Sunday, July 28, 2013

Nainital and the beauty all around - Ranikhet

Delhiites love for the hills is well known . And I am no different .  Given the Delhi summer heat ,  I thought what better place than head to the valley which has a pear-shaped lake .  For those of you still guessing - Nainital it is.
For most of you already know, I have a special place for hills and water .  Here, you get both . It's a beautiful time to visit this place and since it was my nth visit it always feels new going back . 
Though, over the time it has become more or less like Delhi - crowded, polluted ,more & more vehicles & yes - tourists . After all , Tourism is the most significant segment of the Nainital's economy .
Places like these don't have -sight seeing per se . Given the fact , that the natural beauty of the place , fresh air , simple people  - are the best bet  . Yet , how do we earn money then ? So , create hot-spots around these . All types of points - sunrise to sunset , lovers to peak and lake view to god view - you will find here in abundance . And not to forget , the usual Mall Road on the either side of the lake which serves you  good walks and decent food and some good views.

Nainital Lake - Naina Devi Temple -
Predominantly , there are two major places you should visit for sure.
  • Nainital Lake- Also known as Naini Lake, it is situated in the heart of the city the eye-shaped lake is a tourist hotspot .Here, a person can either take a leisurely stroll or indulge in boating and enjoy the surrounding beauty. The northern end of the lake is called Mallital, while the southern one is called Tallital. The Lake Bridge that connects the two banks has quite a few shops as well as a post office, the only one in the world to be located on a bridge. 
  • Naina Devi Temple- The presiding deity of the temple is Maa Naina Devi represented by two Netras or eyes. Flanking Naina Devi are the deities of Mata Kali and Lord Ganesha. Nainital is believed to be one of the 64 Shaktipeeths One can also get an amazing view of the hill station, overlooking the lake, from the temple.

This time in addition to the above , got a chance to visit the famous Sherwood College located atop the Ayarpata hill .
Majority of the good hotel properties are located in the Mallital area . You can get the reservations done online and crack a good deal . Don't forget to wake up early and go for run / walk in the valley area and you feel simply - divine . In the evening chill , look up the star studded sky and feel blessed . Life is very slow and yet calm and peaceful here . Take in the positive thoughts and spread the joy around.

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Ranikhet

Never did I knew till I visitied this place . Located about 60kms from Nainital ,its actually a hill station & home for the Kumaon Regiment (KRC) & Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army , part of the Almora distrcit.

A typical cantonment area and the best part of these are the amount of green cover they have . Spic and span with an array of pine, oak, and deodar forests . As far as the top place goes , there are just 4 of these which are a must visit .


    Jhula Devi Temple , Ranikhet


  1. Army Museum
  2. Jhula Devi temple -  Where devotees tie a bell on wish fulfillment.
  3. Rama Mandir  - A place where you need to sit and feel for the divine presence.
  4. Chaubatia Gardens - This place has plantation of apricots, peaches, chestnuts,almonds and is famous for apple orchards. With a wide variety of himalayan flora, this place also offers the picturesque views of snowcapped himalayas.  
Ranikhet offers some of the most amazing bal mithai and  singhauri that will simply water your tastebuds.

A destination which is off beat but worth a trip .

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You can read about my reviews on Trip Advisor via - http://www.tripadvisor.in/members-reviews/karansayz  and share your thoughts .
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