| A perfect Gem Popularly called the lake district because of a string of closely located lakes (Bhim Tal, Sat Tal, Naukuchia Tal and, of course, Naini, Nainital district has other claims to distinction : Corbett, India's first national park: Kathgodam, nucleus of the timber trade and a railhead for Kumaon: Bhowali, Major fruit market; and Kaladhungi, fertile wheat bowl and home of Jim Corbett.
Having its origin in the fropped left eye of goddess Sati, consort of Shiva, the Naini lake waters are considered to be holy. The temple to Naini Devi on the lakes's edge turns into a huge fair ground every autumn.
For tourist who enjoy bustle, there is a lot to do: boating, or sailing in vivid coloured yachts; horse riding; walking along shady roads; taking the aerial ropeway; and shopping for woollen handicrafts, shapely cnadles and wickerware.
Presenting entrancing views of the Himalayas are the several peaks surrounding the opaline Naini lake: Nalna Peak (2611m) 5.6km - the highest; Laria Kanta (2481m) 5.6 km- the next highest peak; Snow -view(2270m) 2.4 km - accessible on horseback or by cable car ; Dorothy's Seat (2292m) 4.3 km- Offering a sectional view of the town and its vicinity; and Land's Eng(2118 m) 4.8 km- presenting a sweeping view of the gem -like Khurpa Tal Hanumangarhi (1951 m) 3 km - a religious centre; State Observatory(1951 m) 4 km - a centre for astronomical studies ; and Kilbury(2194m) 11km - a sylvan retreat ideal for a trek, are other nearby places of interest.
Pilgrimage:
Garjiya Devi Temple
14 kms. from Ramnagar, on the way to Ranikhet, is a huge rock in the midst of river Kosi. This place has been named Garjia Devi after the deity. The temple is visited by thousand of devotees from different parts of the state. A large fair is held here on kartik Poornima. Ramnagar is the last bus terminus, from where Garjia Devi Temple is 14 kms.
Naina Devi Temple
The charming hill resort of Nainital gets its name from the Goddess Naina Devi. A temple dedicated to the deity stands here.
Seeta Bani Temple
About 20 kms from Ram Nagar is a place called Seeta Bani. Legend has it that Devi Sita, the consort of Lord Rama had entered into the lap of Mother Earth here. A fair is held here during Ram Navmi.
Fair & Festival:
Vasantotsav
Vasantotsavor spring festival is held every year at Ramnagar during the month of January-February. A large number of local people and tourists, including foreigners participate in the festival at Ramnagar which is a gateway of Jim Corbett Park, the wildlife sanctuary of Uttar Pradesh. The event reflects cultural activities of both Kumaon and Garhwal.
Nandadevi Fair
This fair is held in Nainital in the month of September every year. Among other things, a number of cultural programmes are organised on this occasion.
Hariyali Devi Fair
This fair is held during July on the occasion of Harela.
Ranibagh Fair
This fair is held at Ranibagh, about 30kms. from Nainital on the occasion of Uttarayani every year. It has immense religious importance. A number of programmes are organised attract visitors.
Chhota Kailash Fair
This fair takes place in february every year on the occasion of Shivratri. This is a religious fair, and reflects the rich and varied culture and tradition of the area.
Garjiadevi Fair
This fair takes place around the Garjiadevi Temple in Ramnagar. A large number of people from nearby area turn up in this fair to have a darshan of Garjiadevi.
Sharadotsav
This fair is organised in Nainital in the month of October. Various cultural programmes, folk dances and folk arts are organised during this fair. A large number of people including foreign tourists visit this fair to have a glance of the local culture and traditions.
Holi Mahotsav
Holi Mahotsav is organised in Nainital with the cooperation of the local bodies. The festivities reflect cultural traditions of Kumaon.
Excursions:
Bhimtal: (1371 M, 22 km) Bigger than Naini, this lake is name after on of the Pandavas.
Bhowali: 1706 M 11 km En route to Ranikhet or Almora, it is a major fruit mart and health resort Only 3 km from here is Ghorakahl, famous for a temple to Gollu Devta, a demi-god highly revered by the Kumaonis.
Corbett National Park: 115 km (via Kaladhungi) This is one of India's best known wildlife sanctuaries.
Jeolikote: 1219 M 18 km This is a health resort and a bee-keeping centre. Strawberries grow here in plenty. Also an attraction for butterfly catchers.
Naukuchia Tal: 1218 M 26 KM This is nine-cornered lake which receives migratory birds. Both yachts and paddle boats are available for plying on the lake waters.
Ramgarh: 25 km This is known as the home of Kumaon orchards. Prosperous estates can be seen here.
Sat Tal: 21 km There are three lakes (of the original seven Sat), named after the epic personages Ram, Sita and Lakshman near the main resort. The others are some distance away.
Places to see
Snow View : This popular vantage point offers an excellent view of the northern Himalayan ranges. The point is accessible by a chair lift (ropeway) or you can hire horses and mountain ponies to reach there. One can also have a close up view of Nanda Devi, one of the highest peaks in the country.
Naini Peak : Five kilometres from the lake lies the Naina Peak. It is the highest peak bordering the lake. A popular picnic spot, the peak offers a panoramic view of the resort and a stunning view of the Himalayas including Nanda Devi and the mountains on the Tibetan border.
Dorothy's Seat : Four kilometres to the west of the lake lies Dorothy's seat, also known as Tiffin Top. It was built by an Englishman named Kellet in the memory of his wife, who was killed in an air crash. The spot offers a partial view of Nainital.
Land's End : Located on the southern border of the lake, and standing 2,881 metres high, this hill offers a view of another lake, Khurpa Tal.
Hanuman Garhi : Three kilometres south of Tallital lies Hanuman Garhi, where there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The place is also a good spot for viewing the setting sun.
How to reach?
Air: Nearest airport is at Pantnagar.
Rail: The nearest Railway Station is Kathgodam (35 kms.)
Road: Nainital is connected to all the major National/State Highways. From Nainital the following places are directly connected by regular bus service :
Nainital (403 kms.), Almora (64 kms.), Badrinath (334 kms.), Bareilly (140 kms.), Dehradun (387 kms.), Delhi (326 kms.), Hardwar (310 kms.) and Kausani (117 kms.). |
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