How Nainital is much more than just lakes

Valleys, clouds, and wildlife How Nainital is much more than just lakes:-

Calm waters of a 100ft deep lake, a red panda on top of a hill, a road hid amidst a dense forest and a cluster of valleys appearing to be the dwelling of a celestial.
All of these might appear to be the puzzle pieces of uncertain trivia. But when we connect it to one name, things will become clear. We are talking about the hill station of lakes- Nainital.

Many people often associate Nainital with just lakes and colonies of hotels and restaurants around it. Some who have visited it while going on an onward journey regard it as a genuine place for a one-day stay. And some travelers regard it as a good place but not something to look forward to or to visit again,to say the least.

However, this is not entirely true. Nainital is not just the city built around a lake but much more. It is a destination that truly offers a different scenic location that one can compare to foreign lands. The pictorial points are mesmerizing while the temperature here is usually adaptable for tourists.
But there is something more than that. Let us unravel this further in this blog.

Reaching and traveling – the ordinary

Being a famous spot to unravel in Northern India, Nainital is well-connected with roads from all states. You can reach here via Delhi in 6 to 7 hours by road.If traveling from Punjab or Haryana, you can easily take 8 to 9 hours of a road trip. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam which is 23 km away from the destination. You can take a taxi and reach within 2 hours from Kathgodam.

The extraordinary

The most amusing thing to realize during your travel to Nainital is that 90 percent of the journey will be on plain roads. In fact, most of the highway is so smooth that you will not realize you are going to a hill station. It is only during the last one or two hours that you get to experience a bumpy twisty ride.

The last 30 km journey is a totally hilly area and you have to swift through the hairpin bends and blind curves of the road to Nainital. But worry not as the roads are very well-maintained. Every land sliding or snow coverage is being cleared by government vehicles that monitor the area 24/7.

On arrival- the ordinary

Usually, visitors experience a fresh breeze of air amidst the steep mountains of Nainital. With one or two sightseeing on the day of the arrival, they tend to fall short of options at the place. This is because the hill station is spread across a span of a few km only.

The extraordinary

You cannot ignore the magnificence and serenity of the lake that lies amid the entire town. It seems as if God has painted a dot amidst the mountains and people found their habitat around it. The lake is the first point of attraction for tourists. It makes you wonder why haven’t you visited the heavenly place before. It also reminds you of the wallpapers you see of the Alps or the Switzerland reels you explore daily on Instagram.

View it at night, the lake reflects water’s most astonishing properties acting like a prism. View it during the day, the lake will act as a tear of the almighty- so pure and natural.
But the best part, you can boat in it. Take the local boating ride and enjoy the fish eye view of the entire Nainital from the center. This is something people miss and they fail to understand the geographical beauty of the town.

The surrounding destinations- ordinary

One may ask any tourist guy in Nainital and he will tell you many locations to explore. Several travelers would overlook advice and go alone traveling. Some might go hiking and few may even try wildlife open safari on their own.

The popular destinations are the Zoo, the cave park, the Tibetian Market, the
mosque and the Mall road. While the market and the roads offer something you can find anywhere, the Zoo does offer something good.

The extraordinary

You can take a shuttle car service to the zoo and prepare yourself- you are in for a good experience. First of all, the zoo is based at the top of a mountain. Reaching it, you have to hike across a well-built path with well-laid down railings used as support.

If you are lucky, the clouds will join you, giving you the feeling as if you are climbing the staircase to paradise. The animals are well cared for and are in cages that are large in height than width. As a result, you can see them real close. And don’t even think of missing a single cage. You will see the red panda, Himalayan wolf, leopards, sloth bear, barn eagle and
many more.

The seven lakes- the ordinary

Everyone has searched on Wikipedia that Nainital is part of the seven sisters hill stations built around the lakes. Many have not seen all of them. Travelers usually visit nothing else than Nainital. It may be due to the lack of popularity or awareness. But places that are least explored are the most beautiful ones- right?

The extraordinary

From the seven lake-surrounded hill stations, you do have to visit Bhimtal and Sattal. They might not be as huge as Nainital, but the amount of seclusion and wanderlust they offer is incomparable.

Bhimtal is at a lower altitude and the lake is secluded with some shops and boating kiosks at one center. Sattal is at an altitude and offers scenic views as if the lake lies on top of clouds. It does not have too much urbanization and hence, provides an experience to remember.

Local market and food- the ordinary

If you find your staple food in a travel destination, it’s better to stay home. Immersing yourself in the Tibetan and Garhwali food is the best thing to experience in Nainital. Same way, if you are finding a brand that you love visiting in your hometown, then it’s wiser to shop from your hometown only.

The extraordinary

Take a bite of steamed Momos, enjoy the Hakka Noodles bowl, have some cotton candy and feast on tantalizing chicken sausages. The more you eat the more you will enjoy. The way the steamed food is diversified across eateries in the street is worth appreciating.

Forget Dominos or McD, just enjoy what
the waiter offers as it surley will help you admire the cuisine offered.
The market is full of polite and charming shopkeepers. They sell as if they value customers. Even if you don’t want to buy anything from them, conversing with them about their lifestyle is worth considering.

The atmosphere and climate- the ordinary

It’s a hill station so it will be cold. It’s at a high altitude so there can be land sliding. Pack your jackets up, ask the hotel for heaters and prepare for some cooler temperatures. This is the normal concept people take into account before visiting Nainital. Should it be changed?

The extraordinary

Nainital has one of the most modest atmospheres one can experience at a hill station. Yes, it does experience snowfall, rain, landslides and more. But the climatic extremities are not prolonged. If you are in luck you will witness snowfall but as you get tired of it, there will be sunlight the next morning. You will also witness clear clouds during an hour and dense fog during the next. A beautiful amalgamation of all seasons, the usual climate is very welcoming.

Summing it up – memorable memories to take home

We told you only the one-dimensional story here. There are tons more things to experience, witness and take home. For instance, you can’t help but appreciate the main market where a temple is built alongside a Gurudwara and a large Mosque.

You will also praise the transportation policies followed here, making heavy traffic lanes one way to accommodate tourists. Everywhere you step, you will see the view of the lake. The picture-perfect spots are everywhere. Then there are locals and their talks to never miss.

Nainital is surely a beautiful blend of culture, nature, water, clouds, skies and wildlife. It is a destination not to be skipped in a lifetime. If you are planning ahead, do consider visiting here and you will realize how India is home to some of the most underrated and beautiful tourist destinations in the world.

Author: abhishek tuteja

Content writer with sky in eyes and nature in heart, living life learning each lesson per day.

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