Introduction:

Nainital is a popular hill station in the Indian state of Uttarkhand. Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains. From the tops of the higher peaks, "magnificent views can be obtained of the vast plain to the south. Bounded by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas.

Photo Credit: draskd

 Destination Facts:

Location: Uttarkhand, District Nainital
Altitude: 2,084 Meters
Area: 4245.01 Sq. Km.
Temperature: (Summer 15 to 30°C) & (Winter 0 to 24°C)
Languages spoken: Hindi, Garhwali, Kumauni

Getting there:

Nearest Airports: Delhi airport is the major airport and nearest to Nainital
Main Railway Station: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, 35 km away
Main Bus Station or Road: Bus service and taxi services are there to reach Nainital from Delhi.

Distance of a few Major Towns from Nainital:
Almora-64km, Ranikhet- 62km, Kausani-117km, Haridwar-245 km, Agra-403 km, Lucknow-400km, Dehradun- 300km, Delhi-310 km, Badrinath-334 km.

Eating Around:
Ras, Bhatt ki Churkani, Baadi are some famous dishes found here.

Places of Tourist interest:

Naini Lake:
Naini Lake is situated in the heart of the city and it is owing to this lake that Nainital earned its name. The eye-shaped lake is a tourist hotspot and acts as a magnet for all those visiting the hill resort. Here, a person can either takes a leisurely stroll or indulges in boating and enjoys the surrounding beauty.

Nakuchia Lake:
Nakuchia Tal is a lake in Nainital, known for having nine corners. This lake is still untouched by majority of the tourist population and owing to this, has managed to maintain its serenity till date. Take a walk around the nine cornered lake to enjoy the beautiful natural setting or boating tour and explore the scenic surroundings.

Bhimtal Lake:
Situated 22 km from the city center, Bhimtal Lake is the biggest lake of Nainital. The lake boasts of an island within its precincts, which is home to a very famous temple.

Naini Devi Temple:
Nainital is believed to be one of the 64 Shaktipeeths, where one of the body parts of Goddess Sati fell, when Lord Shiva carried her body. In Nainital, the eyes (naina) of the Goddess are assumed to have fallen. The shrine of Naina Devi is a must visit for devout Hindus.

                                               Naina Devi Temple

St. John's Church:
St. John in the Wilderness' is one of the most tranquil places in the town of Nainital. The church is located on Mallital, the north end of the town.

Snow View Point:
Snow View Point is one of the coldest regions in Nainital. Here, you can capture breathtaking pictures of snow-covered peaks and mountains. The ideal time to visit snow point is during the months of October and November.

Naina Peak:
Naina peak is the highest peak of the hill station. Horses or ponies can be hired from Snow View Point or Mallital, if one intends to visit the peak. Naina peak is also referred to as the China peak and is an absolute delight for trekking lovers.

Golf Course
Naldehra Golf Course is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world maintained by Himachal Tourism Department. The well-groomed 9-hole Golf Course is perhaps one of the finest and most famous Golf Courses on the hills of India. This Golf Course is crowned with a springing turf.

Getting around the destination:
Cycle rickshaws and dandies, Car, Private Taxies are found here for local places to visit.

Shopping Areas & Entertainment:
Shopping in Naldehra is all about buying hand woven shawls, caps, jams, jellies, squashes, pickles as well as fresh fruits.

Best time to visit:
March – June is the best time to visit the destination.

 
Festivals: 

Phooldeli:  
It is also known as Phooldeyi and is celebrated by adorning the threshold and entrance of every house with the first flowers of the season in March. These flowers are known to bring good luck and prosperity and bring the people of Nainital close together.

Gheeya Sankranti:
Also known as Olgia, it is celebrated on the first day of Bhado that turns out to be the middle of August.

Bikhauti:
This is known to be celebrated for nine days in the Chaitra month when women do nine day fasting, also known as Navratri.

Hariyala:  
This is celebrated in Shravan month that falls in the month of July-August. Also commemorates the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati.

Khatarua:
It is celebrated to welcome the arrival of the autumn season on the first day of the Ashwin month in mid September.

Sharadotsav:
Sharadotsav is a popular fair that takes place in the month of October.

Nandadevi Fair:
This fair is organized in September with a variety of cultural activities.

Ranibagh Fair: 
It is known to be one of the most awaited fairs of Nainital.