Nainital

Commonly known as the "Lake District of India", Nainital is one of the most beautiful hill stations in North India. Surrounded by mountains on three sides Nainital is located around the beautiful lake Naini Tal. This lake resort is situated at a height of 1,938 meters. There are many legends associated with the place. According to one, Nainital has derived its name from the Goddess Naina while the other legend says that when the Goddess Sati lost her eyes, she was being carried by Lord Shiva and a lake was formed. ('Naina' means eyes and 'Tal' means lake.) This beautiful small town in surrounded by seven hills, popularly known as 'Sapta-Shring' - Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Lariya-Kanta and Sher-Ka-Danda. The majestic mountains and the sparkling waters of the lake add an immense lot to the beauty of the town.

The city is a beautiful mixture of all the hues of nature. Naini lake is the pride Nainital and the many gaily coloured yachts on the sparkling lake have now become synonymous with this beautiful picture-postcard resort. A national level yachting competition is organized here during the season. Nainital used to be the summer capital of United Provinces (Uttar Pradesh) during the British era and remained so for many years even after Independence. The British were the first to 'discover' Nainital as a holiday resort in 1841. Today, it has grown into a highly popular tourist destination. The emerald waters of this mountain lake continue to retain their charm and beckon tourists from far and wide.

Once this area had many lakes and it was called the region of 60 lakes. Most of the lakes in the region have gradually 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 Naini though in close proximity lie other lakes e.g. Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Sattal etc. These picturesque lakes have retained their charm and the region is justifiably called The Lake District. Nainital has an advantage of being situated in vicinity of several other lesser known hill stations that are connected through all season motorable roads.Vantage points around Nainital offer a panoramic view of Himalayan peaks on one side and the plains spread out on the other. Narrow wooded lanes through forests of oak, pine and deodar are excellent for short refreshing walks. The older parts of Nainital also retain colonial vestiges, including sprawling bungalows, public schools, churches and the old Christian cemetery.

On reaching the head of the town where the highway from the plains meets the main Mall at Tallital, one gets a dramatic view of the beautiful Naini Lake that seems to be nestled in a remote cocoon. Brightly coloured sails of yachts dot the calm waters of the lake while crowds of holiday makers throng the Mall at its edge. Boating in the lake is just one of the favourite activities of the tourists. Others come here for trekking in the densely forested mountains that surround the town.

Best Season / Best Time to Visit Nainital
Nainital is one of the most prominent hill stations in the country that welcome tourists any time in a year. However, the best time to visit Nainital is from February to November.

Winter (October to February) offer a chilly climate with a maximum of 15°C and minimum going below 0°C. Heavy snowfalls are common during winters. This is an apt time for honeymooning so newly married couples can plan their honeymoon or book the best Nainital honeymoon package during this period.

Summer (March to May) are very pleasant with temperature never crossing 27°C and minimum is about 10°C. This is the best time for Nainital tourism. Tourists can enjoy sightseeing and adventure activities.

Monsoon (June to September) are occasional and brings out the best of the natural beauty.

Though this charming hill station can be visited at any time of the year, tourists should come here during the Dussehra celebrations, which last for nine days during October and are very attractive with many colorful processions and festivities.