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Nainital district is surrounded by Udhamsingh Nagar in the south, Pauri Garhwal in the west, Almora in the north and Champawat in the east and includes plain areas of Pantnagar, Kaladhungi and Haldwani. Rest of the area contains beautiful hills and crystal clear lakes and pleasant climate that is why termed as 'Westmorland of India' by the British. Kathgodam (35 KM) is last railway station and Vayudoot services are available from Pantnagar (70 KM). Haldwani, Kathodam, Bhowali, Ramarh, Bhimtal are major towns of Nainital Districts. It is also called the district of lakes as several lakes are situated in the district. | |||||||
| NAINITAL TOWN | ||||||||
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Nanital has been described
as 'Tri-Rishi-Sarovar' in 'Manas Khand' of Shkanda Purana' where three
sages namely
Atri,
Pulastya and Pulaha
meditated. As there was no water they dig a hole and filled it with
mansaovar water. Legend is that Lord Shiva while carrying the dead body of Sati (after she scarified herself in the fire of Yagna of her
father) her Eyes (Naina) fell here and thus named Nanital after Goddess
Naini and Tal (Lake). At the place where her eyes fell is located the temple of 'Naina Devi' and considered one of
the 'Shakti Peeth'. The town is situated on both sides of lake
called Talli (lower) Tal and Malli
(upper) Tal and is
headquarters of Kumaon Division.
Attracted by is surroundings, Mr Barren owner of Rosa Distillery of Rampur bought land from one Nar Singh, the priest of Naina Devi temple in 1841. It became the summer headquarters of British UP & Awadh province in 1860. The palatial Governor House was built in 1900 which was designed by Mr F W Stephens who also designed the famous Victoria Terminus and Churchgate railway stations in Mumbai. Now it is the seat of Uttaranchal High Court. In 1880 torrential rains led to massive land slide in which 150 people lost their lives and several buildings were burried under it. In 1922, the town was electrified. Nainital is also known for it’s oldest public schools dating back to 1855 of Finlander Smith, Oak Openings, Saint Merry, Saint Joseph and Sherwood fame. In 1955, Observatory was shifted to Nainital from Varanasi. It is also called Mini England. Kumaon University is also located here. |
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Travelogue
