Top 10 Places To Visit In Maharashtra

Top 10 Places To Visit In Maharashtra

About:-

The Land of the Marathas, Maharashtra is the 2nd most populated and the 3rd largest state in India. The state is bordered by the Arabian Sea and the primary language spoken here is Marathi. Being in the western region of India, Maharashtra has been blessed with an abundant supply of natural resources and the significance of the region has been mentioned in the ancient texts. The state of Maharashtra has a unique location of being situated between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats. This makes the state a biodiverse region rich in flora and fauna. The Krishna, Godavari, Bhima etc. are the rivers that run through Maharashtra. The state is also the richest state in India and contributes 13.3% of the country’s GDP and 15% of the country’s Industrial output. It is thus a major state in India which has tons of places and attractions a tourist must explore.

Mumbai

Formerly known as ‘Bombay’, Mumbai is the largest city and the capital of Maharashtra. It is also the most populated city in India and the 5th most populous city in the world. The city that we see today is a collection of 7 islands which were joined into a single metropolitan through land reclamation techniques in the 18th century under the rule of the British East India Company. The city is often nicknamed the Manhattan of India and is home to the famous Indian film industry or ‘Bollywood’.

Mahabaleshwar 

Mahabaleshwar is a hill station in Maharashtra and is located at the Western Ghats. The average elevation of the place is approximately 1,353 meters above sea level and is the source of the Krishna River. The water originates from a spout which is shaped like the mouth of a cow and is situated at an ancient temple of Lord Shiva. The city is a famous summer retreat for the people in Mumbai and is famous for its lakes and trekking hotspots.

Matheran 

Another great hill station located at the Western Ghats in the state of Maharashtra, Matheran is located at an elevation of approximately 800 meters above sea level. The city is famous for its cool and less humid climate and is a popular summer retreat for the population of Maharashtra. The British influence on the architecture is pretty evident and is well preserved by the officials. The train ride to Matheran is of special mention as it is a slow ride that will give you ample time to experience the intoxicating surroundings.

Nashik 

Nashik is located in the North-Western region of Maharashtra and is located on the banks of the river Godavari which also originates here. The place is mentioned several times in Hindu Mythology and has been famous for being one of the cities that host the Kumbha Mela of India once every 12 years. The town has a huge number of tourist attractions including museums, gardens and a huge array of ancient Temples which are sacred and have been regarded highly important in the Hindu mythology. The city boasts of its authentic Marathi cuisines which must be tried.

Aurangabad 

Aurangabad is named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and is one of the most prominent tourist places in Maharashtra. The city is famous for its historical monuments and the ancient caves of Ajanta and Ellora which are a national heritage site. The culture of this town is heavily influenced by the Mughal and the Muslim culture of Hyderabad and Marathi and Urdu are the main languages spoken here. The city has various lakes and the special cuisines in this region of Maharashtra are mouth watering.

Kolhapur 

The city of Kolhapur is located at the banks of the Panchganga River and one of the Princely states of the Marathas. The city is considered to be the heart of the Maratha Empire and is famous for its various historical monuments and cultural heritage of the Marathi people. The climate is pleasant all year round with heavy rainfalls during the monsoons. The best time to visit the city is during any of the major Hindu festivals like Holi, Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Vijaya Dashami and Navaratri. The special ‘kolhapuri slippers’ and the kolhapuri cuisines are worth trying out.

Pune 

The land of Peshwas, Pune has held an important position; both culturally and historically since the times of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In the present times, it is an important educational, cultural and economic hub in Maharashtra. The many places of historical importance in the city, date back to the Maratha empire and some famous examples among them are-Shaniwarwada, Shivneri Fort, Aga Khan Palace and Sinhagad Fort. There are many places of religious importance too like Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati temple, Chaturshringi Temple etc.

Ratnagiri 

Ratnagiri is a sea port located near the Arabian Sea in the State of Maharashtra. The town has been mentioned prominently in the Hindu mythology and is famous for its Temples. The place contains several different breathtaking natural phenomena like the Rajapur Ganga which is a collection of 14 pools of water which appear almost once in every 3 years. The old palaces and forts are also great places to explore on your trip here.

