Page 196 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

194  CENTR AL INDIA

w Nainital
Nainital district. 322 km (200 miles) NE
of Delhi. £ Kathgodam, 35 km (22
miles) S of Nainital, then taxi or bus.
@ (05942) 235 518. n KMVN, Om
Park, (05942) 231 436. ∑ nainital.nic.in
This pretty hill station, nestled
in the Kumaon Hills, is named
after the emerald green eyes
(naina) of Parvati, Shiva’s consort.
A temple dedicated to the
goddess stands on the northern
shore of the large freshwater
lake (tal). The old summer capital The 11th-century complex of stone temples at Jageshwar, near Almora
of the British Raj’s United
Provinces, Nainital is today Top and Dorothy’s Seat, lookout expansive views of the
part of the state of Uttarakhand. points offering panoramic spectacular Greater Himalayan
The lake is encircled by the Mall views of the lakeside. Close Range, including peaks such as
Road, and the “flats”, a large field by, and almost hidden by the Trishul and the spectacular Nanda
that is a popular promenade forest, is an old public school, Devi (see p193). The cobbled
and recreation centre. The Boat the appropriately named street of Almora’s distinctive
House Club, set up in 1890 on Sherwood College. The Upper bazaar lies above The Mall,
the water’s edge, is the hub of Cheena Mall leads to Naina where locally crafted tamta
many activities and has a Peak, with breathtaking views products (hand-beaten copper
number of sail boats and rubber of the mountain ranges. Less and brass utensils plated with
dinghies for hire. The many energetic visitors can take silver) are on sale. The town’s
attractive colonial buildings the cable car up to Snow trademark confectionery, the
include the governor’s summer View for scenic views. bal mithai, is available
residence (built in 1899), here as well.
St Joseph’s School, the old Environs Also of interest are
Secretariat (now the Uttarakhand Described as India’s the tall, narrow houses
High Court) and the Municipal Lake District, Nainital’s with their delicately
Library. St-John-in-the- environs have a num ber carved wooden façades,
Wilderness is an evocatively of serene lakes, a hallmark of local archi-
named Gothic church, with fine surrounded by thick tecture. The historic
stained-glass windows and dark forests. Excursions are Almora Jail, probably
wooden pews. Nainital also has offered to Bhim Tal, one of the few in the
some beautiful walking trails, 22 km (14 miles) east of Sculpture, country with such
one of which leads up from Nainital; Naukuchiya Tal, Jageshwar picturesque surroundings,
the flats, through the densely just 4 km (2 miles) from once held important
wooded Ayarpata Hill, to Tiffin Bhim Tal, is a lake with nine political prisoners such as
corners, rich in birdlife; Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal
and Sat Tal, a conglomeration Nehru. A number of temples dot
of seven lakes, located 21 km the landscape; the most popular
(13 miles) northeast of Nainital. of these are the Chitai Temple
Mukteshwar, 30 km (19 miles) and the Udyotchandeshwar
northeast of Nainital, is one of Temple. On the western edge
the most beautiful spots in the of town, Brighton End Corner
area, along with the orchards has fine mountain views.
at Ramgarh, close by.
Environs
Binsar, some 34 km (21 miles)
e Almora northeast of Almora, at an
Almora district. 380 km (236 miles) altitude of 2,412 m (7,913 ft), is
NE of Delhi. £ Kathgodam, 90 km a wonderful spot from which to
(56 miles) S of Almora, then taxi or view the mountains. The steep
bus. @ (05962) 230 046. n KMVN, drive up through tangy forests
Holiday Home, (05962) 231 436. of pine is very pretty, and there
is a 13th-century Shiva Temple
The large market town of set in the forest, just short of the
Almora is the headquarters summit. Jageshwar, located
The lake at Nainital, with facilities for of the surrounding district. 34 km (21 miles) east of Almora,
boating and water sports Its curving ridge offers is of great religious significance.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see p696 and pp708–709

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