Naini Lake
he nucleus of Nainital’s uncomparable beauty is beautiful lake. In the day, mirrored in its waters stand seven proud hills, dotted with pretty cottages and villas. More beautiful than this however is the lake at night when the myriads of bulbs from the hill sides and quite a large number hanging near the lake’s edge stab their magic light into its waters.
The lake offers the holiday makers ample opportunity for yachting, boating or paddling the boat. Boating rates in conventional rowing boats ranges from Rs. 80/- to Rs. 120/- from one end of lake to another end. Paddling boats are available on hourly rate from Rs. 80/- to Rs. 120/- depending on type of paddle boat.
Nainital Flats
A wide level ground is known as Flats, one can see players playing Football, Cricket, Basket Ball at Flats. There is a fountain, band stand, a statue of Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant near Flats, One vehicle parking & tibbetan market is also located near Flats. Nainital excursions cabs are available from here. Boats play in the lake for the visitors and a boat ride is extremely enjoyable.
The Mall
On one of side of lake is the Mall road now it is known as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. Number of hotels, food joints, shops, banks and other business concerns are here.
In May & June vehicular traffic is not allowed on Mall road in evening hours to facilitate tourists. This road is the main link joining Mallital and Tallital. On the other side of the lake lies the Thandi Road. It is comparatively less busy and have Pashan devi temple. Entry of Vehicles is prohibited on Thandi Road.
St. John Church
The church of St. John was established in 1844 and is located on the north end of town (Mallital), about half a mile north-west of the Naina Devi temple.
The church was so named by Daniel Wilson, the Bishop of Calcutta, who, after falling ill during a visit to Nainital in 1844 to lay the foundation of the church, was obliged to sleep in an unfinished house on the edge of the forest. A brass plaque on the altar is inscribed with names of the victims of the Landslip of 1880.
Raj Bhavan
Governor’s House also known as Raj Bhavan and formerly, Government House was built in 1899 and designed in the Victorian Gothic domestic style by the architect F.W. Stevens. Originally built as the summer residence of the governor of the North West Province, it later became the summer residence for the Lieutenant Governor of the United Provinces.
Snow View
A ropeway or cable car ride is the best-known way to access the snow view point. Just as the name implies, one can view the snow laden Himalayas from this view point. At an altitude of 2270 m, the Snow View point is situated on top of the Sher-ka-danda ridge. At a distance of 2.5 kms from the town of Nainital, this is the most easily accessible hilltop.
During the months of October and November, a spectacular view of the snow bound mountains can be witnessed. Be prepared to capture the scenic beauty of India in your cameras. Tea, snacks and other refreshments are also available atop this hill in case you want to spend more time around.
Naina Peak
Naina peak or China peak as it is known, is located at an altitude of 2611 meters and is the highest peak of the town. Distanced about six kms away from the town, a ride on a pony or horses can take you to the Naina Peak. The Naina Peak opens up to a beautiful panoramic view of the snow laden Himalayas in the west to the Api and Nari peaks in the east.
An excellent view of the Nainital city in its complete grandeur can be obtained from the high altitude of this peak. The best way to view the entire scenario would be through the lenses of a binocular!
Land’s End stands high at an altitude of 2118 meters and gives a panoramic view of the neighboring hills and the green valley surrounding Nainital. The main attraction of this point is the splendid view of the Khurpatal lake. One can take a vehicle to reach Barapathar and then walk up a distance of one km to reach this spot.
True to its name, the Land’s end is a spot that marks the dead end. Located about four kms from the town of Nainital, Land’s end is an easily reachable spot and does not need a long or steep climb.
Tiffin Top
Tiffin Top also known as Dorothy's Seat (Tiffin = light meal eaten during the day). This terraced hill top (2,292 m (7,520 ft)) on Ayarpatta hill is a 4 km (2 mi) hike from the town centre and commands a nice view of the neighbouring country side. Dorothy's Seat is a stonework picnic perch on Tiffin Top built as a memorial to an English artist, Dorothy Kellet, by her husband and admirers after her death in a plane crash.
Barapathar
One of the important triangular point to go to Kilbury - Sigri Camp, Tiffin Top, Khurpa Tal - Jim Corbett National Park Route. Ponies and horses can be hired from here to climb to the nearby spots.
