Naini Lake : This attribute lake is said to be one of the emerald green eyes of Shiva's wife, Sati (naina is Sanskrit for eye). When Sati's father failed to invite Shiva to a family sacrifice, she burnt herself to death in protest. Shiva gathered the charred remains in his arms and proceeded to engage in a cosmic dance, which threatened to destroy the world. To terminate the dance, Vishnu chopped up the body into pieces, and the remains were scattered across India. The modern Naina Devi Temple at the northern end of the lake is built over the precise spot where the eye is believed to have fallen.

Snow View : At the top, a close up view of Nanda Devi (7816m), which was, as the old brass plate here tells you, 'the highest mountain in the British empire'. Naina Devi was India's highest peak until Sikkim (and thus Kanchenjunga) was absorbed into the country. There's a small marble temple dedicated to Dev Mundi housing images of Goddess Durga, Lord Shiva, Goddess Sita, Lord Rama, Sri Lakshmana and Sri Hanuman. From Snow View you can walk west to another point and then continue on to the main road to Kilbury. From here you could continue up to China Peak or head down the road to Sukhatal, passing great views of the lake in route. A walk up to Snow View can take in the tiny Gadhan Kunkyop Ling Gompa of the Gelukpa order (of which the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader). Take the road uphill from the hotel city heart, from where a path branches off towards the gompa (the colorful prayers flags are visible from the road). The gompa serves Nainital's small (and mostly itinerant) Tibetan community. Most of the Tibetan families travel to Nainital in the summer season to sell sweaters and shawls, and in winter descends to the plains.

Naina Peak : Naina Peak known as the China peak this peak is the highest point in Nainital. From here Nainital appears as a bowl. You can walk or take ponies to the peak. From this peak you can capture the exciting views of Nainital. Naina peak also gives a good view of the Camelback peak. There are no hotel or restaurant on the top so carry food and water along with you.

Nainital is well connected with the rest part of country through different modes of transport.

By Rail : Kathgodam 35 Kms. away is the last terminus of broad gauze line of North East Railways connecting Nainital with Delhi,Dehradun & Howarah. Computerized railway reservation counter is situated near Bus Stand at Nainital . This facility is also available at Kathgodam & Lalkua railway stations .

By Road - Nainital is connected to National Highway No. 87. Regular roadways buses run from Delhi, Agra, Dehradun, Haridwar, Lucknow, Kanpur & Bareilly daily . Beside this luxury coaches are available from Delhi for this place .

By Air - Pantnagar 70 Kms from Nainital is the nearest airport. The other nearest airports are at Delhi and Lucknow.

Haridwar, on the right bank of River Ganga at the feet of Shivalik ranges, an ancient pilgrim city is one of the holiest places for Hindus. Haridwar is at the point where the river Ganga spreads over the northern plain. It lies at the base of the Shivalik Hills where the Ganga passes through its last gorge and begins a 2000 km journey across the plains. One of the four venues for the Kumbh Mela, a festival held once in twelve years, it is among the seven sacred cities of India. A holy dip at Har-Ki-Pauri is a must for every devotee. Situated at the confluence of the rivers, Chandrabhaga and Ganga, Rishikesh has long been a spiritual centre. Haridwar has very rich ancient religious and cultural heritage. In the ancient scriptures of India, this place is well known by the name of Mayapur. This city is also well known for many other things apart from the holy river Ganges. Haridwar has privilege of having IIT at Roorkee, formerly known as University of Roorkee, founded in 1847 as a first technical institute of India. The tomb Piran Kaliar of Shabir Shahib in Roorkee is a living example of religious harmony in India which is visited by the people of all religious sects from all over the world. There is another University in the city called Gurukul Kangri Vishva Vidyalaya apart from the head quarter of Uttaranchal State Public Service Commission also being established at Haridwar.

Places Of Interest

Har ki Pauri : This is the heart of Haridwar. It has got its name Har ki Pauri as the Hindu God Hari descended to this place. The glimpses of Ma Ganga have unique significance here. The Hindus regard this Ghat as the most sacred Ghat. It is also famous as Brahm kund. As the name signifies, it is believed that the Hindu God Brahma descended on this place and from that time this place is known as Brahm kund. It is this Brahm kund where every Hindu wishes to take a dip at least once in lifetime to reserve a place in heaven. Har-ki-Pauri is also the scene of a memorable ritual every evening. After sunset, before disciplined ranks of devotees, Aarti is celebrated.

The Ghats : Virtually all devotees who visit Haridwar have a sacramental bath in the river Ganga. Though Har-ki-Pauri is the most popular one, yet there are other bathing ghats too. Bathing ghats, or steps, have been built leading down to the specially diverted waters of the river so that devotees can bathe in safety. Dedicated bathers then immerse themselves off the natural banks of the swift flowing, and often very chill, Ganga.

Maya Devi Temple : The present temple was built in 1943, but the original temple, reputedly, dates back to the 11th century.

Access

Haridwar is perhaps one of the most easily accessible tourist place of India. From all corners of the country, ways and means are available to reach Haridwar conveniently in shortest time.

By Road : Haridwar is on National Highway no. 45 . The distances in km from some cities are - Delhi-214, Agra-386, Ambala-168, Badrinath-325, Dehradun-52, Kedarnath-250, Saharanpur-81, Nainital-386. Roadways enquiry phone number is 01334-227037

By Rail : Connected with all major cities of India.