TOURISM: Nainital tourism

Showing posts with label Nainital tourism. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The Flatts

More Info about Nainital

* About Tourism in Nainital »
* Nainital Sightseeing, Quick Facts »
* Cheap Flights to Nainital »
* Map of Nainital »
* Traveller Feedback on Nainital »
* Nainital Q&A Forum »

Based on the northern end of the Naini lake, the Flatts is a vast area of recreational grounds that comprise the hub of most sporting activity in Nainital. Polo, Cricket and Hockey matches are organised regularly and local clubs and schools take part and compete with great enthusiasm. Apart from sports, the Flatts is also a meeting point for locals as well as tourists. People converge here in the evenings to catch up with old friends, take walks in the bracing air or just to hang around. There's plenty to see and do as well. There is a fountain, a band stand, Chat Bazar, Mosque, Gurudwara, Naina Devi Temple, Capitol Cinema and a Roller Skating rink. The Flatts have an interesting history; in 1880, a massive landslide from the Sher ka Danda ridge killed 151 people and expanded the flat area next to the lake known as the Flatts. Post the landslide, this area was developed as a recreation hub.

Star Gazing

Quite unexpected for a hill town, Nainital has an observatory which can boast of having one of the most advanced telescopes in India. Situated on Manora Peak, a short drive away from town, the Centre for Promotion of Astronomical Science (CPAS) is a joint project between the Tourism Development Corporation of Kumaon and the Uttaranchal State Observatory of Nainital. Developed with the specific aim of encouraging an interest in Astronomy amongst the visiting tourists, the observatory organises various star-gazing capsules, slide shows and arranges exhibitions and lectures. Star watching facilities are available from 18.30 to 20.15 hrs with prior permission.

Snow View

Located at 2.5 Kms from Nainital, this is the most easily accessible place to partake of the panoramic view of the snow clad Himalayas. The Snow View is situated at a height of 2270 m and can be reached by foot. It is a pleasant 2.5 km climb. There is also the option of hiring horses or taking the chair lift ropeway called the Aerial Express. From the top of the Snow View you can see the truly breath taking of the Nanda Devi mountain in all her white-capped glory which was 'the highest mountain in the British Empire' as an outdated plaque informs the visitor. Apart from the views, you can also pay your respects at the small marble temple dedicated to Dev Mundi. This temple houses the images of Durga, Shiva, Sita, Rama, Lakshaman and Hanuman. Further up ahead from Snow View is the Gadhan Kunkyop Ling Gompa of the Gelukpa order. Their spiritual leader is the Dalai Lama.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Sat Tal

Sat Tal connotes 'Seven lakes' in Hindi. It bears such nomenclature because it is formed by the interconnection of seven lakes named 'Panna or Garud Tal', 'Nal-Damyanti Tal', 'Purna Tal', 'Sita Tal', 'Ram Tal', 'Laxman Tal', and 'Sukha Tal or Khurdariya'. The location of Sat Tal is around 23 km from Nainital and at a height of 4000 feet above the sea level.
The lake is surrounded by the forest of deodar and pine trees. You can enjoy activities like trekking, paragliding, angling, and rafting.

Nainital Zoo

http://www.indiamike.com/photopost/data/500/medium/DSC_0492.JPG

The Nainital Zoo or Bharat Ratna Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo is situated in the hills of Sher ka Danda and is just 1 km away from the bus stand. At an elevation of 2100m. above sea level, this zoo is a favourite of tourists, students as well as children. It provides a safe and secure habitat to many high altitude animals. Some of the animals at the zoo include the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear, Siberian Tiger, Barking Deer, Sambhar Deer, Palm Civet Cat, Wolf, Silver Pheasants, Hill Fox, Ghoral, Rose ringed Parakeet, Owl, Eagle and many rare Himalayan birds. The zoo is closed on Mondays and all national holidays.

Nainital Lake

Nainital Lake
Nainital, India

The centerpiece of Nainital is its beautiful serene 2 mile long pear-shaped lake. Ringed by seven hills, the emerald coloured waters of the lake attracts hordes of tourists during the day who come to try their hand at yatching, rowing or paddling on the lake. Once evening descends and the tourists go back to their hotels, the lake appears tranquil and magical; lit up like a fairyland by the twinkling lights that dot the hills and by its waters' edge. The Lake is locally referred to as having two ends. Mallital, which is the northern end. And Tallital; the southern end. And a bridge at that end. It also has the unique distinction of being the only lake bridge with a post office on it. A bus station, taxi stand, railway reservation counter, shopping centres and luxury stores further make the lake an extremely tourist-freindly spot. The Lake also an interesting past. In the Manas Khand of the Skand Puranas, Nainital Lake is called Tri-Rishi-Sarovar. It alludes to the tale of the three sages, Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha, who upon finding no water in Nainital, dug a large hole and filled it with water from the Mansarovar in Tibet. Nainital is therefore also referred to as the 'Lesser Manasarovar. Another belief is that Naini Lake is one of the Shakti Peeths where parts of Parvati's body fell on earth while it was being carried by a grief stricken and raging Shiva. The spot where her eyes fell was called Nain-tal. In fact, at the northern end of the temple is the Naina Devi temple, dedicated to the Goddess Naina who is supposed to be a manifestation of the Goddess Shakti.

