The Lake District of India
Famously called the 'Lake District of India,' Nainital is adorned with scenic splendour, cascading waterfalls, sparkling lakes and a varied topography. Nestled peacefully in the Kumaon foothills, the Himalayan ambience adds immense charm to Nainital and enhances its appeal among tourists. Situated at an altitude of 1938 m above sea level, Nainital shines like a sparkling jewel in the Himalayas. Over time, it has become a much sought-after destination for romantic couples, adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Nainital is divided into two parts — Tallital and Mallital. Tallital refers to the lower part of the town, while Mallital represents the upper region. A popular local legend says that when it rains in Tallital, it is sunny in Mallital — and vice versa.
Historical accounts state that Nainital was founded by Mr. P. Barron, a European businessman who was captivated by the beauty of the Naini Lake. He soon transformed the region into a charming hill station. According to Hindu mythology, Nainital is one of the 64 Shakti Peeths and therefore the Naini Lake holds immense religious significance. It is also believed to be the place where Lord Shiva performed the Tandava dance.
Over the years, Nainital has developed remarkably in education, research and institutional facilities. Following are the main attractions of Nainital:
Naina Peak: Located 6 km from Nainital at an altitude of 2611 m, Naina Peak — earlier known as China Peak — is the highest point in the town. Adventure lovers frequent this peak for its trekking trail, while ponies are available for those who cannot trek. Upon reaching the top, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges, the Api Peak, the Bunder Punch Glaciers and Nepal’s Nari Peak. The spectacular bowl-shaped town of Nainital can also be seen from above.
Mall Road: Fondly called the lifeline of Nainital, Mall Road bustles with resorts on one side and local bazaars on the other. It is also the primary link between Tallital and Mallital. The road is divided into Upper Mall Road and Lower Mall Road. The upper stretch hosts markets and resorts, while the lower stretch runs alongside the lakes. Several shops on the upper Mall Road date back to the British era.
Naina Devi Temple: The Goddess Naina Devi is worshipped in Nainital as the daughter of Kumaon. Every September, a grand fair is held to honour the goddess. The sacred ritual of Kanyadaan (giving away of the daughter) is also performed during this event. The temple was destroyed in a landslide in 1880 and later rebuilt.
Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo: This is not only the only zoo in Nainital but also the only high-altitude zoo in Uttarakhand. Established in 1988, it is located 2 km from the Nainital bus station at an elevation of 2100 m on the Sher ka Danda Peak, offering beautiful views of the town. The lush flora includes roses, hibiscus, acer, acacia and rhododendrons, along with abundant oak plantations.
Raj Bhawan: Initially built as the residence of the Governor of the North Western Provinces during British rule, Raj Bhawan was designed in the style of the Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom in 1899. It now serves as the official residence of the Governor of Uttarakhand. The estate is known for its manicured gardens, swimming pool, Jhandidhar Modi Heights and Munsi Heights.
Excursions from Nainital
Nearby destinations include Kathgodam (23 km), Ranikhet (55.6 km), Ramnagar (63.3 km) and Almora (65.8 km).
Shopping in Nainital
Main shopping areas include Mall Road, Mallital, Bhotia Bazaar and Bara Bazaar. Nainital is famous for its beautifully crafted and aromatic candles. Local handicrafts and handloom products are also widely available.
When to Reach
The summer months from March to June are pleasant, drawing hundreds of tourists seeking relief from the heat. The monsoon season is ideal for enjoying lush green forests and the soothing ambience of rainfall. Winter, with light snowfall and chilly weather, is especially popular among newlyweds and romantic couples.
How to Reach
Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar, located 65 km from Nainital.
Rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, 34 km away, situated at the foothills of the Kumaon region.
Bus: Excellent bus connectivity makes Nainital easily accessible from major cities across India.
