Adventure in Nainital Camping Mountain Biking

Naini, a word that almost brings the cool air with it is a secret hide out of the tourists each year. Situated at an altitude of 1,938mtrs, this dreamland town with its beauteous splendour is one of the most popular tourist resorts of the country. The nucleus of Naini Tal's exquisite beauty is her lake which is a haven for water sports like Yachting, Kayaking, Canoeing and Boating.

Naina Peak:
The most popular picnic spot in Kumaon, it commands a birds eye view of Naini Tal and the sparkling snow laden Himalayas can be seen in their towering glory from this beautiful spot. It is 5.6-kms from the town and one of the most beautiful treks. The soft cool air, the shade of the tall trees, the songs of the birds, the quaint summerhouse welcomes you.

Dorothy Seat:
Also known, as "Tiffin Top" is a memorial to Mrs. Dorothy Kellet built by her husband. It commands an excellent view of the Himalayas as well as the neighbouring countryside. It is 4.3-kms from the town. One can trek or negotiate on horseback.

Snow View:
It affords, as the name suggests, and undesirably beautiful and breath taking picture of the glittering snows. It is the most easily accessible hill top, 2.42- kms from the town. One can trek or go on horse back or by cable car.

Land's End:
One does not have to climb much, about 4 km and as the name suggests, one feels on reaching the area that the end of the land has really come. Needless to say, the view of the neighbouring hills and valley and the Khurpatal lake is exquisite from here.

St. John-In-The Wilderness:
One of the earliest buildings as well as churches erected in Naini Tal. It is very close to the Uttaranchal High Court. The site was chosen as early as 1844 and was first opened on April 2, 1848. It is a beautiful church with a marvellous interior and stained glasses on the windows.

Raj Bhawan:
The foundation stone of the naini tal government house, modelled after buckingham palace, was laid on April 27, 1897 and the building was completed in March 1900. The architecture of Raj Bhawan has been professionally described as of "the early domestic Gothic style". the house stands upon a plateau, and the combined effect of its environs, the vividly green lawn, grey stone steps and well grown old deodar trees is dignified, peaceful and strongly reminiscent of the English countryside.

Kilbury:
11 kms from the town, Kilbury is sanctum sanctorum of bio-diversity and an ideal place for bird watchers and nature lovers for a quiet and peaceful holiday.

Bhowali:
11 km from Naini Tal on Ranikhet-Almora road. A beautiful health resort, the T.B. Sanatorium here has treated luminaries like Subhash Chandra Bose and Kamala Nehru, wife of Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. Also famous for its scenic grandeur and as a hill fruit market.

Armgarh:
25 km from Naini Tal, a picturesque town is in the heart of apple orchards. It has an ideal view of the Himalayas with an immeasurable beauty around. Rabindra Nath Tagore and Mahadevi Verma spent a long time here. Besides Mahadevi Verma's house the Arbindo Ashram is another place worth visiting at Ramgarh.

Mukteshwar:
Beyond Ramgarh is Mukteshwar, 51.49 km from Naini Tal. It is the seat of the indian veterinary research institute. In close proximity is the stone " Chauli Ki Jali", dedicated to Lord Shiva where childless couples come to pray for children. Famous for its Himalayan views, from Api-Nampa peaks of Nepal to the Chaukhamba Peak of Garhwal. Mukteshwar darignly overlooks a deep ravine on one side and the beautiful town of almora on the other. It is a heaven for nature lovers and those who have a penchant for spiritualism

Corbett National Park:
Corbett is 115 km from Naini Tal, via Kaladhungi. The pride of Corbett National Park is the distinction of being the first national park of India. It sprawls over an area of 524.8-sq-kms and was established in the year 1935 as the Hailey National Park, after Sir William Malcohm Hailey, an enthusiastic conservationist who was at that time governor of united provinces. The park is very rich in wild life like Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Deer, Pig, Porcupine etc. There are more than 500 species of birds here. Amongst the reptiles are Python, Crocodile and many species of Lizards and Snakes in their natural habitat.

Angling & Fishing
Khurpatal:
Khurptal makes one of the best lake sites of Nainital situated 10-km from the twon. One can also trek, and it is about 5 km by a bridle path. It is a small hamlet endowed with a beautiful lake and its crystal clear waters are a paradise of perfection for the anglers and swimmers.

Bhimtal:
The pride of Bhim Tal is the emerald lake, which offers magnificent vistas for the tourists. The water is a cool and swimming and boating is a rare pleasure in this beautiful lake.

Naukuchiyal Tal:
26.27 km from Nainital, this is a pretty lake with its nine corners is a captivating site. It is a paradise for anglers and swimmers, a haven both for indigenous and migratory birds as well as for moths, butterflies and beetles. The sightseer drinks long at the lake's enchanting beauty, the poet finds avenues of inspiration and the painter thrills at the tempting prospects of his canvas.

Sattal:
Unique unforgettable, one is apt to run short of superlatives to describe this unrupassed beauty of lakes named after the epic protagonists, Lord Ram, Goddess Sita and Laxman. It has to be seen to believe. These picturesque lakes are a paradise for migratory birds, a haven for anglers and swimmers, it is a divine joy to bask on the shores of the lakes with their pristine beauty.

Horse Riding:
Any visitor coming to Nainital cannot miss the joy of riding a horse on the Mall. Not only at the Mall but to reach the Snow view point, Tiffin Top, Kilburi from the Mallital area one can hire ponies and horses. You can go around the town riding the horse. In fact one of the ways to experience Nainital is on a horses back. The flora and fauna of the region can be closely watched from the horses back. You can go to the interiors of nearby area and get a first hand experience of the mountain life of Nainital. The municipal corporation has fixed the rates of horse riding and one should avoid paying more than the prescribed rates. The corporation has also issued identity card to the photographers who hang around the Tallital and Mallital region. Get yourself clicked on a horse to keep as a momento from Nainital.

Rail:
The nearest railway station is that of Kathgodam which is connected by trains from Delhi and Howrah. The narrow gauge trains come from Lalkuan which is 55 kms from Nainital.

Road:
From Lalkuan and Kathgodam regular taxi and bus services are available for Nainital. Nainital is well connected by buses with other parts of the state. Inter state services are also available. The state transport corporation as well as the private operators have their buses on this route.

DISTANCES FROM MAJOR CITIES
»Delhi - 322 kms.
»Lucknow - 401 kms
»Almora - 67 kms.
»Ranikhet - 59 kms.
»Bareilly - 141 kms.
»Haldwani - 40 kms