Himalayan Botanic Gardens is the very first Botanic Garden in Uttarakhand state situated 7 km from Nainital on Kaladungi road.
Himalayan Botanic Gardens Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Entry Ticket: Rs. 20 per person
Nearby places to visit: Birding and Wildlife trails, Butterfly park, Aquatic Garden, Sadiatal Cascade.
Define Fireman – This photo was taken at the Fire Station in Nainital (Uttarakhand).
Nainital to Shri Kainchi Hanuman Mandir and Ashram (Kainchi Dham) via Golu Devata temple is 32 km approx.
I suggest one should first visit Golu Devata Temple approx. 19 km from Nainital via Bhowali. Once you reach Bhowali main chauraha (roundabout) turn right for a further seven km approx journey towards Golu Devata temple. After prayers reach Bhowali roundabout again for Kainchi Dham.
Kainchi Dham is situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand and is approx. 13 km from Golu Devata temple and from the Bhowali roundabout approx. 6 km.
I started the journey at 13 afternoon hours and reached Golu Devata temple at 14 hours. After prayers re-started the journey at 15 hours and reached Kainchi Dham at 15:45.
Kainchi Dham Timings:
Winter: November to March – Morning 7 to Evening 6
Summer: April to October – Morning 6 to Evening 7
(Kainchi Dham is 18 km approx. from Nainital via Bhowali)
Bara Pathar – The location where I saw hundreds of horses ready for various peaks, viewpoints, and picnic spots. To be honest, due to short of time and the rainy season skip the ride but as per display-board Waterfall, Khurpatal, Naina Peak (2610), Dorothy Seat (2292), Tiffin Top (2292), Himalaya Darshan (2270), Kilbury (2194), Lands End (2118), Tiger Top can be reached through horse riding.
Rate-List (as per display board):
(Rs. 10/- to be paid extra for each said tour for Samiti receipt)
Maybe next time during the winter season I will try to visit Nainital again. As per experience close to the rainy season Himalaya Darshan (view) is not possible but yes, at the same time visiting Nainital after a few showers is lovely to watch, and lovely to roam around.
Other than the above-mentioned viewpoints there are a few more Peak and Picnic Spots in Nainital situated at higher altitudes such as:
(all above numbers are in meters)
Click to learn more about Sherwood College.
Golu Devta is an incarnation of Bhatuk Bhairav (total there are eight Bhairav). This temple is of the 12th century.
Nainital to Golu Devta Temple Distance by Road is approximately 19 km via Bhowali.
Click to learn more about Raj Bhawan.
Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.(KMVN) welcomes you to Raj Bhawan.
And we are at the gate of Raj Bhawan waiting for the ticket counter to open to buy tickets. KMVN organize Raj Bhawan tour.
11 am to 3:30 pm
Sunday, Gazetted holidays closed.
Rs. 20 per person – The ticket.
Jagdish Chandra Arya – The Guide and the narrations as we walk following the path.
‘Koi Mil Gaya‘ Hindi movie starring Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta shooting was held at the entrance.
Do you remember the police station scene – it was done here only.
Raj Bhawan area is 220 acres.
Nainital was discovered in the year 1839 by P. Barron an Englishman. He built the first building at Aayar Pada above Mallital bada bazaar. The building nowadays is known as Pilgrim Lodge. During English rule, Governor’s house was situated up into the hills now known as Old Governor’s House. One can reach by rope-way. There are 7-8 rooms nowadays used as tourist bungalows. In 1880 it is said there was a huge landslide at that location. Approx. 150 people died. Old Governor’s House was destroyed. Then Englishmen started construction of the Governor’s House at this very location where we are standing now.
In the year 1897, the construction started and was completed in the year 1899. Governor’s House resembles Buckingham Palace, London. The lush green garden and lawns are taken care of by the Horticulture Department, roads, and buildings by P.W.D., Forest by Forest Department, and Golf Course by Golf Secretary. Jagdish Ji showed names of people associated with the construction of the Raj Bhawan – C.W. Odling – Chief Engineer, Sir A.P. Macdonnell, H.S. Wildeblood – Executive Engineer written on top of Bhawan.
The trees you are watching are Deodar and the other ones are Tilonj as known in Hindi and Oak trees the English word.
The gate of the Golf Course to visit. We walk further.
45 acres Golf area was established in the year 1926. Eighteen Holes Golf Course is open to associate members, and visiting golfers with temporary passes.
Tee, Par 3, Stroke 11, Distance, Hole In One, 1 Bogey – a few Golf words I learn during talks with the person present within the Golf-area supervising grass cutting.
Open All Days
March to April – 8 am to 5 pm
May to August – 8 am to 6 pm
September to October – 8 am to 5 pm
November to December – 8 am to 4 pm
And with that, I return. Many many thanks to Jagdish Ji.
If you are visiting Nainital, Raj Bhawan one should visit. It is approx. 3 – 4 km from Naini Lake up into the hills. I prefer walking and suggest if you can walk you should because the more you walk up into the hills the scenery is amazing.
It is a dream Bhawan that I saw in reality. Thanks to Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam. Thanks a lot.
Steppe Eagle – This photo was taken at Bharat Ratna Pt. G.B. Pant High Altitude Zoo in Nainital, (Uttarakhand).