Pithoragarh

Picturesque Pithoragarh town is delight for mountaineers, trekkers, adventure seekers, botanists, pilgrims as well as sightseers. It is an important halt on the famous Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route. The rivers originating from the Pithoragarh mountains are perfect for water sports, while the lush jungles here teem with rich variety of flora and fauna.

This eastern most district of Uttaranchal popularly called as 'Miniature Kashmir', shares international boundary with China (Tibet) on the north and Nepal on the east. The northern parts are studded with majestic peaks like Nanda Devi (east), Nanda Devi (west), Trishul, Nandakot, Rajrambha, Panchachuli group etc. The alpine meadows and glaciers below these majestic mountains has made the district a virtual paradise for nature lovers.

Nanital

Whenever the name Nainital comes, mentioning of its lakes is inevitable. The city of lakes or the lake district of India, Nainital has such titles to its credit because of its scenic landscape dotted with lakes. A place of varied topography, Nainital is located at a height of 1938 meters above the sea level. A place which is blessed with interminable scenic beauty, Nainital is northern India's most popular hill station and health resort. What is uniquely special about Nainital is that it's splendid beauty is matched with an equally salubrious climate. Because of these reasons, tourists keep pouring in here round the year. This attraction of this tourist town revolves around its Naini Lake. However, it is not just the lake but the entire place which is quite developed since it is an important district in Uttaranchal and a flourishing tourism destination.

The Naini Lake

Naini lake is the star attraction and the main draw of tourists in Uttaranchal. True to its popularity the lake is splendidly beautiful. Its picture postcard scene here. The lake is surrounded by hills, cosy cottages and villas peeping from the greenery of the hills and when all these reflect in the lake, it is a sight to behold. Even more spectacular is the scene when night descends, and the lights come up and reflect in the lake. 

Boats in Naini Lake, Uttaranchal

Before you start to think its just the scenic beauty the lake offers, we might tell you that there's much more fun going around the lake. You will get ample opportunity here for yatching, boating or paddling, whatever you want to do. A lake bridge runs from the northern end (Mallital) to the southern end (Tallital). On both ends of the Bridge, there are shops, malls, stores and other luxury shops.

The Flatts

The place is quite an affair in the evening. It looks like as if everyone has just one place to go in the evening and that is Flatts. Flatts is actually a place which has something for everyone. Most important here is the multipurpose ground. Sports events to cultural activities during festivals, the ground is stage for all. A beautiful fountain and a statue of Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant mark the place. And there is a band stand also so there is actually some music in the air. A mosque, a gurudwara and a temple of Naina Devi in the Flatts is the added attraction. Besides its a good place for some great street food, there is a chat bazaar here in Bhotia market along with shops of fancy items. And if this isn't enough then there is Capitol Cinema, Boat House Club, Masonic Hall, New Club - all these on the outer area of Flatts will keep you busy. So if you want to socialize a bit in Nainital, Flatts is the place to be.

Rope Way

The rope way journey in Nainital is one of the most famous attractions here. its a short trip from Mallital to Snow view point but you can't afford to miss either the snow point nor the trolley ride. It is a sharp ascend that the rope way makes from Mallital (1938m) to Snow View point (2270 m) which could be both a bit scary or thrilling. The views from the trolley are so beautiful that you don't want to take your eyes of it. You get to see a bird's eye view of the Flatts and the lake.

Snow View Point

No one leaves Nainital without visiting Snow view point. At an altitude of 2270 meters, it is not just higher then Nainital but also very colder. The main reason people come here is because of the view it gives of the white with snow peaks of Himalayas. The most favourite activity of tourists here is to take pictures of the spectacular sight, no one wants to miss the beautiful photo shoot opportunity here. 2.5 kilometers from the town, you can either walk up here, take a taxi or a cable car. Any ways it is an enjoyable journey and the place is worth it. Apart from the views, a temple is here which you can visit, some tea snacks shops are also here.

Naina Peak or China Peak

At a height of 2611 mts, Naina Peak is the highest peak in the area, 6 kilometers from the town. A walk to the peak might be tiring, you can hire a pony from Snow View Point or Mallital. Otherwise if you are an avid trekker then this trek is your challenge.

Once at the peak, a different world will welcome you here. A bird's eye view of the ton below, the lake, the hills surrounding it, all looks like one big picture to your eyes. Now the other view, from here you see the snow laden peaks of Banderpunch to the entire range till Api and Nari peaks in Nepal. Its a panoramic view, the feeling is that of capturing the sight in your eyes forever. Carry a pair of binoculars or you will regret later.

