Set around a tal or lake, this small town with cottage-like houses and steep mountains covered with green forests is one of the most sought-after summer destinations of India. This charming hill station of Uttaranchal (former Uttar Pradesh), situated at an altitude of 1,938 metres, has many villas, bungalows, and a number of other sites of tourist importance.

Many legends are associated with how the town came to be called Nainital. It is said that the name of the place has been derived from the Naini Lake that lies just in the middle of the town. Legend also has it that after Sati, Lord Shiva's consort, committed suicide at the yajna of Daksha Prajapati, Lord Shiva roamed across the universe carrying her dead body. During that period, Sati's eye fell near the lake, where the Naina Devi temple now stands. The waters of the lake are therefore considered sacred and the Naina Devi temple is the venue of an annual autumn fair.

Fast Facts

Area	11.73 sq. km
Altitude	1938 metres above sea level
Languages	Hindi, Kumaoni, English
STD Code	05942
Best time to visit	Between March and June, mid-September to October

History

The hill resort of Nainital has since long been the refuge of the sun scorched souls of the plains. The British made it there summer headquarter. The British sugar manufacturer of Saharnpur brought Nainital into limelight. Way back in 1841 AD Nainital was frequented. The natural beauty and especially the Lake made Nainital one of the favorite summer destinations. Since then till date the people throng the hill resort of Nainital.

Best Season, Climate, and Clothing

The best time to visit any hill resort in India including Nainital is certainly the summer months from March to June. The months of September and October are also pleasant to be visited. Though the monsoon season in between from end of June to August should be avoided. Cotton clothing is apt for summers and light woolens suffice for winters.