This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Nainital.
Nestled in the arms of the mighty Himalayan range, Nainital (Naini Tal), Uttarakhand, India, is a hill station that beckons travelers from far and wide. Located in a valley that is also home to a pear-shaped lake, the mighty wall of mountains cradle this city and keep it away from the outside world. A trek up to the higher peaks surrounding Nainital will give you some magnificent views of rolling plains, tangle ridges, and snowy ranges -- the very canvas of a brilliant artist! Hostels in Nainital (Naini Tal), Uttarakhand are not many, so book in advance, as this city sees its fair share of tourism especially during the summer months.
A common belief is that the Naini Lake is one of sixty-four religious sites where parts of the goddess Parvati fell on earth while she was being divinely transported by Lord Shiva. The Naini Lake is said to be the spot where her eyes fell, and the literal interpretation of Nain-tal is "lake of the eye". A famous temple lies on the shore of the lake and is dedicated to the worship of the goddess Shakti.
A walk through the city of Nainital (Naini Tal), Uttarakhand, India, will bring you face to face with several nineteenth-century European schools that were once the seat of education of the children of British Colonial soldiers and officers during the Edwardian and Victorian eras. Some schools that are quite famous include the Philander Smith's College (now known as Halett War School, and then further renamed as Birla Vidya Mandir), the Diocesan Girls' High School (now known as the All Saints' College) and the Diocesan Boys' School (now known as Sherwood College).
Places of interest are aplenty in Nainital (Naini Tal), Uttarakhand, India. For literary minds, there are several libraries such as the Uttarakhand Academy of Administration, the Durga Lal Shah Municipal Public Library, the Kumaon University Library, the ARIES Observatory Library, and the Library and Documentation Center. Of course, boating on Naini Lake, also often referred to as the Queen of Lakes, is popular. The Flatts is an interesting recreational center where you enjoy a range of sports and there are several tournaments organized here.
Tiffin Top, on Ayarpatta Hill, gives you a magnificent view of the surroundings, while Kainchi Dham and Garjiya Temple are religious spots just waiting to be explored. While there are a few hostels in Nainital (Naini Tal), Uttarakhand, India, these are often booked way in advance. So plan your trip as soon as possible and find hostels in Nainital (Naini Tal), Uttarakhand, India, that are within the region of your exploration plans, so that you can enjoy your trip here to the fullest.
Written by local enthusiast for Nainital hostels
Joy Barboza