Hanuman Garhi

This is the famous Hanuman temple in Nainital, 3.5 kilometers from the town. Not just the place is famous for the temple but its sun set view which is quite memorable. The hues of red assimilating with the blues of the evening, it is a sight to behold. You can either walk upto to this place or take a taxi. Other temples here are those of Lord Shiva, Lord Rama and Shitala Devi.

Land's End

As the name suggest, here it really looks as if you have come to the end of the land and you can touch the horizon just by stretching out your hand. It is a beautiful place 4 kilometres from the town. You can either take this as a short trek or hire a pony or taxi. Even though it is at a height of 2118 metres but one does not have to put much effort in climbing here. Looking below you see the spread out plains, pine forest bordering the villages and the beautiful Khurpatal.

Observatory

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Science was set up in Nainital in the year 1955 but shifted to Manora Peak in 1961. Manora peak is 4.5 kilometres from Nainital at a height of 1951 metres above the sea level. Studies are conducted here on astronomical science. It is an observatory for optical tracking of artificial satellites. You can visit this place to have a look at the instruments on working days. Otherwise for night time viewing of stars and planets, some days are fixed on moonlit night and permission is required for night time visiting.

The Other Lakes

Bhimatal

Twenty two kilometres from Nainital is this beautiful lake which is actually much bigger than the Naini Lake. There is a small island in the center of the lake which has a restaurant. People often do boating here and paddle upto the restaurant for a quick bite. Bhimtal lies en route to the trek to Khatling glacier, the trekkers always halt here to refresh and relax.

Sat Tal

Sat tal is a unique formation, it is a cluster of seven lakes and is often compared with Westmore land of England. The first of these is Nal Damyanti Lake followed by an ashram of English missionary Stainley Johns. Then there is Panna lake and a little ahead three lakes are clustered together Ram, Sita and Lakshman Lake. The place is 23 kilometres from Nainital at an altitude of 1370 metres. What makes the place all the more beautiful is its untouched rustic beauty.

Khurpatal

Another beautiful lake 12 kilometers from Nainital is Khurptal. Natural and undisturbed beauty, the lake is a breeding ground of fishes. It is particularly favourite with anglers. A good catch is assured here. A shorter trek route of five kilometres will get you here or hire a taxi.

Nakuchiyatal

With nine corners to it, the lake has been appropriately named Naukuchiyatal. Four kilometres ahead of Bhimtal, Naukuchiyatal is nestled among thick forested hills from all sides. Its an ideal place to find solace. Its a beautiful valley lake, you can also go rowing, paddling or yatching here. The place is also ideal for bird watching around the lake and angling.

Quick Getaways

Kainchi

A famous baba by the name of Neem Karoli had his ashram here in the 60's of past century. The place is popular both with tourists and devotees. Seventeen kilometres from Nainital, on Nainital - Almora road is Kainchi where this ashram is located. Kainchi in Hindi means scissors, however the place is named so because of two sharp hairpin bends here.

Bhowali

Eleven kilometres from Nainital, on Haldwani - Almora road is Bhowali. It is a beautiful place, at a height of 1706 metres above the sea level. Most famous here is the fruit market selling fruits, a variety of them including hill fruits. There is also the famous Sainik School of India here. Apart from that the place is also pretty good for those with lung ailments. A T. B. Sanatorium was established here in 1912.

Jageshwar

One of the holiest places for Hindus, Jageshwar has one of the 12 jyotilingas in the country. 36 kilometres from Almora, in the hills of Kumaon is Jageshwar. It is at an altitude of 1900 metres above the sea level. Though it is 100 kilometres from Nainital but the place is worth visiting, many people pay religious visits, others come here while on trip to Nainital. In a narrow valley, outlined with deodars, this holy shrine has some 100 small and large shrines. Of them three are most spectacular owing to their sculpture. They are the shrines dedicated to Mrityunjaya,Pushpadevi and Jageshwar.

Kausani

120 kilometres from Nainital is Kasauni, Switzerland of India. Beauty of Kasauni is such that it will keep you enchanted for the rest of your life. The place is breathtakingly beautiful. Thick pine forests, medium range hills separating it from Nanda Devi range, a beautiful sunset and sunrise , each sight in Kausani is so enchanting that you don't want to take your eyes of it. The beauty of Kasauni has been much admired by people from far and wide. Much has been said and written about the place in poems and books. Mahatma Gandhi stayed here in 1929 for twelve days and was so impressed by the beauty of the place that titled it as the Switzerland of India. Many people come here every year in the lap of nature and submerge themselves in the beauty of the place.

