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Nainital is a town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand and headquarters of Nainital district in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 1,938 metres (6,358 feet) above sea level, Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are Naina (2,615 m (8,579 ft)) on the north, Deopatha (2,438 m (7,999 ft)) on the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 m (7,474 ft)) on the south. From the tops of the higher peaks, "magnificent views can be obtained of the vast plain to the south, or of the mass of tangled ridges lying north, bounded by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas."
How to reach Nainital:
Nainital is well connected with the rest part of country through different modes of transport.
By Railways:
Kathgodam(35 Kms.) away is the last terminus of broad gauze line of North East Railways connecting Nainital with Delhi,Dehradun & Howarah . Haldwani(40 Kms.) & Lalkuwan(56 Kms.) are other railway terminals.
Ranikhet express departs from Old Delhi railway station at 10:45 PM daily , it reaches Kathgodam at 6:05 AM . Extra coaches for Ramnagar are attached with this train , arriving Ramnagar at 5:00 A.M. . Uttaranchal Sampark Kranti Express is also running between Kathgodam & Delhi, it start from Kathgodam at 8:50 AM in the morning and reaches Delhi at 3:20 PM and on the same day return from Delhi at 4:00 PM and reaches Kathgodam at 10:45 PM. Another special train Kathgodam Anand Vihar AC EXP runs between Kathgodam & Anand Vihar Terminal Delhi, it starts from Anand Vihar,Delhi at 06:00 AM and reaches Kathgodam at 11:55 AM and on the same day returns from Kathgodam at 3:45 PM & reaches Anand Vihar,Delhi at 09:55 PM.
Bagh Express connects Kathgodam directly to Howarah via Lucknow. Lalkua Junction 56 Kms. from Nainital is another terminal point of meter gauze line of North East Railways . Nainital Express connects Lalkua with Lucknow while Kumaun Express connects Lalkua with Mathura via Bareilly. Ramnagar 65 Kms away acts as an alternative outlet for Delhi & Lucknow.
Train Kathgodam Dehradun Express runs daily in between Kathgodam and Dehradun via Moradabad. A new weekly train Garib Rath introduced between Kathgodam and Jammu Tawi. This train runs from Kathgodam on Tuesday & from Jammu Tawi on Sunday.
Tourist coming by rail mode can take Taxi or Buses from Kathgodam or Haldwani . Taxis are available on shared seat basis at Haldwani Taxi stand & as well as at Kathgodam & Lalkuwan railway stations. While most of the buses starts from Haldwani roadways bus stand. Computerized railway reservation counter is situated near Bus Stand at Nainital . This facility is also available at Kathgodam, Haldwani & Lalkuwan railway stations.
By Road:
Nainital is connected to National Highway No. 87. Regular roadways buses run from Delhi, Agra, Dehradun, Haridwar, Lucknow, Kanpur & Bareilly daily . Beside this luxury coaches are available from Delhi for this place.
Distances of some nearby cities from Nainital are as follows.
Almora
64
Pithoragarh
186
Ranikhet
62
Champawat
160
Kausani
117
Kathgodam
34
Haldwani
40
Lalkua
60
Ramnagar
65
Bareilly
140
Lucknow
400
Agra
403
Delhi
310
Dehradun
300
Haridwar
245
Badrinath
334
Traffic Rules On the Mall Road:
Entry of heavy traffic is prohibited during the months of May , June and October from 8 AM to 10.30 AM and 2.30 PM to 10.30 PM , light vehicles from 6.00 PM to 10.00 PM and cycle rickshaw from 6.00 PM to 9.00 PM.
By Air:
Pantnagar 70 Kms from Nainital is the nearest air port .
Geography of Nainital:
Nainital is located at 29°23′N 79°27′E / 29.38°N 79.45°E. It has an average elevation of 2,084 metres (6,837 feet).
