A perfect
Gem Popularly called the lake district because of a string of closely
located lakes (Bhim Tal, Sat Tal, Naukuchia Tal and, of course, Naini,
Nainital district has other claims to distinction : Corbett, India's first
national park: Kathgodam, nucleus of the timber trade and a railhead for
Kumaon: Bhowali, Major fruit market; and Kaladhungi, fertile wheat bowl and
home of Jim Corbett.
Having its origin in the fropped left eye of goddess
Sati, consort of Shiva, the Naini lake waters are
considered to be holy. The temple to Naini Devi on
the lakes's edge turns into a huge fair ground every
autumn
For tourist who enjoy bustle, there is a lot to do:
boating, or sailing in vivid coloured yachts; horse
riding; walking along shady roads; taking the aerial
ropeway; and shopping for woollen handicrafts, shapely
cnadles and wickerware
Presenting entrancing views of the Himalayas are the
several peaks surrounding the opaline Naini lake:
Nalna Peak (2611m) 5.6km - the highest; Laria Kanta
(2481m) 5.6 km- the next highest peak; Snow -view(2270m)
2.4 km - accessible on horseback or by cable car ;
Dorothy's Seat (2292m) 4.3 km- Offering a sectional
view of the town and its vicinity; and Land's Eng(2118
m) 4.8 km- presenting a sweeping view of the gem -like
Khurpa Tal Hanumangarhi (1951 m) 3 km - a religious
centre; State Observatory(1951 m) 4 km - a centre
for astronomical studies ; and Kilbury(2194m) 11km
- a sylvan retreat ideal for a trek, are other nearby
places of interest
Pilgrimage:.
Garjiya Devi Temple
14 kms. from Ramnagar, on the way to Ranikhet, is
a huge rock in the midst of river Kosi. This place
has been named Garjia Devi after the deity. The temple
is visited by thousand of devotees from different
parts of the state. A large fair is held here on kartik
Poornima. Ramnagar is the last bus terminus, from
where Garjia Devi Temple is 14 kms.
Naina Devi Temple
The charming hill resort of Nainital gets its name
from the Goddess Naina Devi. A temple dedicated to
the deity stands here.
Seeta Bani Temple
About 20 kms from Ram Nagar is a place called Seeta
Bani. Legend has it that Devi Sita, the consort of
Lord Rama had entered into the lap of Mother Earth
here. A fair is held here during Ram Navmi.
Fair & Festival:
Vasantotsav
Vasantotsavor spring festival is held every year at
Ramnagar during the month of January-February. A large
number of local people and tourists, including foreigners
participate in the festival at Ramnagar which is a
gateway of Jim Corbett Park, the wildlife sanctuary
of Uttar Pradesh. The event reflects cultural activities
of both Kumaon and Garhwal.
Nandadevi Fair
This fair is held in Nainital in the month of September
every year. Among other things, a number of cultural
programmes are organised on this occasion.
Hariyali Devi Fair
This fair is held during July on the occasion of Harela.
Ranibagh Fair
This fair is held at Ranibagh, about 30kms. from Nainital
on the occasion of Uttarayani every year. It has immense
religious importance. A number of programmes are organised
attract visitors.
Chhota Kailash Fair
This fair takes place in february every year on the
occasion of Shivratri. This is a religious fair, and
reflects the rich and varied culture and tradition
of the area
Garjiadevi Fair
This fair takes place around the Garjiadevi Temple
in Ramnagar. A large number of people from nearby
area turn up in this fair to have a darshan of Garjiadevi.
Sharadotsav
This fair is organised in Nainital in the month of
October. Various cultural programmes, folk dances
and folk arts are organised during this fair. A large
number of people including foreign tourists visit
this fair to have a glance of the local culture and
traditions.
Holi Mahotsav
Holi Mahotsav is organised in Nainital with the cooperation
of the local bodies. The festivities reflect cultural
traditions of Kumaon.
Excursions:
Bhimtal: (1371 M, 22 km) Bigger
than Naini, this lake is name after on of the Pandavas.
Bhowali: 1706 M 11 km En route
to Ranikhet or Almora, it is a major fruit mart and
health resort Only 3 km from here is Ghorakahl, famous
for a temple to Gollu Devta, a demi-god highly revered
by the Kumaonis
Corbett National Park: 115 km
(via Kaladhungi) This is one of India's best known
wildlife sanctuaries.
Jeolikote: 1219 M 18 km This is
a health resort and a bee-keeping centre. Strawberries
grow here in plenty. Also an attraction for butterfly
catchers.
Naukuchia Tal: 1218 M 26 KM This is nine-cornered
lake which receives migratory birds. Both yachts and
paddle boats are available for plying on the lake
waters.
Ramgarh: 25 km This is known as
the home of Kumaon orchards. Prosperous estates can
be seen here.
Sat Tal: 21 km There are three
lakes (of the original seven Sat), named after the
epic personages Ram, Sita and Lakshman near the main
resort. The others are some distance away.
Places to see
Snow View : This popular vantage
point offers an excellent view of the northern Himalayan
ranges. The point is accessible by a chair lift (ropeway)
or you can hire horses and mountain ponies to reach
there. One can also have a close up view of Nanda
Devi, one of the highest peaks in the country.
Naini Peak : Five kilometres from
the lake lies the Naina Peak. It is the highest peak
bordering the lake. A popular picnic spot, the peak
offers a panoramic view of the resort and a stunning
view of the Himalayas including Nanda Devi and the
mountains on the Tibetan border.
Dorothy's Seat : Four kilometres
to the west of the lake lies Dorothy's seat, also
known as Tiffin Top. It was built by an Englishman
named Kellet in the memory of his wife, who was killed
in an air crash. The spot offers a partial view of
Nainital.
How to reach?
Air: Nearest airport is at Pantnagar.
Rail: The nearest Railway Station
is Kathgodam (35 kms.)
Road: Nainital is connected to
all the major National/State Highways. From Nainital
the following places are directly connected by regular
bus service : Agra (403 kms.), Almora (64 kms.), Badrinath
(334 kms.), Bareilly (140 kms.), Dehradun (387 kms.),
Delhi (326 kms.), Hardwar (310 kms.) and Kausani (117
kms.).
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India
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