View source for Nainital

{{Short description|Town in Uttarakhand, India}}
{{About|the municipality in Uttarakhand, India|its namesake district|Nainital district}}
{{more citations needed|date=June 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2024}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name                     = Nainital
| native_name              =
| native_name_lang         =
| other_name               =
| settlement_type          = [[Capital city|Capital]] and [[judicial]] capital
| image_skyline            = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Nainital metro.jpg{{!}}Image of Nainital from route to cheena peak
| photo1b = Nainital lake in the morning.jpg{{!}}Nainital Lake
| photo2a = Church St John in the Wilderness, Nainital, 11-2009 - panoramio.jpg{{!}}Church of St. John in the Wilderness
| photo2b = Naina Devi Temple, Nainital.jpg{{!}}Naina Devi Temple
| photo3a = Governor House, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.jpg{{!}}Raj Bhavan, Nainital
| size = 275 |border=0 |spacing=1 |color=none
}}
| image_alt                =
| image_caption            = Clockwise from top: <br /> Nainital, UK from cheena peak route, Kumaoni boatmen on [[Nainital Lake|Naini Lake]], Naina Devi Temple, [[Raj Bhavan, Nainital|Raj Bhavan]] and Church of St. John in the Wilderness
| nickname                 = Jewel of Kumaon<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/consumer-life/nainital-the-jewel-of-kumaon/articleshow/5758445.cms |title = Nainital: The jewel of Kumaon |work=The Economic Times |date=4 April 2010 |access-date=7 November 2023}}</ref>
| map_alt                  =
| map_caption              =
| pushpin_map              = India Uttarakhand#India
| pushpin_map_alt          =
| pushpin_map_caption      = Location in Uttarakhand, India
| pushpin_relief           = yes
| coordinates              = {{coord|29|23|31|N|79|27|15|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type         = [[Country]]
| subdivision_name         = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1        = [[States and union territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_type2        = [[Administrative division|Division]]
| subdivision_type3        = [[District]]
| subdivision_name1        = [[Uttarakhand]]
| subdivision_name2        = [[Kumaon division|Kumaon]]
| subdivision_name3        = [[Nainital district|Nainital]]
| established_title        = <!-- Established -->
| established_date         =
| founder                  =
| named_for                = [[Nainital Lake|Naini Lake]]
| government_type          = Municipal Council
| governing_body           = Nainital Municipal Council
| unit_pref                = Metric
| area_footnotes           = <ref name="dchba" />
| area_total_km2           = 11.73
| area_rank                =
| elevation_footnotes      =
| elevation_m              = 2084
| population_total         = 41,377
| population_as_of         = 2011
| population_density_km2   = auto
| population_rank          =
| population_demonym       = Nainitalites&nbsp;(English)
Naintalwal&nbsp;(Kumaoni)
| population_note          =
| demographics_type1       = Languages
| demographics1_title1     = Official
| demographics1_info1      = [[Hindi]]<ref name="Langoff">{{cite web|title=52nd Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India|url=http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|website=nclm.nic.in|publisher=[[Ministry of Minority Affairs]]|access-date=22 December 2018|page=18|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525141614/http://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM52ndReport.pdf|archive-date=25 May 2017}}</ref>
| demographics1_title2     = Additional&nbsp;official
| demographics1_info2      = [[Sanskrit]]<ref name="sanskrit">{{cite news|last=Trivedi |first=Anupam |title=Sanskrit is second official language in Uttarakhand |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/sanskrit-is-second-official-language-in-uttarakhand/story-wxk51l8Re4vNxofrr7FAJK.html |newspaper=Hindustan Times |date=19 January 2010 |access-date=30 August 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120201065836/http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NorthIndia/Sanskrit-is-second-official-language-in-Uttarakhand/Article1-499467.aspx |archive-date=1 February 2012 }}</ref><ref name="sanskrit2">{{cite news|title=Sanskrit second official language of Uttarakhand|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/Sanskrit-second-official-language-of-Uttarakhand/article15965492.ece |work=The Hindu |date=21 January 2010 |access-date=30 August 2017 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303145846/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-otherstates/Sanskrit-second-official-language-of-Uttarakhand/article15965492.ece|archive-date=3 March 2018}}</ref>
| demographics1_title3     = Regional
| demographics1_info3      = [[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]]<ref name="KumaoniEthnologue"/>
| timezone1                = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1              = +5:30
| postal_code_type         = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code              = 263001/263002
| area_code                = +91 - 5942
| area_code_type           = Telephone code
| registration_plate       = UK-04
| website                  = {{URL|nainital.nic.in}}
| footnotes                =
| official_name            =
}}
'''Nainital''' ([[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]]: ''Naintāl''; {{IPA-all|nɛnːtaːl|pron}}) is a town and headquarters of [[Nainital district]] of [[Kumaon division]], [[Uttarakhand]], India. It is the [[judicial capital]] of Uttarakhand, the [[Uttarakhand High Court|High Court]] of the state being located there and is the headquarters of [[Nainital district|an eponymous district]]. It also houses the [[Governor of Uttarakhand]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Home: Raj Bhavan, Uttarakhand, India|url=https://governoruk.gov.in/|access-date=25 December 2020|website=governoruk.gov.in}}</ref> who resides in the [[Raj Bhavan, Nainital|Raj Bhavan]]. Nainital was the [[summer capital]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=History: History|url=https://governoruk.gov.in/pages/display/330-history|access-date=25 December 2020|website=governoruk.gov.in}}</ref> of the [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh|United Provinces]].