Activities and Adventure

There are many activities apart from sight seeing in which you can engage yourself. Strolling on mall road is the favourite pastime of tourists here. Mall road is the main road running alongside the lake from one end of the town to another. Horse riding and pony riding is also popular with tourists, especially children. Then there is a Himalayan mini golf here. There are many other sports activities to keep you on your toes. Nainital yatch club is one of the best yatching clubs in the country. Yatching, canoeing, Kaykaying, its all here. Para sailing is conducted in Naukuchiatal. Every year championships are also organised here which draw large numbers of people here. Hot ballooning, rock climbing, mountaineering, training camps for such adventure activities are among other interesting and popular activities of the club.

Shopping

If you plan to burn some holes in your pockets then Mallital, Tallital, Tibetan Market , Bhotia market are the places to go. There are many famous gift centres and handicrafts shops also here. Hill Top Tourist Point, the Mall road, Kasta Kala Kendra Collection are also good options.

Getting There

By Air

Nearest airport from Nainital is Pantnagar, 71 kilometres from here. Jagsons Airlines operate daily flights from Delhi to Pantnagar except on Sundays.

By Rail

Kathogodam Railway station is the nearest railway station, 35 kilometres from here. Trains are available for Delhi and Kolkatta. Overnight train Ranikhet Express from Delhi is also a good option. In the months of April to July special vacation summer Shatabdi Express plys between Delhi and Kathgodam.

By Road

Nainital is 322 kilometres from Delhi. Regular buses ply between Nainital and Delhi, Lucknow and Barreilly. There are also night buses from Delhi, Haridwar and Mussoorie.

Almora

Almora, a picturesque district in the Kumaun region, East of Uttarakhand in India, with a breathtaking panoramic view of Himalayas, summons tourists worldwide to its alluring grandeur of natural beauty.

Famous for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, sumptuous cuisine and magnificent wildlife, coupled with an easy accessibility, Almora promises its tourists a visit full of fun and unforgettable moments.

The name of the sociocultural region of Kumaun is believed to have been derived from "Kurmanchal", meaning Land of the Kurmavtar (the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu,Preserver of Hindu Trinity). Extending from the northern end of the Ganga plains right upto Tibet, Kumaun's endless panorama of scenic wonders is nothing short of a romance with pristine and soul-lifting nature itself. The Katyuri and Chand dynasties glorified the region by constructing some fine temples - now renowned throughout the country. Though largely a Shaivite region, the presiding deity, Nanda Devi, is amongst the most exalted in Kumaun.

Sojourning in the beautiful Kumaun region of Uttaranchal with its majestic, snow clad mountains, lakes and rich plethora of flora and fauna, not only enables one to constantly think about the Himalayas but to behold their pristine magnificence time and again. Thus purifying one's soul aptly enough, setting the tone for which the options are as many as they are delightful, catering to the multifaceted interests of grown-ups and youngsters alike.
Presently a revenue division, Kumaun, consists of the district of Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Almora, Bageshwer, Pithoragarh and Champawat.

Bageshwar

Situated at the confluence of rivers Saryu, Gomti and latent Bhagirathi, lies the holy township of Bageshwar; also revered as the pious land associated with Lord Sadashiva, the redeemer of all sins. As the puranas state, this undoubtedly is a place capable of liberating one from the eternal bondage of births & deaths. With the east and west flanked by the Bhileswar

and Nileshwar mountains and surrounded by Suraj Kund in the north and Agni Kund in the south, this land of Lord Shankar is of great religious, historic and political significance. Since time immemorial, this place has been the symbol of faith for the entire Uttarakhand region. Because of its spiritual magnetism, it has attracted many saintly men and numerous patriots who have always been ready to lay down everything for the sake of their revered motherland.

The temple of Bagnath situated here is venerated by one and all. Devotees gather here on every Monday of the holy month of Shravan to worship the Lord, who is also known as the remover of sorrows. During the fairs of Uttarayani and Shivratri, it becomes very difficult to control the hoards of devotees who come to attend these fairs from far and near.

The Nilaparvat, situated between the rivers Saryu and Gomti is inhabited by all the 33 crore Gods of the Hindu pantheon, the celestial being like Siddha, Gandharva, Vidyadhar, Urvashi etc. and manu sages. Irrigated by the Saryu, the Nilaparvat is held to be   more important than the Vindhyachal. Those who desire to embrace death at place between Surya Kund and Agni Kund, become equivalent to the Gods by attaining salvation at the feet of Lord Shiva himself.

During   the reign of the Chands, the Shiva temple was constructed at Bageshwar. Legend has it that when repeated attempts to install a Shiv Linga proved futile, it was Shri Manorath Pandey of Palayn village whosucceeded   in installing the idol after performing penance on the Shivratri. From then onwards, a massive fair is held on Shivratri each year to commemorate the event.

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