Nainital, a little Himalayan hamlet forced to grow into a city, is today one of the most famous hill-stations in India. Its famous Naini Tal, a shimmering lake enveloped by green hills on three sides, gives it an alpine feel, and has the famous Mall (a delightful promenade) curving around its banks. Naini Lake is a peaceful lake with a flotilla of pedal and rowboats whipping up waves. Nainital, renowned for superb views of the Greater Himalayas and its numerous prestigious educational institutions, was completely destroyed in the Landslip of 1880, and later rebuilt. Set into two parts with the lake separating them, with Tallital on the southern side of the lake, and Mallital on the northern upper reaches. Nainital offers the best of both worlds, the throb of city life and the calm of a quiet hill resort.

Places to See

Nainital still retains its old-world charm, and also offers scenic views of the Himalayas. Amongst the things to see in Nainital, Snow View is one of the most famous, and can either be accessed by foot or by ropeway. From here you can see Nanda Devi, as well as mountains on the Tibetan border. Next in the list is Land's End, which is accessed by foot from Dorothy's Seat (2,292 metres), from where you can take an enchanting walk through a forest of oak, deodar and pine for 45 minutes to reach Land's End. From here you can enjoy views out over the lake, and walk under a canopy of oak and deodar, enjoying the mild mountain sun filtering in through the trees. Also visit Gurney House, the house where the famous Jim Corbett once lived, accessed from the road by the northwest corner of the lake near the Jama Masjid.

The next major site is State Observatory near the Hanuman Temple, which also has several lookout points around it, ideal for viewing sunsets. However, permission is required to enter the observatory. Another major sight is the famous Church of St. John in the Wilderness, which dates back to 1846. Also visit the Government House in Mallital, a colonial building that dates back to 1899. The High Altitude Zoo is also worth a visit, home to such exotic animals such as Siberian tigers, Tibetan wolves, leopards and Himalayan black bears.

Places to Eat

Unfortunately, finding traditional Kumaoni food in Nainital is very near impossible, and you will have to stick to the regular mountain tourist fare, with most restaurants serving Mughlai and Indian-Chinese. You can enjoy everything from momos to chaat to butter chicken to fish and chips to Manchurian here. A recommended restaurant is Machan on the Mallital side of town, serving good Indian and Chinese food. Also check out the Sher-E-Punjab dhaba on Tallital side. The Tibetan Market should also be visited, where there are rows of kiosks serving fast food, everything from dosas to chaat to momos, and Sonam Chowmein Corner, an authentic Tibetan dhaba, is recommended. Café de Mall (multi-cuisine) on the Mall is also worth trying, as is Sakley's Restaurant (Thai and Chinese), as well as Embassy (multi-cuisine).

Things to Do

The charm of the spots and activities listed below may vary with the time you visit Nainital, in off-season or peak-season. First and foremost, go boating in Naini Lake, and you have the choice of a paddle boat, and rowboats. If you are not feeling up to this mild physical exertion, your boatman can row for you. Another must do in Nainital is riding the ropeway (cable car), till Snow View. The ride itself is exciting, as it the view from atop. The trek up to Snow View, a fairly steep walk, is also enjoyable.

You can also go paragliding at nearby Naukuchiatal. Trekking is always an option, and Nainital along with its surrounding regions offers plenty of trails of varying difficulty. Walking at Land's End and Tiffin Top, enjoying the views and the forested hills, is also a great way to spend time. You could even dress up in local Kumaoni garb available up here on hire and get yourself photographed with the mighty snow-laden Himalayas in the background. A walk up to the Hanumangarh temple, south of town at an altitude of 1950 metres, is also an exciting activity.

A gateway to some of the most exciting places in Uttaranchal, Nainital also has several nearby spots around it, such as Kilbury, which is 12 km away, perfect for some peace and solitude amidst green forests and the wonderful views of the Himalayas. Sattal, just 22 km from Nainital, is another excellent spot, with 7 lakes, each in a different hue of green and blue. Bhimtal, 23 km away, is a large lake with an island restaurant in the middle that's accessible by boat. Also visit Naukutchiatal, which is about 26 km away, a lake with 9 corners. Mukteshwar, is about 50 km away, is a delightful and charming little town that offers much scenic beauty as well as the former British Army Cantonment. The whole place has nothing but buildings from the British era, mostly given over to a veterinary institute. And finally, there is Ranikhet, 58 km away, which offers lovely views and lush green wooded slopes.

Named after the famous British hunter-turned-conservationist, Jim Corbett, a trip to Corbett National Park, located in the valley of the Ramganga River near the foothills of the Himalayas, is a delight.

Regal, stately and majestic - this is the home of the tiger. Corbett is famous for its National Park, where the royal tiger moves in its imposing glory, making everyone awe at its gait and persona. With over 1300 sq. km of forests, hills and grasslands under its purview, the Corbett National Park is one of the greatest National Parks in Asia. Its rich biodiversity and rare flora and fauna offer the perfect habitat for the Tiger, Elephant, Nilgai, Hog Deer, and many others. Visit this beautiful park for its luxuriant beauty and experience the thrill of being in a live forest. And if you spot a tiger, well then, it will be a bonus.

Places to See

Corbett National Park is inhabited by at least 140 tigers, 600 species of birds, 50 mammals, and 25 reptile species. Besides the tiger, the other animals that add to the forest's glory are Leopard, Leopard cat, Jungle cat, Fishing cat, Himalayan black bear, Dhole, Elephant, Porcupine, Chital, Barking deer etc.

Besides the National Park, visit the Garjia Devi Temple located in the midst of the Kosi River. A beautiful road laden with tall trees leads to the temple, and it should be on your itinerary even if you are not religious. The River Beas flows right through Corbett and the meandering gleam of the water draws you towards it. Spend a quiet day with your beloved or enjoy a picnic with your family on the banks of the river.

Also, visit the Corbett Museum which describes the life history of Jim Corbett, the man behind the park.

Places to Eat

The resorts in Corbett have really nice theme restaurants offering the choicest of food. Take some snacks with you if you're used to midnight feasts!

Things to Do

Jeep Safari: Explore the beauty of the park by going for a jeep safari through the foothills of Kumaon.

Elephant Safari: Elephant rides are a major attraction here. Feel like a royalty by witnessing the wildlife from a height with grasslands and jungles surrounding.


Shopping

You can pick you ‘Save Tiger’ T-shirts, key chains and desk top items along with stuffed tiger toys for kids, but beyond that, there is nothing really that one can buy.