Nainital Uttarakhand: History, Culture, and Attractions of Nainital!

Located in the heart of the Kumaon Himalayas, Nainital in Uttarakhand is a picturesque hill station famed for its serene lakes, lush hills, and pleasant climate. Known as the “City of Lakes,” it offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.

Nainital Tour Itinerary – How to Reach Delhi to Nainital!

From the sacred Naini Lake and historic temples to traditional festivals and scenic viewpoints, Nainital attracts travelers seeking relaxation, adventure, and a glimpse into the local heritage.

Find details on the history, culture, and top attractions of Nainital, one of India’s most beloved hill stations.

About Nainital

Nainital is a beautiful hill station in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is known as the City of Lakes because of the many lakes that dot its landscape. Nainital is situated in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas, at an altitude of about 2,000 meters above sea level. It has a rich history, culture, and natural beauty that attract tourists from all over the world.

History of Nainital

Nainital derives its name from the Naini Lake, which is shaped like an eye and is believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, where the eyes of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva carried her body after her death. The lake is surrounded by seven hills, which are named after different gods and goddesses.

Nainital is also mentioned in the Skanda Purana as the Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, the lake of the three sages, Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha, who dug a hole and siphoned water into it from Mansarovar, the sacred lake in Tibet.

Nainital was founded by a British officer named P. Barron in 1841, who was enchanted by the lake and the surrounding mountains. He built a house near the lake and named it Pilgrim’s Cottage. Nainital soon became a popular summer retreat for British colonial officials and their families.

Nainital also became a center of education and culture, with many prestigious schools and colleges being established there. Some of the famous personalities who studied or lived in Nainital are Jim Corbett, Amitabh Bachchan, Anoop Jalota, Manish Pandey, and Major Somnath Sharma.

Nainital was also the summer capital of the United Provinces and the judicial capital of Uttarakhand. The town witnessed a disastrous landslide in 1880, which killed many people and destroyed many buildings. The town was rebuilt with better planning and infrastructure. Today, Nainital is one of the most visited hill stations in India and attracts tourists from all over the world.

Culture of Nainital

The culture of Nainital reflects the simple and traditional lifestyle of the people of this region. Despite a well-developed tourism industry, Nainital retains all the traditions of yesteryears. Many dances, developed many centuries ago, are still performed in the town.

• The people of Nainital are called Kumauni. They have lived here for centuries and reside in the hills among the small hut-shaped houses made up of stones or red brick with tin roofs.

• They are very religious and highly superstitious, evidenced by the black kajal that they apply on their forehead which protects them from any evil and spirit.

• The deities worshiped in Nainital are Bholenath, Naina Devi, Gangnath, Nanda Devi, Kail Bisht, Sunanda Devi, Golu, Haru, Sam, and Adi. They also perform ‘jaguar’ which is an act of calling out on their gods and deities, performed only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

• The languages spoken are Garhwali, Kumauni, and Hindi.

• Musical instruments like Turturi, Hurka, and Dhol are used by the people for displaying their joy. Chholia Nritya, a traditional dance is performed with a sword and a shield. Other dance forms famous here are the Chhapeli and The Jhora. Being in the north, Bhangda is another famous dance form.

They have many fairs celebrated throughout the year, some of them are mentioned below.

• Nandadevi Fair: Every year in September this festival is celebrated with a lot of joy. Started in the 16th century by King Kalyan Chand this fair is about worshipping goddess Nandadevi and Sunandadevi. A long rath is carried around with people seeking their blessing for a good and prosperous life.
  
• Uttaraini Mela: This fair is observed on Makar Sankranti Day (Approx. 14th January) at Chitrashila near Ranibag. Kumaoni people feed the crows on Uttaraini day by saying ‘Khale Kaua khala Ghughuti Bada Khale’.
  
• Harela Mela: This fair is observed on 16th or 17th of July at Bhimtal to celebrate the arrival of monsoon and the sowing of new crops. People make idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati with clay and worship them.
  
