Introduction to Nainital: Set around a tal or lake, this small town with cottage-like houses and steep mountains covered with green forests is one of the most sought-after summer destinations of India. This charming hill station of Uttaranchal (former Uttar Pradesh), situated at an altitude of 1,938 metres, has many villas, bungalows, and a number of other sites of tourist importance. Many legends are associated with how the town came to be called Nainital. It is said that the name of the place has been derived from the Naini Lake that lies just in the middle of the town. Legend also has it that after Sati, Lord Shiva’s consort, committed suicide at the yajna of Daksha Prajapati, Lord Shiva roamed across the universe carrying her dead body. During that period, Sati’s eye fell near the lake, where the Naina Devi temple now stands. The waters of the lake are therefore considered sacred and the Naina Devi temple is the venue of an annual autumn fair. However, legends apart, it was in 1841 when an Englishman named Barron chanced upon the lake. Fascinated by the scenic beauty of the lake and thickly forested hills, he constructed a house here. By 1858, Nainital became a well-known hill station, and within a few years it became the summer seat of the provincial government. The climate of Nainital is cool and pleasant. The best season to visit this place is during summer between March and June. However, the monsoon season that lasts from June to late August is best avoided.

Sightseeing:  The hill station of Nainital offers a wonderful retreat from the hectic life of towns and cities. The high-rising Himalayas, the tree-covered hillsides, beautiful walks and enchanting lakes mesmerize all those who visit this place. The sapphire-like Nainital Lake, surrounded by densely wooded hills and rich pastureland, is the home of the tiger, leopard, ghoral and pheasant. Green to its very depths, silvered by moon and sun and splashed with the cheerful colors of yachts and rowing boats, the Nainital Lake is an open invitation to a holiday. Though overcrowded in summer, exploring the resort in off-season can also prove to be an interesting experience. Some of the interesting spots that one can visit here are Snow View, Naini Peak, Dorothy’s seat, Land’s end, Hanuman Garhi, State Observatory and the Mall.

Excursions: Moving around Nainital can prove to be an equally interesting experience. One gets to see the region’s finest flora and fauna besides getting a closer view of some of the highest peaks of the enchanting Himalayas. A major attraction around Nainital is the Corbett National Park, one of the finest national parks in the country. Besides Corbett, one can visit Mukteshwar, Sat Tal, Almora, Ranikhet, Kasauni, Ramnagar and Naukuchiya Tal.