Nainital is bustling Kumaon’s largest town
centred on a deep, green volcanic lake. It is also a favourite place of holiday
goers and famous hill resort of Northern India. Namesake lake Naini is the
centre point surrounded by a bustling town and steep forested valley. The place
is dotted with plenty hotels, shops and many food joints. The home of Jim Corbett, the place was once
teemed with bears, leopards and other animals. Now, forests and animals are
abysmally thinned down but the charm is surprisingly still there.
For travellers who want to go further
uphill, Nainital offers a nice relaxation where they can eat well, relax well,
paddling on the lake, lazy horse riding and enjoy the ropeway. Nainital is
packed with families and honeymooners during May to early October and hotel
prices skyrocket. The lake is divided into two parts: foot and head. The foot
is called Tallital, the south-eastern end of the lake where the main bus stand
is located. The head is called Mallital at the northwestern end of the lake.
You find most of the hotels, restaurants, guest houses in between foot and
head.
Naini Lake is the centrepiece of the town
and believed sacred by Hindus. Legend says the lake is actually emerald green
eyes of Sati (Lord Shiva’s wife). Many Hindus visit Naini Devi Temple at the northern end of the lake where it is said
the spot where the eyes were fallen when Lord Vishnu chopped off corpse of
Sati. Religious harmony is demonstrated by a Jama Masjid and Gurudwara built nearby. The southern side is more
peaceful and you can have a full view of the town.
You can also hire a boatman and enjoy the
rowing on the lake. 4km gentle trek to
Tiffin Top (also called Dorothy’s Seat) leads you to the highest point of
the town. From there you can walk through a forest of oak, deodar and pine to
reach Land’s End.
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