Nainital is located in the [[Kumaon division|Kumaon]] [[foothills]] of the outer [[Himalayas]] at a distance of {{convert|276|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the state capital [[Dehradun]] and {{convert|314|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[New Delhi]], the capital of India. Situated at an altitude of {{convert|1938|m|ft}} above sea level, the town is set in a valley containing an [[Nainital Lake|eye-shaped lake]], approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains, of which the highest are [[Naina Peak]] ({{convert|2615|m|ft|abbr=on}}) on the north, Deopatha ({{convert|2438|m|ft|abbr=on}}) on the west, and Ayarpatha ({{convert|2278|m|ft|abbr=on}}) 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, bound by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas."<ref name=gazeteerquote>[https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V18_328.gif Nainital District], ''[[The Imperial Gazetteer of India]]'', volume 18, pp. 322–323. 1908</ref> The hill station attracts tourists round the year.
==Etymology and mythology==
It is believed that the Naini Lake is one of the 51 ''[[Shakti]] Peeths'', based on the story of the death of the [[Sati (Hindu goddess)|goddess Sati]]. Out of grief and sorrow, [[Shiva]] carried Sati's body, reminiscing about their moments as a couple, and roamed around the universe with it. [[Vishnu]] had cut her body into 52 body parts, using his [[Sudarshana Chakra]], which fell on Earth to become sacred sites where all the people can pay homage to the Goddess. The spot where Sati's right eye (or ''Nain'') fell, came to be called Nain-tal or lake of the eye. The goddess Shakti is worshiped at the Naina Devi Temple, known by locals as Naini Mata Temple on the north shore of the present day lake.<ref>[[:File:View of Mallital, without the present Naina Devi Temple, Nainital, 1865.jpg|View of Mallital, without the present Naina Devi Temple (1865)]] [[British Library]].</ref><!-- <ref>[[:File:View of Nainital, from the southeast (Tallital side), 1865.jpg]] [[British Library]].</ref>-->
==History==
=== Early history ===
Nainital has historically been a part of the [[Kumaon region]]. After the fall of [[Katyuri kings|Katyuri Dynasty]] in 10th century, Kumaon was divided into several small princely states, and the region around Nainital was under various branches of a Khasiya family.<ref>{{harvnb|Clay|1927|p=3}}</ref> The first dynasty to achieve consolidated dominance over Kumaon after the Katyuris was the [[Chand dynasty]], but it took many centuries and Nainital and its surroundings were one of the last areas to be absorbed.<ref name="Clay 1927 p4">{{harvnb|Clay|1927|p=4}}</ref> Trilok Chand had built a fort at [[Bhimtal]] in the thirteenth century,<ref>{{harvnb|Nevill|1904|p=195}}</ref> But at that time, Nainital itself was not under the Chand rule, and was situated near the western border of the Kingdom. During the reign of Udyan Chand, the western boundary of the Chand kingdom extended to the Koshi and Suyal rivers, but [[Ramgarh, Uttarakhand|Ramgarh]] and [[Ramnagar, Nainital|Kota]] were still under the former Khasia rule. Kirat Chand, who ruled from 1488 to 1503 was finally able to establish authority over Nainital and the surrounding region. The Khasia chiefs made an attempt to regain their independence in 1560, when they enjoyed a brief moment of success under the leadership of a Khasiya of Ramgarh, but were later subdued with ruthlessness by Balo Kalyan Chand.<ref name="Clay 1927 p4" />
=== Founding and the landslip of 1880 ===
