Soul Searching Uttaranchal

Nainital is a Himalayan resort town in the Kumaon region of India’s Uttarakhand state, at an elevation of roughly 2,000m. Formerly a British hill station, it’s set around Nainital Lake, a popular boating site with Naina Devi Hindu Temple on its north shore. A cable car runs to Snow View observation point (at 2,270m), with vistas over the town and mountains including Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand’s highest peak.

Bhimtal is a town and a nagar panchayat in Nainital district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 1370 meters above sea level and is about 22 kilometers from Nainital. The major attraction in Bhimtal is the Bhimtal Lake, which has an island at its centre.

Opening Time : 10:00 AM

Closing Time : 04:00 PM

Tourists seeking to know more about wildlife in Himalaya then Pt. GB Pant High Altitude Zoo, locally called Lion's Stalk, is the best place to visit. Situated at an altitude of 2100 meters, Pt. GB Pant High Altitude Zoo is the first zoological park in the Uttarakhand region. Spread over an area of 4.6 hectares, it is home to several endangered species. The zoo is divided into different sections, where some people can name animals like Himalayan Back Bear, Himalayan Civet, Tibetan Wolf, Barking Fear, Goral, Cheer Pheasant, White Pea Foul to name a few. The Nainital Zoo park has been providing the best wildlife experience since 1995. The Nainital zoo is 2 km from Tallital Bus Stop and can be reached by hopping in a shared jeep.

Events  Happening at Nainital Zoo :

1. World environment day, 5th June

2. Wildlife week, 1st to 7th October

3. Ozone layer conservation day, 16th September

4. Zoo foundation day

5. The programs include zoo visiting, painting, quizzes, debate competition etc. This outreach program sensitizes students towards the issues related to wildlife and animals.

Approx. Entry Fees :

INR 50 per adult

INR 20 per child below 12 years

INR 25 for still camera 

INR 200 for a professional video camera.

Important Note :

1. The given sightseeing can be done if have hired vehicle for the full day or planning to take one. However it is at discretion of vehicle company to do it. Also one has to make sure that the same falls in given kilometer limits by the company.

2. The cost of sightseeing is given for reference and planning purposes only. The same has to be paid directly on spot.

3. Free entry is provided for Senior Citizens and Disabled People.

4. Students get free entry on World Environment Day, Zoo Foundation Day, Ozone Day and through Wild Life Week

5. The zoo remains closed on Holi, Diwali, Republic Day and Independence Day.

6. There is quite alot of walking within the zoo.

7. Carry water bottles travelling with kids

About The Mall Road, Nainital ... Inspite officially renamed as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg, the Mall road still locally called and famous by its previous name.

Opening Time : 08:00 AM

Closing Time : 05:30 PM

A popular picnic spot in Nainital, Tiffin Top (also known as Dorothy's Seat) is located on Ayarpatta hill, offers a magnificent 360 degree view of the Nainital town and surrounding hills of kumaon region. Apart from a picnic spot amidst the calm and serene environment, Tiffin Top is a delight for photographers. It should be visited by those who enjoy the nature’s calling and love capturing the divine beauty of nature in photographic shots. Tiffin Top is the name assigned after people used to have day lunch at top of hill on Dorothy's Seat. From Tiffin Top visitors can witness birds eye view of beautiful Nainital city and nearby Kumaon hills. As Tiffin Top is at 4 kms from Nainital town, many tourists also enjoy the easy hike to Tiffin Top or sometimes ride on the ponies, which easily available from Mall Road.

The Tiffin Top is also known as  Dorothy’s seat. Mrs. Dorothy Kellet was the wife of a British Army Officer, Col J.P. Kellet. Col Kellet built this stone bench in memory of his wife who was killed in a plane crash when she had gone to see their children. This hilltop resembles the love and dedication of a husband towards his wife.

Activities at the Tiffin Top :

1. Hiking & Trekking

2. Pony ride

One can either trek for 4 to 5 kms, uphill or can take a pony ride to reach to the Top. One can cover many other surrounding scenic points with the same pony ride . (The cost is negotiable at the place)

Exclusion :

1. Vehicle cost

2. Pony Ride

Important Note :

1. The given sightseeing can be done if have hired vehicle for the full day or planning to take one. However it is at discretion of vehicle company to do it. Also one has to make sure that the same falls in given kilometer limits by the company.

