Nainital is a town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is also divisional Headquarter of Kumaon Division of Uttarakhand State. Nainital is an ideal lake resort which rises to a height of nearly 1,938 metres or 6,358 feet above the sea level. It is placed in the midst of a valley, which contains a `pear-shaped lake`, with a perimeter of nearly 2 miles. Nestled in the lap of the central Himalaya Mountains, Nainital belongs to the Kumaon region. On the northern side Naina (2,615 m (8,579 ft)), Deopatha (2,438 m (7,999 ft)) and Ayarpatha (2,278 m (7,474 ft)) lie on the west and south parts respectively. Climate of Nainital is quite soothing.

History of Nainital
Popular myths is commonly related to Nainital`s origin. In Indian mythology, Nainital is regarded as one of the 64 Shakti Peethas. Moreover in the Manas Khand of the Skanda Purana, Nainital Lake is known as Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, which provides hint of the story of 3 sages (or rishis). They are namely Pulastya, Atri, and Pulaha. It is believed that when they did not find water in Nainital, they dug a huge hole at the site where this lake is presently located and fills it with water which has been brought from the sanctum lake of Tibet namely Manasarovar. If one takes a dip into this Naina Lake one can get the same effect as they would accumulated from holy Manassarovar.

Tourism in Nainital
being a popular hill station Nainital receives visitors almost throughout the year. Most important places to visit are the Naini Lake and Tririshi Lake. For the amusement of tourists special boating facilities are available. The Cheena Peak or the Naina Peak is the other captivating place. The snow-clapped mountain ranges of Himalayas and the Nainital Valley are also popular with the tourists. Besides, there is Hanumangarh temple for devotees to explore. One can offer prayer and also enjoy the sunset from the temple premises.

There are other attractions of Nainital as well. The north end of Naini Lake, an attractive locale, is popularly known Mallital. Southern end is called Tallital which has a bridge. It is famous as Danth that house the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and a post office. On the northern shore of the Naini Lake, stands the Naina Devi Temple. Although it was dilapidated in the year 1880 due to a landslide it was rebuilt in the later period. St. John Church is another place of interest in Nainital. The church, established in 1844, is one of the ancient buildings of the place. It has derived its name from Daniel Wilson, the then Bishop of Kolkata. It was he who laid the foundation of this church.

Governor`s House, better known as Raj Bhavan, is a landmark of Nainital. Previously it was called Government House. It was founded in the year 1899. Famous architect F.W. Stevens planned its design in the Victorian Gothic domestic style. This majestic edifice comprises of a 2-storied house with near about one hundred and thirteen rooms, a huge garden, golf links and a swimming pool. The snow view of the Nanda Devi is another beautiful sight for the tourist. It rises to a height of nearly 2,270 m or 7,448 ft above the sea level. On clear day, it treats the tourists with the spectacles of the snow clapped lofty Himalayan Mountains like Trisul Mountains, Nanda Devi, and Nanda Kot.

In the sprawling open area there is Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo. This is a place of interest, which lies at a distance of nearly 1 km away from the bus stand. It rises to a height of near about 2100 meters with extensive open space area. The zoo is a haven for animals like Leopard, monkeys, Himalayan black bear, Siberian Tiger, Palm civet cat, Wolf, Silver Pheasants, Rose ringed Prakeet, Ghoral, Hill Fox, Sambhar, Barking Deer. The zoo is closed for public viewing on Monday every week. Besides on all the National holidays and also on festivals like Holi and Diwali no one is allowed to visit the zoo. In the recent times Caves Garden has drawn the admiration of tourists who visit Nainital, Uttarkhand. It is positioned in Sukha Tal, which is almost 1 Km from Mallital lying close to Kumaun University Campus.



Other places of interests in the surrounding are Sanjay Park, Cheel Chakkar,Birla Mandir Peak, Alma Peak, Naukuchiatal. One can reach beautiful cities in the nearby like Bageshwar District, Almora, Kausani, Pithoragarh District.