Emerald of Uttarakhand, Nainital is a tranquil hill station where the land meets heaven. This popular hill town is a paradise for nature lovers and viewers seeking peace. Known as the ‘Lake District of India’, the city is named after Naini Lake, the central attraction. Nainital has some offbeat places that will make your heart bloom with the picturesque views. Read this article to visit these tourist Places Near Nainital for your next vacation.
Nainital is a beautiful lake town of Uttarakhand, elevated at 2,084 meters in the Kumaon region. It is the headquarters of Nainital District and the judicial capital, where the Governor’s house (Raj Bhavan) and the High Court are situated. The city’s serene Naini Lake view and lush mountains are the centre of attraction. Known as the ‘Lake District of India’, the city is named after Naini Lake. There are some Tourist Attractions in Nainital that will make your heart bloom with the picturesque views.
Places To Visit in Nainital
Nainital or Naini Lake
Naini Lake is a tranquil water of the city surrounded by hillocks. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva performed Tandav near this lake, formed by the teardrops of Devi Sati. Nainital, surrounded by the Ayarpatta of Sapt Shring hillocks, adds charm to this beautiful nirvana. Originated through tectonic processes it was circular but became crescent by landslides. Enjoy water sports, boating, photography and yachting on this picturesque site.
Elevation: 1,938 meters (6,358 ft.)
Distance from City Centre: 2.3 km(12 minutes)
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Naina Peak or China Peak
Naina Peak, the highest point in Nainital, is the trekking spot for adventure lovers. From this peak see incredible city views, the serene lake and the adjacent peaks. Also called China or Cheena Peak by the locals, it was once believed that the China Border and the Great Wall of China are viewable from this peak. After the 1962, Indo-China war the name was changed to Naina Peak.
Elevation: 2,615 meters ( 8,579 ft.)
Distance from City Centre: 8.7 km (27 minutes)
Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal is the ‘Lake with 9 corners’ admired for its lush landscapes and tranquil surroundings. Located near Bhimtal and Nainital, you get an opportunity for bird watching trekking, parasailing, boating, rowing, yachting, fishing, kayaking, zorbing, paragliding and fishing. It is believed that this lake after rigorous penance and a shrine of Brahmaji is built.
Elevation: 1,220 meters (4,000 ft.)
Distance from City Centre: 26.9 km(1 hour approx.)
Ghorakhal
Ghorakhal means ponds for water to horses, back in 1857, the General’s horse drank water from the pond while escaping the Awadh’s revolutionaries. The Sainik School Gorakhal is an Army School built in 1966. It is famous for lush meadows and the Golu Devta Temple, the Lord of Justice. The movies like Madhumati(1958) and Vivah(2006) have shots of Ghorakhal and Golu Devta Temple.
Elevation: 2000 meters approx.
Distance from City Centre: 17 km(48 minutes)
Kainchi Dham
The Ashram of Kainchi Dham is a spiritual secluded pilgrimage of Neem Karoli Baba. Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerburg have meditated in the bliss of this Ashram. Nestled in the hillocks of Kumaon, devotees are attracted because of its sacredness and contemplation. The temple of Lord Hanuman and the spiritual essence of Maharaj Ji are significant highlights.
Elevation: 1400 meters
Distance from City Centre: 19.9 km(46 minutes)
Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is a small hamlet with a serene atmosphere and a popular tourist destination. Many enthusiasts visit here for its virgin beauty and Mukteshwar Dham Temple of Lord Shiva. The Bhalugaad Falls and Chauli Ki Jali are spots for trekkers and photographers. Enjoy adventure sports like cliff climbing, trekking, camping, rappelling and paragliding.
Elevation: 2171 meters ( 7500 ft.)
