Located at an altitude of 1,938mts above sea level, Nainital derives its name
from Naini Lake, a prominent tourist spot of Nainital. Nainital is located in
the Kumaon region and is popularly known as the Lake District of India.
Nainital is a famous tourist destination of India, attracting hundreds of both
domestic and foreign tourists every year. It shines as a glittering jewel in the
Himalayan Mountains and is surrounded with lakes and nature’s bounty. Some
of the important places in the district of Nainital are Haldwani, Kaladhungi,
Ramnagar, Bhowali , Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal.
Nainital finds mention in various ancient myths and legends. Naini Lake holds
a lot of significance especially among the Hindus as it is believed to be one of
the 64 Shakti Peeths, where some parts of the burned body of Sati (Parvati)
fell here while being carried by Lord Shiva.Nainital was founded by a
European businessman, P. Barron who was in awe with the beauty of the Naini
Lake. In no time it developed as a summer retreat for the Englishmen and a
second Municipal Board of the Northwestern Provinces.
Nainital is famous for the Naini Lake where it is believed that Lord Shiva
performed his tandava with Parvati’s body. The Naini peak or the China peak
is the highest in Nainital with a height of 2611mts. Some of the other places
of tourist interest are the Mall, now known as the Govind Ballabh Pant Marg.
You can find restaurants, offices and hotels all located in the Mall. Nainital
Zoo is a very important tourist spot where you can find rare species of snow
leopard, steppe eagle and the Himalayan black bear.
Nainital is also famous for its various schools and research facilities. The
Observatory or the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational
Sciences (ARIES) is located 9kms from Nainital on Manora Peak and is the
center for astronomical studies and optical tracking of artificial satellites.
It also proudly houses many renowned schools some from the British period.
Important schools include Sherwood College, St Joseph’s College, and Sainik
School. Nainital is also one of the campuses of Kumaun University.