Climate of Nainital:
Nainital has temperate summers, maximum temperature 27 °C (81 °F); minimum temperature 7 °C (45 °F), during which its population increases more than fivefold with an annual influx of tourists predominantly from the plains of Northern India. In the winter, Nainital receives snowfall between December and February with the temperatures varying between a maximum of 15 °C (59 °F) and a minimum of −3 °C (26.6 °F).
The nucleus of Nainital’s exquisite beauty is beautiful lake .In the day, mirrored in its waters stand seven proud hills,dotted with pretty cottages and villas . This reflection alone holds one spell bound. More beautiful than this however is the lake at night when the myriads of bulbs from the hill sides and quite a large number hanging near the lake’s edge stab their magic light into its waters.
The lake offers the holiday makers ample opportunity for yachting, boating or paddling the boat. Boating rates in conventional rowing boats ranges from Rs. 30/- to Rs. 50/- in peak season days from one end of lake to another end. Paddling boats are available on hourly rate from Rs. 50/- to Rs. 90/- depending on type of paddle boat and tourist rush. Rowing as well as paddling boats are available at both ends of lake.
The north end of lake is called Mallital while the southern one is called Tallital which have a bridge (Danth popularly named) having Gandhiji's statue and post office on its sides .It is the only Post Office on the lake bridge in whole of the world.There is Bus Station , Taxi stand and Railway reservation counter on the same lake bridge , both ends have well laid out shopping centres,with beautifully laid of marts ,stores and luxury shops.
The Flatts:
At the northern side of the lake there is a place of rendezvous for people from all walks of life . Here evenings are heavily crowded. There is a statue of Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant and a beautiful fountain . There is a band stand . The Flats has playing ground used for sports games and cultural activities during festivals. There is Chat Bazar,Bhotia Market in the flats. In Bhotia Market vendors sell their fancy items .There is Mosque,Gurudwara and Naina Devi temple in flatts.Capitol cinema and Rink theatre which is used for roller skating are also situated in Flatts.A portion of the flatts is used for car parking .New club, Boat House club, Masonic Hall are in the periphery of the flatts for recreation.
Zoo:
Leopard at Nainital Zoo.Around one Km. away from bus stand at an altitude of 2100 meters in sprawling open area there is Govind Ballabh Pant High Altitude Zoo . Now a days it has Monkeys, Himalayan black bear, Leopard, Siberian Tiger, Palm civet cat, Wolf, Silver Pheasants, Siberian Tiger at Nainital Zoo Rose ringed Prakeet, Hill Fox, Ghoral, Barking Deer, Sambhar. The zoo remains closed for visitors on Monday, all national holidays , Holi & Diwali.
Aerial Ropeway:
Rope WayIt is one of the main attractions of Nainital. This ropeway connects Snow-View Point (at 2270 Mts.) with Nainital near flats. Aerial ropeway starts at Mallital , there are two trolleys to carry passengers .It takes approx. 151.7 seconds to cover one way journey by trolley. Cabin capacity is 10+1 or 825 kg.
Governor’s House (Raj Bhavan):
Raj Bhavan was built by British as residence of Governor of North West Province. Now Raj Bhavan is the official accommodation of Governor (Uttaranchal).State guests coming to Nainital also use it for their stay. It consists of a marvelous garden, Golf Links, Swimming Pool.Jhandidhar Modi Heights,Munshi heights are the other places in the complex worth seeing .The Governor’s House was built in the line of Buckingham Palace having double storied 113 rooms .For visiting this place prior permission is must.
Horse Riding:
Horse riding is another important attraction for tourists in Nainital. Horses can be hired at Barapatthar. Several tourist use horses as their transport mode to visit the different peaks of Nainital.Horse Riding is now strictly prohibitted inside the Nainital town.
Caves Garden:
This feature is the latest addition in the list of numerous tourism spots in Nainital. It is located in Sukha Tal around one Km from Mallital very near to Kumaun University Campus.
