Uttarakhand medley – Nainital & around

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Uttarakhand medley – Nainital & around

  

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;

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;

View of Bhimtal lake

 Naukuchiatal – As the name suggests, the lake in this destination is ‘nine cornered’ one and perched at an elevation of 1220 meters.  It is the deepest lake in the region at is about 175 feet deep and tourists can enjoy boating, angling and bird watching in the destination.

 

The Naukuchia lake

Here is the link to my blog encompassing all these destinations –

1)      https://ghummakar-biswas.blogspot.com/2011/12/nantial-lake-district-of-kumaon.html

Panghoot

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

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

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