The [[Kumaon division|Kumaon]] Hills came under [[British Raj|British]] rule after the [[Gurkha War|Anglo-Nepalese War]] (1814–16). 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 {{convert|1500|mi|km}} trek in the Himalayas."<ref name=barronquote1>{{Harv|Barron|1844}}</ref> 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 military ranges were nearly {{convert|7500|ft|m|abbr=on}} above sea level: the rugged and woody Anyarpatta
Aashish
(Anyar-patt&nbsp;– in [[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]] means&nbsp;– complete blackout. The reason for this nomenclature by the locals 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(1846) in the Wilderness, was one of the earliest buildings in Nainital, followed by Belvedere, Alma lodge, Ashdale Cottage(1860)..."<ref name=murphy>{{Harv|Murphy|1906}}</ref> Soon, the town became a health resort favoured by British soldiers and by colonial officials and their families trying to escape the heat of the plains. Later, the town became the summer residence of the governor of the [[United Provinces of Agra and Oudh|United Provinces]].
{{multiple image
| align     = right
| direction = horizontal
| image1    = Nainital before landslip BLcollection.JPG
| width1    = 258
| alt1      =
| caption1  = 1875
| image2    = Nainital landslip1880 BLcopyright2.JPG
| width2    = 250
| alt2      =
| caption2  = 1882
| footer            = A general view of the north end of Naini Tal before and after the landslip of 1882.
| footer_align      = left
}}
On 18 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(old Victoria hotel was destroyed), and in 1869 there was a larger one at the same spot, Alma Hill, but "the ''great slip"'' occurred on "Saturday 18 September 1880."<ref name=murphy/>
"During Friday(17th) and Saturday(18th), 33 inches of rain fell, of which {{convert|20|in|mm}} to {{convert|25|in|mm|abbr=on}} fell during the 40 hours preceding Saturday evening, and the downpour still lasted and continued till the evening of the next day. This heavy fall made the whole hillside one mass of semi-fluid matter, and required little to set in motion. The motive power was a shock of a minor earthquake, which was felt on that day itself by competent observers in the [[Bhabar]] below and Nainital itself. On the site of the Slip was the Victoria Hotel and its offices, and below it was the Hindu temple of "naina devi" and the Assembly Rooms, both by the side of the lake, and Bell's shop, which was close to the temple. Initial slip started around 10 am of 18 September, taking away western wing of the Victoria Hotel and portion of the hotel's out-houses. Tragically, most of the people were not moved much further away from the spot of the morning slip. At quarter to two the major landslip occurred and within few seconds all the buildings mentioned above were destroyed and made into an unrecognisable heap of rubble and much of it was swept into the lake."<ref name=murphy/><ref>{{Cite book|title=NAINITAL: A Historical and Descriptive Account|last=CLAY|first=J.M.|publisher=PAHAR|year=2010|isbn=978-81-86246-52-8|location=Talla danda, Tallital, NAINITAL|pages=17, 18, 19}}</ref>
The number of dead and missing were 108 Indian and 43 Europeans, along with numerous people who narrowly escaped. (See poem by [[Literary references to Nainital#Hannah S. Battersby|Hannah Battersby]] on the page [[Literary references to Nainital]].) The Assembly Rooms and the Naina Devi Temple were destroyed in the disaster. A recreation area known as 'The Flats' was later built on the site and a new temple was erected. To prevent further disasters, storm water drains were constructed and building bylaws were made stricter.