Hanuman Garhi:
Hanuman Garhi Temple It is around 3.5 Kms away from the bus stop at an altitude of 1951 Mts. Hanuman Garhi is a religious centre and famous for its sun set view .One can go to Hanuman Garhi by taxi, bus or even on foot from Nainital .It has a temple complex presiding deity being Lord Hanuman besides Ram and Shiva. At the instance of Neem Karoli Baba around 1950 these temples were built. On the other side of the hill there is Shitala Devi temple and Ashram of Lila Sah Bapu.
Snow View :
It is the most easily accessible hill top, height 2270 mts. and at a distance of 2.5 Km from the town. The spot is accessible through ropeway . This peak is also connected by motor able road. Snow view as the name suggests offers an indescribably beautiful and breath taking picture of the glittering snows of Himalyas. It has a temple. Tea, snacks, Photographers are available at this place.
Naina Peak or China Peak :
Naina peak is the highest peak of the town , at an altitude of 2611 mts. and at a distance of 6 Kms from the town .It commands an entrancing view of sparkling snow laden Himalayas from Bandar Punch in west to Api and Nari peaks of Nepal in the east , a full Himalayan range in one side and a birds eye view of the lake city of Nainital in its full grandeur on the other. With a pair of binoculars a good panorama of the tract surrounding Nainital is obtained . Pony or Horses can be hired to visit this peak either from Snow view or from Mallital.
Lands End :
Its altitude is 2118 mts. & it is located at about 4 Kms from the town. The best feature of this spot is that one does not have to climb much and as the name suggests one feels on reaching the area that the end of the land has really come. Needless to say the view of the neighboring hills and valley and the Khurpatal lake is exquisite from this point. One can go to Barapathar on a vehicle and then walk about one Km. up to the spot.
Dorothy Seat & Tiffin Top:
Located at a distance of 4 Kms from the town this peak is 2292 mts. above the sea level in Ayarpatta region. The road to this picnic spot crawls along the rugged hill side swaying this way & that, and than all in one breadth in hushed silence suddenly unfolds a canvas on which nature has painted this beautiful spot. Tiffin Top commands an excellent view of the Himalayas as well as the neighboring country side. Dorothy seat a memorial to an English lady painter Dorothy Kellet build by her husband an admirers after her death.
Tiffin Top & Lands end can be covered at a stretch as both spots are side by side.
Kilbury:
At an altitude of 2194 mts. and 10 Kms. from the town this place is accessible by a motor able road. There is a forest rest house for night stay. Kilbury is an ideal spot for a quiet and peaceful holiday.
It is 1706 meters above the sea level and 11 KMs. away from Nainital.This is a road junction serving all the nearby hill stations from Nainital. Bhowali is famous for its scenic grandeur and as a hill fruit mart, Bhowali is also known for its T.B. sanatorium established in 1912
Ghorakhal:
Famous for the temple of Lord Golu worshipped by hill people and sainik school this place is at a distance of 3 Kms from Bhowali.
Sattal:
At a distance of about 23 Kms. from Nainital at an altitude of 1370 mts. Sattal is a unique, unforgettable spot having cluster of lakes placed amidst the oak forest. It is comparable with Westmoreland of England. As one approach toward Sattal first lake is old Nal Damyanti Lake. On moving ahead there is the ashram of Stanley Johns an American Missionary. Next lake is Panna or Garude lake.As we move down there is a cluster of three lakes , these lakes are Ram, Laxman and Sita lake.
Bhimtal:
It is about 22 Kms. from Nainital and 11 Kms. from Bhowali at an altitude of 1370 mts. The pride of Bhimtal is a beautiful lake which offers magnificent vistas for tourists. The lake is larger than Naini lake. Tourist enjoys here boating in lake. There is an island amid lake having beautiful aquarium . Tourist visit here by boats. The distance of island from lake shore is 91 mts.There is a 17th centuryBhimeshwar temple complex along the 40 feet high dam . The local bus stand and taxi stand is situated near it. One road from Bhimtal leaves for Naukuchiatal while the another one goes to Kathgodam 21 Kms from here.