2. The cost of sightseeing is given for reference and planning purposes only. The same has to be paid directly on spot.

3. Approx. pony ride can be INR 500-700 per person to this point

Opening Time : 10:00 AM

Closing Time : 04 :00 PM

Aerial ropeway is one of the extensive tourist attractions in Nainital. With hundreds of tourists flying each day, the aerial Ropeway carries from Mallital to Snow View Point, one of the popular places to visit in Nainital. This three-minute ride is nothing short of a dream as it gives you the best bird eye-view of Nainital city and Naini lake.

The aerial ropeway is built in association with Swiss technology with a state-of-the-art position and view. The ropeway has to be climbed both up and down, giving travellers an excellent panoramic view of the surroundings.

Exclusion :

1. Vehicle cost

2. Cable car charges

Important Note :

1. The given sightseeing can be done if have hired vehicle for the full day or planning to take one. However it is at discretion of vehicle company to do it. Also one has to make sure that the same falls in given kilometer limits by the company.

2. The cost of sightseeing is given for reference and planning purposes only. The same has to be paid directly on spot.

3. The Given Cost for Cable car is Estimated. You will need to pay the exact cost directly at the counter.

4. The vehicle is not allowed on the mall road, so the vehicle will drop at the parking place and one has to walk to the ropeway counter.

Opening Time : 06:00 AM

Closing Time : 10 :00 PM

Aarti Timings : 7:00 am in the Morning and 7:00 pm in the Evening (subject to change)

Standing on a bank of the beautiful Naini Lake is the Naina Devi Temple, a famous Indian shrine and one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of India. Located on the banks of the lake, it is also a beautiful tourist destination.

The Naina Devi temple gets its name from the legend that the eyes (Nayan) of Goddess Sati fell on this spot when Lord Vishnu cuts her body into 51 different parts. Infact, the lake (Naini lake) & the entire city (Nainital) and the Naini temple, all three are named after the legend.

The Naina Devi Temple is evaluated to be one of the holiest temples in the country. The great Shivalik range of the Himalayas surrounds the city and the temple is protected by the highest peak Mt. Nanda Devi who is considered to be the sister of Naina Devi.

During the months of August and September falls Nanda Ashtami which is celebrated across the Kumaon region. The festival marks the celebration and worship of Nanda Devi, which is the highest peak of western Himalayas.

Important Note :

1. The given sightseeing can be done if have hired vehicle for the full day or planning to take one. However it is at discretion of vehicle company to do it. Also one has to make sure that the same falls in given kilometer limits by the company.

2. The cost of sightseeing is given for reference and planning purposes only. The same has to be paid directly on spot.

Opening Time : 06:00 AM

Closing Time : 06:00 PM

Naini Lake topology has two parts – Mallital towards the north and Tallital towards the Southern part. This natural fresh water lake is charming and many worlds’ prominent writers explained its beauty in the words of their poems. Exciting Naini Lake has also attracted many writers and creative personalities towards it. Nainital is also called as Naini Lake; it is surrounded by seven hills which are known as Ayarpata, Cheena Peak, and Laria Kanta.  The picturesque Naini Lake has an abundant aquatic life and its surrounding are ideal for animals and birds to flourish. A visit to Nainital is incomplete without a boat ride on Naini Lake. Naini lake spring to life during the as this is when the lake hosts the famous boast riding festival.  Visitor’s adore to explore dazzling lake on boat provided by Nainital boat club. A tourist finds ample opportunity for shopping near Nainital Lake on famous Mall Road.  

Tourists who are planning a trip to Nainital can reach Naini Lake by walking or taking a rickshaw from the main bus stand.

Facts about Naini Lake :

• The Naini lake form the base of crown peaked by 7 hilltops.
• You can avail the supreme hospitality offered by Nainital Boat Club. It provides Yachting facility at the lake.
• Every year in the month of June, the Annual Kingfisher Yachting Competition is held at the Naini lake.
• During the months of October and November, a Kumaon festival is organized by the Tourism Department every year.
• The lake is naturally pear-shaped or mango shaped
• There are three other popular lakes which are located nearby- Naukuchiyatal Lake, Bhimtal Lake and Sattal lake

Important Note :

1. The given sightseeing can be done if have hired vehicle for the full day or planning to take one. However it is at discretion of vehicle company to do it. Also one has to make sure that the same falls in given kilometer limits by the company.

2. The cost of sightseeing is given for reference and planning purposes only. The same has to be paid directly on spot.

3.  The vehicle is not allowed on the mall road, so the vehicle will drop at the parking place and one has to walk to the Naini Lake.