Nainital

CityNainital, Uttarakhand

Last updated August 6, 2026

The emerald waters of Naini Lake in Nainital, ringed by forested hills and colonial-era buildings

A picturesque hill station centered around the emerald Naini Lake

Plan your trip

Essential Info

Best Time to Visit

March to June, September to November

The story

History & Architecture

History

Nainital was "discovered" for colonial settlement in 1841 by British sugar trader P. Barron, who was struck by the lake's resemblance to England's Lake District and built the area's first European residence on its shore. It quickly grew into a favored summer retreat for British officials, becoming the summer capital of the United Provinces, and its colonial-era boarding schools, churches, and Mall Road promenade still shape the town's character today.

Local lore

Myths & Legends

What locals say

Hindu tradition holds that Naini Lake formed at the spot where the eye (nain) of the goddess Sati fell after Shiva carried her body across the earth in grief, making it one of the 51 Shakti Peeths sacred to Hindus — the Naina Devi Temple on the lake's northern shore marks this spot and gives the town its name.

Highlights

Main Attractions

Naini Lake

Naina Devi Temple

Snow View Point

Tiffin Top

Mall Road

Eco Cave Gardens

Beyond the obvious

Hidden Gems & Photography

Hidden Gems

•Naina Peak (also called China Peak), a trek above the town, gives a panoramic view of the Nainital valley and, on clear days, the distant snow line
•Pangot, a small forest hamlet a short drive away, is a well-known but still uncrowded birdwatching spot compared to the town center
•The Nainital Boat House Club's early-morning hours, before the town's day-trippers arrive, offer the lake at its calmest

Photography Tips

•Snow View Point and Tiffin Top are best visited early morning for clear, haze-free Himalayan views before afternoon cloud buildup
•The lake reflects the surrounding hillside buildings beautifully in the still water of early morning, before boating traffic picks up
•Mall Road at dusk, as shopfronts light up along the lake, is a popular but genuinely rewarding street-photography window

On the map

Location

Getting there

How to Reach

By Air

Pantnagar AirportPGH

Distance: 70 km

By Train

Kathgodam Railway StationKGM

Distance: 35 km

By Road

•Well connected to Delhi (300 km)
•Kathgodam to Nainital (35 km)
•Regular bus services from major cities

Local Transport

TaxiAuto-rickshawCycle rickshawBoating on lake

Travel with care

Responsible Tourism

Naini Lake has faced water-quality and siltation pressure from tourism; avoid littering or feeding fish, and use designated waste bins
Support local Kumaoni-owned shops and eateries along Mall Road over large outside chains where possible
Vehicle congestion is a real problem in peak season; consider walking or using local transport within the town center instead of driving in