Naukuchiyatal:
It is 26 Kms from Nainital and 4 Kms from Bhimtal at 1220 mts above sea level.A pretty deep clean lake with its nine corner is a captivating site.Length of lake is 983 mts., breadth is 693 mts & depth 40.3 mts.It is within an enchanting valley offering an opportunity of angling and bird watching. There is ample scope for rowing, paddling or yachting.
Kainchi Dham:
On the Nainital - Almora Road, 9 Km from Bhowali and 17 Kms from Nainital is a modern pilgrim centre. This place has achieved recognition owing to the ashram of the famous Neem Karoli Maharaj. Kaichi is a term used for two sharp hairpin bends of the motor road in local dialect hence the name. It has no relation with scissors.
Mukteshwar:
This beautiful place is 2286 mts in altitude and 51 Kms. from Nainital. Surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest it was developed by the Britishers as research and education institute (IVRI) in 1893. It is the celebrated scenic spot overlooking long ranges of Himalaya.An old temple of Lord Shiva exist on the top of a rock.
Ranikhet:
A hill station, idyllic in its charm, Ranikhet with its majestic pine trees, is 60 Kms. from Nainital. According to popular belief this spot had won the heart of Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sudhardev . She chose this scenic place to her abode & since then, it has come to be known as Ranikhet, literally "Queen’s Field" . At an altitude of 1829 mts. above sea level, this hill station is undoubtedly a tourist’s paradise. The scented mountain breeze, fresh & pure, the singing of birds, the panoramic view of the Himalayas, the sights, sounds and smells leave the onlooker spellbound. Weaving an instant spell on the visitor Ranikhet draws visitors all the year round. You can know about Ranikhet Hill Station athttp://tourismofuttaranchal.blogspot.com/2011/03/ranikhet-ranikhet-hill-station-ranikhet.html.
Kausani:
Nestling among thick dense pine forests, atop a narrow ridge and separated from the towering mountains of the Nanda Devi range by low, medium mountains ; at Kausani the grandeor of the Himalayan scenery comes alive. The view of the snow covered Trishul & Nanda Devi is so clear that one gets a feeling of the snown being within touching distance. Its ethereal sunrise & a 300 kms. wide view of the Himalayan range have attracted thousands of visitors to this place time & again. Eulogised by poets & philosophers, this scenic & beautiful spot offers so much all the year round, sightseeing, history, pilgrimage and complete relaxation .Mahatma Gandhi, who spent 12 days in 1929 at Kausani, penned his memorable commentry on the Geeta-Anashakti-Yoga inspired by the scenic grandeur of this richly gifted spot. The guest house where the Mahatma stayed is now known as the Anashakti Ashram. Hindi poet laureate Sumitra Nandan Pant was born at Kausani. Some of his early poem composed here have described nature in its myriad manifestations. Kausani is ideal for those who seek to escape from the din & dust, hustle & bustle of big cities and wish to spent a quiet holidays in the lap of nature.
Baijnath:
Situated at an elevation of 1125 mts. it is 19 Kms. from Kausani towards Bageshwar. Lying on the banks of Gomti river in a flat valley, the temple complex of Baijnathwas constructed by the Katyuri kings. Here in Baijnath old anicient temples of Shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Chandika, Kuber, Surya, Brahama are located . These were constructed in 13th century AD.
Jageshwar:
Counted among the 12 Jyotirlings in the country, Jageshwar lies in a beautiful narrow valley hedged by monarch-sized, ancient deodars. Of the over 100 small and large shrines of this complex, the three outstanding ones, in terms of sculpture, are dedicated of Jageshwar, Mrityunjaya and Pushtidevi. Jageshwar temple has sculpted dwarpals standing guard at its entrance . Although the presiding deity at Jageshwar is shiva a strong Buddhist influence is visible in the carvings. It is about 100 Kms. from Nainital.
