Nainital,Uttarakhand:"City of Lakes"

"City of Lakes" Nainital

Nainital is a charming hill station located at the foothills of the Kumaon ranges in Uttarakhand.

Located close to Dehradun and Delhi, it is the most visited hill station in North India.

Nainital is a perfect weekend getaway from Delhi and the nearby places.

Founded by the British due to its resemblance to the Cumbrian Lake District, Nainital brims with elegant colonial structures that amplify the beauty of this place.

There are some small hill towns near Nainital like Pangot, Ranikhet, Almora, which remain comparatively unexplored. Nainital also has some small trekking trails.

Whether you want to go boating in the beautiful Naini Lake, relish some Garhwali and Kumaoni delicacies, shop for mementoes, or take a ropeway ride to soak in the beauty of the Himalayas from Snow View Point, Nainital is sure to leave an imprint on you.

####City of Lakes####

Known as the 'Lake District of India', Nainital is a tourist attraction for both adventurers and seekers.

Famous for its lakes and its picturesque location, Nainital is the perfect summer retreat for those wishing to escape the unbearable summers of north India.

Besides being a tourist hotspot, Nainital is also famous for its education, be it St. Joseph's College, or Birla Vidya Mandir, or even the renowned Sherwood College, famous for giving illustrious celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Kabir Bedi, Manish Pandey, Majo Nath Sharma, and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

####Legend of Nainital####

The name Nainital means 'The Lake of the Eye', which traces its origins back to the ancient mythology when one of the charred remains of Goddess Sati had fallen down here, apparently the eye.

No wonder why Nainital also houses one of the Shakti Peeths in India, i.e. Naina Devi.

####Shopping in Nainital####

Nainital offers many specialities for shopping ranging from branded goods to locally produced apparels and products.

The biggest market in Nainital is the Mall Road market which is usually crowded.

The street has a long chain of shops located on the bank of Naini lake.

Tibetan market or Bhoti Market is another popular marketplace especially known for its scarfs, women clothing and shawls.

One of the most popular things to buy in Nainital is the wax candles which became a favourite memoir after the establishment of a flourishing wax industry in the 90s.

If you want an excellent shopping experience for food and clothing, Bara Bazaar in Mallital offers you a diverse range and pocket-friendly prices.

Don’t forget to try the roadside bhel puri in around the market; it’s every shopper's favourite!

####Trekking in Nainital####

The rocky landscape of Nainital makes it a home for some of the most energised adventure sports among which trekking is a popular choice for travellers.

Naina Peak is one of the most preferred treks which offers a six to seven hours of rigorous trekking experience and an achieving height of 2611 meters.

The striking foot trail is surrounded by think confers and is a beloved place by birdwatchers.

The location is a home for various bird species such as Sunbirds and Himalayan Griffon Vultures.

Another popular spot is the Tiffin Top Trek, a short trek with spectacular action and luxurious natural experience.

It is a 3-kilometre trail that is often started early morning for the tourists so that they can enjoy the campfire on the base at dusk.

The Snow View and Camel’s back trekking circuit are other popular options to indulge in the tranquil air of Nainital.

####Restaurants and Local Food in Nainital

Nainital being a popular tourist spot, houses a flattering variety of cuisines from North Indian, Chinese, Continental, Italian to Thai, Tibetan and the local cuisines of Uttarakhand. Hence, you can enjoy popular Indian delicacies like Dal Makhani, Tandoori Roti, Naan, Paneer dishes as well as savour a number of continental delicacies.

The local cuisine can be equally mouth-watering with preparations like Ras (a dish made with several dals), Baadi, Bhatt ki Churkani, Aloo ke Gutke (a spicy preparation of boiled potatoes, Arsa (a sweet dish), Gulgula (a sweet snack) and lots more.

####Best Time To Visit Nainital####

The best time to visit Nainital is May-June which is also the peak season.

Nainital has a pleasant climate throughout the year, making it a year-round destination.

The average temperature from April to July ranges around 23 degrees Celcius.

July to September is the monsoon season in Nainital, with heavy rainfall. There are chances of landslides during this time.

October to February is the winter season in Nainital.

The average temperature ranges around 15 degrees Celcius. To experience snow, visit Nainital in January.

Nainital in Summer (March - June)

March to September marks the summer season of Nainital.

It is also the peak tourism season and the best time to visit the town as the weather remains pleasant and favourable all through the day.

The minimum temperature hovers around 11°C, and the maximum is about 28°C allowing tourists to explore and enjoy several attractions to the fullest.

While there, one can witness the festival of Phool Dei which is celebrated in March by picking the first flowers of the season and placing them on the entrance of each house to bring good luck and prosperity.

Nainital in Monsoon (July - September)

July to September is monsoon season which is not the best time to visit Nainital.

The climate remains wet throughout as the town receives a right amount of rainfall.

The average annual rain the region gets is around 1700 mm.

Since Nainital has a hilly terrain, it is most susceptible to landslides and roadblocks, making it unsafe for tourists.

For the offbeat traveller, the town has lush greenery, fewer crowds, and discounted rates too.

For those seeking to travel on a smaller budget, this is the right time to strike gold. One can even witness the festival of Khatarua and the Nanda Devi Fair during the season.

Nainital in Winter (October - February)

Winter season in Nainital begins in October and lasts till February.

The temperature ranges between 0°C and15°C. October is the most preferred month for tourists in the season because the climate remains calm and pleasant.

November onwards, till December, the hill station become misty and colder. December onwards the mercury drops further and the region also receives snowfall.

The winter season, therefore, is a favourable time for tourists coming from areas with moderate temperatures.

While in Nainital, tourists can witness the winter festivals.

Bikhauti is celebrated in October on the first day of Navaratri.

Locals sow grains and seek blessings for a better harvesting season that year.

Winter Fair or Sharadotsav is also celebrated in October. One can get a glimpse into the traditional/ folk celebrations of the town. January brings Uttarayani and Basant Panchami which marks the end of snowfall in Nainital.

These celebrations are a window to the colourful traditions and the rich culture of the town which can only be seen when in Nainital.