Solapur 

Solapur is located on the Karnataka state border and the main languages spoken here are Marathi and Kannada. The city is located at the Deccan plateau and enjoys a moderate and dry climate most of the year. The ancient temples and lakes are also a great place to visit in Solapur. The Siddeshwar Temple is an ancient temple built in the 16th century and is visited by an average of 35 lakh pilgrims in a year.

Alibag 

Alibag was developed under the Naval Chief of the Maratha Ruler Shivaji. It is a coastal town and is famous for its white sandy beaches which are often unpopulated and cleaner than Mumbai beaches. The attractions can be covered in a day or two and there are plenty of cheap and hospitable lodging facilities. The various temples are also worth visiting as they display a brilliant Hindu Maratha architecture.

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Jammu and Kashmir (Heaven on The Earth)

Jammu and Kashmir (Heaven on The Earth)

About Jammu And Kashmir:-

Jammu and Kashmir is a state in northern India. It is located mostly in the Himalayan mountains.  Jammu and Kashmir consists of three regions: Jammu, the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. Srinagar is the summer capital, and Jammu is the winter capital.  The Kashmir valley is famous for its beautiful mountainous landscape, and Jammu's numerous shrines attract tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year. Ladakh, also known as "Little Tibet", is renowned for its remote mountain beauty and Buddhist culture.

ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT HERE:-

KASHMIR:-

A land of unmatched scenic beauty and rich culture, Kashmir truly is a ‘Heaven on Earth’. The state of Jammu and Kashmir shows a rich diversity in its landscape. Low hills in the south, snow-capped peaks and velvety valleys in the centre and a barren, yet enchanting realm in the extreme north make up the state’s geography.

Srinagar:-

Paradise on earth, Srinagar is located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.

Aharbal:-

Aharbal is a hill station in the south-western part of Kashmir Valley in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, 75 km south of the state capital Srinagar.

Aharbal lies in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is located on the Veshu River, a tributary of the Jehlum River, in analpine valley covered in pine and fir trees within the Pir Panjal Mountains, 18 km south of the town of Shopian and 28 km west ofKulgam. It lies at an altitude of 2266 metres above sea level.

Aharbal is known for its waterfall, Aharbal Falls, where the Veshu falls noisily 25 metres and 7 metres through a narrow gorge of granite boulders. Aharbal Falls are also referred to as the Niagara Falls of Kashmir.

PAHALGAM:-

VALLEY OF SHEPHERDS

PAHALGAM - The Valley of Shepherds. Situated at the confluence of the streams flowing from Sheshnag Lake and the Lidder river, Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 25 deg C.

Pahalgam is the starting point of the annual Amarnath yatra (holy journey) to the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, which is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year in the month of July/August, thousands of pilgrims descend on Pahalgam on their way to the holy cave

Travel  To Pahalgam:-

By Air: Srinagar, 95 km, is the nearest airport. 

By Rail: Jammu is the nearest railhead that is connected to other cities by NH 1A. 

By Road: A road drive of about 2½ hours from Srinagar takes you to Pahalgam. Buses and taxis are operated on a regular basis from Srinagar and other major cities.

GULMARG:- 

Gulmarg is a town, a hill station, a popular skiing destination and a notified area committee in the Baramula district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.The town is situated in the Pirpanjal range in the western Himalayas.  

Gulmarg is one of the beautiful place that can be visited in Kashmir valley. Gulmarg literally means the meadow of flowers. Originally, Gulmarg was called Gaurimag, named after Shiva’s coasts.  

Gulmarg is the main skiing resort for the adventure lovers. The skis, sticks, snow boots, woollen socks, mufflers, windproof jackets, goggles, caps, Even the amateurs can enjoy the skiing with the ski lifts and chair lifts. The best season for skiing is from November to February. The slopes in Gulmarg varies between 8,700 and 10,500 feet and are the highest skis in India. For a fun-filled ride of a most unusual kind, Gulmarg's newly constructed gondola lift through pine-clad slopes is an experience of a lifetime. This gondola will take you up above 15,000 feet and is one of the highest in the world. Here, you can touch the skies and merge with the clouds. 

How To Reach Here 

By Air: The nearest airport is located in Srinagar about 57 km from Gulmarg. Regular flights connect Srinagar with the other major cities in India.  

By Rail: The nearest railway station is located in Jammu.  

