Thursday, November 6, 2008

Nainital hill station

Area : 11.73 sq km

Altitude : 1938 m above sea level

Population : 29.837

Languages : Hindi, Kumaoni, English

Religion : Hinduism (75.80%), Islam (15.23%), Sikhism(8.43%), Others (0.54%)

Annual Mean Rainfall : 1294.5 mm

Maximum Temperature : 18°C

Minimum Temperature : 7.6°C

STD Code : 05942

Nainital - Introduction

Nainital , Uttaranchal is famous not just for its green hills or many lakes. It is also famous for it's many legends and stories. Hundreds of ancient temples and peaks with astounding views of the mountains in the background add to Nainital's magical appeal.The history of this dainty town sails over the surface of the Naini Lake, where oarsmen narrate the stories of the rishis who brought the waters of the sacred Mansarovar River to formSuffocating at times with thousands of tourists, Nainital is also home to Sherwood, one of India's most prestigious schools.

History of Nainital

During the times of the Raj, Nainital was an idyllic refuge of the Britishers, who used to visit Nainital to escape from the heat and dust of the plains. The name 'Nainital' has been derived from two words 'Naini' means 'eyes' and 'taal' means lake. The word 'Naini' comes from the temple of the Naina Devi, that is located above the lake.

Accessibility

By Air : The nearest airport Pantnagar at about 71 km from Nainital. Vayudoot operates daily flights from Delhi to Nainital.

By Rail : The nearest broad-gauge railhead is Kathgodam at a distance of 35 Km from town. Nainital is well connected by rail to Delhi, Agra and Lucknow.

By Road : Nainital has a good network of all-weather roads. The town is well connected by road with Delhi (322 Km), Lucknow (388 Km) and other major cities and towns in the region.

Places to Visit

BHIMTAL - (1371 MT) About 22 kms from Nainital, nestled in a beautiful pristine valley, this jem of a lake is the largest around Nainital. The beauty is enhanced by a small Island surrounded by crystal blue water.

KHURPATAL - At an altitude of (1635 MT) there lies just another beautiful spot at a distance of 12 km from Nainital popularly known as Khurpatal. It is considered to be anglers paradise having clear water and a good harvest of fishes.

SATTAL - Iterally meaning seven lakes is a group of small lakes nested together, about 23 kms from Nainital at an altitude of (1370 MT) still untouched by modernisation -one can see the natures beauty at its best.

NAKUCHIYATAL - (1218 MT) About 4 kms from Bhim Tal -lies the mystique lake with 9 corners. Surrounded by dense forested hills on all sides it provides solace from the maddening rush of the plains.

Kainchi - It is a placed at an altitude of (1400 MT) at a distance of 20km from Nainital & liked by both tourists and devotees. It is a modern pilgrimage centre established by Neem karoli Baba a saint of early sixties of twentieth century.

KILBURY - At about 12km. from Nainital at a height of (2528 MT) lies a place fit for weekend picnics.It is famous for its flora and fauna and bird watching.One can have a wide panoramic view of Himalayas along with a view of Tarai and Bhabhar.

KAUSANI - (1890 MT) 120 Km from Nainita 1ies the beautiful town of Kausani -also called the Switzerland of India. It provides an enchanting sunrise over the Himalayas -a rich experience which will remain alive in your memories for lifetime.