A [[Nainital wedding massacre|mass stabbing]] occurred at a wedding in Nainital in 1950 that left 22 people dead.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=529YAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EPgDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1389,1304611&dq= |title=22 guests slain |newspaper=[[The Bend Bulletin]] |date=21 April 1950}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/ogden-standard-examiner/1950-04-21/ |title=22 guests slain as wedding held |newspaper=[[The Ogden Standard-Examiner]] |date=21 April 1950}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/423532671.html?dids=423532671:423532671&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Apr+22%2C+1950&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Studio+Electrician+Loses+Paternity+Suit+Verdict&pqatl=google |title=Drunk Gurkha Kills 22 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |date=22 April 1950 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313203331/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/latimes/access/423532671.html?dids=423532671:423532671&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Apr+22%2C+1950&author=&pub=Los+Angeles+Times&desc=Studio+Electrician+Loses+Paternity+Suit+Verdict&pqatl=google |archive-date=13 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/huntingdon-daily-news/1950-04-22/page-5 |title=Murders 22 at wedding |newspaper=[[The Huntingdon Daily News]] |date=22 April 1950}}</ref>
==Geography==
=== Topography ===
The town of Nainital covers a total area of {{convert|11.73|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, and is located at {{Coord|29.38|N|79.45|E|}},<ref>[http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/39/Naini_Tal.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc&nbsp;– Nainital]. Fallingrain.com.</ref> at an average elevation of {{convert|2084|m|ft}} above sea level. The slopes of the nearby mountains are most populated, with an altitude ranging from {{convert|1940|-|2100|m|abbr=on}}. The highest point nearby is the Naina Peak, with a height of {{convert|2619|m|abbr=on}}. The town is located in the [[Kumaon division|Kumaon]] [[foothills]] of the outer [[Himalayas]] at a distance of {{convert|285|km|mi|abbr=on}} from the state capital [[Dehradun]] and {{convert|345|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[New Delhi]], the capital of India.
[[File:The Boat and The Lake.jpg|left|thumb|Scenic view of the Nainital from Tallital, the lower end of the lake.]]
The town is set in a valley around the [[Nainital Lake]] - an eye-shaped lake, which is located at an altitude of {{convert|6350|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} from sea level. The lake is {{convert|1567|yd|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} long and {{convert|506|yd|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} wide, and is approximately two miles in circumference.<ref name="Pande 1993 32">{{harvnb|Pande|1993|p=32}}</ref> The bed of the lake is at a depth of {{convert|93|yd|m|abbr=on|order=flip}} near Pashandevi, the deepest point of the lake. The lake is deduced to have been formed [[tectonic]]ally. Balia Nala, which is the main stream feeding the lake is along a [[fault line]] and the subsequent streams align parallel to major [[joints]] and [[fault (geology)|faults]]. 26 major drains feed the lake including the 3 perennial drains.
Nainital is surrounded by the mountains of Ayarpata ({{convert|7689|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}), Devpata ({{convert|7989|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}), Handibandi ({{convert|7153|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}), Chini, ({{convert|8568|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}), Alma ({{convert|7980|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}), Lariya Kanta ({{convert|8144|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}) and Sher ka Danda ({{convert|7869|ft|m|abbr=on|order=flip}}).<ref name="Pande 1993 32"/>
=== Geology ===
The [[Krol]] group of rocks, comprising [[slate]]s, [[marls]], [[sandstones]], [[limestones]] and [[dolomites]] with a few small dykes intrusives, is the dominant geological formation of Nainital's surroundings, although, [[Nodule (geology)|Nodules]], [[Lamination (geology)|laminae]] and [[Stringer (slag)|stringers]] of phosphatic material, followed upward by the purple-green shales intercalated with muddy fine-grained sandstone and siltstone; recognised as the Tal Formation; are also prevalent. The region has a complex geological framework; the rocks are fragile and newly formed. The town is completely located in the catchment area of the Nainital lake, which has highly folded and faulted rocks due to polyphase deformation.
