Nainital - A small town in the hills of Kumaon, Nainital is a lovely hill station surrounded by mountains on three sides. The name "Naini" is derived from a temple of 'Naini Devi" goddess built on the upper edge of the lake and was destroyed by the landslide of 1880. It was subsequently replaced by a modern structure. The word "Naini" means 'Eyes' and 'Tal' means 'Lake'. Once this area had many lakes and it was called the city of 60 lakes or 'Chakta'.

Most of the lakes of Nainital in the region have disappeared and whatever remains is just a glimpse of what they might have been in the past. Today the life of Nainital revolves around the lake of Naini. But there are few other lakes around Nainital which are equally beautiful and attractive as the Naini lake.

Nainital was discovered in 1841 by a Britisher called Lord Barron, a European merchant and an enthusiastic hunter from Rosa, near Shahjahanpur. He was moved by the beauty of the sparkling lake he wrote: "It is by far the best site I have witnessed in the course of a 1,500 miles trek in the Himalayas." This region was called Khasdesh in ancient times and Khasis ruled this region before Christ was born. The weather, the surrounding and the mesmerizing beauty of this area attracted the British administrator who turned this place into the summer capital of the United Province. Being a major tourist place Nainital is always bustling with visitors and it is always better if accommodation and other facilities are prearranged.

Hanuman Garhi, Nainital
This place is of religious importance. Situated at a height of 1951 meters this place was established by Baba Neem Kiroli. A very beautiful Hanuman mandir is at the top. From Hanuman Garhi watching the Sunset is very soothing. You can walk down from Nainital to Hanuman Garhi.

Naina Devi Temple, Nainital
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 carried the body of his beloved wife to mourn her death. The remains of her body fell at various places which are today considered sacred worship places of the Hindus.

St. John's Church, Nainital
This church was built in 1847. A brass memorial is kept in memory of the persons who were buried in the infamous landslide. The few bodies which could be dug out were buried in the church premises.

Sattal, Nainital
Sattal which Literally mean seven lakes, is a group of small lakes nested together, about 23 kms from Nainital at an altitude of (1370 MT) still untouched by modernization.

Naini Lake, Nainital
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 derives its name. Naini Lake is so called because of its eye-like shape.

Naina Peak, Nainital
Known as the China peak this peak is the highest point in Nainital. From here Nainital, appears as a bowl. You can walk or take ponies to the peak. you can capture the exciting views of Nainital . Naina peak also gives a good view of the Camelback peak. There are no hotel or restaurant on the top so carry food and water along with yourself.

Kilburi, Nainital
Kilburi is slightly away from Nainital. 12 kms from the main town, this place is peaceful and quite. Located amidst green forests this place provides a break from crowds of the city. Kilburi gives a very good view of the Himalayas. The forest department has got its guest house here. Kilburi takes you into the laps of nature from rush of the cities.

How To Get There to Nainital
Air
This place can be reached by air via Delhi.

Rail
No direct comes to Nainital. But it is accessible via Kathgodam, "The Gateway of Kumaon Hills" which is just 34 km away from Nainital is the nearest railway terminus of the North Eastern Railway which in turn is connected with New Delhi, Calcutta & Lucknow by train services. 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.