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Nainital
Nainital, the Lake District of India, located in the Himalayan belt amongst the Kumaon hills, is a paradise for nature lovers. A splendid holiday spot with a rich treasure of lakes and hills, Nainital is a destination for the young and the old alike.
Nainital is referred to as the lake of three sages, or the Tri Rishi Sarovar as mentioned in the Manas Khand chapter of the Skanda Purana. As recorded in history, the three sages, Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha stopped over at Nainital on their pilgrimage, to quench their thirst. Finding no water, they dug a hole and transferred some water into it from the sacred lake of Tibet, Mansarovar. Thus the famous lake of Nainital came into existence. Another legend has it that the left eye or Nain of Lord Shiva’s wife Sati fell in this center and formed an emerald eye shaped lake and thus emerged the city of Nainital.
Recent history records reveal that Nainital was brought into limelight by P. Barron, a British sugar merchant, in 1839. The beauty of Nainital with the central lake cushioned among the forests attracted this person to build a house named Pilgrim’s Cottage and settle in Nainital. Barron gave way to the trend of settling down in Nainital and soon the city became an important administrative town. Nainital is known for its famous landslide of 1880 which leveled out the entire city.
Nainital is referred to as the lake of three sages, or the Tri Rishi Sarovar as mentioned in the Manas Khand chapter of the Skanda Purana. As recorded in history, the three sages, Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha stopped over at Nainital on their pilgrimage, to quench their thirst. Finding no water, they dug a hole and transferred some water into it from the sacred lake of Tibet, Mansarovar. Thus the famous lake of Nainital came into existence. Another legend has it that the left eye or Nain of Lord Shiva’s wife Sati fell in this center and formed an emerald eye shaped lake and thus emerged the city of Nainital.
Recent history records reveal that Nainital was brought into limelight by P. Barron, a British sugar merchant, in 1839. The beauty of Nainital with the central lake cushioned among the forests attracted this person to build a house named Pilgrim’s Cottage and settle in Nainital. Barron gave way to the trend of settling down in Nainital and soon the city became an important administrative town. Nainital is known for its famous landslide of 1880 which leveled out the entire city.
| State | : | Uttrankhand |
| Location | : | Nainital,Uttarakhand |
| District Area | : | 11.73 km sq. (5 sq mi) |
| Altitude | : | 1,938 metres (6,358 feet) |
| Population | : | approx. 38,560 |
| Literacy | : | 91% |
| STD Code | : | 0135 |
| Best time to visit | : | March - June and September - October |
| Rainfall | : | Between 18.0 to 1140.0 (mm/month) |
| Temperature | : | Summer: 27°C Max and 10°C Min Winter: 15°C Max and 0°C Min |
| Climate | : | Hot in summers and Cold in winters |
| Clothing | : | Warm clothing as Nainital can get cold even in summer because of the rains |
| Local Languages | : | Hindi, Kumaoni and English |
Snow View
Situated at 2270 meters this popular vantage point is accessible by rope way. It offers an excellent view of the northern Himalayan ranges.
Naina Peak
At 2611 meters this is the highest peak bordering the lake. A popular picnic spot which offers a panoramic view of the resort.
Dorothy’s Seat
Named in memory of an English woman who was killed in an air crash. This pleasant spot offers a partial view of Nainital.
Land's End
Situated at 2881 meters on the southern border of the lake, this hill affords a view of another lake, Khurpa Tal.
Hanuman Garhi
A place of religious interest, also good for viewing the setting sun.
State Observatory
Located on the top of a ridge, the observatory is open to the public in the evening.
The Mall
Nainital’s popular promenade offers a variety of entertainment.
Nainital is also known as 'Lake Paradise'. In its beautiful 'lakes', option of boating through yachts, paddle boats and traditional rowing boats are available. The Nainital Boat House Club exclusively holds the management of Yachting in Nainital. In Nainital district, Sat Tal, Bhim Tal and Naukuchiyatal also have water sport and boating facilities.
Fishing
Permits for Nainital Lake from Executive Officer, Nagar Palika
For other lakes
Fisheries Officer, Bhimtal.
Boating
Boats are available on hire near Boat House Club, Mallital and Tallital.
Yachting
Hire yacht from Yacht Club, Mallital.
Mountaineering & Trekking
Equipment can be hired from the Nainital Mountaineering Club and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam.
Nainital is famous for its candles, woolens, woodcrafts and handicrafts.
Excursions
Kilbury
10 km/6 mile. Accessible by road, it is part of a forest reserve and rich in flora and bird life.
Khurpa Tal
10 km/6 mile. A small lake along the Nainital-Kaladhungi-Ramnagar Road, popular with picnickers and anglers.
Bhowali
11 km/6 mile. Situated at an altitude of 1706 meter on the main Haldwani-Almora Road, it is a popular health resort.
Jeolikote
18 km/10 mile. A noted bee-keeping Centre.
Sat Tal
21 km/13.5 mile. One of the most picturesque resorts of Kumaon, it has seven interconnected lakes. KMVN provides accommodation facilities.
Bhim Tal
22 km/13.5 mile. Fast developing into an independent tourist centre, this lake resort offers a quite vacation and facilities for water sports. KMVN has a Tourist Bungalow here.
Naukuchiya Tal
26 km/16.5 mile. A nine-cornered lake situated in an enchanting valley, this is a popular haunt of anglers and naturalists.
Ramgarh
26 km/17 mile. A picturesque hamlet set in the midst of fruit orchards. This fruit belt of Kumaon is famous for its juicy fruits all over India.
Kaladhungi
35 km/22 mile. Situated in the Terai, and surrounded by thick forests of Sal, this was the winter home of noted hunter and naturalist, Jim Corbett. His house has been turned into a museum.