Distance from City Centre: 48.5 km(1 hour 45 minutes)
Bhimtal
Bhimtal is the lake town of Nainital, known for the stunning Bhimtal Lake. It has an island in the centre, with a blanket cover of green hills and dense forest. According to legends, the land belongs to Bhima (Pandava) of Mahabharata, it has temples like Bhimeshwar(Lord Shiva), and Karkotak(snake God). Nal Damayanti Tal is the spiritual site and Butterfly Research Centre has beautiful butterflies and moths.
Elevation: 1370 meters
Distance from City Centre: 24.2 km(56 minutes)
Bhowali
The major fruit mart and health centre T.B. Sanatorium where Kamala Nehru was admitted were established in Bhowali, a peaceful getaway. Surrounded by the prolific beauty, Bhowali is a health resort of Uttarakhand. The main attraction is the wooden shivling of Prachin Jabar Mahadev, a Shiva Temple that has been intact in its original state for years.
Elevation: 1706 meters
Distance from City Centre: 12.8 km(30 minutes)
Sat Tal
The impeccable seven inter-connected freshwaters, Sat Tal, a calm biome in Nainital is surrounded by oak and pine trees. This reservoir is a utopia for migratory birds who come every year to seek shelter here from winters. The tourist enjoys birdwatching, sightseeing, boating and photography here.
Elevation: 1,370 meters
Distance from City Centre: 22.4 km(50 minutes)
Mall Road
Mall Road of Nainital is the market hub, that connects Mallital and Tallital. This market hub of artefacts, merchandise, clothes, essentials and food corners along the Naini Lake. The hustle and bustle of the city with the picturesque views of incredible hillocks delight the viewers.
Elevation: 2,084 meters (6,837 ft.)
Distance from City Centre: 600 m(2 minutes)
Dorothy Seat and Tiffin Top
Dorothy Seat or Tiffin Top are the viewpoints for sightseeing in the Ayarpatta region. The Dorothy seat is named after English Painter Dorothy Kettle, built by her husband. Tiffon Top offers a scenic picnic spot for friends and families with an enchanting atmosphere.
Elevation: 2,290 meters (7,516 ft.)
Distance from City Centre: 6 km(18 minutes)
Naina Devi Temple(Nainital)
The Naina Devi Temple in Nainital is among 51 Shaktipeethas where Mata Sati’s teardrops led to the formation of Naini Lake. This shaktipeetha holds spiritual essence and devotion in the devotees. In Navratri and Shravan maas, special melas are organised and the temple is decorated.
Elevation: 2,611 meters
Distance from City Centre: 5.3 km(18 minutes)
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Kilbury
Seek an escape to this peaceful verdant nature and dense forest of Kilbury. The flora, avifauna and fauna in the Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary give you some offbeat experiences. The Kilbury’s lofty clouds, blue sky and green meadows make it the Havana of Nainital.
Elevation: 2194 meters ( 7198 ft.)
Distance from City Centre: 10.1 km(29 minutes)
Hanuman Garhi
The taposthan of Neem Karoli Baba, a devotee of Lord Hanuman and a pilgrimage where famous celebs like Steve Jobs and Julia Roberts had paid obeisance. In Hanumangarhi, a small Hanuman idol was established in 1950 by Neem Karoli Baba and a big idol in 1953. People at that time when Baba witnessed many miracles of Baba including stopping a train.
Elevation: 1,951 meters
Distance from City Centre: 20.6 km(56 minutes)
Raj Bhavan
The Governor’s House or Raj Bhavan is the administrative building of Uttarakhand’s Governor. This eerie architecture has a golf course, swimming pool and manicured garden with an exceptional landscape spread over 205 acres. The fee to see this structure marvel is Rs.50 and to access the golf course is Rs.450 per head.
Elevation: 1,938 metres (6,358 ft)
Distance from City Centre: 3.2 km(12 minutes)
Conclusion on Nainital Place
Finally, we end with the Nainital’s most amazing attractions, which you must see during your visit. These places glam up the charm of Nainital and you will get some ethereal natural experience in the lap of Mother Nature. Plan your next holiday trip with Travel Acharya to this Green Emerald of Uttarakhand.
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