Binsar:
95 kms. from Nainital , Binsar is one of the most scenic spot in the Kumoun Himalayas and acclaimed hill resorts. At an elevation of 2412 mts, this place offers an excellent view of Kumoun hills and the greater Himalayas , surrounded by Alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss & species of wild flowers. The main attaraction of Binsar is the majestic view of the Himalayas. A three hundred kms. stretch of famous peaks which includes Kedranath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nandadevi, Nandakot & Pachachuli. The forests of Himalayan Oak and rhobodendron are excellent for trekking and communing with nature.
Demographics:
As of the 2001 Indian census, Nainital had a population of 38,559. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Nainital has an average literacy rate of 91%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 98%, and female literacy is 86%. In Nainital, 1% of the population is under 6 years of age. Kumaonies form the major part of the town's population along with people from all over India.
Nainital in Mythology:
It is believed that Nainital figures in some ancient myths of India. In the Manas Khand of the Skand Puranas, Nainital Lake is called Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, hinting at the story of three sages (or rishis), Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha, who, upon finding no water in Nainital, dug a large hole at the location of the present day lake (sarovar = lake) and filled it with water from the holy lake Manasarovar in Tibet. According to lore, a dip in Naini Lake, "the lesser Manasarovar," earns merit equal to a dip in the great lake.
It is also believed that The Naini Lake is one of the 64 Shakti Peeths, or religious sites where parts of the charred body of Sati (Parvati) fell on earth while being carried by Lord Shiva. The spot where Sati's eyes (or Nain) fell, came to be called Nain-tal or lake of the eye. The goddess Shakti is worshipped at the Naina Devi Temple on the north shore of the present day lake.
Adventure & Sports in Nainital:
To sailors all over the country, the Nainital Yatch Club has been an embodiment of tradition & repository of sailing heritage. The Lake the fountain-head of yatching, has promoted through the club, the keen interest India has in the A participant at Naini Lakesport. Every year national & zonal races are held in Naini Lake. Swimming competetion are also organized in Nainital in summer months. Beside this Canoeing, Kyaking competetion are organized in Naini Lake. Canoing & Kyak Competetion at Naini Lake Parasailing facility is available near Naukuchiatal. One can experience this sky adventure in the company of experienced parasailors.In adventure sports Hotbalooning is another attraction at Nainital. Hotbalooning camps Parasailing at Naukuchiatalare organized at Sukhatal. Golf Tournaments held every year in Golf Course of Raj Bhavan. Hockey, Football, Cricket, Boxing tournaments take place in Nainital annualy in their respective seasons at Flatts. Nainital Hotbalooning mountaineering club at Nainital is pioneer in the area of mountaineering & rockclimbing training. Rock Climbing training takes place at BaraPathhar & Camels back.
Flora & Fauna in Nainital:
District Nainital is a unique district of Kumaun having tropical type, subtropical type, temperate, sub alpine and alpine zones in its lap. on one side its Tarai & Bhabhar belt contains the climate resembling with plain areas on the other the deep valleys having an elevation unto 1000 Mts. rear plants of hills as well as plains. The middle Himalayan ranges unto 2000 Mts. are temperate zones growing a number of typical temperate climate plants. The sub alpine unto 2500 Mts. grow high altitude plants an have the capacity to rear plants of alpine zones as well.
Alpine zone is referred to the land between snow line and above 2000 Mts. This is a typical high Himalayan belt. District Nainital contains all the zone except the alpine one. Pam Tree The soil structure and texture also varies from high sandy soils having 70 to 80% sand to clay soils in which the clay percentage is unto 20%. In between vast tracts possess sandy lome soils which are neither heavy nor very light.
