Are you planning to visit Nainital anytime soon? If yes, you’re on the right page, as you can get all the amazing interesting facts about this picturesque hill station in Uttarakhand. The beautiful hill station nestled in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas is prominent for its natural beauty and pleasant weather. When you visit this place, you can truly enjoy nature, and you should visit it at least once in your lifetime, and it is completely worth visiting.
Some of the interesting facts about Nainital Uttarakhand:
1. Origin of the beautiful Hill station
Nainital is a unique name derived from the Hindi words Naini, which literally means eyes, and Tal, which generally means a lake. The town derived its name after a beautiful pear-shaped lake in the center of this town, and according to experts, it was in the shape of an eye.
So, if you’re wondering why this town is known as Nainital, then this is what you need to know. As per the local legends, the lake was basically formed when the eyes of goddess Sati fell to the ground after Lord Shiva had cut her body into pieces, and you should know about this story also if you believe in mythology.
2. All about the British influence
A British sugar trader known as P. Barrron had founded this small town back in 1841. Initially, people used to use this as a summer retreat, and it was especially the British colonial officers who had built several colonial-era buildings and bungalows in the town.
So if you learn about history, you can come across this story as the architecture still reflects the influence of the British era, and you can see many buildings featuring colonial-style architecture beside red brick roofs.
3. Pear-shaped Lake – A mythological fact
As one of India’s lake districts, Nainital is well known. When you visit this place, you can come across several beautiful lakes, and one of the most prominent lakes that you should visit is Naini Lake. It is because when you visit this place, you can come across a pear-shaped lake that covers at least 2.5 square kilometers and is surrounded by lush green hills.
If you love adventure, then you can indulge in boating, or if you are traveling with your little one, you can go for a picnic amid nature, as they will just love this part of the trip. Some of the most prominent lakes that you can visit in the nearby area includeBhimtal and Sattal.
4. Rich Flora and fauna, Make Nainital home to some of the rare Himalayan species
Nainital is prominent for its rich diversity of flora and fauna, so if you love nature, then you should visit this place. The town is surrounded by lush green forests and is home to amazing species of butterflies, birds, and wildflowers.
The best part about visiting this place is that you can take your kids along, and they can come across several species of animals like deer, leopards, and tigers. There is also a Nainital zoo here which includes different Himalayan species of animals like snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, and Himalayan black bear, so if you’re planning a trip with kids, then Nainital is your best bet.
5. Adventure sports are something for everyone
If you love adventures, then you should visit Nainital at least once in your lifetime because it’s a perfect destination for all adventure sports enthusiasts. The beautiful town promises an amazing range of adventure sports. You can try everything from trekking to paragliding. There is something for everyone here, so you should not think about what you will do here because you can do different types of activities depending on your risk-taking appetite.
You can also go trekking if you love trekking, as there are different routes available, from easy to difficult. You can choose the one which aligns with your preferences. The town is also home to amazing rock climbing sites like the Bara Pathar rock climbing site. Another prominent adventure sport that you can try here is paragliding, as there are several operators offering paragliding tools in the surrounding hills and the town. So no matter what you like, you can get something of your choice here.
6. Jim Corbett’s hometown was Nainital
Jim Corbett was one of the most famous writers, and if you are into reading, then you would know that he has written several books on wildlife and hunting in India. The unique fact here is that he had spent most of his life in Nainital, and he was born in Nainital in 1875. He spent most of his childhood exploring the beautiful forests and the town.
He is one of the most famous hunters and conservationists, and he has written several books, including the man eaters of Kumaon, and you should read that book to learn more about the beautiful down. Jim Corbett Park, nestled near Nainital, is named after the famous author. If you have time, you should consider visiting this national park.
7. Nanda Devi Temple – the protector of the Kumaon region
The Nanda Devi temple is one of the most prominent temples that you should visit when you are in Nainital. The temple is dedicated to goddess Nanda Devi and the locals have worshipped her for several years as they believe that she is the protector of the Kumaon region.
The temple is more than 1000 years old and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple is located on the hilltop and offers amazing views of the surrounding hills or valleys.
8. Educational institutes that provided education to superstars
Nainital is also prominent for its educational institutes, and if you have made up your mind to study here, then you must know about the prestigious boarding schools like Sherwood College, St. josephs College, and All Saints College.
These schools have produced several notable alumni like the Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and the famous Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan.
9. Cable car rides offer stunning views of the hills!
One of the most prominent tourist attractions of Nainital is the cable car ride. The cable car takes you from one town to another, and you can also visit the top of Naina Peak by taking the cable car.
The best part about going for a cable car ride is that you can witness the beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding hills.
10. Snowfall during winter freezes the lakes
Nainital receives a lot of snowfall during the winter season, making it one of the most prominent destinations for you if you are a winter sports enthusiast.
Generally, when you visit Nainital during winter, you can witness snow-covered hills that create a magical atmosphere. You can visit the nearby towns, including Mukteshwar and Rani Keith, that receive optimum snowfall during these months.
11. Ecotourism, is an amazing choice for sustainable travelers
Nainital is a prominent destination for ecotourism as when you visit this town, you can witness the lush green forests, and it has several ecotourism initiatives, also lake echo cave garden and the Himalayan bird watching institute.
The initiatives basically focus on promoting sustainable tourism and protecting the environment. So if you believe in sustainability, then you should go to Nainital.
12. Shop your heart out with one-of-a-kind handicrafts
If you love shopping, then you should visit the small town of Nainital because it has several markets and shopping areas like Mall Road—the Tibetan market, among others.
Once you visit these markets, you can get your hands on different varieties of goods like handicrafts, clothes, jewelry, and souvenirs. The best part about Mall Road. is that you can enjoy the local delicacies and street food.
13. Celebrate amazing festivals and don’t miss out on Nanda Devi Temple
Nainital is your best bet if you want to witness colorful festivals and celebrations. The town celebrates amazing festivals throughout the year.
If you visit during September, then you can witness the Nanda Devi Mela, as it is one of the most prominent festivals in the region. The festival is celebrated in the goddess honor and includes a colorful procession besides cultural programs.
In short, Nainital is one of the most beautiful stations that you can ever visit, and there is something for everyone. Whether you are a nature lover or just a cultural buff, you can find something that interests you here. Several tourists from different parts of the world visit this amazing place because of its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and pleasant climate. These facts will surely make you curious to visit Nainital soon!
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