Naina Devi Temple

Deemed as one of the 'Shakti Peethas' or religious sites, the temple of Naina Devi is one of the most important places of worship in Nainital. The temple is situated on top of the Naina hillock and attracts thousands of devotees every year. Legend has it that Sati (or Parvati), the daughter of Prajapati Daksha became Lord Shiva's consort. Once when she was visiting her father, he insulted Lord Shiva. Unable to accept any desecration of her Lord, Sati killed herself. Upon hearing of his wife's death, Shiva went mad with rage and grief. Hoisting Sati's body across his shoulders, he began to pace the three worlds. Such was his wrath that all the other Gods trembled and everybody refused to intervene. Finally they appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu struck Sati's body with a volley of arrows thus severing them into tiny pieces. The places where the pieces fell and touched the ground were termed as the sacred Shakti Peeths. It is believed that Sati's eyes fell at the same spot where this temple is built. Thus the name Naina Devi. Naina Devi's temple can be reached by climbing to the top of the Naina hill. The gate to the temple is marked by a gigantic Peepal tree to the left. On the right are idols of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesh. Inside the temple are three deities. Mata Kali Devi, Maa Naina Devi and Lord Ganesh.

Lands End

Land's End is at a distance of 1 km form Barapathar so you can travel to Barapathar by any vehicle and then walk up to the Land's end. The location is at a height of 2118 mt and the views are breathtakingly beautiful especially the Khrupatal Lake and Nainital valley. This is truly the dead end of Nainital and is at a distance of 4 km from the township of Nainital.

Kilbury

Kilbury, located at about 13 kms from Nainital is an enchanting, picture-book picnic spot. Lined by lush oak, pine and rhododendron forests and with panoramic views of majestic snow-capped peaks in the distance, Kilbury is perfect to spend the day on your back doing nothing but lazily watching the clouds float by. Alternately, you can watch Brown Wood-Owls, Collared Grosbeaks, White-throated Laughing Thrushes, Forktails and many other birds. Kilbury is a well known birding route and at last count more than 580 species of birds have been recorded in this area. It lies on the edge of a reserve forest and for those desirous of more comfortable lodgings than a picnic rug and a basket; there is also a forest bungalow.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Khurpatal

At an altitude of 1635 mt Khurpatal is an awesome place, located just about 12 km from the Nainital town. This place is a heaven for anglers with clear weather, plenty of game and fishes. You can reach the place by trekking 5 km amidst lush grenery or just take a taxi from Nainital.

Gurney House

http://image26.webshots.com/26/3/46/27/277934627hLyOei_fs.jpg

Gurney House is located on Aryapatta Hill and was the residence for Jim Corbett. It is now transformed into a beautiful museum, which has memorabilia belonging to Jim Corbett. There are beautiful deodar and pine trees surrounding the house. He was a hunter turned conservationist who pioneered extensive work in spreading awareness about conservation of tigers, through his writings.

Guano Hill

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/473880960_58388446ed.jpg

Guano Hill is known for one of the best tracks for long walks and is located in the Pangot village. The lush green hill has extensive forests of oak, bamboo, and deodar trees. You might be lucky if you find some of the rare species of birds while hiking. Wild woodpecker and black chin babbler are common sightings here. The place is a paradise for nature photography lovers and trekking enthusiasts. This place is full of different varieties of flora and fauna which makes the long walk over the hill a memorable one.

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Boat House Club

The Nainital Boat House Club exclusively holds the management of yatching in Nainital. While sailing a yatch requires a thorough knowledge of sailing technique and skill, casual visitors and tourists can still enjoy a drink at the lake-facing bar or shoot a game or billiards by paying a nominal temporary membership fee. At present, the Nainital Boat Club has got 10 yatchs. The original yatch club was shut down in 1947. The Nainital Club, which was the parent body took the decision to sell all the yatchs and close the club. This led a few sailing enthusiasts to rally round and use their own savings to buy the yatchs and transfer the the club lease to the Boat House Club. The Nainital Boat House Club is the second oldest club in the country and has the unique distinction of sailing a class of boats which are not sailed anywhere else in the world. Till 1970, yatching was the exclusive privilege of the club's members but now even non-members can avail of the club's facilities.

Aurobindo Ashram

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Dx6qdN36_3RL7Z9EgcfnLizGg9y2TEx9Ni0ejXvaZPp5h5l8fNWA9Wift43Cgp7F3gIcsy0yApQP1D9_WDKJf0NRYf9ZLDfnUVfyBr0FYAWwrvGkyFnXeOLcQculShv0KcnjuRK0IlhO/s1600/sri+aurobindo+ashram+pondicherry.jpg

There is a branch of the Sri Aurbindo Ashram which is located on the lush hills of Kumaon valley. The ashram serves as a learning center for art of perseverance and yoga. You can practice yoga and meditations while your stay here. The experience at this ashram is definitely elevating. You will need to have prior permission to be able to stay at this ashram. The ashram is located at the end of a steep climb of the hill. The panoramic views and isolation and serenity add to the charm of the Ashram

Astronomical Observatory

You will have to travel 9 km from Nainital to reach Astronomical Observatory, which is located on the Manora Peak. In case you are traveling by foot, then the observatory is a kilometer away from the Hanumangarthi. The observatory was established in the year 1955 to perform research in the subjects such as Astrophysics. You need prior permission to access telescopes and the astronomical binoculars to view the celestial objects if the sky is clear.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Monday, September 19, 2011

Sunday, September 18, 2011

Labels