The hilly region is covered withSal, Pine, Oak, Buruns, Kaphal and other trees growing unto 6000 ft. along with Deodar, Surai etc. at higher altitudes. There are small tracts of cultivated lands and fruit orchards etc. in between the forests in this region.
The following important trees and bushes grow in Nainital:
Botanical Name - Common Name Quercus incana - Oak (Banj) Aesculus indica - Pangar Junglans regia - Akhrot Populous ciliata - Hill PipalBurus Fraxinus miscrantha - Angu Platanus orientalis - Chinar Rubus lasiocarpus - Hisalu Rosa moschata - Kunj KilmoraBerberis asiatica - Kilmora Cupressus torulosa - Surai Rhododendron arboreum - Buruns Cedrus Deodar - Deodar Salix acmophylla - Weeping Willow Pinus - Pine
The Bhabhar region has Babul,Kikar etc. in abundance besides Sal, Khair, Shisham as big trees. The Bhabhar grass and lantana form the undergrowth. These are considered to be the vegetation of dry and arid zones. Haldu is also common in Bhabhar region.
Horticulture in Nainital:
Apple orchards are found mainly in Ramgarh Mukteshwar belt . Beside this Peach, Pears, Apricot,Citrus fruits, Kafal, Strawberry, Hills Banana grown in the hilly track, Lichi of Ramnagar makes Nainital a main fruit growing district. Tea plantation work is also in progress in the slopes of Niglat & Ghorakhal.
Now a days a number of floriculture farm have mushroomed in the district due to its favorable climate for growing flowers.
Aquatic Macrophytic Vegetation
Potomageton pectinatus
Potomageton crispus
Polygonum glabrum
Polygonum amphibium
Polygonum hydropiper
Hydrilla verticellata
Medicinal Flora of District Nainital:
In its Tarai & Bhabhar belt a number of medicinal trees, shrubs and herbs grow like Vijayasar, Arjun, Bhilwa, Varun, Gambhari, Kutuj, Tejpatra, Priyangoo, Danti, Sarivah, Shwet Sarivah, Brahmi, Satwahi, Patha, Bhringraj, Punarnava, Kamal & Kamalni, Gokhru, Anatmool, Marodfali, Talwarfali, Ashok, Kaliyali, Pipli, various species of Mentha and so on. There is potential to grow Mulhatti, Aswagandha, Saptaparna and so many other plants of various zones of India.
These plants can also grow in the deep valleys of hills. In the middle Himalayan range we find CholaiDaruharidra, Timoor, Manjishtha, Sugandhabala, Samayava, Manduparna, Dhooplakkar, Talish, Devdaru, Padam, Vidhangabhed, Kakoli, Ksheerkakoli, Lahsuniya and so many other plants. This range has the potential to grow plants like Saffron, Vindhanga, Ghritkumari and so on.
The sub alpine zone of this district grows Fern, Deodar , various other species of Daruharidra, Sugandhabala, Banapsa. It has the potential to grow plants like Gandhanarain, Kutki, Kooth, Bhootkesi, Junipers, Abies which is called Fern . Here around 2500 mts. plants like Jatamasi, Mithavish, Atish can also be tried.
Many of these plants have a great commercial importance. These are widely used in indigenous system Fusiaof medicines like Ayurveda, Yunani, Aamchi (Tibetan System) for skin diseases, stomach disorder, nervous disability, liver diseases. Many of these are used in heart & brain tonics. Some are blood purifiers and strengthen the immunity mechanism.
At present crores of this herbal raw material is supplied to Haldwani, Ramnagar, Dehradun & other mandis of plains. Bheshaj Sanghs & K.M.V.N. has the official authority to collect these medicines.
The fishes belong to one group commonly known as carps. Generally cat fishes are not found in the lake. Among carps both major and minor fishes are present in the lake. The major fishes have three important classes, Mahaseer the so called hill trout and the mirror carp.
Mahaseer:
Mahaseer Two species of this fish are found in the region .
