Nainital - the heart of the picturesque region of Kumaon

For as long as one can remember, the town of Nainital, situated in the heart of the picturesque region of Kumaon, has been a favorite of tourists and nature lovers. The snow-capped peaks, the spellbindingly beautiful valleys, the lyrical meadows and the crystal-clear lakes add a whole lot of charm to the place. Among the many lakes that dot the whole district, the Naini Lake is the most prominent. The numerous lakes have earned the district the sobriquet of the ‘lake district’ of India. The ‘Discovery’

In the year 1841, Mr. P. Barron of Shahajahanpur was the first person to build a permanent house besides the lake and, gradually, a full fledged township sprung up at the very place. This is the first recorded discovery of the place. The name Mr. Barron gave to the cottage pretty much sums up the nature of the place. He called it “Pilgrim Cottage”. The place has spiritual vibes that can give you amazing inner calm and serenity.

Fairs and Festivals

* Nainital Mahotsav

In the month of October, this fair is celebrated at an enormous scale. Cultural programmes like folk dances and folk music concerts and display of the local art are organised during the fair. The fair attracts a large number of visitors that includes foreign tourist.

* Holi Mahotsav

Holi Mahotsav is organized in March with great cooperation from the local governing bodies. The true culture of the region is showcased in the event.

Apart from these two, Nainital celebrates a lot of fairs and festivals all year long. The Vasantotsav and the very famous Nanda Devi Fair are among the other prominent festivities of the region.


Attractions

Naina Devi Temple

Nainital gets its name from the Goddess Naina Devi and a temple dedicated to the deity is situated here that attracts a large number of pilgrims and other tourists alike.

Lands End

This place, a hilltop, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Khurpatal and the beautiful terraced fields on the sides of the hills. Merely 4.08 km. away from Nainital and 2118 meters high, the journey is a beautiful trek and, at the same time, is accessible on horseback too.

Hanumangarhi

A place of great religious and spiritual interest, it is also famous for its romantic sunset and a spellbinding view of the Himalayas. It is situated at a height of 1951 meters above sea level and is 3.22 kms. away from Nainital.

Corbett Waterfall and Naina Peak are among the many other excursions and attractions in Nainital.


Getting There

The nearest possible airport is at Pantnagar and the nearest Railway Station is Kathgodam, 35 kms. away. This station is directly connected to Lucknow, Agra, Delhi & Howrah.

Nainital is well connected by road and has access to all the major National/State Highways. The distance of major cities, by road, from Nainital is:

* Agra (403 kms.)
* Almora (64 kms.)
* Badrinath (334 kms.)
* Bareilly (140 kms.)
* Dehradun (387 kms.)
* Haridwar (310 kms.)
* Kausani (117 kms.)
* Delhi (326 kms.)