Nainital - Places to See
Naini Lake: The pear-shaped Naini Lake is a perfect spot for boating and yatching. The boat club overlooking the lake offers sailing facilities and also boating. The lake has a circumference of 3624 metres.
Ropeway : Kumaon MandaI Vikas Nigam has since installed the most sophisticated ropeway at Nainital which is the first of its kind in India. The ropeway covers a distance of 705 metres with an altitude gain of 300 metres. Carrying a maximum load of 825 kgs or 12 persons in each of its two cars, the ropeway travels at a maximum speed of 6 mts/ sec. It also has the unique adaptability to travel at a speed as low as 0.5 mts/sec. The ropeway can be operated both electronically and mechanically and in case of emergency by the cabin attendent too.
Governor’s House (Raj Bhavan) : Governor’s House also known Raj Bhavan and formerly, Government House was built in 1899 and designed in the Victorian Gothic domestic style (also called "domestic Gothic") by the architect F.W. Stevens. Originally built as the summer residence of the governor of the North West Province, it later became the summer residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the United Provinces. Currently, Raj Bhavan is the official guest house for the governor of Uttarakhand and for visiting state guests. The complex consists of a two-storied mansion with 113 rooms, a large garden, a swimming pool, and golf links. Obtaining prior permission is must for visiting.
Nainital Zoo :
The Nainital Zoo has some rare
species of high-altitude animals like the snow leopard, rare Himalayan birds and the Himalayan black bear. A steep climb from Tallital takes you to the Zoo.
Entry fee: Adults Rs 20, children Rs 10
Camera fee: Rs 25 Timings 10 am-4.30
Nainital Zoo remains closed on Mondays
Dorothy Seat/Tiffin Top : (2,292 m) (4 km). This terraced hill top on Ayarpatta hill is a 4 km hike from the town centre and commands a nice view of the neighbouring country side. Dorothy's Seat is a stonework picnic perch on Tiffin Top built as a memorial to an English artist, Dorothy Kellet, by her husband and admirers after her death in a plane crash.
Hanumangarhi : (1, 951 m) 3 km. A popular place for worship in the temple of lord Hanuman and its Sun-set view.
Khurpatal : (1,635 m) 5 to 10 kms. This is an angler’s paradise on Nainital-Kaladhungi-Ramnagar Road. It is here that the conifers belt merges and gives way to the Sal trees. Fishing permits are available from Deputy Commissioner, Nainital.
Kilbury: (2,194 m) 10 kms. A wooded spot, ideal for a quiet and peaceful holidays, which is connected by road.
Lariakanta : (2, 481 m) 6 kms. This is the second highest peak of Nainital and commands a glorious view of the lake region.
Land's End: (2,1l8 m) 4.08 kms. One can have magnificent view of Khurpatal and the terraced fields on the hill side.
Naini Peak: (2,611 m) (China Peak) 6 kms. Most favoured picnic spot of the town. One can view the distant plains and snow clad Himalayas from the peak. A bird's eye view of the lake is also obtainable from here. One can either trek or go on a horse back upto Naina Peak.
Snow-View: (2270 m). 3 km. This is the nearest easily accessible peak on Sher-ka-Danda hill connected by Ropeway. A powerful telescope is fixed here which enables one to view the Himalayan ranges.
State Observatory: (1951 m). 4.4 kms. Devoted to astronomical studies and optical tracking of artificial and earth satellites.
