Nainital
- One of the most popular hill-stations in India
- Picturesque colonial town
- Centered around beautiful mountain lake
- Surrounded by seven hills and snow-capped peaks
- Home to Naina Devi temple
What to know
Nainital, the charming Himalayan lake town, is a picture-postcard perfect hill-station and one of the most popular in Northern India. Commonly known as the ‘Lake District’, Nainital is nestled high up in the Kumaon Himalayas at an altitude of around 2,000 m above sea level. This beautiful town in surrounded by seven hills, popularly known as ‘Sapta-Shring’ – Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Lariya-Kanta and Sher-Ka-Danda. The majestic mountains and the sparkling waters of the lake add an immense lot to the beauty of the town. The town is centred around the emerald mountain lake Naini, which on most days is dotted with colourful sailboats. According to mythology, the lake is believed to have been formed when the eyes of goddess “Sati” fell at this spot while her body was being carried by Lord Shiva after her death.
The summer capital of the United Provinces during the British era, the town has a strong colonial heritage with vibrant clusters of villas and bungalows. Homesick Britishers used to flock to this quaint town spread over a forested valley. It is also known for the revered Naina Devi temple, which stands on the edge of the lake.Nainital is not only a famous tourist destination but is also known for itsprestigious educational institutions and schools, which have stood since the British era.
There are many renowned personalities who are either born here or have been associated with Nainital.Jim Corbett, author, and conservationist, was born in Nainital and was also educated here.Jim Corbett National Parkin the vicinity is named after him, which is also the first National Park of India. Anoop Jalota, a popular classical singer and cricketer Manish Pandey were born in Nainital.Major Somnath Sharma, India’s first Param Vir Chakra awardee as well as legendary actor Amitabh Bachchan were educated at Sherwood College of Nainital.
Today, Nainital offers everything that's required for a perfect holiday. Plenty of hotels and resorts are set on the hillside; the Mall Road is a busy shopping hub; cafes and restaurants serve both local and global cuisine and there are innumerable forested trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can paddle in the lake or even try riding a horse in the town. Nainital is also a popular hot-air ballooning and mountaineering.
Best Time to Visit
Nainital is an all-year destination but the weather is the best between March and June. It receives heavy snowfall in winter and turns into a white wonderland, making it a popular Christmas and New Year destination.
Visit this museum in Nainital to get an insight into the state of Uttarakhand.Established under the Department of History, Kumaun University in1987, the Himalayan Museum has been conserving the historical and cultural identity of Uttarakhand. Explore documents and relics ranging from Uttarakhand’s archaeology, history, folk literature, culture to agricultural development and famous personalities. Some must-see pieces are an idol of four-armed Ganesha, a four-armed idol of Lord Vishnu and Sun God. The museum also houses several Veerkhambs (victory stones) and an astounding collection of ancient coins.
Opening Time:- 10.30 AM – 1 PM & 1.30 PM- 4 PMIs closed on Sunday and public holidays
On the Nainital to Almora Road, 9 km from Bhowali and 17 km from Nainital is the popular pilgrimage centre Kainchi Dham, a Hanuman Temple and ashram founded by the sage Neem Karoli Baba, in 1962. It is located between two hills that cut and cross each other to create the shape of a pair of scissors (scissors in Hindi is kainchi). The place gained more recognition owing to a visit by Apple founder Steve Jobs, and the founder and CEO of Facebook Mark Zuckerberg. There is a cave near the Kainchi temple, which is said to be the place where Baba Neem Karoli used to meditate and pray.
The quiet Kilbury hamlet is the ideal place for a serene holiday. Located just 12 km from Nainital town, you can come here for walks around forests and for breathtaking views of the Himalayas. It is famous for its flora and fauna and bird watching. The Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary here is home to around 600 species of birds.