Mukteshwar
51 km/33 mile. from Nainital, Mukteshwar set atop a high ridge, is one of Kumaon’s beautiful resorts. It abounds in fruit orchards and dense coniferous forests. It also offers a fine view of the majestic Himalayas, as well as of Almora. The famous Indian Veterinary Research Institute is located in Mukteshwar.
Ghorakhal
37 km/23 mile. Famous for the temple of Gollu Devta, a demi god highly revered by the Kumaoni. The famous Sainik School of India is also located here.
Situated at 2270 meters this popular vantage point is accessible by rope way. It offers an excellent view of the northern Himalayan ranges.
Naina Peak
At 2611 meters this is the highest peak bordering the lake. A popular picnic spot which offers a panoramic view of the resort.
Dorothy’s Seat
Named in memory of an English woman who was killed in an air crash. This pleasant spot offers a partial view of Nainital.
Land's End
Situated at 2881 meters on the southern border of the lake, this hill affords a view of another lake, Khurpa Tal.
Hanuman Garhi
A place of religious interest, also good for viewing the setting sun.
State Observatory
Located on the top of a ridge, the observatory is open to the public in the evening.
The Mall
Nainital’s popular promenade offers a variety of entertainment.
Nainital is also known as 'Lake Paradise'. In its beautiful 'lakes', option of boating through yachts, paddle boats and traditional rowing boats are available. The Nainital Boat House Club exclusively holds the management of Yachting in Nainital. In Nainital district, Sat Tal, Bhim Tal and Naukuchiyatal also have water sport and boating facilities.
Fishing
Permits for Nainital Lake from Executive Officer, Nagar Palika
For other lakes
Fisheries Officer, Bhimtal.
Boating
Boats are available on hire near Boat House Club, Mallital and Tallital.
Yachting
Hire yacht from Yacht Club, Mallital.
Mountaineering & Trekking
Equipment can be hired from the Nainital Mountaineering Club and Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam.
Nainital is famous for its candles, woolens, woodcrafts and handicrafts.
Excursions
Kilbury
10 km/6 mile. Accessible by road, it is part of a forest reserve and rich in flora and bird life.
Khurpa Tal
10 km/6 mile. A small lake along the Nainital-Kaladhungi-Ramnagar Road, popular with picnickers and anglers.
Bhowali
11 km/6 mile. Situated at an altitude of 1706 meter on the main Haldwani-Almora Road, it is a popular health resort.
Jeolikote
18 km/10 mile. A noted bee-keeping Centre.
Sat Tal
21 km/13.5 mile. One of the most picturesque resorts of Kumaon, it has seven interconnected lakes. KMVN provides accommodation facilities.
Bhim Tal
22 km/13.5 mile. Fast developing into an independent tourist centre, this lake resort offers a quite vacation and facilities for water sports. KMVN has a Tourist Bungalow here.
Naukuchiya Tal
26 km/16.5 mile. A nine-cornered lake situated in an enchanting valley, this is a popular haunt of anglers and naturalists.
Ramgarh
26 km/17 mile. A picturesque hamlet set in the midst of fruit orchards. This fruit belt of Kumaon is famous for its juicy fruits all over India.
Kaladhungi
35 km/22 mile. Situated in the Terai, and surrounded by thick forests of Sal, this was the winter home of noted hunter and naturalist, Jim Corbett. His house has been turned into a museum.
Mukteshwar
51 km/33 mile. from Nainital, Mukteshwar set atop a high ridge, is one of Kumaon’s beautiful resorts. It abounds in fruit orchards and dense coniferous forests. It also offers a fine view of the majestic Himalayas, as well as of Almora. The famous Indian Veterinary Research Institute is located in Mukteshwar.
Ghorakhal
37 km/23 mile. Famous for the temple of Gollu Devta, a demi god highly revered by the Kumaoni. The famous Sainik School of India is also located here.
Nainital is one of the best destinations in India which can welcome tourists any time in a year. Summers during March to May are very pleasant with temperature never crossing 27°C and minimum is about 10°C. Winters during November to February offer a chilly climate with a maximum of 15°C and minimum going below 0°C. Heavy snowfalls are common during winters. Monsoons are very weak during June to September.
Best season is all through the years, may avoid heavy snow fall days in winters.
Best season is all through the years, may avoid heavy snow fall days in winters.
By Air:
Pantnagar airport is situated at a distance of 71 km away from Nainital. This is connected to Delhi International airport. Taxi services are available from airport to Nainital costing about Rs 1500. Delhi is the nearest international airport (350 km), which is well connected with other cities in India and abroad.
By Railway:
Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, which is 35 km away from Nainital. Lucknow, Agra and Bareilly are directly connected with Kathgodam by rail. Taxi fare from Kathgodam to Nainital is about Rs 600.
By Road:
Nainital is well connected to other cities by state public transport buses. Deluxe and semi deluxe luxury buses ply from Delhi (350 km), Almora (70 km), Ranikhet (60 km) and Badrinath (340 km). The bus charge varies between Rs 3 to Rs 4 per km.
Pantnagar airport is situated at a distance of 71 km away from Nainital. This is connected to Delhi International airport. Taxi services are available from airport to Nainital costing about Rs 1500. Delhi is the nearest international airport (350 km), which is well connected with other cities in India and abroad.
By Railway:
Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, which is 35 km away from Nainital. Lucknow, Agra and Bareilly are directly connected with Kathgodam by rail. Taxi fare from Kathgodam to Nainital is about Rs 600.
By Road:
Nainital is well connected to other cities by state public transport buses. Deluxe and semi deluxe luxury buses ply from Delhi (350 km), Almora (70 km), Ranikhet (60 km) and Badrinath (340 km). The bus charge varies between Rs 3 to Rs 4 per km.
Travel Packages
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