The hill station of Nainital is quite popular and is located in the district with the same name in the foothills of the Kumaon part of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand state. It is located at the height of 1938 meters and in the valley which is shaped like a pear with mountains all around in a circle of about 2 miles. The highest peak in the mountains is that of Naina at a height of 2,615 towards the north side, the west has the Deopatha hills at 2,438 meters and the south is having the Ayarpatha hill at 2,278 meters height. It is said that from the heights of the peaks, one can have a great picturesque view of the southern plains as well as the tangled ranges in the north which are having the snow-clad mountains forming the Himalayan central axis.

Demographics

As per the census in India in 2001, 38,559 was the population of this area of which 54% were males and 46% were females. The literacy rate was 91% on average, more than the country’s 59.5% average. Of this, 98% of the males were literate while 86% were female literacy. The under-6-year population was 1%. The Kumaoni were the major part of the population with many other sections from the entire country.

Places of Interest

Naini Lake

This Lake is found in the city’s center and Nainital is probably named after this lake. It is eye shaped and the attraction is magnetic serving as a hotspot for the tourists coming to this hill resort. One can just stroll around or take a boat ride and immerse in the natural beauty. The name given to the north end is Mallital while Tallital is the southern end. There is a lake bridge connecting both banks and there are a few shops and a post office on the bridge, making it the only post office to be found over a bridge.

Nakuchia Lake

With nine corners, this lake is found in Nainital. The serenity of the lake is maintained as it is not visited by many tourists. The setting amidst the natural beauty makes it enjoyable to walk around the nine corners of the lake. One can also go boating and enjoy the surroundings.

Bhimtal Lake

Bhimtal Lake is situated at a distance of 22 km from the center of the city and is supposedly the biggest in the city. Named after Bhim, one of the five brothers of Pandavas, there is an island inside, where a famous temple is found. The temple bells can be heard inside during the day from the sides of the lake.

Naini Devi Temple

When Lord Shiva carried the body parts of Sati, some of them fell on earth, establishing the 64 Shakti Peeths and the Nainital is the place where the eyes fell assumedly. For the strict followers of Hinduism, this place is a must-visit. The temple is found on the northern side of the lake. The landslide in 1880 almost destroyed the temple but was reconstructed later on. The beautiful sight of the hill station can be seen from the temple beyond the Lake.

Governer’s House

Raj Bhawan or Governer’s house was constructed in 1899 in a style Victorian gothic during British Rule. It was used as the home of the governor of North Western Province which was also known as the United province. The building is an architectural beauty that is accentuated by the well-maintained lawns, golf course, and pool for swimming. It is the guest house of the Uttarakhand Governor in the present day. This place can only be visited with permission beforehand.

St John’s Church

Better known as St John in the wilderness, this church was constructed in 1844 and is one of the most beautiful places in the hill station. Located in the northern end of the town towards the Mallital, the church was founded by the Bishop of Calcutta, Daniel Wilson, by whom the foundation was laid down.

Snow View Point

This is a point at a height of 2,260 where the lowest temperature is prevalent. Snow-covered mountains and peaks can be seen here. One can visit Snow View Point at the time from October to November. A visit to the hill station of Nainital is not complete without going to this point.

Naina Peak

With a height of 2611 meters, the Naina peak overlooks Naini Lake. From this peak, beautiful views of the entire hill station can be seen. It is only 6 kms from the town and is also the highest peak in the region. One can ride the ponies or the horses from the places of Snow View Point or from Mallital to go to Naina Peak, which is also a good trekking route and is known as China Peak.