Nainital Hill Resorts

Nainital in the Kumaon region of Uttaranchal, in North India, is a delightful holiday destination. This beautiful hill resort is a perfect holiday getaway from the heat of the plains during the North Indian summer.

This hill resort derives its name from Indian mythology. According to legend when Sati the consort of Lord Shiva died, Shiva carried her body back to his abode in the Himalayas. One of her eyes fell at this location and the lake at the centre of the town is shaped like an eye. The hill resort therefore is named Nainital from Nain (eye) and Tal (lake).

The town of Nainital was created by English settlers in the early 1800's. It is now a popular hill resort to which holidaymakers and tourists come from far and wide, to enjoy its pleasant climate and green ambience.

Holiday Attractions in Nainital:

Walks: Holiday travellers can enjoy walking along the Mall and shopping. Candles, wooden handicraft items and woollen clothing can be purchased here. The hillsides around the town offer walks with beautiful views of the green hills as well as the snow-clad Himalayas in the distance, including the towering Nanda Devi peak. Dorothy's Seat (2292 metres) is named in memory of an English woman who died in an air crash. This viewpoint offers a sweeping view of the town and the nearby hills.

China Peak (Naina Peak), is situated at a height of 2610 metres, is a 5.5 km trek and has a 4-roomed log cabin where holiday travellers can rest. A ropeway connects this viewpoint to Snow View at 2270 metres. Snow View offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas.

The Hanuman temple at Hanuman Garhi is 3.2 kms away from Nainital. The temple premises offer a beautiful view of the sunset. The Government Observatory is also worth a visit.

Adventure Sports: Holiday visitors can enjoy sailing, yachting, canoeing and kayaking on the lake. Parasailing takes place near Naukuchiatal and hot air ballooning near Sukhatal. There are also opportunities for Golf, Rock climbing and mountaineering.

Lakes: The lakes near Nainital are a popular holiday attraction. They include: Bhimtal, Sattal, (seven lakes - is 22 km from Nainital), Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Malwatal, Harishtal and Lokhamtal.

Horticulture Fruit orchards where pears, peaches, apples and apricots are grown in abundance are worth a visit, particularly when they are in full bloom.