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.

Nainital is 34 Km from Kathgodam, the gateway of Kumaon and the terminus of North Eastern Railway. It is 304 km from Delhi, capital of India, and 388 km from Lucknow. According to the District Gazetteer Nainital is situated at 29 degree 24' north latitude and 79 degree 28' east longitude, in a valley of the Gagar range running east and west, which is bounded on the north by the peak of China, which rises to a height of 8.568 feet, continued by the Alma peak (presently known as Snow-View) and the Sher-Ka-Danda to the eastern extremity, where the ridge descends almost to the level of the lake.

However, legends apart, it was in 1841 when an Englishman named Barron chanced upon the lake. Fascinated by the scenic beauty of the lake and thickly forested hills, he constructed a house here. By 1858, Nainital became a well-known hill station, and within a few years it became the summer seat of the provincial government. The climate of Nainital is cool and pleasant. The best season to visit this place is during summer between March and June. However, the monsoon season that lasts from June to late August is best avoided. The hill station of Nainital offers a wonderful retreat from the hectic life of towns and cities. The high-rising Himalayas, the tree-covered hillsides, beautiful walks and enchanting lakes mesmerize all those who visit this place. Though overcrowded in summer, exploring the resort in off-season can also prove to be an interesting experience.

Naini Lake
Naini Lake or Naini Taal, the picturesque blue green lake is located in the district of Nainital. It is from this lake that the city of Nainital, the beautiful settlement by the lake, derives its name.

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.

Naina Devi Temple
The attractive lake of Nainital is said to be the eyes of Sati, wife of Lord Shiva. Sati jumped into the sacrificial bonfire. Lord Shiva to mourn the death of his beloved wife carried the body across the country. The remains of her body fell at various places which today are sacred worship places for the Hindus.

Rail
The nearest railway station is that of Kathgodam which is connected by trains from Delhi and Howrah. The narrow gauge trains come from Lalkuan which is 55 kms from Nainital

Road
Nainital is well connected by buses with other parts of the state. Inter state services are also available. The state transport corporation as well as the private operators have their buses on this route.