By Road: Gulmarg is well connected by road with Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonamarg, Jammu and various other cities of Jammu and Kashmir. 

SONAMARG:- 

For all those adventure loving people who wish to enjoy camping at a hill station, Sonmarg is the ideal destination. Tourists flock to this small hill resort in heavy numbers to see the enchanting natural beauty and snow clad peaks. Known as the 'Meadow of Gold', Sonmarg is set amidst a valley of flowers and lakes. The exotic flora of the region is nurtured by the Sindh river. Sonmarg is the gateway to Ladakh.  

The dense forests of Sonmarg comprise of sycamore and alpine flowers, silver birch, fir and pine. The place is frequently visited by nature lovers in the search of tranquil peace and soothing natural beauty. The stunning blue water lakes and grasslands are the other attractions. The enchanting beauty of the towering snow clad mountains is a real treat to the eyes.

LEH/ LADAKH:- 

There is very little left to say about the cold, bare and hauntingly beautiful desert of Ladakh, that hasn't already been said before. Tales of its beauty and mystique are sung far and wide, with people from all over the world putting the region on their bucket list of places to experience before they die. It's cold, it's crystal clear and it's very, very photogenic up here. 

Bi-humped bactrian camels, red cloaked monks, and flocks of mountain goat trudge along, lending the landscape a timeless aura. Stunning blue-green lakes ripple silently within giant basins of brown and purple rock. 

The sun and clouds bathe each part of the region in a different hue at different times of the day; sometimes a hopeful golden, sometimes a glowering indigo. The region is very used to tourists, so you will always find plenty of places to stay, eat and rest. Hiring local driver-driven jeeps is expensive, so many people prefer to brave the terrain on yaks, bikes or on foot. Leh is a quiet, spiritual little town, steeped in tradition and Buddhist culture. 

Many people prefer to stay in Leh and make day trips into Ladakh and its neighbouring villages. Ladakh is great to visit if you're into travel photography or writing or just want a good adventure and some alone time. 

DAL LAKE:- 

A LAKE MADE OF LAKES

Dal Lake has rightfully become an icon of the Kashmir tourism industry. A Himalayan urban lake, it has five basins and a number of channels that are well linked with each other. The sparkling quiet waters of Dal surrounded by snow-capped mountains on its three sides, undoubtedly mark it as one of the most beautiful lakes of India. 

It is also the second largest lake in the State of Jammu and Kashmir with numerous gardens and orchards all along its shores. Houseboats form an indelible part of the scenery of the Dal Lake that are always ready to take tourists to a romantic and peaceful ride of the lake and soothe their nerves as the houseboat floats over the slightly rippling waters. 

There are Shikaras that look like small ornate versions of the gondolas of Venice that offers ferry rides to and from the banks of the lake to the houseboats. The shores of the Lake houses the distinct Moghul monuments and the campus of the Kashmir University while the two hillocks overlooking the lake house Shankar Acharya and Hari Parbat temples. The glorious Mughal gardens on its shores contribute to the beauty of the Dal Lake.   One can find a number of restaurants and hotels at the lakefront that have sprung up, encouraged by the large influx of tourists here.

VAISHNO DEVI:- 

Located in Trikuta hills, 13 Kms from Katra at a height of 1560 m above sea level with shimmering clouds and thinning air, this town is the holy cave temple of Mata Vaishnodevi, with spirituality and vibrancy lingering in the atmosphere.  

Revered and highly believed in, thousands of Pilgrims visit each year to seek blessings and show unflinching faith in this temple. Vaishno Devi is a religious trekking destination where pilgrims walk about 13 km uphill to reach the little caves which is among one of the 108 Shakti Peetha. Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani is a manifestation of Durga, a Goddess according to Hindu mythology. 

The trek itself is very enjoyable, though it might be a little difficult for kids and elderly people. However, ponies and palanquins are available by various vendors to take you there at the top. The whole way is decently paved with lots of shops selling snacks, food items and various religious goods. The pilgrims show their dedication and enthusiasm by shouting slogans and singing songs in the praise of Maa Vaishnavi all along the road. Overall, a great place if you are inclined towards both Hinduism and nature.

