Nainital, a lovely Mountainous lake town, is a postcard-perfect hill station and one of Northern India's most popular. Nainital, often known as the 'Lake District,' is located at an altitude of roughly 2,000 meters above sea level in the Kumaon Himalayas. Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Lariya-Kanta, and Sher-Ka-Danda are the seven hills that surround this lovely town, collectively called 'Sapta- Sharing.' The town's splendor is enhanced by the gorgeous mountains and the lovely waters of the lake.The town is built around the emerald alpine lake of Naini, which is dotted with multicolored sailboats on most days. According to legend, the lake was formed when goddess "Sati's" eyes fell at this location while her body was being carried by Lord Shiva after her death.

Nainital has all you need for a wonderful vacation. On the hillside, there are numerous hotels and resorts; the Mall Road is a bustling retail district; eateries serve both local and international cuisine; and there are numerous woodland trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. You may go for a paddle in the lake or even try horseback riding in town. Nainital is also a renowned hot-air ballooning  and paragliding destination.

THINGS TO DO WHEN IN NAINITAL

Aside from its natural beauty, The Lake City provides a variety of adventure sports and activities that are a must-try. Let us guide you on a wonderful journey through the various adventure sports available to tourists and locals in the area:

• CAMPING - This experience will leave you spellbound by the tranquility that pervades the lovely town. Pangot is known for being a haven for 200 different bird species, pine and oak woodlands, and rhododendrons.

Best Time: March to June

Costs: Around INR 6,500 onwards

• PARAGLIDING - Paragliding allows adventure seekers to experience the exhilaration of flying high in the air. Your aerial adventure will be accompanied by highly trained and skilled instructors who will lead you through the complete voyage.

Best Time: April to June

Costs: INR 1,350 per person approximately

• PARASAILING - One of the best adventure activities in Nainital is parasailing, which allows you to fly while rising high with your wings. With the use of a rope, you are connected to one end of a boat. If you've ever wanted to fly soaring with your wings like a bird, you'll adore this activity.

Best Time: March to June, September to Mid October

Costs: Around INR 2,000 

• HORSE RIDING - Explore the area's natural splendor on well-trained and experienced horses. For those who are riding for the first time, you will require the assistance of a horseman who will guide you through the entire ride. Horses are provided for tourists at Bara Pathar, where they can be used as a form of transportation.

Best Time: All seasons

Costs: Starts from INR 150 onwards

• WATER ZORBING - The activity satisfies each adventurer's need for adventure while also allowing you to relax. Sattal Nainital, located between pine and heavy oak backwoods, is a well-known site for doing the activity. This lake is also one of India's least polluted freshwater lakes. It allows you to feel the adrenaline of crossing a stream on a rope while admiring the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Best Time: April to June, October

Costs: INR 500 approx 

BEST TIME TO VISIT IN NAINITAL 

Nainital is a year-round destination, but the months of March and June have the greatest weather. In the winter, it receives a lot of snow and transforms into a snowy wonderland, making it a great Christmas and New Year vacation.

PLACES TO VISIT IN NAINITAL

• NAINI LAKE - Nainital Lake, also known as Naini Lake, is a popular tourist attraction in Nainital and Uttarakhand. Nainital Lake, which is surrounded by seven scenic hills, is a great attraction for amorous travelers from all over the world. It is one among India's most popular locations.

• TIFFIN TOP - The Tiffin Top, one of Nainital's most popular picnic locations, is a spot where you can take in the breathtaking scenery of the city from its maximum height. It is also known as Dorothy's Seat and is situated atop the Ayarpatta Hills, with a stunning 360-degree panorama of the Lake District.

• SNOW VIEW POINT - When it comes to the most popular tourist attractions in Nainital, Snow View Point is without a doubt the most popular. Residents also pray in a temple on the mountain. You may have a magnificent view of the Nainital lake while moving in the cable rope.

• NAINA DEVI TEMPLE - The Naina Devi Mandir is one of Northern India's most revered temples, located atop the Naina hilltop near the northern bank of the Naini Lake. It is a well-known Hindu Shakti Peeth that welcomes worshippers from all across the country. It's thought that this is where Sati's corpse's eyes fell when Lord Shiva lifted her.

• LAND'S END - Land's End is a viewpoint located close to Barapathar in Nainital, at an elevation of 2118 meters above sea level. This spot offers a breathtaking view of the grasslands and the beautiful Khurpa Tal. From the summit, the lake, surrounded by small villages and pine forests, appears to be beautiful. The intriguing name 'Land's End' is appropriate for this location, as it was formerly a cliff.

FOOD AND CUISINES :

Here are some of the common foods served here:

• Parathas — slathered in unsalted butter and accompanied by a tart apricot chutney
• Chicken Curry — Mildly seasoned chicken curry cooked on the bone
• Fish — Freshwater fish are caught and coated in millet paste before being fried to perfection. Apricot chutney is served on the side.
• Mutton Kachmoli — An entire sheep is tossed over the fire and lightly seasoned for a genuine hunted-barbecue flavor.
• Kachi - A citrus liqueur made locally with a touch of lemon juice.
• Momos — Momos are a popular Tibetan gift. Schezwan chutney is served on the side.

HOW TO REACH NAINITAL :

• By Air: The closest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport. After that, a bus or cab must be used to travel the remaining 70 kilometers via road. People can also fly into Delhi IGI Airport and then drive another 300 kilometers.
• By Road: If you're starting in New Delhi, you'll need to take a bus for the 300-kilometer journey. You can catch a bus from Delhi's Kashmiri Gate ISBT and travel for around 7 hours.

By Rail: Kathgodam Railway Station is 23 kilometers from Nainital and may be reached by train. Trains to Kathgodam train station are available from any major Indian city. The Ranikhet Express is a popular train that runs between New Delhi and Kathgodam. You can then take a bus to Nainital after arriving there.