Nainital is a lovely hill-station surrounded by mountains on three sides. Once this area had many lakes and it was called the 'city of 60 lakes' or 'Chakta', though most have disappeared now. Today, the life of Nainital revolves around the lake of Naini. But there are few other lakes around Nainital which are equally beautiful and attractive as the Naini lake. The gorgeous greens and the majestic mountains add to the beauty of the hill resort. The small town of Nainital in Uttaranchal is dotted with cottages, villas and bungalows. Situated at an altitude of 1,938 meters the hill resort of Nainital offers several places of interest to the tourists.

The population size of Nanital xis 30,951. Maximum temperature in summer is 26.7 degree Celsius and minimum is 10.6 degree, while in winter maximum is 15.6 degree and minimum can plunge to 2.8 degree. It's receives an annual average rainfall of 2,794 mm. March to June and mid-September to end of October is the best season to visit Nainital. Light woolens or cottons in summer and heavy woolen in winter are suggested. Hindi, English and Kumaoni are the chief languages that are spoken. The town is set around Naini lake (tal) and hence the name. Today Nainital is the summer residence of the governor of Uttar-Pradesh. Most of the better hotels are at the northern end of the lake, known as Mallital.

Climate
Nainital is located in the Kumaon hills and the weather is very pleasant throughout the year except during winter months. The temperature is not very high at any time but in winters it becomes very cold. The climate of Nainital is regulated by the lake here which showers rain almost every afternoon. The best time visit the place is between April to June and then again in September October.

Places to see

• Snow View
  This popular vantage point offers an excellent view of the northern Himalayan ranges. The point is accessible by a chair lift (ropeway) or you can hire horses and mountain ponies to reach there. One can also have a close up view of Nanda Devi, one of the highest peaks in the country.
• Naini Peak
  Five kilometres from the lake lies the Naina Peak. It is the highest peak bordering the lake. A popular picnic spot, the peak offers a panoramic view of the resort and a stunning view of the Himalayas including Nanda Devi and the mountains on the Tibetan border.
• Dorothy's Seat
  Four kilometres to the west of the lake lies Dorothy's seat, also known as Tiffin Top. It was built by an Englishman named Kellet in the memory of his wife, who was killed in an air crash. The spot offers a partial view of Nainital.
• Land's End
  Located on the southern border of the lake, and standing 2,881 metres high, this hill offers a view of another lake, Khurpa Tal.
• Hanuman Garhi
  Three kilometres south of Tallital lies Hanuman Garhi, where there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The place is also a good spot for viewing the setting sun.

How to reach

• Air
  Pantnagar airport is 71 kms away but does not have regular flights.
• Rail
  The nearest railway station is Kathgodam which is 35 km away. On the metre-guage line, Kathgodam is connected by direct services to Lucknow, Delhi, Agra and Barielly. The Railway booking office in Tallital. From Delhi one can travel to Barielly, 250 kms away, by rail, Barielly to Kathgodam by metre-guage and on to Nainital by road.
• Road
  Nainital is connected to all the major National and State highways. There are direct and regular buses for Agra (403 km), Badrinath (334 km), Barielly (140 km), Dehradun (387 km), Delhi (322 km), Lucknow (401 km), Almora (66 km), Ranikhet (66 km), Kausani (120 km). The bus stand is at Tallital. During May, June and October, the entry of heavy vehicles is closed from 8 am to 11.30 am and 2.30 pm to 10.30 pm, light vehicles from 6 pm to 10 pm and the entry of cycle rickshaws is closed from 6 pm to 9 pm. Nainital is full of private companies offering bus and taxi trips.