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Ooty (Queen of Hill Stations)

Ooty (Queen of Hill Stations)

About:-

Udhagamandalam also Ootacamund and abbreviated as Udhagai and Ooty is a town and municipality in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is located 80 km north of Coimbatore and is the capital of the Nilgiris district. It is a popular hill station located in the Nilgiri Hills.

Originally occupied by the Toda, the area came under the rule of the East India Company at the end of the 18th century. The economy is based on tourism and agriculture, along with the manufacture of medicines and photographic film. The town is connected by the Nilgiri ghat roads and Nilgiri Mountain Railway. Its natural beauty attracts tourists and it is a popular summer destination. As of 2011, the town had a population of 88,430.

History:-

Udhagamandalam was originally a tribal land occupied by the Toda along with other hill tribes who coexisted through specialisation and trade. The major tribes of Nilgiris area are the Toda, Kota, Badaga and Kurumba. The old Tamil work Silappadikaram states that the Chera king Senguttuvan, who ruled during the 2nd century CE, on his way to the Himalayas in the north, stayed in the Nilgiris and witnessed the dance of the Kannadigas.

The Toda in the Nilgiris are first referenced in a record belonging to Hoysala king Vishnuvardhana and his general Punisa, dated 1117 CE. The Toda people were known for raising water buffalo and the Badaga people for farming activities. Nilgiris was ruled by various dynasties like Satavahanas, Cheras, Gangas, Kadambas, Rashtrakutas, 

Cholas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagara empire and the Rajas of Ummattur (on behalf of Wodeyars of Mysuru). Tipu Sultan captured Nilgiris in the eighteenth century and extended the border by constructing a hideout cave like structure. The Nilgiris came into possession of British East India Company as part of the ceded lands, held by Tipu Sultan, by the treaty of Srirangapatnam in 1799.

Attractions:- 

Botanical Gardens:-

Laid out in 1848, the government Botanical Gardens is located at the slopes of the Doddabetta peak. The terraced garden is maintained by the Tamil nadu horticultural society and covers an area of 22 hectares. The best time to visit the place is anytime except the monsoons. Now this place will be the first thing the people would mention when you visit ooty, and well, in my opinion it is pretty awesome. Now be prepared for a long walk when you visit this place, I would advise you not to get any kids or people who can’t walk for long. The place is amazing for photographers and casual visitors alike get a supply of food and drinks or you can also buy some snacks at the gardens. I visited this place because of my photographer friends and was totally amazed due to the amount of greens and flowers around me under an amazingly cool weather.

Tea Factory:-

Small and nice, tea factory that is frequented by tourists who visit ooty, although not much to do here, but it was quiet a new experience to me when I visited the place. You can smell the aroma of the fresh tea leaves as soon as you near the place. I love how machines process the fresh tea leaves and package it. There’s also a shop where you can buy the tea processed at the factory. They also provided tea prepared from the freshly processed leaves and it tastes amazingly fragrant. This is a good place to show to the kids as well and I’m sure they’d be delighted.

Doddabetta Peak:-

A visit to Doddabetta Peak was the reason I went to Ooty in the first place. I had heard a lot about the picturesque Nilgiris and the amazing views this place has to offer. The place stands at a height of around 8,650 feet and makes it the highest peaks in south India. This place offers amazing trek spots and plenty of quiet and picturesque locations to solitary wanderers like me. You might want to pack some really good pair of binoculars when you reach this place to enjoy it to the fullest. There is a small eatery placed here courtesy of the tourism department of Tamil nadu that offers some okay tasting food at a cheap price.

Hyderabadi Biriyani House:-

I was pretty hungry and was looking for a place where I could get a good amount of food for a moderate price. While there are a couple of cafes in ooty which offer some good snacks but I was looking for something more solid. I reached the place, and I could smell the fragrant flavors of the Biriyani. Some people might need to mention beforehand for the amount of spice they want though. The portion they served was nice and did quiet a great job at sating the munchies out of me. I have always been a Mughalai food enthusiast and this place I must say did a fine job at delivering the taste. Don’t keep your expectations too high and I’m sure you’ll come back with a full tummy and no sweat. The place is located at Mysore Road, Hill Bunk.

