Nainital and Shimla: A Tale of Two Hill Stations
Nainital and Shimla are two of the most popular hill stations in India. Both offer scenic beauty and a pleasant climate, making them popular tourist destinations. In this article, we will discuss the key attractions of these two hill stations and what makes them unique.
Table of Contents
Nainital:
Located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, Nainital is a beautiful hill station situated at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level. It is named after the Naini Lake, which is the main attraction of the town. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills and offers a serene environment for boating and picnics. Apart from the Naini Lake, Nainital has several other attractions that are worth visiting. One of the most popular tourist spots is the Naina Devi Temple, which is located on the northern shore of the Naini Lake. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi, and it is believed that the eyes of Goddess Sati fell at this spot. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
Another popular attraction in the Nainital package is the Tiffin Top, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trek to Tiffin Top is a popular activity for adventure enthusiasts, and the route offers beautiful views of the hill town. Nainital also has several other attractions, such as the Snow View Point, the Governor’s House, and the St. John in the Wilderness Church. The Snow View Point offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, while the Governor’s House is a beautiful colonial-era building that was once the summer residence of the British Governor.
Shimla:
Shimla is the capital of the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh and is located at an altitude of 2,205 meters above sea level. It is one of the most popular hill stations in India and is known for its beautiful architecture, lush green hills, and pleasant climate. One of the main attractions of Shimla is the Mall Road, which is the main shopping and entertainment area of the town. It is a pedestrian-only area and is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. The Mall Road is also the starting point for the famous Shimla Ridge Walk, which offers breathtaking views of the town and the surrounding mountains.
Another popular attraction in Shimla package is the Christ Church, which is a beautiful colonial-era church that was built in 1857. The church is located on the Ridge and is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and frescoes.Shimla also has several other attractions, such as the Jakhoo Hill, the Kufri Fun World, and the Annandale Ground. The Jakhoo Hill is the highest point in Shimla and is home to the famous Jakhoo Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The Kufri Fun World is an amusement park that offers a range of fun activities for visitors, such as go-karting, skating, and tobogganing. The Annandale Ground is a popular picnic spot that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
How to reach:
Nainital and Shimla are well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport to Nainital is the Pantnagar Airport, which is located about 65 km away. The nearest railway station is the Kathgodam Railway Station, which is about 35 km away. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Nainital. The nearest airport to Shimla is the Jubbarhatti Airport, which is located about 22 km away. The nearest railway station is the Kalka Railway Station, which is about 90 km away. From there, one can take a toy train or a taxi to reach Shimla.
Best time to visit:
The best time to visit Nainital is between March and June when the weather is pleasant and the temperature ranges from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. The monsoon season from July to September can be unpredictable, and heavy rainfall can disrupt travel plans. Similarly, the best time to visit Shimla is between March and June when the weather is pleasant and the temperature ranges from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius. The winter season from December to February can be quite cold, with temperatures dropping to below zero degrees Celsius.
Accommodation:
Nainital and Shimla offer a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. There are several luxury hotels, resorts, and homestays that offer a comfortable stay for visitors. Some of the popular hotels in Nainital include The Naini Retreat, The Manu Maharani, and The Pavilion. Similarly, some of the popular hotels in Shimla include The Oberoi Cecil, Wildflower Hall, and Clarkes Hotel. Apart from luxury accommodation, there are also several budget-friendly options such as guesthouses, lodges, and hostels that offer a comfortable stay at an affordable price.
Conclusion:
Nainital and Shimla are two of the most popular hill stations in India that offer scenic beauty, pleasant weather, and a range of activities for visitors. While Nainital is known for its serene lakes and lush green hills, Shimla is known for its colonial-era architecture and breathtaking views. Both these hill stations are easily accessible and offer a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway, Nainital and Shimla are two places that you must visit.
About The Author
Gulshan Bafna
Gulshan Bafna is one of the luxury travelers in India. He, along with his wife, has traveled to many exotic places that one could dream. With their travel journey, they bring us the best face of those places. He compiles all of his travel journeys to give the taste of traveling to his readers. In his writing, he jots down the best things to do in all those places that he has visited. Reading these would help one know better about the place. He is also a seeker who loves exploring and discovering new places and share his experiences with everyone.