by Nestled at the foothills of the Himalayas, the city of Nanital, in Uttrakhand, is a popular holiday destination during winter. With its serene surroundings, lush green gardens, and beautiful Gurudwara(Sikh temple), Nainital is a perfect getaway for nature lovers. The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June.
A Quick Look At Some Must-Visit Places!
- The Valley of Flowers: A favorite spot among national and international tourists alike due to its diverse floral life and breathtaking meadows after which it was named. This 800 sq km reserve is home to some of the rarest plant species like rhododendrons, orchids, lilies, and primulas.
- Nandadevi Temple: The goddess Kali shrine Nandadevi is a famous pilgrimage site for the locals. It is believed that the goddess Nanda Devi herself resides in the form of a rock inside the temple. As per another legend, Lord Shiva came to visit his consort Parvati at this place and it was here that he sat on a rock with his family and followers. This rock is worshipped as Nanda Devi or Mother Goddess.
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Kund Lake: This is one of the largest lakes in the region and it is a major tourist attraction. An opportunity to take a cruise, visit homes of birds and enjoy boating are some of the popular attractions. The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June.
- Mylai Fort: It is a beautiful structure built with red sandstone. It was built in 1748 by Puran Singh, who ruled over East Champaran at that time. He was later killed by his son, Puran Singh took shelter in this fort as a prisoner. Mylai is located on National Highway 28 between Delhi and Almora from Delhi (25 km) and Almora (26 km).
- Gurudwara of Guru Nanak Ji: Nanital is a holy place for Sikhs as they believe that their founder Guru Nanak visited this place during his travels in a later part of his life. There is a Gurudwara at the spot where he served food to the people and informed them about the philosophy of oneness with God. A visit to this Gurudawara gives you a glimpse into the religious fervor that still exists among the locals. The most interesting fact about this Gurudwara is that it has room for both Hindus and Sikhs to come and pray.
- Nanital Lake: This was built in the 19th century by the British. In 1972, a boating club was built here and it is one of the major tourist attractions.
There are numerous accommodation options in Nanital, ranging from luxury hotels to budget accommodations. The city has numerous restaurants to offer its visitors from around the country. It is well connected by road and air, giving a traveler quick access to all of its tourist attractions. The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June.
If you are visiting the city on a holiday or for an event shortly, this travel guide will help you get around smoothly.
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When to reach:
Summer (March-June) and autumn (September-October) are the best times to visit Nainital. The winters can get pretty chilly here, so you may want to avoid visiting during winters.
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How to reach:
The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, which is around 112 km away from Nainital. It has good rail connectivity with Delhi and many trains are plying between them. Kathgodam is also connected by road with all major cities of this region and is well connected by air as well.
Things To Do In Nainital
Nanital is no less than a paradise for a nature lover and here are some things you must do when visiting the city.
-Visit Valley of Flowers National Park
The Valley of Flowers is located close to Greeshma Tal, also known as Kund. It is one of the important destinations in Uttaranchal and one cannot afford to miss this beautiful park when visiting Nanital. You can get a glimpse of hundreds of species of flowers blossoming throughout the year in this park, making it a must-visit if you are visiting Nanital in summer or any time after that. Many tourists also visit here just for photography as the landscape and flora make for very interesting pictures during every season. The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June.
-Visit nearby temples
Nanital is a place of importance for the followers of Hinduism and Sikhism. There are many temples located in the city and even at a short distance from it. If you visit Nanital during your trip to Uttaranchal, then you must visit Binsar Mahadev Temple, Nandadevi Temple, and Hadimba temple when in Nanital. All these three famous temples are located close to each other and can be visited by hiring a cab for a trip to these places. Nandadevi Temple is approximately 10 km from Nainital whereas Binsar Mahadev temple is 12 km away from town. The Hadimba Temple has located about 48 km from Nainital and can be easily visited on a trip to Nainital.
-Take a trip to Naini Lake
Naini lake is one of the best places that you can visit during your holiday break in Nanital. It is located on the outskirts of the town and offers boating, water sports, coffee shops, etc. It is the perfect place for spending family time together and even has good restaurants serving snacks and other goodies. The only downside to this place is that it gets overcrowded during peak tourist season, so you must avoid visiting it during summer holidays if you want a peaceful experience.
-Visit Mylai Fort
Mylai fort is located on the outskirts of the town near Naini Lake. It was built by a ruler named Puran Singh who belonged to the royal family of Kumaon. The fort reminds people of the medieval age and even has a well inside it where people like to get photographed. The scenic beauty around this fort makes it an ideal place for couples who want to take romantic pictures with their camera or smartphone.
Conclusion-
A short trip to Nanital is enough for your entire family to enjoy a peaceful and enjoyable holiday. You can get some good pictures of nature, visit temples and the mountain, go on a boat ride in the lake and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. The economy revolves around agriculture, particularly paddy (rice), wheat, mustard seeds, and vegetables. There is also some cash crop cultivation such as cardamom, ginger, turmeric, and tea. Many industries manufacture products like towels, cloths, etc. which are then exported throughout India. Nanital has a large supply of pure water which is used for other purposes like farming as well as drinking purposes by the masses of people living in this city. Before you plan your trip, just know that the best time to visit Nainital is from March to June.
