| Nanital Hot Destination |
|
| |
Naina Devi Temple |
|
 |
|
| To the north of the lake is the small Naina Devi Temple, one of India's venerable 64 Shaktipeeths. The pathway to the temple, edging the lakeside is a verdant trail. The lake is said to have sprung from the eye of the Goddess Parvati which legend has it fell here when the grief-stricken Lord Shiva broke into his cosmic tandava dance of destruction with his dead consort in his arms. |
| |
|
|
|
Boat House Club |
|
|
|
| |
Honeymooners and holidaying families can be found enjoying boat rides on the tranquil lake. To get a ride get there early when the sun is low and the crowds thinner. The Boat House Club was built in the mid-19th century. You can enjoy a drink at the lake-facing bar or a game of billiards with a nominal fee as a temporary member. |
 |
|
| |
| |
Aurobindo Ashram |
|
|
|
| Situated on Ayarpatta hill the ashram arranges retreats, spiritual discourses and camps for children. It also teaches yoga and meditation. |
| |
| |
Snow View |
|
|
|
| |
Take the aerial ropeway to savour that glorious view of Nainital's verdant environs from Snow View (7,448 ft) on Sher-ka-Danda Hill........
|
|
| |
| |
Nainital Zoo |
|
 |
|
| |
This is a perfect place for a family outing. The kids and the grownups are equally fascinated by the snow leopard and Himalayan Black bear housed here among other species. The zoo also has several species of birds.
> |
|
| |
| |
Governor's House
|
|
|
|
|
It used to be the much envied summer retreat of the governor of the United Provinces in the Raj-era. With lush gardens over 220 acres, the beautiful estate is the equally envied official residence of the Uttaranchal Governor in post-Independence India. It is one of the few Raj Bhawans in India which allows the public to enter its gates to explore its lovely interiors. The conservatories on the grounds are really worth a dekko. You can pop in for a game of golf on the 18- hole golf course, with special permission of course. |
| |
| |
China Peak |
|
|
|
| |
An old trekking favourite China Peak (8,579 ft) too has panoramic views of the Nainital and the distant snow-covered Himalayas. Hire a pony to get here if you're not much of a trekker. |
| |
| |
The Lake Area |
|
| |
The Mallital area, which falls in the northern part of the lake, is where the High Court building is located. Here is where you'll find The Flats, the Tibetan Market and the Burra Bazaar, the Eco Cave Gardens and several top end hotels. If you've planned a golf game at the Governor's house you need to head for the Tallital area, at the southern end of the lake - also home to the tourist office and other government offices. |
 |
|
| |
| |
Eco Cave Gardens |
|
|
| |
A hot favourite with children, it's an excellent way to introduce them to eco-friendly living. The six caves here bring out the explorer in the kids and their high-spirited laughter rewards you for its novel approach to adventure in the hills. Not for the claustrophobic though. The musical fountain operates during the high season.
|
|
| |
| |
The flats |
|
|
|
| |
In close proximity to the Naina Devi Temple and the lake, the flattened ground created as a result of a landslip, is a popular venue for local football matches and other sports. Part of it is also a large car park. In the summer the holiday crowd fills up the place as they come to enjoy the breeze, and try out the snack stalls. A bazaar also springs up here selling local handicrafts such as shawls, blankets, candles, decorative items and tweeds. The Tibetan market along the edge of the lake is very popular and a permanent feature. |
 |
|
