City guide

Nainital

This pretty and popular hill station is in the foothills of the outer Himalayas and situated at an altitude of 2,084 metres above sea level. It is named after the emerald green eyes of P...

Destination overview

Nainital Travel Guide

This pretty and popular hill station is in the foothills of the outer Himalayas and situated at an altitude of 2,084 metres above sea level. It is named after the emerald green eyes of Parvati, Shiva consort. Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of 'Lake District ' of India. The hill station town of Naini Tal was founded in 1841, with the construction of the first European house (Pilgrim Lodge) by P. Barron, a sugar trader from Shahjahanpur. Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountain. "Naini" is derived from the temple of goddess Naini which was built on the bank of the lake but later got destroyed due to land-slides in the year 1880. Tallital (Lake’s Foot) is at the southeastern end of the lake. The 1.5 km promenade known as the Mall leads to Mallital (Lake’s Head) at the northwestern end of the lake. Most hotels and guest houses are strung out along the Mall between Mallital and Tallital. Today, the town has emerged as one of the most important hill resorts of India.

Himachal PradeshState HimalayasRegion 0+Stays

Population 41377

Geo Location

Average Climate

Summer 07° C – 27° C Winter 3° C – 15° C

Best Time To Visit March to October

Highlights

Tourist Attractions in Nainital

Nainital Lake

Also known as Naini Lake, it is situated in the heart of the city and it is owing to this lake that Nainital earned its name. The lake then formed was called Tri-Rishi Tal (The lake of three sages). Today it has an impressive lake surrounded by the hills from three sides with highest peak China (2610 m) and the valley in between running from east to west. The eye-shaped lake is a tourist hotspot and acts as a magnet for all those visiting the hill resort. The lake is a little more than 3 km in circumference. The boat club overlooking the lake offers sailing facilities and also boating.

China Peak

It is also known as Naini or Naina Peak and is the highest peak in the town with an altitude of 2615 m. It is at walking distance of 6 km from the north end of the town (Mallital). One can view the distant plains and snow clad Himalayas from the peak. From atop the peak, one cannot only see a broad swath of the snow clad high Himalaya, but also obtain a panoramic view of Nainital town itself. Most favored picnic spot of the town, it is a bird's eye view of the lake. One can either trek or go on a horse back up to Naina Peak.

Tiffin Top

Also known as Dorothy's Seat - in memory of Mrs. Kellet Dorothy, an English lady who was killed in an air crash build by her husband an admirers after her death. This terraced hill top 2292 m on Ayarpatta hill is a 4 km hike from the town centre and commands a nice view of the neighbouring country side. Dorothy's Seat is a stonework picnic perch on Tiffin Top. Tiffin Top which means 'Packed food consumed during the day', so visitors & tourists would trek to Tiffin top with packed lunch's and spend a quiet and peaceful picnic.