• Basant Panchami: This festival is celebrated in the month of February to mark the onset of spring and the blooming of flowers. People wear yellow clothes and offer yellow flowers to Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning and music.
  
• Shivratri: This festival is celebrated in the month of February or March to honor Lord Shiva, the destroyer of evil. People fast and offer milk, water, fruits and flowers to the Shiva lingam. They also chant mantras and sing bhajans throughout the night.

Attractions of Nainital

Naini Lake

Nainital has many attractions to offer, such as the Naini Lake, which is the main attraction of Nainital. The lake is shaped like an eye and offers boating, fishing, and scenic views of the surrounding mountains. The lake also hosts an annual boat festival in June, where colorful boats and cultural programs are displayed.

Naina Devi Temple

The Naina Devi Temple is located on the northern shore of the lake and is dedicated to Goddess Sati. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where Sati’s eyes are said to have fallen. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year.

Snow View Point

The Snow View Point is a viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayas and the lake. You can reach it by cable car or by trekking. The cable car ride is thrilling and enjoyable.

Mall Road

The Mall Road is the main shopping and dining area of Nainital, located along the lake. It has many shops, restaurants, cafes, and hotels. You can find souvenirs, handicrafts, candles, woolen items, and local delicacies here.

Tiffin Top

The Tiffin Top is a picnic spot that offers a 360-degree view of Nainital and its surroundings. You can reach it by hiking or by horse riding. It is a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

High Altitude Zoo

The High Altitude Zoo is a zoo that houses several endangered species of animals and birds, such as the Himalayan bear, Tibetan wolf, hill partridge, and red panda. It is a great place to learn about wildlife conservation and education.

Lands End

A cliff that offers a stunning view of the Khurpa Tal Lake and the valley below. You can reach it by hiking or by horse riding.

Bhimtal Lake

A lake that is larger than Naini Lake and has an island in the middle. It is located 22 km away from Nainital and offers boating and fishing activities.

Kilbury Bird Sanctuary

A sanctuary that is home to more than 200 species of birds, such as woodpeckers, thrushes, warblers, and flycatchers. It is located 12 km away from Nainital and offers nature walks and bird-watching opportunities.

Kainchi Dham

A temple complex that was established by a saint named Neem Karoli Baba. It is located 17 km away from Nainital and attracts many devotees and visitors.

Naukuchiatal

A lake that has nine corners and is surrounded by green hills. It is located 26 km away from Nainital and offers boating, paragliding, fishing, and camping activities.

FAQs

1. What are some of the popular places to visit in Nainital and nearby areas?

Some of the popular places to visit in Nainital are the Naina Devi Temple, the Snow View Point, the Mall Road, the Tiffin Top, the High Altitude Zoo, and the Lands End. Some of the nearby places that are worth visiting are the Bhimtal Lake, the Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, the Kainchi Dham, and the Naukuchiatal.

2. What is the best time to visit Nainital?

The best time to visit Nainital is from March to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear. You can also visit Nainital in winter if you want to experience snowfall and enjoy winter sports.

3. Who founded Nainital and when?

Nainital was founded by a British officer named P. Barron in 1841, who was enchanted by the lake and the surrounding mountains. He built a house near the lake and named it Pilgrim’s Cottage.

4. Who were some notable personalities associated with Nainital?

Famous personalities linked to Nainital include Jim Corbett, Amitabh Bachchan, Anoop Jalota, Manish Pandey, and Major Somnath Sharma.

5. What is unique about the culture of Nainital?

Nainital’s culture reflects the Kumaoni traditions, including folk dances like Chholia Nritya and Chhapeli, music with instruments such as Turturi and Dhol, and vibrant local festivals.

6. What are the major festivals celebrated in Nainital?

Major festivals include Nandadevi Fair, Uttaraini Mela, Harela Mela, Basant Panchami, and Shivratri, celebrating local traditions, agriculture, and religious devotion.