This lunar-shaped freshwater lake was formed from a depression in Nainital due to tectonic movements. It is nourished by fresh streams from the high reaches of the Himalayas. The Mall Road runs parallel to the lake and offer a beautiful view of the lake. It is also the go to place for shopping souvenirs and restaurants hopping.
Place to explore
The Anvi Retreat is located opposite the check post for the Observatory only 5 mins drive away from the observatory. Situated at an altitude of 1,951 m the observatory is basically a place of astronomical studies. Public is shown round some of the instruments during working days at afternoons. Tourists need permission from the authority for night viewing of the celestial bodies.
Kainchi is a beautiful, secluded mountain ashram located in the Kumaon Hills with a river flowing by its side. The first temple was inaugurated in June 1964. It's a holy temple and ashram surrounded by hills and trees and a river flowing besides it. Thousands of devotees from across the country and the world visit this temple of Baba Neem Karoli every year.
Snow View Point is your destination if you want to see snow-capped mountain peaks rising above the clouds, offering a variety of sunlight and a mirror-like glow. Just 2 km from the canter of Nainital is the snow viewpoint which offers its visitors an extraordinary and mesmerizing view of the snowy Nanda Devi Peak, Nanda Kot Peak and Trishul Peak. The best time of the year for viewing the mountains is late October and November.
Naina peak is the highest peak in the city at an altitude of 2615 meters and 6 km walk from the northern end of the city (Mallital). From the top of the peak, you can not only see the vast snow-capped Himalayas, but also the panoramic views of the city of Nainital. Those who love to trek can experience a rejuvenating trek from Nainital town, and for less frisky visitors, a pony ride is available from Mallital or Snow View.
This terraced hilltop (height 2292 m) Ayarapatta hill is 4 km from the city center and offers a beautiful view of the neighboring villages. Dorothy's Seat is located on Tiffin Top (Tiffin - a light meal eaten during the day) as a memorial to English artist Dorothy Kellett, built by her husband and admirers after her death in a plane crash. One can reach Tiffin Top by trek or on Pony from Nainital bus stand.
The government building was built in 1899 and was designed by architect F.W. Stevens in the Victorian Gothic style. It was originally built as the summer residence of the Governor of the North-West Province, but later became the summer residence of the Lieutenant Governor of the United Provinces. Today, the Raja Bhavan is the official guesthouse for the Governor of Uttarakhand and guests of the state. The complex consists of a two-storey mansion with 113 rooms, a large garden, a swimming pool and a golf course.
It is a religious canter also known for its sunset views. Above is a very beautiful Hanuman Mandir founded by Baba Neem Kiroli. The larger-than-life Lord Hanuman statue in the temple is distinctly visible from the Bhimtal-Naukuchital main road.
At 2,075 m, the Nainital zoo is probably the zoo located at highest altitude. It is loved by both kids and adults for its wide variety of species of animals living particularly at higher altitude.
It is famous for the Himalayan peaks. You will see many snow peaks, river Kosi and beautiful green valleys of Uttaranchal.