Nainital, Kausani & Ranikhet

Nainital & Kumaon: history

Nainital began as a British hill station in 1841, built around a pear-shaped lake. Tradition links the lake with the goddess Naina Devi, whose temple stands on its bank.

Jim Corbett National Park, in the foothills below, was set up in 1936 as India's first national park. It was later named after the hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett, and Project Tiger was launched here in 1973. Mahatma Gandhi stayed at Kausani in 1929 and praised its Himalayan view.

Nainital & Kumaon: tourist attractions

• Naini LakeBoating on the lake in the middle of town.
• Naina Devi TempleThe temple at the northern end of the lake.
• Snow View PointA ropeway ride to a view of the Himalayan peaks.
• Mall Road & Tibetan marketAn evening walk and shopping by the lake.
• Jim Corbett jeep safariMorning and afternoon drives. Most zones close in the monsoon.
• Kausani sunriseA long line of peaks including Trishul and Nanda Devi.
• RanikhetPine forest, a golf course and the Jhula Devi temple.

Nainital & Kumaon: excursions nearby

• Kainchi Dham about 18 km from NainitalThe ashram of Neem Karoli Baba.
• Bhimtal, Sattal & Naukuchiatal about 22–26 km from NainitalThree quieter lakes.
• Mukteshwar about 50 km from NainitalOrchards and a hilltop Shiva temple.
• Almora about 65 km from NainitalAn old Kumaoni hill town.
• Baijnath about 17 km from KausaniA group of stone temples from about the 12th century.

Distances are approximate. Tell us which excursions you want and we add them to your quote.