Famously known as the 'City of Lakes', the largest being Naini lake in the heart of the city, Nainital is the largest town in the Kumaon region, occupying a forested valley at the foothills of outer Himalayas. The story dates back to 1839 when P. Baron, an Englishman, accidentally discovered the lake at Nainital. Captivated by the beauty of the place, he decided to build a European Colony on the shores of the lake.
With soul stirring landscapes, warm and friendly people, and many places to explore, Nainital is a favourite refuge for those who wish to escape the grime and grind of urban life. The lake is the center of all action with yachting, paddling, boating and many more activities happening here. As dusk settles in, lights from the surrounding mountains give the lake an ethereal appeal.
State: Uttarakhand
Destination Type: Hill Station
Destinations Nearby: Dehradun 173 km, Delhi 332 km
Nearest Sterling Resort: Sterling Corbett
Languages: Garhwali, Gorkhali, Kumaoni
Nearest Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar Airport
Summer: March to May. Temperature ranges between 14°C and 30°C, with a cool breeze in the evening.
Monsoon: June to September. The rains rejuvenate the hills.
Winter: October to February. Temperature can dip below 0°C.
The ancient Naini Lake is what gave Nainital its name. A magnificent sight to look at, this lake is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India.
Have you ever wondered what life was like when early man lived in caves among big wild cats in prehistoric times? Visit the secluded caves of Mallital and you will get a glimpse of prehistoric life.
The Mall Road at Nainital skirts the beautiful Naini Lake. Lined with shops, eateries and parks - this is where Nainital comes to life.
Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg visited this hermitage to seek answers to life. Make a trip to this ashram and you could find the answers that you seek too!
Raj Bhavan was built to look like the Buckingham Palace at the turn of the 20th century. The estate once housed the British Governor and is now home to Uttarakhand's Governor.
Khurpatal is a pretty lake just 10 km from Nainital. You can fish, walk and buy organic produce from the farms in the vicinity.
The temple of Golu Devta is a fine example of how a mere mortal got elevated to a God-like stature, through stories heard and shared over generations.
The wandering saint from Nainital, Neem Karoli Baba, built the Hanuman Garhi atop a hill. This quiet temple is a must visit for those in search of peace or even just a good vantage point to enjoy the views of Nainital.