[ Edit ] Overview

Nainital is a town in the North Indian state of Uttarakhand on the foot hills of Kumaon range of hills. Nestled in a valley containing a pear shaped lake approximately 2miles in circumference and surrounded by some of the Himalaya’s highest mountain peaks such as Naina, Deopatah, Ayarpatha, Nainital is situated at an altitude of 6358 feet above sea level in the Lake District of India.

There are many stories on how Nainital got its name. One theory suggests the name comes from the lake Naini which is situated in the centre of the town. Legend suggests that when Sati died, a grieving Lord Shiva carried her body across the whole universe. One of her eyes fell at the Lake Naini and therefore the name.

Nainital is among one of the most popular hill stations in India. The population of the region increases five fold during the peak tourist season. There are several places here for one to visit. Naina Devi Temple is situated on the northern shore of Naini Lake. the temple had been destroyed in 1880 due to a landslip but was rebuilt later. Church of St John in Wilderness is loacted at the northern end of the town. Naina Peak also called as China Peak is the highest peak in town.

To visit the Governor's Bungalow in Nainital one needs special permisiion. The Governor's House called Raj Bhavan is built in Victorian Gothic architecture style and is the oficial guest house of the governor of Uttarakhand. A two storied mansion, it has 113 rooms, garden, swimming pool and all other facilities.

Snow View at 7558 feet gives a spectacular view of the surrounding snow clad Himalayas. The site is atop Sher-ka-danda Ridge and is reached by a cable car. Similarly Tiffin Top is a fantastic viewpoint with a stonework picnic bench built called as Dorothy's Seat. Both these places are worth visiting from Naintal for the panaromic views.

Nainital is also famous for the State Observatory or Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences sitauted at Manora Peak, 90 kms form the town. This institute is famous for astronomical studies and artificial satellites.

Nainital Zoo has some of the rare species of the Himalayan mountains like snow leopard, Himalayan black bear and others.

Recent News

[ Edit ] History

Quick Facts

[ Edit ] State

Uttarakhand

[ Edit ] Location

At 6,538 ft above sea level and 36 km from Kathgodam.

[ Edit ] Best Time To Visit

Nainital is hospitable throughout the year, except during the thick of winter which lasts from January to March.

[ Edit ] Tourist Offices

KMVN Tourist Reception Centre, Tallital, Nainital

KMVN Tourist Information Office, 103, Indraprakash, 21, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi

[ Edit ] STD Code

05942

Sightseeing

Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)

Governor’s House (Raj Bhavan)

Hanuman Gahri

Naini Devi Temple

Naini Peak (China Peak)

Snow View

St John in the Wilderness

Tiffin Top or Dorothy’s Seat

Weather

DAY: Fri	LOW: 26	HIGH: 31
DAY: Sat	LOW: 26	HIGH: 30

Map

[ARCHIVES ]