Nainital District, Uttarakhand :

Nainital District of Uttarakhand lies in the Kumaon division of Himalayan Mountain Range. Nainital Lake is a popular destination in Nainital District. Nainital District is one of the administrative districts of Uttarakhand. Nainital is the district headquarters. It is also the headquarter of Kumaon division of Uttarakhand. 

History :

History of Nainital District states that Nainital has several significant mythological references as Nainital is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India. British Government occupied Kumaon and Garhwal in 1815. On 3rd of October, 1850, Nainital Municipal Board was formally constituted. In 1862, Nainital became the summer seat of the North Western Provinces. After it was made the summer capital, a remarkable expansion of the town occurred with the growth of magnificent bungalows all around and construction of facilities such as marketing areas, rest houses, recreation centers, clubs etc together with the secretariat and other administrative units. It also became an important centre of education. 

Geography : 

Nainital District is located approximately in between 80 degree 14 minutes and 78 degree 80 minutes east longitude and 29 degree 5 minutes north latitude. To its north is Almora district and to its south lies the Udham Singh Nagar district. Champawat district flanks it in the east and district of Pauri Garhwal is in the west. On the northern side lies the Himalaya Mountainwhile on the southern side lies the plains making the resultant climate of the district enjoyable one. The total geographical area covered by Nainital District is 3422 sq kms. 

Climate :

Nainital District enjoys the climate of tropical, subtropical, temperate, sub alpine and alpine type. The Terai and Bhabhar belt has a moderate climate resembling with plain areas. The middle Himalayan ranges are temperate zones. Alpine zone refers to the land between the snow line and above 2000 metres and is a typical high Himalayan belt. The soil structure and texture also varies from high sandy soils having 70 percent to 80 percent sand to clay soils in which the clay percentage is up to 20 percent. In between vast tracts possess sandy loamy soils which are neither heavy nor very light. 

Natural Vegetation  :

The hilly region of Nainital District is covered with Himalayan subtropical pine forests. The major trees are Oak, Buruns, Kaphal and other trees. There are small tracts of cultivated lands and fruit orchards in between the forests in this region. 

Demography :

According to the Population Census in the year 2011, Nainital District has the population of 955,128. The population density is about 225 inhabitants per square kilometers. The literacy rate of Nainital District is about 84.85 percent. 
 

Culture : 

Nainital District has rich cultural traditions and heritage. The main towns of the district are cosmopolitan and its people are associated with various religions. The major part of population follows indigenous Kumaoni traditions. In societies, marriages are mostly arranged by the parents. The tradition of colorful ornamentation on Aanchal cloths is a unique Kumaoni tradition, rooted deep in its long history. The style of painting is locally known as Aipan. There are several fairs and festivals organized in Nainital District. After harvesting season people mostly relax, rejoice, dance and sing thus a festival is generated. At the transition of sun from one constellation to another Sankranti is observed. tc. are some of the auspicious occasions celebrated in the district. Fairs are also organized on these occasions on certain places. 

Tourism :

Nainital is blessed with scenic natural splendour and varied natural resources. The hilly region of Nainital District also has big and small lakes. The foothill area of the district is known as Bhabhar. The underground water level is very deep in this region. Kosi River is the main river of the district. Most of the small rivulets have been dammed for irrigation purposes. Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of 'Lake District' of India. The most prominent of the lakes is Naini Lake ringed by hills. Nainital has a varied topography.

Tourist Places :

Naini Lake :

Naini Lake, noted for its boat riding, dominates the city of the Nainital. It is a freshwater lake, which looks like a mysterious gem located amidst the Oak trees in the foothills of Himalaya. Shaped like a pear, measuring 1.432 km, its shoreline is scattered with mall road, trees, guest houses and temples. Encircled by seven hills, Nainital Lake is a favourite spot amongst the romantic travellers around the world. 

Eco Caves :

Eco caves are a cluster of interconnected caves that can travel cross by walking. Six caves in the garden, Tiger cave, Panther Cave, Flying Fox cave, Squirrel cave, Bats cave and Apes cave, are connected through the tunnel, some of which are easy to pass through, for others one will have to crawl. All these caves are lit up by dark lights and petroleum lamps, which in turn spruce up the adventure quotient.

Governor House  :

Britan, who used to rule over Nainital, have left their artistic imprint upon landscapes in palaces, churches and public places. One such place that is a fantastic reminiscent of the British era is the Governors house, officially called Raj Mahal. Built in 1990 in "the early domestic Gothic style", the house used to serve as a residence for the governor of the north-eastern province and later the united province. The unique architecture of the Governors house, known for its ages old charming architecture and quirky looks, was designed by F.O. Oertel and H.S. Wildeblood. It’s a place that fills one with old charm and architecture marvel dating back to colonial times.

Naina Devi Temple :

On the edges of the Naini Lake, stands the Naina Devi Temple, a famous Hindu pilgrimage site in Nainital. According to the legends, Naina Devi temple came into existence when Lord Shiva was carrying the corpse of Sati, and her eyes fell to the ground where the temple currently stands. The town, the lake, and the temple borrow its name Naina (eyes) Devi temple. Finding its ways from Kushan period, popularly known as Nanda or Naina Devi in the Kumaon region, an ancient temple is understood to have been built in 15th century AD, which might have been destroyed by a landslide. Later in 1842, the first Naina Devi idol was installed by Moti Lal Shah. However, in 1880, the temple was completely ruined because of the landslide. Soon, the temple was rebuilt again in 1883 by locals.

Naina Peak :

The highest peak of Nainital, Naini Peak, captivates the mind of every tourist when it's looked up from a distance. With a height of 2615 m, the peak often remains blanketed with trees covered with snow which make it look picturesque. Due to its scenic trails and high altitudes, trek to Naina peak is quite famous amongst trekkers.

Mall Road :

Nainital's colonial heart is the Mall road, a street overlooking the Naini Lake, lined with shops and restaurants. Officially known as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg, Mall Road is the centre of the activities. Any trip to Nainital is incomplete without strolling around the Mall road. Connecting Mallital and Tallital, it is one of the busiest streets of Nainital. People can walk up and down the Mall road slowly and enjoy the scenic views of nature.