[[Landslides]] are a frequent occurrence in the hill slopes surrounding the lake, which are steep. The slopes are highly vulnerable to landslides and mass movement due to various geological and human factors. The first known landslip occurred in Nainital in 1866 on Alma hill, and in 1879 there was a larger one at the same spot. The greatest landslide in Nainital occurred on 18 September 1880, on the slope which rising from the north of the flats ends at Alma peak, and resulted in 151 people being buried under the debris.<ref>{{harvnb|Murphy|1906|p=37}}</ref> Another heavy landslip occurred on 17 August 1898 outside the Nainital valley.<ref>{{harvnb|Murphy|1906|p=42}}</ref>
[[File:Naini Peak in Winters.jpg|thumb|Forest in Nainital after snowfall (2020)]]
=== Climate ===
Nainital experiences a [[subtropical highland climate]] (''Cwb'') according to [[Köppen–Geiger climate classification system]] as the town's climate is influenced by the elevation. The town is a bit dry during winter and very wet during summer due to [[Monsoon of South Asia|South Asian monsoon system]]. The lowest precipitation total occurs in November with total {{convert|7.9|mm}}, while the highest precipitation total occurs in July with total {{convert|725|mm}}. Like most places in [[temperate region]], Nainital has a relatively cool summer. The hottest month is July with temperature ranging from {{convert|16.4|C}} to {{convert|23.5|C}}, while the coldest month is January with temperature ranging from {{convert|1.7|C}} to {{convert|10.7|C}}. The highest temperature ever recorded in Nainital was {{convert|30|C}} recorded on 18 June 1972, while the lowest temperature was {{convert|-5.6|C}} recorded on 17 January 1953.<ref name= IMDextremes />
The [[Winter|winter season]] in Nainital commences by mid-November and lasts till mid-March. The temperature gradually declines from the month of November onwards and January is the coldest month. [[Frost]] and [[mist]] are common features in the months of December and January. Occasionally widespread rainfall also occurs due to [[Western Disturbance|western disturbance]], with snow occurring on peaks higher than 2000m. The winter rainfall is sometimes associated with cyclonic activities. The temperature, however, shows an increasing trend by the end of February or the first half of March. By mid-March, there is a progressive rise in temperature, which indicates the onset of the summer season. While days get slightly warmer; the nights continue to be cool. There is a constant increase in temperature during May and early June when the highest temperature is recorded. The months of March and April are also associated with the occurrence of [[hailstorms]], which brings a short spell of cold.
The onset of the summer in the hills is relatively earlier than the plains and is also very lengthy and humid. The mean temperature in July and August goes down and [[humidity]] rises abruptly during this season. The monsoon usually begins by mid-May when the rain strikes and continue until mid-October. Nainital, due to its proximity to the outermost high ranges of the Himalaya, receives high annual rainfall. Generally, by mid-September, the monsoon gets weakened and rain occurs generally after long intervals. With the retreat of the monsoon, the winds blow in a reverse direction. The weather during the post-monsoon months is characterised by bright skies. It is in fact a transition between the rains and the winters and with reduced rainfall, the monthly temperature records a progressive decline till mid-January.
{{Weather box
|location = Nainital (1961–1979, extremes 1953–1979)
|metric first = yes
|single line = yes
| Jan record high C = 18.4
| Feb record high C = 21.7
| Mar record high C = 24.6
| Apr record high C = 28.0
| May record high C = 29.6
| Jun record high C = 30.0
| Jul record high C = 26.1
| Aug record high C = 26.6
| Sep record high C = 24.6
| Oct record high C = 24.8
| Nov record high C = 21.4
| Dec record high C = 21.8
| year record high C = 30.0
| Jan high C = 10.9
| Feb high C = 11.9
| Mar high C = 16.1
| Apr high C = 20.7
| May high C = 23.2
| Jun high C = 23.4
| Jul high C = 21.7
| Aug high C = 21.0
| Sep high C = 20.5
| Oct high C = 18.8
| Nov high C = 15.3
| Dec high C = 12.8
|year high C =
|Jan mean C=6.3
