OH NOT SO BEAUTIFUL. Review on Nainital

NOT FOR LONG STAY

It was 43-45 degree Celsius in the month of April itself. Enough excuse for daredevils (sorry for bragging) like me to run away to a cooler place. Luckily I have a group of friends who have enough spirit of adventure. So all we required was to get our bikes serviced and there we go (read went).

Nainital is at a distance of 335 km from Delhi. [read Nizamuddin because our starting point was Nizamuddin]. At least this is what our bikes trip meter told us. We started at 4:30 am and we hit the road with lot of excitement as none of our friends have ever visited that place. (Reason: Apart from Mussoorie we never dared to challenge the ‘road on potholes’ of UP.)

The road to Nainital was better than expected except one 25-30 km stretch between Moradabad and Rampur, which was too bad to walk leave alone riding.

After a few photo sessions and lot of tea breaks we reached Nainital at around 11:30 am. The route is comparatively easier than Shimla, Manali or Mount Abu as you have to ascend for only 35 km from Haldwani.

Nainital was not chok-a-blok at that time, as schools were still open in Delhi.

It was pleasant to say the least considering it was afternoon when we arrived in Nainital.

Nainital is a very small hill station. The scenery is not so breath taking. The only thing, which makes it special, is THE LAKE. The images or reflections of hills in the lake give a very beautiful view. In the night the lights falling on the lake produce one lovely image.

Attractions:

Lakes:

There are only lakes around Nainital in an area spanning 12-14 km. When you are sitting in the boat in the lake the view seems similar be it Nainital, Mallital, Tallital, Sukhtal or Naukutchiatal. Mallital is the biggest lake as per the locals. The best thing about Mallital is that there is a restaurant in the middle of the lake and you can enjoy good meal there sitting surrounded by water from all sides.

Snow View:

It is the most easily accessible hill top, height 2270 mts. and at a distance of 2.5 Km from the town. The spot is accessible through ropeway . This peak is also connected by motor able road. Snow view as the name suggests offers an indescribably beautiful and breath-taking picture of the glittering snows of Himalayas. Only there was no view of snow as it was raining when we reached there.

Naina Peak:

Naina peak is the highest peak of the town at an altitude of 2611 mts. and at a distance of 6 Kms from the town .It commands an entrancing view of sparkling snow laden Himalayas, a full Himalayan range in one side and a birds eye view of the lake city of Nainital in its full grandeur on the other. With a pair of binoculars, a good panorama of the tract surrounding Nainital is obtained .

KILBURY:

At an altitude of 2194 mts. and 10 Kms. from the town this place is accessible by a motor able road. There is a forest rest house for night stay. Kilbury is an ideal spot for a quiet and peaceful holiday And this the only place where we found traces of snow.

Apart from this you can also go to cave garden and tiffin top. Though nothing special to catch one’s imagination.

Weather

The winter starts at Nainital in late October which extends upto late March, of which December & January are extreme cold during which snow fall may also occur. April to Mid June & the month of October is the most pleasant time at Nainital. It rains very heavily from late June to September.

FOR ADVENTURE LOVERS:

There was Yachting, Parasailing, Hot ballooning, Canoeing and rock climbing. Though most of it happens in the month of March, October as per authorities and recognized clubs doing business there.

Moreover for those who love to explore then there is Almora and Ranikhet. Both within 30 kms from Nainital. And for my money don’t miss going to Ranikhet especially when you are so near to it, I mean when you are in Nainital once and you will find it worth it and I found it more beautiful than Nainital.

Go there but with limited expectation and chances are you may like it.