| Nainital Sightseeing |
| Naini Lake |
 This attribute lake is said to be one of the emerald green eyes of Shiva's wife, Sati (naina is Sanskrit for eye). When Sati's father failed to invite Shiva to a family sacrifice, she burnt herself to death in protest. Shiva gathered the charred remains in his arms and proceeded to engage in a cosmic dance, which threatened to destroy the world. To terminate the dance, Vishnu chopped up the body into pieces, and the remains were scattered across India. The modern Naina Devi Temple at the northern end of the lake is built over the precise spot where the eye is believed to have failen. |
| Snow View |
 At the top, a close up view of Naina Devi (7816m) which was, as the old brass plate here tells you, 'the highest mountain in the British empire'. Naina Devi was India's highest peak until Sikkim (and thus Kanchenjunga) was absorbed into the country. There's a small marble temple dedicated to Dev Mundi housing images of Durga, Shiva, Sita, Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman. From Snow View you can walk west to another point and then continue on to the main road to Kilbury. From here you could continue up to China Peak or head down the road to Sukhatal, passing great views of the lake in route.
A walk up to Snow View can take in the tiny Gadhan Kunkyop Ling Gompa of the Gelukpa order (of which the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader). Take the road uphill from the hotel city heart, from where a path branches off towards the gompa (the colorful prayers flags are visible from the road). The gompa serves Nainital's small (and mostly itinerant) Tibetan community. Most of the Tibetan families travel to Nainital in the summer season to sell sweaters and shawls, and in winter descend to the plains. |
| Walks |
There are several other good walks in the area, with views of the snowcapped mountains to the north. China Peak (pronounced 'Cheena'), also known as Naini Peak, is the highest point in the area (2610m).
A 4km walk to the west of the lake is Dorothy's Seat (2292m), also known as Tiffin Top, where a Mr Kellet built a seat in memory of his wife who was killed in a plane crash. From Dorothy's Seat it's a lovely walk to Land's End (2118m) through a forest of oak, deodar and pine. From Land's End there are fine views out over the lake at Khurpatal.
From the Jama Masjid (Friday Mosque), at the north-western corner of the lake is Gurney House, where Jim Corbett once lived. This two storey wooden dwelling is now a private residence, but the caretaker may let you look inside. |
| Naina Peak |
| Known as the China peak this peak is the highest point in Nainital. From here Nainital appears as a bowl. You can walk or take ponies to the peak. From this peak you can capture the exciting views of Nainital. Naina peak also gives a good view of the Camelback peak. There are no hotel or restaurant on the top so carry food and water along with yourself. |
| Hanuman Garhi |
| This place is of religious importance. Situated at a height of 1951 meters this place was established by Baba Neem Kiroli. A very beautiful Hanuman mandir is at the top. From Hanuman Garhi watching the Sunset is very soothing. You can walk down from Nainital to Hanuman Garhi. |
| Zoo Gardens |
| Naini Tal has a small but a very beautiful Zoological garden. There are many animals kept here which includes Deers, Bears, Tigers and many more. The hygiene and cleanness of the zoo is a point which attracts the mind even if one ignores it. Not surprising this zoo is one of the most clean zoos in the country. The zoo can be reached on foot or taxi can be hired. |
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