Naini Lake: The core of this city is this beautiful green Naini Lake, where the reflection of the hills with their hotels and cottages form a pretty picture. The promenade is lined with shops selling trinkets, woolens and the very artistic candles, a bandstand, a fountain and a skating rink. The lake is ideal for yachting and boating, so you must try your hand at sailing these multi-coloured boats especially during the annual boat festival. The lake is especially pretty during night-time when Nainital's lights are reflected in its waters.
Naina Devi Temple: Located at the north of the lake, this temple is dedicated to Naina Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. It is believed that this is the spot where Goddess Sati's left eye fell, when Vishnu chopped her body to stop Shiva's cosmic dance of destruction. Also located close to the temple is the Naina Devi cave.
Naina Peak: 5 kms from the lake, the Naina Peak is the highest peak surrounding the lake. It is a popular picnic spot and affords marvellous views of the Himalayas, the Nanda Devi Peak and the mountains of the Tibetan border.
Other Lakes: Other than the Naini Lake, Nainital is also home to seven other picturesque lakes. Among these, Bhimtal is one of the most beautiful and popular. It has wonderful boating facilities and the island in the midst of it has a floating restaurant accessible only by boat! Saat Tal is an amalgamation of seven interconnected lakes and is set amidst dense oak and pine trees, home to migratory birds. Naukuchiatal or literally the nine-cornered lake is a good option for boating and fishing. A popular belief goes that if you visit all nine corners at one go, you are sure to attain Nirvana! Khurpatal, Harishtal, Lokhantal and Malwatal are also scenic spots known for very good angling options.
Boat House Club: Dating to the 19th century, visit the Boat House Club, which has a bar and billiards room facing the lake. Catch shimmering views of the city at night when millions of lights reflect on the lake.
Hanumangarhi: Located at an altitude of over 6000 ft near Tallital, Hanumangarhi has a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who is depicted tearing his chest open to reveal Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. This high altitude also offers beautiful views of the sunset. Especially worthwhile is visiting it during the Ramnavami and Hanuman Jayanti Festivals.
Bara Bazaar & Snow View: Bara Bazaar is a vibrant market in Mallital. Its highlight is the ropeway or cable car, which leads to the Snow View. Located at an altitude of over 7000 ft, Snow View, on a clear day offers brilliant views of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot peaks.
Open from: 10.00 am - 5.00 pm
Ropeway fare: Round trip Rs 70 (1 hr)
Astronomical Observatory: Set up because of the clear skies here, the observatory is said to have one of the most advanced telescopes in India. This telescope is said to calculate the movement of stars, planets and other heavenly bodies extremely precisely.
Dorothy's Seat: Also known as Tiffin Top, it is located 4 kms west of the lake and offers somewhat spectacular views of Nainital. This seat was built by Kellet, an Englishman in memory of his wife, who died in an air crash.
Lands End: Located on the southern corner of the lake, Lands End offers panoramic views of Khurpa Tal.
Nainital Zoo: Located at a high-altitude, the Zoo is home to the rare Snow Leopard, steppe eagle and the Himalayan Black Bear. The regal spotted owl is believed to emit a human voice if kept awake for 40 days.
Open from: 10 am-4.30 pm, (except Monday)
Entry fee - Adults Rs 20, children Rs 10 Camera fee Rs 25
Eco Cave Gardens: A naturally maintained park, this is a great place for children. The park has a musical fountain operating only in May and June. The six caves here are interesting to visit.
Open from: 9.30 am-5.30 pm
Entry fee - Adults Rs 20, children Rs 10 Camera fee Rs 25
Governor's House: The Raj Bhavan has gardens spread over 220 acres lined with deodar trees. The portico is designed in the shape of the British crown. The other memorabilia's worth watching are the magnanimous fireplace, the mailbox next to the writing table and conserÂvaÂtories called 'glass houses'. You can also try your hand at the 18-hole golf course at a fee of Rs 450.
Open from: 11 am-5 pm
Entry fee - Rs 50
St John Church in the Wilderness: Located in the thick of pine forests, the church is an ancient marvel, complete with stained glass windows and old wooden pews. Dilapidated, but worth visiting is the old cemetery within its grounds, which is the resting place of the Britishers. |
Within the panoramic Kumaon region, lies the district of Nainital, a hill resort blessed with beauteous splendor. A favourite with the British, Nainital was, for a long time, home to Jim Corbett, and you would find mention of it in his books. Long ago, it probably housed just a handful of people. Today it is tourist-laden, that throng its Mall area, looking for activities or simply to hang-out! And amidst all this glimmers the blue-green Naini Lake, reflecting in it silhouettes of mountains and trees. Visit it whenever you want, but we recommend you give the tourist season a miss and visit it during the off-season. Because it is then that Nainital assumes its real splendor that made the British title it “home”. And why not - its outskirts offer wondrous avenues for adventure enthusiasts, anglers and honeymooners. Trot on a pony, paddle out to the lake and bag yourself some of the most exotic candles you'd ever see. Let the peace of this resort envelop you… 
There is really no dearth of hotels and restaurants here, most of them centered around The Mall, which is of course the hub of all activities. Head out to the Embassy Restaurant which stirs up an excellent selection of Indian, Chinese, and Continental. Sonam Chow Mien Corner in Mallital is a restaurant that serves authentic Tibetan food and you can try their delectable noddles and momos. Wood Restaurant on the Mall Road is a smart jungle themed restaurant where some hearty and delicious dishes can be found. We recommend the tikki-in-a-bun, masala chai and cold lassi at Laxmi, located on the Mall. Machan, also on the Mall is the place to try out some hakka noodles, burgers, pizzas and sandwiches. Shiva Restaurant at Barra Bazaar is ideal for pure vegetarians. Head out to Kakley's Restaurant and Pastry shop located off the Mall Road in Mallital and Heritage Restaurant for sweet goodies including pastries and baked cookies.
Shopping here can be quite an interesting affair, with its range of tiny shops lining the Mall Road. Its most popular items are the beautifully crafted candles you'd never see anywhere else! From apples, to fairies and even idols of Ganesha, these handmade candles come in all possible shapes, sizes and designs. Nainital is also known for its jars of naturally made local fruit juices, jams, pickles and marmalade. These are also available on the Mall. Apart from this, there are wooden crafts available that make good souvenirs.
The Tibetan Market is actually a flea market where you have a world of junk jewellery, Himalayan bags, scarves, woolen clothing and branded watches, not original of course. Just explore the area and you're sure to bag a good bargain!
Located a little away from Nainital is Zaika. A shop managed by a husband-wife duo, pick up organic pickles, chutneys and fruit preserves, tea, medicinal oils, beauty products and herbs - all home-made. 
There are legends that mention how the town came to be christened Nainital. The most popular goes as this: The name comes from the Naini Lake, which forms the lifeline of this city. When Shiva's consort, Sati (Parvati) committed suicide during Daksha Prajapti's yajna, Shiva walked through the entire universe carrying her dead body, thus unleashing the tandav (cosmic dance of destruction). At that time, to protect the universe from this deadly dance, Vishnu chopped off Sati's body. It is believed that Sati's eye fell near the lake, where the Naina Devi Temple now stands. The lake is hence considered sacred and the annual autumn fair is held at the Naina Devi Temple. 