Avalanche Lake:-

The reason I came to ooty was to actually visit the aforementioned Doddabetta peak but wasn’t quite satisfied with amount of indulgence I was seeking with the nature. Although It was suggested by a local there and wasn’t on my itinerary, this place made me love my visit to ooty. Located in the heart of the Nilgiris 28 kilometers from ooty, Avalanche lake is certainly a wanderer’s haven. The surrounding landscape is simply mesmerizing. You can camp beside the lake in tents and enjoy trout fishing. There’s also a hatchery located nearby where you can get the fishing rod and other fishing equipment at. It’s an amazing trek location that made me stay here for 2 days at this place. The place derives its name from a landslide that occurred sometime in the early 1800’s.

Government Rose Gardens:-

The Largest rose gardens in India, the Government Rose Gardens lie on the slopes of the Elk Hill at an elevation of 2200 meters above sea level. It also has one of the largest collections of roses with more than 20,000 different varieties.

Pykara River:-

Known as a sacred place for the Toda people, Pykara River flows through the plateau and form several cascades and waterfalls. The Pykara falls are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ooty and are famous for the shola trees, Toda settlements and wildlife.

Ooty Mountain Railway:-

Declared as a UNESCO world heritage site, the railways were built by the British in 1908. The trains are still powered using the traditional steam engines.

Ooty Lake:-

Covering an area of around 65 acres, the Ooty Lake is a manmade lake formed in 1824 under the British. It features a boathouse which offers boating facilities to the visitors and is famous for hosting boat races during the summer month of May.

Mudumalai National Park:-

Also known as a famous Tiger Reserve, the Mudumalai National Park is a home to several wildlife and bird species. The Bengal Tiger, Leopards, Indian Bison, Asiatic Elephants and several other rare species of birds and animals can be found here.

Emerald Lake:-

Although the lake is off limits for the visitors, the emerald lake is located in midst of a reserve forest. The lake can be viewed via a viewpoint on the dam located nearby.

St. Stephens Church:-

Built in the early 19th century, St. Stephens Church is one of the oldest churches in the Nilgiris District in Tamil Nadu. The foundation of the church was laid in 1829 and shares the date with the birthday of King George IV.

More Attractions:-

• Stone House
• Toda Huts
• Wax World
• Tribal Museum
• Deer Park
• Mariamman Temple

Hotels In Ooty:-

• Accord Highland Hotel Ooty
• Woodberry Residency
• Accord Highland Hotel Ooty
• Meadows Residency - Ooty
• Taj Savoy Hotel, Ooty
• Ooty - Elk Hill, A Sterling Holidays Resort
• Gem Park-Ooty
• Fortune Hotel Sullivan Court

Transport:-

Road:-

Ooty is well connected roads. It is 535 km (332 mi) from Chennai (via Salem, Erode, and Coimbatore), 80 km (50 mi) from Coimbatore and 155 km (96 mi) from Mysore. Ooty is situated on NH 67 and is connected by road via the five main accepted Nilgiri Ghat Roads. Bus services operated by TNSTC connect major towns in the state and nearby towns in the district such as Coonoor, Kotagiri, and Gudalur.

Rail:-

Udhagamandalam railway station is connected with Mettupalayam by NMR metre gauge service.

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR) is one of the oldest mountain railways in India and was declared by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in July 2005. It is the only rack railway in India.

Air:-

The nearest airport is Coimbatore, around 96 km (60 mi) away. Ooty has three helipads, one at Theettukal and two at Kodanad. The Theettukal helipad was approved by Airports Authority of India for defence and VIP services. Pawan Hans was supposed to start its service with Bell 407, but being present amidst farmland, dislocation of the farm animals there has put the operations on hold for commercial activities.

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WILSON HILLS

Wilson Hills

About :-

Wilson Hills is a hill station in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is near Dharampur Tahsil and is also the nearest hill station to Surat.

Wilson Hills stands in a densely forested region close to the Pangarbari Wildlife Sanctuary. It is one of the few hill stations in the world from which it is possible to glimpse the sea.

History Of Wilson Hills:-

It has an average elevation of 750m (2500 feet). The Wilson Hills are popular during the summer months as it enjoys a cooler and less humid climate than the surrounding area. The Wilson Hills is a popular summer destination.