|Feb mean C=7.6
|Mar mean C=11.7
|Apr mean C=16.2
|May mean C=18.7
|Jun mean C=19.8
|Jul mean C=19.0
|Aug mean C=18.5
|Sep mean C=17.1
|Oct mean C=14.2
|Nov mean C=10.5
|Dec mean C=7.8
| Jan low C = 1.7
| Feb low C = 3.3
| Mar low C = 7.3
| Apr low C = 11.8
| May low C = 14.3
| Jun low C = 16.2
| Jul low C = 16.3
| Aug low C = 16.0
| Sep low C = 13.7
| Oct low C = 9.7
| Nov low C = 5.8
| Dec low C = 2.9
| year low C =
| Jan record low C = -5.6
| Feb record low C = -4.3
| Mar record low C = -3.0
| Apr record low C = 0.0
| May record low C = 5.0
| Jun record low C = 10.0
| Jul record low C = 10.4
| Aug record low C = 9.6
| Sep record low C = 4.4
| Oct record low C = 0.5
| Nov record low C = -1.1
| Dec record low C = -4.4
| year record low C = -5.6
| rain colour = green
| Jan rain mm = 82.4
| Feb rain mm = 66.1
| Mar rain mm = 57.1
| Apr rain mm = 33.8
| May rain mm = 72.4
| Jun rain mm = 339.1
| Jul rain mm = 685.4
| Aug rain mm = 556.4
| Sep rain mm = 346.3
| Oct rain mm = 54.7
| Nov rain mm = 7.7
| Dec rain mm = 23.9
| year rain mm = 2305.3
| Jan rain days = 3.5
| Feb rain days = 3.9
| Mar rain days = 3.5
| Apr rain days = 2.8
| May rain days = 4.7
| Jun rain days = 12.8
| Jul rain days = 20.4
| Aug rain days = 19.8
| Sep rain days = 11.1
| Oct rain days = 2.8
| Nov rain days = 0.5
| Dec rain days = 1.4
| year rain days = 87.2
|time day = 17:30 [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| Jan humidity = 65
| Feb humidity = 60
| Mar humidity = 53
| Apr humidity = 49
| May humidity = 48
| Jun humidity = 66
| Jul humidity = 82
| Aug humidity = 84
| Sep humidity = 79
| Oct humidity = 65
| Nov humidity = 62
| Dec humidity = 59
|year humidity = 64
| source 1 = [[India Meteorological Department]]<ref name=IMDnormals>{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200216160549/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Normals%20%281961-1990%29.pdf
| archive-date = 16 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/Climatological%20Normals%20%281961-1990%29.pdf
| title = Station: Nainital Climatological Table 1961–1990
| work = Climatological Normals 1961–1990
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = July 2010
| pages = 581–582
| access-date = 31 March 2020
| url-status = live}}</ref><ref name=IMDextremes>
{{cite web
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200205042509/http://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| archive-date = 5 February 2020
| url = https://imdpune.gov.in/library/public/EXTREMES%20OF%20TEMPERATURE%20and%20RAINFALL%20upto%202012.pdf
| title = Extremes of Temperature & Rainfall for Indian Stations (Up to 2012)
| publisher = India Meteorological Department
| date = December 2016
| page = M227
| access-date = 31 March 2020}}</ref>
}}
=== Flora and fauna ===
The areas around Nainital (in the middle [[Himalayas|Himalayan]] ranges up to {{convert|2000|m|ft|abbr=on}}, a [[temperate zone]]), is rich in flora  (typical [[temperate climate]] plants) and fauna.<ref name=flora>{{Cite web|url=http://nainital.nic.in/flora.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407212245/http://nainital.nic.in/flora.htm|url-status=dead|title=Introduction, Horticulture, Medicinal flora, Animals and Fishes|archive-date=7 April 2008|access-date=29 January 2020}}</ref> The trees and bushes grown in the region (lake's basin) with their botanical and common Indian names (in parentheses) are : ''[[Quercus leucotrichophora]]'' [[Oak]] (Banj), ''[[Aesculus indica]]'' (Pangar or Horse chestnuts), ''[[Juglans regia]]'' (Akhrot or walnut), ''[[Populus ciliata]]'' (Hill Pipal, a sacred tree), ''[[Fraxinus|Fraxinus micrantha]]'' (Ash tree or Angu), ''[[Platanus orientalis]]'' (Chinar), ''[[Rubus lasiocarpus]]'' (Hisalu), ''[[Rosa moschata]]'' (Kunj or Musk rose), ''[[Berberis asiatica]]'' (Kilmora), ''[[Cupressus torulosa]]'' (Surai or [[Himalayan cypress]]), ''[[Rhododendron arboreum]]'' (Buruns), ''[[Cedrus deodara]]'' (Deodar), ''Salix acmophylla''  ([[Salix babylonica#Horticultural selections and related hybrids|Weeping Willow]]), and ''[[Pinus]]'' (Pine).<ref name = flora/>
