By Rashmi Goyal

Nainital, a prime hill station of India, has traditionally been one of the most popular destinations in India, with thousands from just Delhi alone flocking here in summers. Famous for its lakes and snow capped mountains, it draws numerous international tourists as well, as its landscapes take ones breath away. Nainital is at a height of 6360 feet above sea level and famous for its large number of serene lakes. Due to the unpolluted atmosphere, they reflect the majestic mountains during the day and the innumerable stars at night, a beauty to behold. Cool, pleasant weather prevails throughout the year.

Nainital is dotted with villas, cottages and bungalows. Our Nainital Tour Package incorporates numerous historical spots. Major attractions are the Naina Devi Temple, Naini Lake, Mall Road, the Flatts, The Zoo, Aerial Ropeway, Snow View Point, Cave Garden, Hanuman Garhi, Naina Peak, Tiffin Top, Land’s end, Gurney house, St. Johns Church.

The scenic beauty is enchanting, particularly if you rent a paddle boat and spend an hour floating along Naini Lake. You can take a cable car ride to get a better view of Naina Devi Peak or schedule a horseback ride along one of the many wilderness trails.

Naina Devi Temple : Nainital got its name from the Naina Devi temple. One of the most revered Hindu temples in India, it is situated in the middle of the 1567 yard long, 167 yard wide and 93 feet deep Naini Lake. The presiding deity is Maa Naini Devi or Mata Sati, revered as extremely sacred and pristine by devotees. The current temple replaces the original 15th century temple which got destroyed in an 1880 landslide and was reconstructed in1883.

The Flats : At the northern side of Naini Lake is a rendezvous spot where people from all walks of life enjoy. There is a statue of Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant, a beautiful fountain, a band stand and a playing ground used for sports, games and cultural activities during festivals. The area also has Chat Bazaar, a Mosque, Gurudwara, the Bhotia Market for shopping for knick knacks, Capitol cinema and the Rink theatre used for roller skating . The New club, Boat House club and Masonic Hall are recreational spaces.

Aerial Ropeway : is a major attraction here, running from Mallital right through to Snow view point, at an elevation of 2270 meters above sea level. You get a panoramic view of the spectacular Himalayas including the entire town below. There are two trolleys taking a few minutes each way and hold up to 10+1 persons or 825 kg total weight, running seven days a week from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. The Lake looks like a small emerald eye amidst the great mountains and lush green surroundings. It gives you the feeling you are floating in air.

Snow View Point is a fantastic view point on top of the Sher-ka-danda ridge, at a height of 2270 meters and offers breathtaking views of the town. The Naina Peak, also called China peak, is the highest peak at 2611 meters. Tiffin Top is another well visited peak at height 2290 meters, also known as Dorothy Seat.

Lands End : Nainital’s most adventurous spot is situated at 2114 meters, providing majestic views of Kupra Tal Lake and the plains.

Saria Tal is a small lake that also houses a waterfall and is a fun spot for the family. Other must visit spots are Hanuman Garhi temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Nainital Observatory and Nainital Zoo which houses some very rare Himalayan species of animals.

It’s best to reserve an entire day for your trekking expeditions. It’s great to save the last day of your stay in Nainital to just unwind, relax and chill out in the splendid weather Nainital has to offer. Shopping in Nainital can be described in one word – ethnic. There are plenty of top quality woolen clothes, natural wooden structures, artistic and beautiful candles, herbal items and lots of other products.

Nainital has first class facilities for sail boating, yachting and paddle boating as well as challenging and delightful trekking routes. The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam, which is 34 km away and well connected to Delhi, Calcutta and Lucknow. For any harried international arrival just entering the Delhi heat oven and looking to chill out before starting hectic touring over the subcontinent or looking for a reprieve – a sojourn in Nainital comes with full recommendations.