Location -              130 km from Surat

Altitude -                870 m above sea level

Main Attractions-  Pangarbari Wildlife Sanctuary, Marble Chhatri, Sunset and Sunrise point

Best Time to Visit - October to March

Climate Wilson Hills:-

Contrary to the type of weather that is mostly seen in the state of Gujarat, Wilson Hills enjoys cool weather. It is less humid than the coastal cities and its dense forest cover offers much relief from the scorching heat. Standing at an altitude of 2500 feet above sea level, it has the advantage of cool winds and less cloudy weather for most part of the year.

During summers this is a popular tourist destination, especially among locals, who come here seeking refuge from the heat and dust. The many tourist attractions around this area and the wonderful hotel service make it an ideal place for a family vacation. The summers are warm, but the cool winds blowing in from the sea make it enjoyable and that is why it is preferred by people from the plains.

The average rainfall in this area during the monsoon season is 1500 to 2000 mms. During this time, the hills and the surrounding forests turn lush green and the temperature drops making it an exciting getaway to relieve you of your stress. The greenery soothes the eye and the winds take away all the tension you might be feeling.

During winters it gets really cold in this area and it is important to carry woolen clothes if you are planning to visit Wilson Hills during the winter season.

Attractions in Wilson Hills:-

Marble Chhatri point:-

This is one of the most famous attractions of Wilson Hills. It is dedicated and was built in the memory of Lord Wilson, the British Governor. It is situated on the peak of the hill and is also dedicated to the memory of the King Vijaya Dev.

Ozone Valley Point:-

This is an ideal place for mountaineers and people who are fond of rock climbing.  From here one can enjoy many waterfalls and beautiful streams that are around the entire hill.

Sunrise Point and Sunset Point:-

Set at a vantage point of hill, it gives a beautiful view of the sun rising in the morning and the setting in the evening to the viewers. The splendid valley and the clam and pristine lake seen against the backdrop of an orange sun and the pink horizon is an image that will remain with you for the rest of your life.

Wilson Hills Museums:-

This museum houses some of the valuable artifacts that are closely related to the history of Wilson Hills.

 Places to Stay:-

The hill station of Wilson Hills has many good hotels and resorts where you can stay during your vacation. The most famous one is Hotel Wilson Highlands. The aim of this company is to develop Wilson Hills into a popular tourist destination.

There are other hotels that you may contact for accommodation. There are a few restaurants that are strategically located to offer a splendid view and also provide top quality food.

How to Reach:-

By Air: The nearest airport is Surat.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is Valsad on the Surat – Mumbai railway line. Valsad is about sixty kilometer away from Wilson Hills so you will need to take a taxi from the city to reach here.

By Road: The hill station of Wilson Hills is well connected to all major cities of Gujarat like Surat, Navsari, Valsad and Dharamp

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NAINITAL

NAINITAL - HILL STATION

About:-

Nainital is a beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand and headquarters of Nainital district in the Kumaon foothills of Himalayas. It is one of the most popular hill resorts in India and also one of the top places to experience Uttarakhand tourism.

Nainital is famous for its scenic mountain views and is commonly known as the Lake District of India. Situated at an altitude of 1938 m, Nainital derives its name from Naini Lake. The highest point is Naina Peak or China Peak, with an elevation of 2,615 m. Nainital is surrounded by mountains on three sides and the town is spread around the beautiful Naini lake.

Nainital was founded by a European businessman Percy Barron in 1841.  This place is named after Naina Devi Temple, which is dedicated to Shakti, a form of Parvati.

Nainital is a famous tourist destination of India, attracting large number of domestic and foreign tourists every year. Some of the important places in Nainital are Naina Peak, Nainital Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Mall, Raj Bhavan, High Altitude Zoo, Bhimtal and Sattal. Naini Lake has facilities for boating and yachting. Facilities for horse riding, skating, golf and rock climbing are also available for the visitors.

Pantnagar Airport (68 km) is the nearest airport to Nainital which has direct flights from Delhi. Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest railway station, which is 24 km from Nainital.

Nainital Weather & Temperature, Best Time to Visit Nainital

The best time to visit Nainital is from March to May & December to February. The hill station receives snowfall during the winter months from December to February, which receives the maximum number of tourists.

