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Uttarakhand
medley – Nainital & around
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| The famed Naini lake of Nainital |
In continuation
of my earlier blogs that was published for promoting tourism in Garhwal region,
the present blog starts with the other part of Uttarakhand’s linguistically
identified region i.e. Kumaon. Kumaon
region can further been identified as four distinct regions i.e. Nainital,
Almora, Pithoragarh and Champawat. The
first blog of the series will start with Nainital and places around it Here is the video that covers this region –
Nainital
Nainital is
the most well-known destination of Uttarakhand and is also the district
Headquarters that goes by the same name.
Nainital is also known as the ‘Lake district of the State’, as this
district has many small and big lakes scattered all around. The entry to Kumaon region is through
Haldwani or Kathgodam, which is the last rail head. From Kathgodam the journey for Kumaon region
commences and the most famous destination in this circuit is Nainital. Nainital, named as the place where the ‘eyes’ (Naina)
of ‘Sati’ fell here and is revered as one of the 64 ‘Shakti Peeths’,
is the most famous destination in the Kumaon region. The lake is about 1.3 kms. long and about 0.5
kms. in breadth, while the northern end of the lake is called the ‘Mallital’
and the southern tip as ‘Tallital’.
The lake is situated at an altitude of 1940 meters and is surrounded by
many peaks, some of which tower over 8,000 feet i.e. China Peak. It is a destination enjoyed by tourists, both
during summers and winters equally. Apart
from Nainital, there are other equally enthralling destinations having lakes
around Nainital and easily accessible from Nainital during a day tour and to
name a few (ascending order of distance from Nainital) –
Sattal – This destination as the name depicts, is a
conglomeration of seven lakes and is also perched at around an altitude of 1300
odd meters. This destination is enjoyed
by tourists for boating and is a much sought after destination for ‘Birders’,
as it offers sighting of plethora of birds;
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| A view of the Sattal lake |
Bhimtal - This quaint little township perched at an
elevation of 1370 meters, houses the biggest lake of the region and accordingly
named Bhimtal. It is an enjoyable
destination that offers facilities of boating and fishing;
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| View of Bhimtal lake |
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| The Naukuchia lake |
Here is the link to my blog
encompassing all these destinations –
Panghoot
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| View of Panghoot or Pangot |
Also
known as Pangot, this destination is a sublime one, away from hustle and bustle
of Nainital and a drive of 13 Kms. from the township. Perched at an elevation of 6,510 feet, this
quaint little village destination is a must visit for avid bird watchers, as
about 580 bird species have been identified visiting this area. Here is the link to the blog for the
destination - https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2012/09/walking-through-clouds-panghoot-around.html
Mukteshwar
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| Mukteshwar - the house where Jim Corbett used to stay during summers |
This township is about 51 Kms. from
Nainital and perched at an elevation of 2171 meters i.e. about 7500 feet, this
destination is named after the 350 years old Shiva temple situated here. This destination offers fantastic views of
sunrise and sunset alongwith sporting activities like rappelling etc., to add
to the charm of this destination. It is
a must visit destination for nature lovers and those who enjoy the splendour of
the hills. Here is the link to the blog
about this destination - https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2011/12/kumaon-mukteshwar-view-of-sitla-from.html
Kainchi Dham
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| The famed Kainchi dham temple |
Kainchi is a beautiful ashram located in secluded mountain of the Kumoan
Hills in Uttarakand. The temple was first inaugurated in June 1964. It is
approximately 38 km from Nainital. Many hundreds of people visit the temples
here every day, during the season. It was some time in 1962 when
Maharajji called for Shri Poornanand of Kainchi village while he himself waited
sitting on parapet wall by the road side near Kainchi. When he came, they
refreshed the memories of their first meeting which they had 20 years back in
1942. They discussed about the place around. Maharajji wanted to see the place
where Sadhu Premi Baba and Sombari Maharaj had lived and performed Yagyas. The
forest was cleared and Maharajji asked for the construction of a Chabootara
(rectangular platform) covering the Yagyashala. Maharajji contacted the then
"conservator of forests" and took possession of the requisite land on
lease. The Hanuman temple is built over the platform mentioned above. His
devotees started coming from different places and a chain of bhandaras,
kirtans, bhajans started. The Pran-Pratishtha of idols of Hanumanji and others
was performed on 15th June in different years. Thus, 15th June is celebrated
every year as Pratishtha Divas Each year, during the famous June 15th
bhandara. The place is of international repute boasting of followers like
Steve Job & Mark Zuckerberg.
© S Roy Biswas
