Nainital is the pride of the Kumaon region in Uttaranchal. While there are many other places equally beautiful, Nainital is certainly the most popular tourist destination in Kumaon. It's a pleasant hill station and the best time to go is the summer months. During the winter, Nainital is quite another beautiful experience when it reverts back to the local population and the crowds are absent. Peaceful, open, and invigorating. Nainital was, at one time, the summer capital of Uttar Pradesh.

In Indian mythology, Nainital is regarded as one of the 64 'Shakti Peeths'. Legend has it that a grief stricken Lord Shiva was carrying Sati's body and one of her eyes fell here. The Nainital Lake is shaped like an eye and the town derived its name from the combination of Nain (eye) and Tal (lake). The Naina Devi temple is located at one end of the lake.

The area round Nainital is a horticultural belt and apple orchards are found located in the Ramgarh Mukteshwar belt . Other fruits grown here include peach, pears, apricot, and strawberry. Lichi is also grown in many parts. A number of floriculture farms have also come up.
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Nainital has several lakes close by- Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Malwatal, Harishtal and Lokhamtal. Sat Tal (seven lakes) is 22 km from Nainital. Bhimtal is close by, almost the same distance from Nainital. Close to Bhimtal, 4 kms away is Naukutchiatal. 

The most popular activity is walking up and down the Mall watching the activity and shopping. There are magnificent views of the snow clad Himalayas and some of the peaks that can be seen include the 7817 metre high Nanda Devi.

DOROTHY's SEAT (2292 metres) is named in memory of an English lady who is believed to have died in an air crash. The spot commands a sectional view of the town and the nearby region. Also known as Tiffin’s Topps.

CHINA PEAK (Naina Peak), at a height of 2610 metres is a 5.5 km trek and has a 4 roomed log cabin built for tourists. A ropeway has been built which takes one up to Snow View at 2270 metres.

LAND'S END (2118 me) About 4 kms from town provides a magnificent view of the plains and the beautiful Khurpa Tal surrounded by beautiful village and pine forests.

One can trek up to SNOW VIEW too, or alternatively take the ropeway and then walk down to enjoy the scenery. Snow View provides a 250 km sweeping view of the Himalayan range.

KILBURY (2528 metres) is 12 kms from the town and is a great place for a picnic. There is a Forest rest house which can be booked through the District forest Officer at Nainital.

OBSERVATORY  It is about 4.5 km from Nainital. Situated at an altitude of (1951 MT).Observatory is basically a place of astronomical studies.Public is shown round some of the instruments during working days at afternoons. For night viewing three four days on moonlit nights are fixed and permission is needed.

The Hanuman temple at HANUMAN GARHI is 3.2 kms away and was established by Neem Kiroli Baba. A visit to the temple in the evening offers a very good view of the sunset. The Govt. Observatory is also worth a visit. Since there are specific timings for visitors it is advisable to check out details before taking the 4.5 km walk there.

Weather in Nainital

The climate in summer varies from 11 degrees C- to 28C. In winter it ranges between 2 to 16 degrees.

How to Reach Nainital:

The nearest railhead from Nainital is Kathgodam, 35 kms away. Kathgodam is a pleasant railway station with a quaint restaurant which looks as if it is frozen in time. Trains arrive at Kathgodam from Agra,Calcutta,Dehradoon, Delhi and Lucknow. By road, Nainital is approximately an 8 hour drive from Delhi at a distance of 277 kms.

SATTAL There are seven lakes in a group of small lakes nested together, about 23 kms from Nainital at an altitude of (1370 MT) still untouched by modernisation -one can see the natures beauty at its best.

BHIMTAL  (1371 MT) About 22 KM from Nainital, nestled in a beautiful pristine valley, this gem of a lake is the largest around Nainital. The beauty is enhanced by a small Island surrounded by crystal blue water.

NAKUCHIYATAL  (1218 MT) About 4 kms from Bhim Tal -lies the mystique lake with 9 corners. Surrounded by dense forested hills on all sides it provides solace from the maddening rush of the plains.

KHURPATAL At an altitude of (1635 MT) there lies just another beautiful spot at a distance of 12 km from Nainital popularly known as Khurpatal. It is considered to be anglers paradise having clear water and a good harvest of fishes.

Kainchi  It is a placed at an altitude of (1400 MT) at a distance of 20km from Nainital & liked by both tourists and devotees. It is a modern pilgrimage centre established by Neem karoli Baba a saint of early sixties of twentieth century.

KILBURY  At about 12km. from Nainital at a height of (2528 MT) is famous for its flora, fauna and bird .One can have a wide panoramic view of Himalayas along with a view of Tarai and Bhabhar.

Ramnagar: Situated in the rich farm belt of Terai, on the southeastern fringes of the great forests, the busy market town of Ramnagar is the main administrative centre for Corbett National Park and Project Tiger. Ramnagar makes a fishing base camp. At Lohachaur, 15-kms north along the River Kosi, good anglers are in with a chance of landing the legendary Mahseer, a redoubtable battling River Carp. Permits to have a go must be sought from the Project Tiger office; we also arrange all inclusive fishing trips.

Wildlife Viewing : Chital, Sambar, and various other Deer species find refuge in the Savannah grasslands known as the Maidan, behind the RESORT to the south, and Tigers are occasionally drawn in looking for prey. Two hour elephant rides, explore this sea of grass, rarely penetrating far into the deep jungles beyond; try to convince your Mahout or Elephant driver to venture in, as they can be quite magical. Come at dusk or dawn; in the heat of the day you probably won’t come across much more than deer among the tall grass. Tiger-sightings is common, all you need to have is TIME and PATIENCE.

Jeep Safari in Corbett : Jeeps Safari and Elephant Safari, is the most convenient way to travel within Corbett national park. We can help you to arrange your trip to Corbett Park memorable.

Note : Bring binoculars, remain quiet, and don’t wear bright colours or strong perfumes.

Best Time to Visit - Jim Corbett National Park

The best visiting season of Corbett is from September to June. Some gates of the Corbett remains open round the year, even  when monsoons flood the river beds and cut the fragile road links.

Hotels & Resorts in Nainital

The Nainital is dotted with Luxury Hotels, Deluxe Hotels, Budget Hotels, Government Guest Houses, and other hotels.Hotel accommodation suiting all wallet sizes from luxury hotels to economy class is available around the lake as well as in hill slopes. The various hotels of Nainital are replete with modern day facilities. The services offered by the hotels in Nainital are efficient. The luxury hotels of Nainital promise you a time of your life in Nainital. some of the Nainital Hotels are located close to its landmark the Nainital lake and the others are on hill slope. The leisure travelers and tourists in Nainital usually prefer hotels near Nainital lake. The budget hotels, government hotels other hotels of Nainital cater to the accommodation needs of the budget travelers in Nainital. The honeymoon hotels in Nainital are heaven on Earth for the honeymooners. The hotels in Nainital are strategically located near the bus stand in Nainital for the people coming in vis public transport or coming to naintal from Corbett Park.