Nainital derives its name from the pear-shaped lake which forms the heart of this hill station. The hilly town of Nainital has grown around this picturesque lake and is now a popular hill station in Uttarakhand. It is was founded by a British official P. Barron, who built his house Pilgrim Lodge here. Later, the valley became a settlement for the foreigners and the town started to grow.
Today, Nainital is a year-round destination which attracts thousands of tourists. Since, the valley is full of lakes, it also called as the 'Lake District'. Naina Peak or China Peak at an elevation 8,593ft is the highest peak. The places like Naini Lake, Naina Devi Temple, Mall Road, Bhimtal, Nainital Zoo, Eco Cave Garden, etc. are some of the main places to visit in Nainital.
The hill station is not only a summer destination, it is also a winter destination. Snowfall during December- February makes the place even more beautiful and visitors who want to experience snow can come here. The hilly terrains here provide a lot for adventure activities like trekking and mountaineering. Also a ride in the cable car will show a breathtaking view of snow-capped Himalayan mountains.
There are many hotels and resorts which suit all kinds of visitors. In the peak seasons, the valley will be crowded and sometimes even the accommodations are difficult to find.
Nainital with nature's bounty is undoubtedly a must visit hill station in Uttarakhand.
Boating in Naini Lake
The name of Nainital is derived from this lake. The lake looks like an eye; Naina means 'eye' and tal means 'lake'.
Photo Courtesy: Ross Huggett
Naini Lake: The Shakti Peetha
Naini Lake is a sacred place for Hindus. The legend says, Goddess Sati's (Parvati) eye fell in this valley. That is why the Naini Lake is one of the Shakti Peethas.
Photo Courtesy:Sujayadhar
Naina Devi Temple
Naina Devi Temple is located near to Naini Lake. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Sati), the temple is one of the Shakti Peethas in India.
Photo Courtesy:Ekabhishek
Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is a hill station in Nainital. One can get a panoramic view of Kumoan Himalayas from the top of the peak.
Photo Courtesy: Sanjoyg
Bhimtal
Bhimtal is a town in Nainital. It is famous for Bhimtal Lake and is one of the tourist attractions in Nainital.
Photo Courtesy: Manoj Khurana
Raj Bhavan : The Governor's House
The Governor's House in Nainital is open for the public. And it is one of the few Raj Bhavan's in India where people are allowed inside.
Photo Courtesy:Utkarsh saxena
Statue of Govindballabh Pant in Mall Road
Mall Road is the commercial centre in Nainital. It is one of the busiest areas in the hill station. Tourists can shop a lot of things here.
Photo Courtesy: Ekabhishek
Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett National Park is one of the most famous tiger reserves in India.
Named after Jim Corbett, a person who played a major role in developing it as a national park. It is one of the must visit places in Nainital.
The national park is around 150km from Nainital hill station.
Photo Courtesy:Soumyajit Nandy
Nainital Zoo
Nainital Zoo is called as Pt.G.B.Pant High Altitude Zoo. It is located on Sher Ka Danda Hill and is one of the high altitude zoos in India. It houses animals like snow leopards,Himalayan Bear, etc.
Photo Courtesy: Varanya Prakash
St. John's Church
St.John's Church was one of the earliest buildings in Nainital. It was built during the time of the British and today it is one of the attractions in Nainital.
Photo Courtesy: Nagesh Kamath