Excursions in Nainital
Bhowali: It is 1706 meters above the sea level and 11 KMs. away from
Nainital.This is a road junction serving all the nearby hill stations from Nainital.Bhowali
is famous for its scenic grandeur and as a hill fruit mart , Bhowali is also
known for its T.B. sanatorium established in 1912.
Ghorakhal: Famous for the temple of Lord Golu worshipped by hill people
and sainik school this place is at a distance of 3 Kms from Bhowali.
Sat Tal: At a distance of about 23 Kms. from Nainital at an altitude
of 1370 mts. Sattal is a unique, unforgettable spot having cluster of lakes
placed amidst the oak forest. It is comparable with Westmoreland of England.
As one approach toward Sattal first lake is old Nal Damyanti Lake. On moving
ahead there is the ashram of Stanley Johns an American Missionary. Next lake
is Panna or Garude lake.As we move down there is a cluster of three lakes ,
these lakes are Ram,Laxman and Sita lake.
Bhimtal: It is about 22 Kms. from Nainital and 11 Kms. from Bhowali at
an altitude of 1370 mts. The pride of Bhimtal is a beautiful lake which offers
magnificent vistas for tourists. The lake is larger than Naini lake. Tourist
enjoys here boating in lake. There is an island amid lake a restaurant is located
atop it. Tourist visit here by boats. The distance of island from lake shore
is 91 mts.There is a 17th century Bhimeshwar temple complex along the 40 feet
high dam . The local bus stand and taxi stand is situated near it. One road
from Bhimtal leaves for Naukuchiatal while the another one goes to Kathgodam
21 Kms from here.
Naukuchiya Tal: It is 26 Kms from Nainital and 4 Kms from Bhimtal at
1220 mts above sea level.A pretty deep clean lake with its nine corner is a
captivating site.Length of lake is 983 mts. ,breadth is 693 mts & depth
40.3 mts.It is within an enchanting valley offering an opportunity of angling
and bird watching.There is ample scope for rowing ,paddling or yachting.
Kainchi Dham: On the Nainital - Almora Road , 9 Km from Bhowali and 17
Kms from Nainital is a modern pilgrim centre. This place has achieved recognition
owing to the ashram of the famous Neem Karoli Maharaj. Kaichi is a term used
for two sharp hairpin bends of the motor road in local dialect hence the name.
It has no relation with scissors.
Mukteshwar: Mukteshwar this beautiful place is 2286 mts in altitude and
51 Kms. from Nainital. Surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest
it was developed by the Britishers as research and education institute (IVRI)
in 1893. It is the celebrated scenic spot overlooking long ranges of Himalaya.An
old temple of Lord Shiva exist on the top of a rock.
Ranikhet: A hill station, idyllic in its charm, Ranikhet with its majestic
pine trees, is 60 Kms. from Nainital. According to popular belief this spot
had won the heart of Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sudhardev . She chose this
scenic place to her abode & since then, it has come to be known as Ranikhet,
literally "Queen’s Field" . At an altitude of 1829 mts. above
sea level, this hill station is undoubtedly a tourist’s paradise. The scented
mountain breeze, fresh & pure, the singing of birds, the panoramic view
of the Himalayas, the sights, sounds and smells leave the onlooker spellbound.
Weaving an instant spell on the visitor Ranikhet draws visitors all the year
round. Ranikhet is the headquarter of Kumaoun Regimental Centre. KRC museum
and memorial are the jewels of Ranikhet town . The following sites can be visited
during stay at Ranikhet.
Kausani: Nestling among thick dense pine forests, atop a narrow ridge
and separated from the towering mountains of the Nanda Devi range by low, medium
mountains ; at Kausani the grandeor of the Himalayan scenery comes alive. The
view of the snow covered Trishul & Nanda Devi is so clear that one gets
a feeling of the snown being within touching distance. Its ethereal sunrise
& a 300 kms. wide view of the Himalayan range have attracted thousands of
visitors to this place time & again. Eulogised by poets & philosophers,
this scenic & beautiful spot offers so much all the year round, sightseeing,
history, pilgrimage and complete relaxation .Mahatma Gandhi, who spent 12 days
in 1929 at Kausani, penned his memorable commentry on the Geeta-Anashakti-Yoga
inspired by the scenic grandeur of this richly gifted spot. The guest house
where the Mahatma stayed is now known as the Anashakti Ashram. Hindi poet laureate
Sumitra Nandan Pant was born at Kausani. Some of his early poem composed here
have described nature in its myriad manifestations. Kausani is ideal for those
who seek to escape from the din & dust, hustle & bustle of big cities
and wish to spent a quiet holidays in the lap of nature.