Ideal Trip Duration: 2 Full Days

Best Time to Visit Nainital: March to May & December to February

Peak Season: April to May & December to January

State: Uttarakhand | District: Nainital

Nainital Weather: Summer: Maximum - 24°C and Minimum - 14°C

Winter: Maximum - 13°C and Minimum - 0°C

PLACES TO VISIT & THINGS TO DO IN NAINITAL

Nainital Lake, Nainital

Nainital Lake is a natural freshwater lake, situated amidst the main town of Nainital. Nainital Lake is one of the prime places to visit in Nainital town.

According to the history, this lake was built in 1839 by P. Barron at an altitude of 2,000 m. This is one of the four lakes of Kumaon hills, the other three lakes are Sattal Lake, Bhimtal Lake and Naukuchiyatal Lake. Nainital Lake is lunar-shaped and has an outlet at the southeastern end. The lake covers a perimeter of 2 miles with a depth varies from 6 m to 28 m. Northern part of the lake is called as Mallital while southern part known as Tallital. Balia Nala is the main feeder-stream of the lake. Other than this, 26 major drains, including the three perennial ones, feed it. It is surrounded by panoramic hills on three sides.

This captivating lake is a major tourist spot in Nainital, the Nainital Boat Club provides boating and yachting facilities.

Boating Price: Rs. 120 per boat for two people, Rs.150 per boat for four people (1 hour).

Boating Timings: 6 AM to 6 PM

Mall Road, Nainital

Mall Road is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nainital. It connects the North and South West corner of Nainital Lake known as Mallital and Tallital and runs parallel to Nainital Lake. Shopping in Mall Road is one of the top activities in Nainital.

The Mall Road was constructed during the British colonial rule. This is the main commercial area which runs through the heart of the Nainital town. The Mall road is now named as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. The road has a number of Hotels, Banks, Showrooms, Department Stores, Shops, Restaurants and Cafes. It is a cluster of many small shops offering varied products.

Visitors can enjoy their leisurely evening stroll on the Mall Road, with a cool refreshing breeze blowing across the lake on to the road adding to the charm of the Mall. During summers, this road becomes crowded with locals and tourists enjoying the evening weather.

Entry of heavy traffic is prohibited during the months of May, June and October from 8 AM to 10.30 AM and 2.30 PM to 10.30 PM, light vehicles from 6 PM to 10 PM and cycle rickshaw from 6 PM to 9 PM.

High Altitude Zoo, Nainital

G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo is a high altitude zoo situated in Nainital. It is one of the popular Nainital tourist places.

The Zoo was established in 1984 and is spread over an area of 11 acres. It is situated on the Sher Ka Danda hill at an altitude of 2,100 m (6,900 feet) and is the only zoo in Uttarakhand. The Zoo was opened to visitors on 1st June 1995 and is managed by Bharat Ratna Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo Management Society, Nainital from 1st March 2002.

The Zoo was established with the objective to conserve and protect the wildlife and biodiversity of the hill region of Uttarakhand. The zoo has several endangered species of animals in the Himalayas and animals like snow leopard, Tibetan wolf, Japanese Macaque, Sambar, Himalayan Civet, Himalayan Martin, Barking Dear, Royal Bengal Tiger and Himalayan bear. It also has a vast collection of high altitude birds, like kalij pheasant, Lady Amherst pheasant, rose ringed parakeet, golden pheasant and red jungle fowl.

Entry Fee: Rs.50 for Adults, Rs.20 for Children, Rs.25 for Camera and Rs.200 for Video Camera. Free entry for senior citizens and disabled.

Timings: 9.30 AM to 4.30 PM. Closed on Mondays and national holidays.

Snow View Point, Nainital

Snow View Point is one of the most beautiful places in Nainital and also among the most visited Nainital tourist places.

Situated at an altitude of 2,270 m, Snow view point offers excellent views of snowcapped mountains like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nanda Kot. It also offers great views of Nainital Lake and the town. Snow view point is well connected by road but a ride in aerial ropeway from Mallital is the best way to reach this place.

In order to provide a perfect view to visitors, a pair of huge binoculars is installed at this spot. A small temple housing images of Rama, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman with Durga and Shiva is located on the peak. A special attraction for the kids is an amusement park that has recently opened up here. The stalls at Snow View Point provide tea and some snacks.

Ropeway Ticket: Rs.150 for Adult, Rs.75 for Children for two-way.

Timings: 10 AM to 5 PM. Closed on Saturdays.

