State: Uttarakhand

Main languages: Hindi

District: Nainital District

 

History:

 

The city of Nainital is located in the state of Uttarakhand and is the headquarters of Nainital district in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. Nainital has some ancient myths in the Manas Khand of the Skand Puranas and it is called Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, which also hints at the story of three sages Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha. It is said that these three sages dug a large hole here upon finding no water and this lake was filled with water from the holy lake Manasarovar in Tibet. A dip in Naini Lake, "the lesser Manasarovar," earns merit equal as per a lore. The lake is also believed to be one of the 64 Shakti Peeths, or religious sites where parts of the charred body of Sati or Goddess Parvati fell on earth while being carried by Lord Shiva. It is said that the spot where Sati's eyes or Nain fell, was given the name Nain-tal and the Naina Devi Temple on the north shore of the present day lake is worshipped in her honor. The British took over the Kumaon Hills in the early 19th century and developed as an escape from the summer heat. They built many resorts and rest houses here and Nainital became the favorite of the British officials. 

 

Geography:

 

Nainital is situated at an altitude of 1,938 meters above sea level and it is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake. The lake is about 2 miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are Naina. Nainital is located at 29°23′N 79°27′E / 29.38, 79.45 and is surrounded by rich flora and fauna. 

 

 

Climate:

 

The temperatures in Nainital during summers are about 27 degree Celsius while the minimum temperatures in winter can go down to -3 degree Celsius. The weather here is pleasant during summers with snowfall at times during the December to February.

 

Demography:

 

As per the 2001 Indian census, Nainital had a population of 38,559 and the average literacy rate here is 81%.

 

Education:

 

The town started developing various European style schools during the latter half of the 19th century including the Diocesan Boys' School, which was later renamed as Sherwood College, Philander Smith's College, St. Mary's Convent High School and many others also. There are also various research institutes here like the Kumaon University, the 'ARIES' State Observatory and various libraries, which are also located here.

 

Economy:

 

There economy of Nainital basically survives on tourism because it is also the center point for various other tourist junctions nearby. Apart from these trades of wood and forestry are vital businesses here. The growth of various kinds of fruits are famous in the area especially the oranges. 

 

Tourism:

 

The Naina Devi Temple was destroyed by the landslip of 1880 but was built later and remains one of the famous tourist spots here. Other attractions in the area are church of St. John, Raj Bhawan or Governor's House, Snow View situated at an altitude of 2,270 m atop the Sher-ka-danda Ridge, the Naina Peak also known as China or Cheena Peak and Tiffin Top also known as Dorothy's are some of the most popular locations here. There are various other places to visit outside Nainital also and these include Jim Corbett National Park, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal Lake, Sattal, Khurpa Tal, Naukuchia Tal, Hanumangarhi and Ranikhet. Nainital also has a huge Tibetan market and a many Tibetans reside in Nainital also.

 

Transportation:

 

Kathgodam is the nearest railway station from Nainital and it is only 34 km away from the town. Nainital is well connected through roads from Delhi and other northern cities also and the nearest operational airports are Lucknow and New Delhi airports.

 

 

 

 

Comments