Dreaming of gettng away from the hectic daily routine? Then, a mystical land, with its lovely lakes, a view of distant snow capped peaks, toasty weather and adventure beckons you. The season is never a reason to visit this quaint hillstation. Each season brings a fresh look . It is cold and silent in winters, green and chirpy in summers, bright and colourful in spring. The autumn winds nips you gently and the soft crunch of fallen leaves reverberates under your feet, do not complain that you have not been fore-warned about the charms of the place. She will make you want to prolong your stay here so you can continue your romance with nature. Whether it?s your honeymoon, a sabbatical with your family or a spot of trekking with friends, Nainital will not disappoint you.

History
Legend has it that three ancient sages reached here on a pilgrimage, and, finding no water to drink, dug a hole here rerouting the waters of the Mansarovar Lake in Tibet. Yet another story has deeper routes in Hinduism. It says that when Lord Shiva carried the charred body of his wife Sati (after she jumped into the sacrificial fire on being insulted by her father), one of her eyes of Sati fell in Nainital, giving rise to the eye-shaped Naini Lake.

In 1839, an English businessman strayed into the hills while on a hunting tour and discovered the scenic lakes. So enamoured was he by the hills and lakes that he gave up his business in order to build a European colony here. About a decade later, Nainital became the summer seat of the North Western Provinces. This spurred the development of the town?vast colonial bungalows, markets, rest houses and recreation clubs came up. The British also set up several schools for their children here, away from the heat of the plains.

In 1880, disaster struck in the form of heavy rainfall which resulted in a landslide at the north end of the lake now known as Mallital. 151 people were killed and it also destroyed several buildings, including the Naina Devi Temple. A recreation area known as 'The Flats' was later built on the site and a new temple also consructed. Ever since, Nainital has remained a favourite summer halt for the sun-scorched souls from the plains.
How to Reach
Air
Pantnagar, about 70 km from Nainital, is the nearest airport with direct flights to Delhi. From here you have to either hire a cab or take a bus.

Rail
Kathgodam, 35 km away, is the nearest railhead. Trains link the town to Delhi, Nanital, Dehradun and Lucknow. From Kathgodam, there are taxis available on shared seat basis, for those on shoestring budgets. Regular cabs and buses are also at your service.

Road
State transport as well private operators run buses from Tallital Bus Stand to Dehrarun (300kms) Delhi (310kms) Haldwani (40kms) and Ramnagar (65kms)

What to see
Lakes
Naini Lake
Begin your tour of India?s Lake District with the emerald green Naini Lake, thought to be the eye of Goddess Sati. There are sail and paddle boats available on hire.

Sat Tal
About 23 km from Nainital is this unforgettable stretch of lakes playing hide and seek with thick oak forests. As you approach Sat tal, the first lake you will come by is the Nal Damayanti Lake, then Lake Panna and a little further on, a cluster of three lakes called Ram, Laxman and Sita.

Bhimtal
About 22 km from Nainital at an altitude of 1,370 m, you get fantastic views of the Himalayas from here. Bhimtal is in fact larger than Naini Lake and there is a lovely island in the middle that you can row/paddle up to. Boats are easily available on hire. You could also take a walk around the 17th century Bhimeshwar temple complex nearby.

Naukuchiatal
About 4 km from Bhimtal, this is an enchanting nine-cornered lake (so its name; ?nau? meaning nine). You can while away time rowing, paddling, yachting and bird watching.

Mountain Gazing
For the best views, take the cable car to Snow-View Point. If the skies are clear, you can spot the soaring Nanda Devi; at 7,816 m, it is among the tallest mountain peaks in the world. The cable car operates between 10 am and 4 pm.

Naina Peak (China Peak)
The highest peak of the town, it commands a panoramic view of the snow-laden Himalayas, from Bandar Punch in the west to Api and Nari peaks of Nepal in the east. You can also get a bird?s eye view of Nainital town. For those not wanting to exercise their legs, there are ponies and horses to ride upto Naini Peak. These can be hired from Snow-View Point or from Mallital.

Land?s End
At an altitude of 2,118 m, you get a bewitching view of the surrounding hills and valleys and the lovely Khurpatal Lake. The place couldn?t have been better named?as you walk up the gentle slope, the land really doe seem to end. The best way to get here is to take a drive up to Barapatthar and then walk the last kilometre.

Dorothy Seat and Tiffin Top
As the name suggests, pack a picnic hamper and head to this rugged hillside for a lazy afternoon. Dorothy Seat is a memorial for an English painter named Dorothy Kellet, built by her husband and admirers. You can cover Tiffin Top and Land?s End in one go.

Remnants of the Raj
The Flats, on the northern side of the lake, was constructed by the British after the landslide of 1880. It is where the townsfolk meet every evening when the place really peps up. The Flats has a playing ground used for sporting and cultural activities, a Jama Masjid (mosque), a Sikh Gurudwara and of course the Naina Devi Temple. Dedicated to the presiding deity of the town, the temple was reconstructed after the infamous landslide. Close to the temple is the Rink Theatre, used for roller-skating, and several clubs.

Raj Bhavan
Built by the British as the residence for the Governor of North-West Province, it is now the residence of the Governor of Uttaranchal. It has a lovely garden, a mini golf course and a swimming pool. You can visit the Raj Bhavan but prior permission is a must. Secretary, Tourism, Government of Uttaranchal, and Chief Executive Officer at Dehradun (India) Ph.0091-135-712095, Fax : 0091-135-712112 can be contacted for the same.

St. John-in-the Wilderness
Nainital?s oldest church, it dates back to 1848. Its stained glasses windows are a wonder.

Quick Escapes
Mukteshwar
About 51 km from Nainital, is this tiny town of orchards and thick coniferous forests. Besides long walks and gazing at the Himalayas, there is an old Shiva temple that you can visit. It?s better to make this a day trip as accommodation is difficult to come by.

Ranikhet
Scented mountain breeze, twittering birds, gleaming silver peaks? no wonder a Rani Padmini (not the Rani Padmini) made it her abode and the place came to be called Ranikhet, or ?Queen?s Field?. With its majestic pine trees, Ranikhet is 60 km from Nainital. It is the headquarters of the Kumaon Regimental Centre. The KRC Museum and memorial are not to be missed. Accommodation is available aplenty.

Kausani
Looking to escape from the din and dust, hustle and bustle of big cities for a quiet holiday in the lap of nature. Nestled among dense pine forests atop a narrow ridge, it offers an incredible 300-km wide view of the Himalayan ranges. Eulogised by poets, Kausani, 123kms away is a heady mix of history, pilgrimage and adventure.

Baijnath
Barely is 19 km from Kausani towards Bageshwar are these ancient temples of Shiva, Ganesha, Parvati, Chandalika, Kuber, Surya, and Brahma.

Jageshwar
Counted among the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country, Jageshwar lies in a beautiful valley of green deodars. There are over a 100 shrines, all rich in sculptures. Don?t miss the shrines of Jageshwar, Mrityunjaya and Pushtidevi, the most important and the prettiest. The carvings here have distinct Buddhist influences. Jageshwar is about 100 km from Nainital.

Binsar
About 95 km from Nainital, this is Alpine country. Binsar owes its popularity to the oak and rhododendron forests, evergreen ferns, hanging moss, wild flowers and some great mountain views, including the peaks of Kedarnath, Trishul, Nandadevi, and Nandakot. It also offers great trekking trails.

Corbett National Park
Mecca for wildlife enthusiasts, the park is about 128 km from Nainital town. You could hire a jeep from Tallital or take a bus. The main attractions are the wild elephants and tigers, crocodiles, sloth bears, macaques, and barking deer.