Nainital- The Lake City of India
This blog provides in-depth information about the lesser known northern hill station of India, Nainital.
Aakanksha Srivastava
The lake city of India
Cocooned in a thick layer of nature, highlighted by the scent of the flowers blending magically in the crisp fresh air, Nainital is undoubtedly the asset of the hilly state, Uttarakhand. It is a picturesque tourist place nestled in the Kumaon region and is one of the best tourist spots in Northern India since the British period.
Alighted at an elevation of 2,084 meters above sea level, the glowing city of Nainital is claimed to be a parent to the enchanting Naini lake from which it has drawn the epithet of being the lake city.
The town attracts domestic and international gallivanters equally. It shimmers in the Himalayan Mountains and is surrounded by lakes and nature's bounty.
To the nemophilists, Nainital is paradise. The most beguiling aspect of the town is its hilly view and the poised lake. The Naini lake offers a momentous and enthralling experience to the visitors, which is why the lake is crowned the "Queen of Lakes". The hilly backdrop and the pear-shaped lake thus provide a calm and serene experience to the tourists, hinting at a sense of spirituality in the air of Nainital. Adding to visiting and boating at this magnificent lake, here are some other touristy things one can do in Nainital:
- Trekking and hiking
- Visit Nainital zoo
- Visit the auspicious Naina Devi temple
- Nature walks
- Shop in Bara Bazaar, Tibetan market, Mall road
- Horse riding
- Ropeway
- Adventure sports (river rafting, parasailing, canoeing, kayaking, and more!)
Besides being a tourist attraction, Nainital is the headquarters of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, thus, possessing potential political significance. It is the judicial capital of the state. Nainital also houses the governor of Uttarakhand at Raj Bhavan. In the latter half of the 19th century, numerous European schools were constructed in Nainital and have stood still from the British era, until today. Even today, these institutions hold great regard and are considered quality-driven, suave, and westernized and are famously recognized by the Education Ministry of India. During the Victorian and Edwardian eras, the schools largely taught only the British children of the colonials, but today, students from various places within and outside of India are accepted into it. Some worldly recognized schools in Nainital are:
- All Saints College, formerly known as Diocesan Girls High School.
- Diocesan Boys School was renamed Sherwood College.
- St. Joseph’s college
- Philander Smith's College, now known as Birla Vidya Mandir
- St. Mary’s Convent
Multiple renowned personalities were either born or are associated with this hill station. The famous conservationist and author Jim Corbett was born and educated in Nainital. Jim Corbett National Park, located in the same vicinity, is named after him. Other famous personalities associated with the place:
- Anoop Jalota (classical singer)-Born
- Manish Pandey (cricketer)- Born
- Major Somnath Sharma (India’s first PVC awardee)- Educated at Sherwood
- Amitabh Bachchan (actor)- Educated at Sherwood
Nainital is an ideal winter destination to welcome the New year. Tourists from all over the world gravitate towards the hill station to celebrate Christmas and new year. Everyone must visit this place at least once in their lifetime to believe in the fascinated beauty of nature and feel the surreal peace in the ambiance of Nainital.