Aerial Ropeway Nainital

Nainital Ropeway is one of the main attractions of Nainital. This ropeway connects Snow-View Point (at 2270 Mts.) with Nainital near flats.

Aerial ropeway starts at Mallital, there are only two trolleys to carry passengers.

The time - duration trolley takes approx. 151.7 seconds (2 Minutes 31 Seconds ) to cover one way journey by trolley.

Cabin capacity is 10+1 or 825 kg.

Nainital Rope Way Timings 10 AM to 4 PM

Rope Way :- This Cable Car connects Snow View from the town below.

Tiffin Top  Nainital

Accessible by pony ride, this popular destination offers dramatic views of Nainital & the Himalayas.

It is very popular among places to visit in Nainital. Perched at a height of 7520 ft (2290 mt) on top Ayarpatta region. It is also called Dorothy’s seat.

Eco Cave Gardens Nainital

Eco Cave Garden is a cluster of interconnected caves and hanging gardens, which are one of the popular tourist attractions of the hill station. There are six underground caves in this garden, connected through tunnels. Named after various wild animals that they resemble, some of these caves are so narrow that people have to crawl through them, which in turn adds to the fun and adventure.

After exploring the dark caves, visitors are greeted by the musical fountain show, which is conducted in the evening. It is organised during the peak tourist season and is the first show in Uttarakhand that is inspired by Disneyland. Here, visitors can sit and relax while beholding the stunning panorama of the hill station.

Opening Closing Time: -  Daily: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

HOW TO REACH NAINITAL

By Air

Being a hill station, Nainital does not have direct air connectivity. The nearest airport is located at Pantnagar, which lies at a distance of 65 kilometres from Nainital. Most of the air traffic to Pantnagar airport includes private chartered flights. There are no commercial flights operational to and from here.

By Train

The nearest railway station is located at a distance of 34 kilometres at Kathgodham, at the foothills of the Kumaon hills. Kathgodam railway station enjoys good connectivity to important places such as Delhi, Lucknow and Howrah.

By Bus

Nainital enjoys excellent bus connectivity to important destinations in North India. Several tour operators operate daily bus service from New Delhi to Nainital, which includes options like air-conditioned, non-air-conditioned, sleeper and Volvo buses. Boarding an overnight bus is the most convenient way to head to Nainital.

Road/Self Drive

Nainital is well-linked to all nearby places by a network of well-constructed roads, including National Highway 87, which links it to Rudrapur and Rampur. A 6 to 7 hour drive from New Delhi, Nainital can easily be accessed by road, with a few halts en route. Tour operators offer regular taxi services to and from Nainital, and one can also opt to drive all the way up, being a little careful on the uphill climb.

HOTELS IN NAINITAL

5 STAR HOTELS IN NAINITAL

1. Manu Maharani       5 star / Luxury Hotel

    Tariff: Rs. 9000 onwards

4 STAR HOTELS IN NAINITAL

1. Arif Castles    4 star / Luxury Hotel

   Tariff: Rs. 8200 onwards

2. Earls Court UNA Hotel  4 star / Luxury Hotels

    Tariff: Rs. 3000 onwards

3. Shervani Hilltop    4 star / Luxury Hotel

    Tariff: Rs. 6000 onwards

3 STAR HOTELS IN NAINITAL

1. Abbotsford     3 star / Heritage Hotel                     2. Alka Lake Side   3 star / Deluxe

    Tariff: Rs. 3999 onwards                                              Tariff: Rs. 2800 onwards

    

3. Alpine Club       3 star / Luxury Hotel                     4. Aroma      3 star / Deluxe

    Tariff: Rs. 4400 onwards                                               Tariff: Rs. 1600 onwards

5. Crosswinds  3 star / Luxury                                   6. Balrampur House   3 star / Heritage

   Tariff: Rs. 1600 onwards                                              Tariff: Rs. 3300 onwards

7. Chevron Fairhavens  3 star / Deluxe                    8. Classic The Mall   3 star / Deluxe

Tariff: Rs. 7000 onwards                                                    Tariff: Rs. 5500 onwards

GOVT. GUEST HOUSES IN NAINITAL

1. Khairna KMVN Tourist Rest House     Tariff: Rs. 700 onwards

2. KMVN Sukhatal    Tariff: Rs. 3000 onwards

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