Nainital is a charming hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, known for its beautiful lake, temples, and colonial heritage. It is an ideal destination for those who love nature, adventure, and romance and want to get away from the chaos and noise of city life.
Nainital and its main Attractions:
- Naini Lake
- Naina Devi Temple
- Snow View Point
Naini Lake
Naini Lake is one of the most famous and most visited lakes in Nainital, a hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Naini Lake is famous for its natural beauty, its history, and its religious significance.
Why Naini Lake is famous:
- Naini Lake is a natural lake that resembles an eye in shape and is considered to be one of the 51 sacred sites where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva carried her corpse after her death. The lake is also linked to the story of Naina Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati who is revered at the Naina Devi Temple on the north bank of the lake.
- Naini Lake is surrounded by seven hills, which are named after different gods and goddesses. The hills offer a scenic view of the lake and the Himalayas.
- Naini Lake offers various water sports activities, such as boating, kayaking, canoeing, and yachting.
- Naini Lake is a part of the Nainital Lake District, which includes other lakes such as Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Malwatal, Harishtal and Lokhamtal. These lakes are connected by natural and artificial channels and offer a variety of attractions and activities for tourists.
Activities and Fees for Visiting Naini Lake
- Boating: You can enjoy a boat ride on the lake by choosing from different types of boats, such as gondolas, pedal boats, or rowing boats. The boating fees vary depending on the boat you choose. The gondola ride is Rs.210 per person for half an hour. The pedal boat is Rs.150 per hour for four people.
- Cable Car: You can take a cable car ride from Mallital to Snow View Point, which offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayas and the lake. The cable car ride is Rs.150 per person for a round trip.
- Trekking: You can trek to various viewpoints around the lake, such as Tiffin Top, Lands End, Dorothy’s Seat, and Cheena Peak. These viewpoints offer a stunning view of the lake and the valley below. The trekking routes are easy to moderate and take about an hour to reach.
- Shopping: You can shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, candles, woolen items, and local delicacies at the Mall Road, which is the main shopping and dining area of Nainital. The Mall Road is located along the lake and has many shops, restaurants, cafes, and hotels.
The opening and closing time of Naini Lake is 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM on all days of the week. You can visit the lake at any time of the year, but the best time to visit is from March to June and from September to November when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear. You can also visit Naini Lake in winter if you want to experience snowfall and enjoy winter sports.
Naina Devi Temple
Naina Devi Temple is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site that is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, who is believed to be one of the forms of Goddess Sati.
- The temple is located on a hilltop in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh and offers a panoramic view of the Gobind Sagar Lake and the surrounding mountains.
- The temple is one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, where the body parts of Goddess Sati fell after Lord Vishnu cut her body into pieces to stop Lord Shiva’s dance of destruction. It is said that the eyes of Goddess Sati fell at this place, and hence the name Naina Devi, which means “the goddess of eyes“.
- The temple is visited by lakhs of devotees every year, especially during the festivals of Navratri, Shravan Ashtami, and Chaitra.
- The temple also has a ropeway facility that takes the pilgrims from the base to the top of the hill. The temple complex has a main shrine, where the idols of Goddess Naina Devi, Goddess Kali, and Lord Ganesha are installed. There are also other temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Saraswati within the complex.
- The temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on all days of the week. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple, but there is a nominal charge for using the ropeway service. The temple also provides free langar (community meal) to the pilgrims on special occasions.
- The temple has a souvenir shop where you can buy prasad, religious books, idols, and other items related to the temple.
Naina Devi Temple is a sacred and serene place that attracts people from different faiths and backgrounds.
Snow View Point
Snow View Point is a popular tourist attraction in Nainital, a hill station in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is a place where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks, such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nanda Kot. You can also see the beautiful Nainital town and the Naini Lake from this point.
To reach Snow View Point, you have two options: you can either take a cable car from the Mall Road of Mallital, which is a 5-minute ride and costs 300 rupees per adult for both ways, or you can hike up the hill, which is a well-paved route and takes about an hour. The cable car service is available from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Saturdays. The hiking route is open all day and is free of charge.
Best Time to Visit Snow View Point in Nainital
The best time to visit Snow View Point is during the winter season, from December to February when you can see fresh snowfall and experience the chilly weather. You can also visit this place during other seasons, as the view of the Himalayas is always mesmerizing. You can also use a telescope at the point to get a closer look at the peaks for a nominal fee.
Snow View Point also has a small temple dedicated to Ram, Sita, Laxman, Hanuman, Durga, and Shiva. You can pay your respects to these deities and seek their blessings. There are also some shops and eateries at the point where you can buy souvenirs, snacks, and beverages.
Nearby Places Nainital – Trip to Uttarakhand
These are some of the places that you should visit during your Nainital trip to Uttarakhand. You can also explore other nearby places, such as Bhimtal Lake, Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, Kainchi Dham, Naukuchiatal, Mukteshwar Temple, Almora, Ranikhet, Corbett National Park, and Kausani if you have more time.
If you are interested in visiting Nainital Uttarakhand, you can book your tickets, hotels, and packages online with ease.