Tor tor: The red finned mahaseer.
Tor putitora : The yellow finned Mahaseer. It is highly valued as a food fish, and normally grows to a large size from 20 to 60 Cms.
Hill Trout:
Commonly known as Asela or Rasela. This fish comprises three species.
Schizothorax sinuatus
Schizothorax richardsoni
Schizothorax plagiostornus
Mirror Carp:
Cyprinus carpis, it has been imported and is bred on a large scale in Nainital.
The common carp fishes such as mahaseer and hill trout have been found to breed several times
during one spawning season from May to September.
History Nainital:
Early Construction in Nainital:
The Kumaon Hills came under British rule after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16), but the hill station town of Naini Tal was founded only in 1841, with the construction of the first European house (Pilgrim Lodge) by P. Barron, a sugar trader from Shahjahanpur. In his memoir, he wrote: "It is by far the best site I have witnessed in the course of a 1,500 miles (2,414 kilometres) trek in the Himalayas." In 1846, when a Captain Madden of the Bengal Artillery visited Naini Tal, he recorded that "houses were rapidly springing up in most parts of the settlement: some towards the crest of the limitary ranges were nearly 7,500 ft (2,286 m) above sea level: the rugged and woody Anyarpatta (Anyar-patt - in Kumaoni means - complete blackout. The reason for this nomenclature by the localites was because there were minimal sun rays due to its location and dense forests) was being gradually planted and that the favourite sites were on the undulating tract of forest land which stretched back from the head of the lake to the base of China and Deopatta (Camel's Hump). The Church, St. John in the Wilderness, had been built, ..." Soon, the town became a health resort favoured both by British soldiers and by colonial officials and their families trying to escape the heat of the plains. Later, the town also became the summer residence of the Governor of the United Provinces.
The Landslip of 1880:
In September 1880 a landslide (the Landslip of 1880) occurred at the north end of the town, burying 151 people. The first known landslide had occurred in 1866, and in 1879 there was a larger one at the same spot, Alma Hill, but "the great slip occurred in the following year, on Saturday 18 September 1880." "Two days preceding the slip there was heavy rain, ... 20 inches (508 millimetres) to 35 in (889 mm) fell during the 40 hours ending on Saturday morning, and the downpour still lasted and continued for hours after the slip. This heavy fall naturally brought down streams of water from the hill side, some endangering the Victoria Hotel, ... (which) was not the only building threatened ... Bell's shop, the Volunteer Orderly Room and the Hindu (Naina Devi) temple were scenes of labour with a view to diverting streams. At a quarter to two the landslip occurred burying those in and around the buildings mentioned above." The total number of dead and missing were 108 Indian and 43 British nationals. (See poem by Hannah Battersby on the page Literary references to Nainital). The Assembly Rooms and the Naina Devi Temple were both destroyed in the disaster. A recreation area known as 'The Flats' was later built on the site and a new temple was also erected. To prevent further disasters, storm water drains were constructed and building bylaws were made stricter.
Establishment of schools:
In the latter half of the 19th century a number of "European" schools for boys and girls were founded in Nainital. During the Victorian and Edwardian eras, students in these schools consisted largely of children of British colonial officials or soldiers. In 1906, for example, there were over half a dozen such schools,[7] including the Diocesan Boys' School (later renamed Sherwood College) under the guidance of the Church of England; Philander Smith's College (now, Birla Vidya Mandir), maintained by an American; St. Joseph's College a Roman Catholic institution, Wellesley School an American institution; St. Mary's Convent High School, a Roman Catholic institution; All Saints Diocesan High School for Girls, under the Church of England, and Petersfield College for Girls.
In the 1920s and 30s, the schools began to admit more Indian students. This trend continued until independence, by which time the student bodies had become predominantly Indian, albeit in many cases greatly reduced in size.no place has comprassion with nainital its to beautiful in whole utk.you can see so lot of people who has resident at their.
