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Nainital
BriefLocated at a height of 1940 mt. above sea level and placed, around the beautiful lake, Naini Tal, is the charming hill resort of Nainital. Surrounded by seven hills, this attractive hill station, was once the summer capital of Uttar Pradesh and is expected to become the future capital of the new state of Uttaranchal. The most sought after hill resort in India, its quaint cottages, colourful markets, the lush landscape and the beautiful lake, at the very heart of it, makes Nainital a delightful spot. With many interesting walks thorough the forests, to points with superb views of the Himalayas.
History
In 1839, an English traveller, discovered the Naini Lake ,and its surrounding areas now known as Nainital. A green and pleasant land, it immediately appealed to the homesick Britishers, who were reminded of the Cambrian Lake District. It became popular with the British Raj after a Mr. Barron had his yacht carried up here in 1840. The Nainital Boat Club, whose wooden clubhouse still graces the edge of the lake, became the fashionable focus of the community. Disaster struck on 16 September 1880, when a major landslide occurred, burying 151 people and creating the recreation ground now known as the Flats.
Culture
There is little of architectural interest other than the colonial style villas overlooking the lake. Angling, Mountaineering and trekking are of interest here.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
Summers are cool and pleasant and the winters are cold and chilly. Located at a height of 1940 mt. above sea level and placed around the beautiful lake, Naini Tal, is the charming hill resort of Nainital.
How to Reach
Nainital is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airport is at Pantnagar at 71 km. By rail, the nearest railhead is Kathgodam at 35 km and has regular trains to Delhi, Kolkata, Agra, Lucknow and Bareilly. By road, direct buses ply from Delhi at 322 km via Hapur and 336 kms via Meerut and nearby areas on a reasonably well maintained highway. It is well connected to Delhi, Lucknow, Bareilly, Haridwar and Mussorie.
Tourist Places
Nani Lake
This attractive lake ,is said to be, one of the emerald green eyes of Shivas wife, Sati (Naina is Sanskrit for eye). When Satis father failed to invite Shiva to a family sacrifice, she burnt herself to death in protest. Shiva gathered the charred remains in his arms and proceeded to engage in a cosmic dance, which threatened to destroy the world. To terminate the dance, which threatened to destroy the world , Vishnu chopped up the body into pieces, and the remains were scattered across India. The modern Naina Devi Temple at the northern end of the lake, is built over the precise spot where the eye is believed to have fallen.
Snow View
Located above the Mall, Snow View at 2270 meter is an easily accessible peak, which offers a brilliant view of the majestic Himalayas, and is an ideal picnic spot.
Others
CHURCH OF ST.JOHN - A popular landmark of the region, is the Bara Bazaar, a vibrant market, above which is the Church of St John-in-the-Wilderness, which is one of the earliest structures of Nainital.
DOROTHYS SEAT - A 4 km walk to the west of the lake, brings you to Dorothys Seat (229m), also known as Tiffin Top. The Seat is a memorial,to an English lady who is believed to have died in an accident at the spot.
GURNEY HOUSE - For wildlife lovers, the Gurney House is of much significance, as it was the former residence of the great hunter - turned - conservator of man-eating tigers, Jim Corbett.
HANUMANGARH & OBSERVATORY - Situated on top of the 1950 m high Manora Peak is the Uttar Pradesh State Astronomical Observatory, which is open to the public at certain times. Nearby is the Hanumangarh temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god, which is also renowned for its sunset over the plains.
LANDS END - Close to Dorothys seat, a group of twelve peculiarly formed rocks, is Lands End (2118 m), which overlooks terraced fields and the Kurpa Tal lake ( 1635 m ). Its a lovely walk from Dorothys seat to Lands End through a forest of oak, deodar and pine.
NAINA PEAK - The highest summit in the area is the Naina Peak, 2610 m, looming over Mallital, which offers some breathtaking views of the entire area from Gangotri to Nepal.
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