Located at a height of 1940 mt. above sea level and placed around the beautiful lake, Naini Tal, is the charming hill resort of Nainital. Surrounded by seven hills this former capital of the Uttar Pradesh Government, is now the most sought after hill resort in India.

Nainital is 34 Km from Kathgodam, the gateway of Kumaon and the terminus of North Eastern Railway. It is 304 km from Delhi, capital of India, and 388 km from Lucknow. According to the District Gazetteer Nainital is situated at 29 degree 24' north latitude and 79 degree 28' east longitude, in a valley of the Gagar range running east and west, which is bounded on the north by the peak of China, which rises to a height of 8.568 feet, continued by the Alma peak (presently known as Snow-View) and the Sher-Ka-Danda to the eastern extremity, where the ridge descends almost to the level of the lake.

On the west the rugged hill of Deopatha rises to a height of 7,987 feet, and on the south Ayarpatha attains an elevation of 7,461 feet diminishing gradually towards the east. While the intervening portion between these two hills is a mass of rocks piled up loosely together which goes by the name of Handi Bandi, and is formed of the transition limestone of Mussoorie. exhibiting every where vast rents, fissures and boulders of all sizes and shapes.

The eastern boundary is the pass through which the surplus water of the lake find an exit, forming the principal source of the Ballia river, which falls into the Gola near Ranibagh. The western end of the valley consists of a series of gentle undulations formed by the debris of the surrounding hills.

Thus Nainital is situated at a height of 1939 metres from sea level & is surrounded by some outstanding peaks and hills. Nainital's peripheral tourist zone extends upto MulwaTal to the east where Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukachiatal have recently developed as tourist centres. These resorts have grown up as additional recreational grounds and can provide even to casual visitors holiday activities, canoeing and yachting.

Prime Attractions of Nainital

» Naini Lake
Naini Lake or Naini Taal, the picturesque blue green lake is located in the district of Nainital. It is from this lake that the city of Nainital, the beautiful settlement by the lake, derives its name.

» Naina Devi Temple
The attractive lake of Nainital is said to be the eyes of Sati, wife of Lord Shiva. Sati jumped into the sacrificial bonfire. Lord Shiva to mourn the death of his beloved wife carried the body across the country. The remains of her body fell at various places which today are sacred worship places for the Hindus.

» Zoo Garden
Naini Tal has a small but a very beautiful Zoological garden. There are many animals kept here which includes Deers, Bears, Tigers and many more. The hygiene and cleanness of the zoo is a point which attracts the mind even if one ignores it. Not surprising this zoo is one of the most clean zoos in the country. The zoo can be reached on foot or taxi can be hired.

Places around Nainital

Three kms away from Bara Patthar, a group of twelve peculiarly formed rocks, is Land's End, which overlooks terraced fields and the Kurpa Tal lake ( 1635 m ). The highest summit in the area is the Naina Peak, 2610 m, looming over Mallital, which offers some breathtaking views of the entire area from Gangotri to Nepal. The road to Naina Peak leads to a pleasant forest of vibrant rhododendrons, soaring deodars and cypresses. 12 kms away from Nainital, on the Naina Peak road, at an altitude of 2195 m, is the idyllic wooded retreat of Kilbury, which houses an old rest house. There are two other forest rest houses beyond Kilbury, at Binayak, 22 kms from Nainital and at an altitude of 2225 m, and at Kunjkharak, 38 kms from Nainital and at an altitude of 2600 m. These rest houses can be booked by contacting the Divisional Forest Officer, Nainital ( Tel: 2725 ).

Shopping in Nainital

The Mall is the main shopping center in Nainital which has some of the good shops where one can do some shopping. In Nainital the main items to be bought are the woollen garments, decorative pieces made from wood. The decorative colourful candles are one thing every traveller to the place takes back with himself. For the woollen garments the Bohtia Bazaar is the best place whereas the Mall road and the Mallital are places for good bargain of candles and wooden stuff.

Climate of Nainital

The best time visit the place is between April to June and then again in September October. The months of January to March are marked by the snowfall which is for a very short time. It is advisable that contact any local person before going to Nainital to watch snowfall.

Places to Stay in Nainital

Hotel Arif Castle, Grand, Royal, Metropole and Shervani Hilltop Inn, all located in Mallital, are some of the premier hotels in the area.

How to get there

» Air
The nearest airport is at Pantnagar (71 kms).

» Rail
The nearest railway station is that of Kathgodam which is connected by trains from Delhi and Howrah. The narrow gauge trains come from Lalkuan which is 55 kms from Nainital.

» Road
Nainital is well connected by buses with other parts of the state. Inter state services are also available. The state transport corporation as well as the private operators have their buses on this route.