Nainital is definitely the treasure trove of Kumaon, engulfed in a dense blanket of nature and emphasised by the aroma of flowering blossoms mixing marvellously in the crisp pure air. Since the British period, it has been one of the most visited hill stations in North India.

The sparkling city of Nainital is praised for being a parent to the gorgeous Naini Lake, from which it has earned the moniker of "lake city." It is perched at an elevation of 2,084 metres above sea level. The town of Nainital attracts not only domestic travellers and tourists, but also a large number of foreign visitors. It gleams like a gleaming pearl in the Himalayan Mountains, surrounded by lakes and the abundance of nature.

For nature enthusiasts, Nainital is a haven. Nainital's steep environs and serene lake are its most attractive features. The "Nana lake" provides tourists with an intriguing and fascinating experience, earning it the title of "Queen of Lakes."

With the gorgeous lake and the 'hills' in the background, the location provides a tranquil and unflappable experience for its visitors, as well as a zealous and fervor-filled experience. The pear-shaped lake is surrounded and bounded on all sides by hills.

Nainital's History

The Kumaon hills came under British authority after the Anglo-Nepalese War of 1814-16, and the hill station Nainital was formed in 1841, when P. Baron, a sugar trader from Shahjahanpur, built the first European residence. The oldest structure in Nainital is the St. John's church, which is nestled in the Nainital wilderness, followed by the Belvedere, Alma, and Asdale Cottage, all of which were completed around 1860.

Soon, the lesser-known town of Nainital became a popular destination for British soldiers and colonial officials seeking relief from the sweltering heat of the plains. Nainital became recognised as the exclusive British summer retreat in India from 1880. In the nineteenth century, Nainital was home to a number of famous English schools that only accepted British students.

Nainital has a mythology attached to it.

Nainital appears in a number of old tales and legends. The Naini temple, which is on the shores of Naini Lake, is revered by Hindus as one of India's 64 Shakti Peeths.

According to Hindu mythology, the Naini Lake, one of Nainital's most prominent tourist sites, is where Sati's eyes, or 'nain,' fell when Lord Shiva carried her burnt body to Kailash. As a result, the area became known as 'Nain-tal,' or the Eye Lake. A Naina Devi Temple was established in honour of this incident, and followers worship Goddess Shakti there. The temple is located on the lovely north bank of the beautiful Naini Lake.

What makes Nainital such a well-known hill station in India?

The Naini Lake, the breathtaking views, and the mild weather make Nainital a popular tourist destination. The Mall, currently known as the Govind Ballabh Pant Marg, is one of the other tourist attractions.

Restaurants, offices, and hotels may all be found in the Mall. The famous market of Nainital sells fresh delicious strawberries, clusters of garnet-hued mulberry, books, shoes, fancy garments, perfumes, and fragrance candles.

The Nainital Zoo is a popular tourist attraction where you can see uncommon species such as the snow leopard, steppe eagle, and Himalayan black bear. One of the few Raj Bhavnas open to the public is the government house of Raj Bhavan, with its expansive grounds. The Eco Cave Garden in Nainital is the city's newest attraction, where your children may learn about the environment.

The majestic Cheena (Naina) Peak, the tallest of all commands at 8,568 feet, provides a breathtaking vista of the Himalayas and a bird's eye view of Nainital.

Nainital is also known for its numerous educational and research institutions. The Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) is a centre for astronomical studies and optical tracking of artificial satellites located 9 kilometres from Nainital on Manora Peak.

Nainital is well-known not only as a popular tourist destination, but also for its prominent educational institutions and schools, many of which date back to the British era.

It also proudly contains a number of well-known schools, some of which date back to the British era. Sherwood College, St Joseph's College, and Sainik School are some of the most important and well-known schools in Nainital. Kumaun University has a campus in Nainital as well.

In Nainital, there are many things to do.

While on vacation in Nainital, one can visit a lot of different places. If one has limited time, however, one can choose a location that most interests him or her. Since Nainital offers a variety of experiences ranging from trekking, boating, shopping, picnics, sightseeing, rope-way, spiritual experiences, and others through a variety of places that have these things to give to the curious and ardent traveller.

Boating: The magnificent Naini Lake is the focal point of Nainital, and boating is a popular activity among tourists and honeymooners. Another type of watercraft that is gaining popularity in Nainital is yachting.

Shopping: In Nainital, tourists can shop for apparel, handicrafts, artefacts, and souvenirs at local markets such as Bara Bazar, Tibetan market, and Mall Road market. Scent candles, key chains, novels, and fake jewellery are among popular items in Nainital's markets.

Picnic Spots & Ropeway: Nainital boasts an aerial ropeway that connects the town to Snow View Point, which provides a beautiful view of the lake as well as the surrounding areas such as China Peak, Tiffin Top, and Snow View Point.

Trekking: In and around Nainital, there are various hiking paths where adventurers can hike and discover the natural world. Popular hiking trails in Nainital include the Nainital-Betalghat Trek, Nainital-Binayak Trek, Nainital-Kainchi Trek, and Snow View Trek.

What You Should Know Before Visiting Nainital

Itinerary: Nainital may be explored in two days. 1-2 extra days are required to tour neighbouring attractions.

For one day, a budget of INR 6000-7000 is necessary. This covers hotel costs of INR 1500-2000, food costs of INR 1000, local transportation costs of INR 2000, and entry fees for various attractions costs of INR 1000.

Local transportation is available for hire, including a bike and a scooty. A bike will set you back roughly INR 1500 per day, while a scooty will set you back around INR 600.

Make reservations in advance if visiting during the busy season (May-June).

In the local sweet stores, try the famous BAL Mithai.

Mall Road sells wax candles, shawls, and woollens.

Accommodation is accessible in both budget and luxury categories. The majority of hotels are located near Mall Road and the Bus Stop.

Bhowali, 11 kilometres from Nainital, is a great place to stay if you're seeking for a homestay.

Another alternative near Nainital is Pangot Village, which offers affordable lodging.