Bar,Cable TV,Credit Card Accepted,HealthClub,Internet,Laundary Service,Money Exchange,Parking Facility,Room
Service,Spa / Massage,STD / ISD,Travel Desk.About the Hotel : -
Price Range : Rs. 1500 to 4000Highly Rated for: Location
Amenities : Air Conditioner,Cable TV,Doctor on call,Indoor Games,LaundaryService,Outdoor Games,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service,SafariArrangements,STD / ISD,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent.
About the Hotel : Kamp Land Nature Resort located in Sigri Village and is just 16 km away from Nainital. Thenearest railway station is at Kathgodam while the nearest airports are at New Delhi and Pantnagar.
Himalayan Village Sonapani User Rating : 8 /10
Address : Village Satoli, close to Satkhol ashram, Nathukhan
About the Hotel : It is a quite retreat in the lap of nature. Himalayan Village Sonapani is half an hour's walk fromSatoli village, the road head.
Lakeside Inn
User Rating : 8 /10
Address : The Mall
Contact : 4428444546
Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500
Highly Rated for: Location
Amenities : Air Conditioner,Bar,Cable TV,Child Care,Credit CardAccepted,Disco Theque,Doctor on call,Health Club,IndoorGames,Internet,Laundary Service,Money Exchange,Outdoor Games,ParkingFacility,Parlour,Restaurant,Room Service,Safari Arrangements,ShoppingArcade,Spa / Massage,STD / ISD,Swimming Pool,Travel Desk,Vehicles on
Rent.About the Hotel : Situated on The Mall, Hotel Lakeside Inn is a star hotel, where Delhi is 310km. State-owned andPrivate buses are available. Trains are also a good option, the nearest railway station is Kathgodam (34 km).
Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500Highly Rated for: Value
Amenities : Air Conditioner,Bar,Cable TV,Credit Card Accepted,DiscoTheque,Doctor on call,Laundary Service,Parking Facility,Restaurant,RoomService,Safari Arrangements,STD / ISD,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent.
About the Hotel : Welcome Park is ideally situated on a hill facing the lake, providing beautiful views of thelake,The 2 star property is located at Tallital, 2 minutes drive from the mall road.
The Lake Retreat User Rating : 7 /10
Address : Upper Mall Road
Contact : 5623243337
Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500
Highly Rated for: Service
Amenities : Air Conditioner,Bar,Cable TV,Child Care,Credit Card
About the Hotel : Situated on the picturesque Ayarpatta Slopes, The 3 star property, Hotel Naini Retreat lies at a
distance of 5 kms from the lake and the main market and just 3 kms from the main bus stand.
Manu Maharani Lodge
User Rating : 7 /10
Address : Thandi Sadak Toll Barrier
Contact : 1902254187
Price Range : Rs. 1500 to 4000
Highly Rated for: Location
Amenities : Air Conditioner,Bar,Cable TV,Child Care,Credit CardAccepted,Disco Theque,Doctor on call,Health Club,IndoorGames,Internet,Laundary Service,Money Exchange,Outdoor Games,ParkingFacility,Parlour,Restaurant,Room Service,Shopping Arcade,Spa / Massage,STD / ISD,Swimming Pool,Travel Desk,Vehicles on Rent.
About the Hotel : Situated in the Grassmere Estate at Mallital, The 4 Star Property, Manu Maharani Lodge is ashort distance away from the Mall while Bhowali is at 11 kms, Bhimtal at 22 kms, Kathgodam Station at 35 kms andCorbett at 95 kms.
Price Range : Less than Rs. 1500Highly Rated for: Rooms
Amenities : Cable TV,Credit Card Accepted,Doctor on call,LaundaryService,Parking Facility,Restaurant,Room Service,STD / ISD,TravelDesk,Vehicles on Rent.
About the Hotel : Situated on Upper Mall,Zoo Road, The Hotel New Bharat is a star hotel lies 1 km from the localbus stand, 35 km from the nearest railway station at Kathgodam. The nearest airport is 300 km in Delhi.
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Top vegetarian restaurants in Nainital
Puruhit
User Rating : -/10
Address : The Mall Nainital -263001, Near Embassy Restaurant
