Introduction
Situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand in India, Jim Corbett National Park is among the most famous wildlife destinations, which attract interest among naturalists and nature lovers.
The place is not only met by rich biodiversity but also forms a sanctuary for dangerous and most-urgent-like endangered Bengal tigers. There are plenty of places surrounding the park, offering an array of experiences to visitors. Amongst all such destinations near Corbett National Park, the following are the most famous that you should not miss out on:
1. Nainital
Nainital, a lovely hill station, is situated around 65 km away from Corbett National Park. It lies in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas and is famous for its natural beauty, quiet lakes, and lovely climate. The town develops around Naini Lake, which is a major source of attraction to the visitors. Boating, paddling, and yachting are some activities that can be done on the lake. On the north bank of the lake lies the Naina Devi Temple.
Major Attractions in Nainital
Naini Lake: Very much the heart and soul of Nainital, ideal for boating with serene surroundings.
Snow View Point: This point is reachable by a ropeway and offers a panoramic view of snow-capped Himalayas.
Naina Devi Temple: This is a major place of worship on the northern bank of Naini Lake.
Tiffin Top: This is a very famous picnic spot that offers a thrilling view of the town and surrounding hills.
Eco Cave Gardens: It is an interlinked rocky cave series with hanging gardens, absolutely the thing for adventure enthusiasts to work out.
2. Ranikhet
The literal translation of Ranikhet is 'Queen's Meadow'. 90 km away from Corbett National Park, this hill station has been blessed with lush green forests, views of the Himalayas, and architectural charm reminiscent of the colonial period. Ranikhet also hosts the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment and offers a rich military history.
Major Attractions in Ranikhet:
Chaubatia Gardens: Famous for apple orchard and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Jhula Devi Temple: This temple enshrines Goddess Durga and is known forWatch granting wishes.
Stem golf course: Practiced at an altitude of 5,025 ft above sea level, which makes it one of the highest in Asia. It provides a scenic and challenging game.
Mankameshwar Temple: It has been built by the Kumaon Regiment and is located near the military cantonment. Majkhali: A small town close to Ranikhet from where one gets a very clear view of Mount Trishul.
3. Bhimtal
Bhimtal is a small town, about 80 km from Corbett National Park, that is bestowed with a beautiful lake, Bhimtal Lake. This lake is much bigger than the Naini Lake and is actually named after Bhima, the character of Mahabharata. It's a perfect getaway for those in quest of the quiet and picturesque environment.
Major Attractions in Bhimtal:
Bhimtal Lake: This is the major tourist spot where both boating and fishing are engaged in, having an island in the middle of the lake with an aquarium provided.
Victoria Dam: A dam situated at one end of the Bhimtal Lake, it is surrounded by beautiful flower gardens.
Hidimba Parvat: A hill associated with a demoness named Hidimba, it offers long trekking routes with lovely scenic beauty.
Folk Culture Museum: Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya, it showcases the cultural heritage of the area.
4. Almora
Almora is a historic town, located approximately 80 km from Corbett National Park, that proudly hosts immense cultural richness, high historical values, ancient temples, and unique views of the Himalayas. It basically shows a beautiful blend of nature's beauty with spiritual ambiance, which becomes a must-visit place.
Prime attractions in Almora:
Kasar Devi Temple: This place depicts spiritualism and has been visited by great personalities like Swami Vivekanand and Bob Dylan.
Bright End Corner: This spot is famous for the views of sunrise and sunset.
Bineshwar Mahadev Temple: The ancient 13th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva has quite a history.
Gobind Vallabh Pant Museum: The museum depicts the cultural heritage and artifacts of the Kumaon region.
Simtola Eco Park: This is a very beautiful picnic spot from where one can get panoramic views of the hills and valleys surrounding it.
5. Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar, located about 100 kilometers from Corbett National Park, is a quaint hill station known for its serene environment and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It is also famous for its orchards, dense coniferous forests, and the Mukteshwar Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Major Attractions in Mukteshwar:
Mukteshwar Temple: A 350-year-old temple perched on a hilltop, offering a spiritual experience and magnificent views.
Chauli Ki Jali: A popular rock climbing spot with stunning views of the valleys and the Himalayas.
Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI): One of the premier veterinary research institutes in India, set in a picturesque location.
Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls: A beautiful waterfall located a short trek away from the main town, perfect for nature lovers.
6. Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal, one of the unexplored places in Uttarakhand is a famous hill station which lies at merely a distance of 28 km from Nainital. Surrounded by densely forested hills on all sides, at an altitude of 1219 metres above the sea level, Naukuchiatal provides solace from the maddening rush of the plains. As the name suggests, this 175-foot-deep lake has 9 corners and it is beautifully set in the lap of the magnificent Kumaon peaks. It is the deepest lake in the Lake District of India (Nainital) and is nourished by an underwater spring. Resorts in Corbett
The lake is also known for its unique mystery. The locals claim that one can only see eight corners with feet on the earth, even though the Naukuchiatal has nine corners. They say, “Seeing all the nine corners with your feet on the ground is a good omen, and anyone who sees all the nine corners of the lake with their feet on the ground can turn into a cloud and attain salvation.”
Naukuchiatal is one of the few unspoilt fresh-water biomes in India and a pedal boat ride on the cold shimmering waters of the lake is a surreal experience. The reflection of the trees and hills on the lake creates a lovely frame and it is likely that your mind would wander away amidst the gorgeous waterscape of the Naukuchiatal.
Naukuchiatal is an ideal location to sight rare butterflies and colourful parades of Himalayan birds. It also attracts migratory birds, which makes it a bird watchers paradise. The place offers ample scope for angling, trekking, paragliding, mountain biking, rowing, paddling, yachting, etc.
A nature walk early in the morning through the nearby villages is quite refreshing. Blooming flowers and swooping birds are ubiquitous on the nature trail, not to forget the ever-smiling villagers. Carry binoculars as you are likely to spot a macaque or a barking deer graze by. One also gets an aerial view of the enchanting Naukuchiatal Lake during the walk. With chirping birds and seeping morning rays, the numerous open fields and patches of forest are an absolute delight to walk through.
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