Educational and Research Institutions in Nainital:
The Schools:
For well over a century, Nainital has been known for its many schools. Four schools from the British period continue to exist today: Sherwood College,[10] established 1869; All Saints' College,[11] established 1869; St. Mary's Convent High School established 1878; and St. Joseph's College established 1888. In addition, a number of new schools have been established since independence: Birla Vidya Mandir, established 1947; Sanwal School, established in the 1940s in Mallital; St. Amtuls Public School, established 1983; Parvati Prema Jagati Saraswati Vihar, established 1983; and Oakwood School, established 1989. Chait Ram Sah Thulgharya Inter College (CRST) Nainital Mallital;Bhartiya Saheed Sainik Vidhlay(BSSV) Nainital, Sainik School, established 1966, in Gorhkhal, Bhowali.
Kumaon University:
Nainital is home to one of the two campuses of Kumaon University (the other being Almora). The university was founded in 1973 when it incorporated the Dev Singh Bist (DSB) Government College (commonly called "the Degree College"), which had been founded in 1951 by Thakur Dan Singh Bist in memory of his late father, with the mathematician Dr. A.N. Singh as its first principal.
ARIES (State Observatory):
The 50-year old State Observatory at Nainital was reborn in 2004 as ARIES, theAryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The Observatory, which had come into existence in Varanasi in 1954, was moved the following year to Nainital, under its more transparent skies. In 1961 it was moved once again to its present location—Manora Peak (1,951 m (6,401 ft)) —a few km south of the Nainital town. ARIES's main objective is to provide national optical observing facilities for research in astronomy, astrophysics, and the atmospheric sciences.
Libraries:
There are a number of libraries in the Nainital area. Among them are the Durga Lal Shah Municipal Public Library, on the Mall, founded in 1934; the Uttarakhand Academy of Administration, Library and Documentation Center, Mallital; the ARIES Observatory Library; and the Kumaon University Library, Nainital.
Famous people with links to Nainital:
Elsie Inglis, physician and social reformer
Jim Corbett, hunter of man-eating tigers, author, conservationist and namesake of Jim Corbett National Park
Govind Ballabh Pant, statesman and leader of India's independence movement, first Indian Premier of British India, the first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and the first Home Minister of India
Hastings Ismay, 1st Baron Ismay, first secretary general of NATO
Percy Hobart, British major general and military engineer
Orde Charles Wingate, British general and commander of the Chindits in Burma during World War II
Soham Swami, guru and yogi
Niralamba Swami, guru and yogi
Swami Sri Lilashahji Maharaj, guru and yogi, guru of Sant Sri Asaramji Bapu
Swami Swarupananda, first president of Advaita Ashrama and direct disciple of Swami Vivekananda
Sam Manekshaw, Indian Army Chief of Staff during Indo-Pakistani War of 1971
Som Nath Sharma, India's first Param Vir Chakra award winner
Narayan Dutt Tiwari, Indian leader and politician, former Governor of Andhra Pradesh, former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, and former Finance Minister of India.
Krishna Chandra Pant, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission of India
Rajendra K. Pachauri, chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Vandana Shiva, philosopher, environmental activist and eco feminist
Sudhir Kakar, renowned psychoanalyst
Anup Jalota, singer
Amitabh Bachchan, Bollywood actor
Naseeruddin Shah, Bollywood actor
Kabir Bedi, Bollywood Actor
Danny Denzongpa, Bollywood actor
Nirmal Pandey, Bollywood actor and singer
Dilip Tahil, Bollywood actor
Chandra 'Channi' Kumar Arora, former hockey international and coach
Manish Pandey, cricketer who plays for Karnataka and Bangalore
Lalit Modi, Indian Premier League (IPL) chairman
Manasvi Mamgai, Miss India World 2010
Dr.Devender Singh Digari (Founder) Panther State a famous resort near jylikot .