Several species of medicinal flora and horticulture plants have also been found in the lake. The Aquatic Macrophytic vegetation include ''[[Potamogeton pectinatus]]'', ''Potamogeton crispus'', ''Polygonum glabrum'', ''Polygonum amphibium'' and ''[[Polygonum hydropiper]]'' ([[Water pepper]]).<ref name = flora/> The fishes found in the lake are generally [[carps]] [[Mahseer]], and the [[mirror carp]] which breed several times during one spawning season during May to September. Two species of Mahaseer fish viz., Tor tor: The red finned [[mahseer]] and the ''[[Tor putitora]]'': The yellow finned [[mahseer]], a food fish which grows to varying sizes from 20 to 60&nbsp;cm (7.87 to 23.62&nbsp;inches) are found. Three species of Hill Trout are found in the lake: the ''Schizothorax sinuatus'', ''Schizothorax richardsoni'' and ''Schizothorax plagiostornus''. The imported fish bred in the lake is Mirror carp or ''[[Cyprinus carpio]]''.<ref name = flora/> ''[[Gambusia affinis]]'' also called Mosquitofish has been introduced in the lake as a biocontrol measure to control [[Mosquito]] [[larva]]e.<ref name = flora/>
==Demographics==
{{Historical population
| align = left
| source = {{ubl|
* 1881: [[The Imperial Gazetteer of India]]<ref name="igoi1886">{{cite book|last1=Hunter|first1=W. W.|title=The Imperial Gazetteer of India Volume VIII|date=1886|publisher=Trubner & Co.|location=London}}</ref>{{rp|82}}
* 1901–2011: District Census Handbook: Nainital<ref name="dchba">{{cite book|title=District Census Handbook Nainital Part-A|publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Uttarakhand|location=Dehradun|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0511_PART_A_DCHB_NAINITAL.pdf}}</ref>{{rp|509–510}}
}}
| 1881 | 6576
| 1891 | 8455
| 1901 | 7609
| 1911 | 10270
| 1921 | 11230
| 1931 | 9741
| 1941 | 9539
| 1951 | 12350
| 1961 | 14495
| 1971 | 23986
| 1981 | 24835
| 1991 | 29837
| 2001 | 38630
| 2011 | 41377
}}
[[File:Boat-Man at Naini Lake.jpg|thumb|A [[Kumaoni people|native]] boatman on the Naini Lake.]]
As of the [[2011 Indian census]], Nainital had a population of 41,377.<ref name=census2011>[http://www.census2011.co.in/data/town/800331-nainital-uttarakhand.html Nainital Population Census 2011].</ref> Males constitute 52.3% of the population and females 47.7%, which gives the town a [[Human sex ratio|sex ratio]] of 911 women per every 1000 men, which is less than the Uttarakhand state average of 963 women per every 1000 men. The population density was 3527.45 people per square km.<ref name="dchba" /> There were 9,329 housing units in the town at an average density of 795.31 households per square km.<ref name="dchba" /> 9.54% of the population is under 6 years of age. In 2011, Nainital had an average literacy rate of 92.93%, higher than the Uttarakhand state average of 78.82% - around 96.09% males and 89.47% females in the town are literate.<ref name=census2011 />
A special Census taken in September 1880, at the height of the tourism season, returned a total population of 10,054 for the town.<ref name="igoi1886" /> However, the [[1881 Census of India|official Census in February 1881]] returned the population, then at its lowest, at 6,576. The population slightly rose in the following decade, rising to 8,455 in [[1891 Census of India|1891]]. After dropping to 7,609 in 1901, it remained steady in the coming two decades; 10,270 in 1911 and 11,230 in 1921. The population took another drop, when the 1931 and 1941 censuses returned a population of 9,741 and 9,539 respectively, but has seen a continuous rise since then, with subsequent census reports returning a population of 12350 in [[1951 Census of India|1951]], 14495 in [[1961 Census of India|1961]], 23986 in 1971, 24835 in 1981, 29837 in [[1991 Census of India|1991]], 38630 in [[2001 Census of India|2001]], and 41377 in [[2011 Census of India|2011]].
{{bar box
|title=Religions in Nainital Town (2011)<ref name="census2011"/>
|titlebar=#Fcd116
|left1=Religion
|right1=Percent
|float=right
|bars=
{{bar percent|[[Hindus]]|darkorange|85.61}}
{{bar percent|[[Muslims]]|green|11.91}}
{{bar percent|[[Sikh]]|yellow|0.75}}
{{bar percent|[[Christians|Christian]]|red|0.92}}
{{bar percent|Others†|black|0.8}}
}}
[[Hinduism]] is the largest religion in Nainital, with 85.61% of residents identifying as [[Hindu]]s in the 2011 Census. The town's religious profile is highly diverse, Nainital has a significant number of people from [[Muslim]], [[Sikh]] and Christian communities. [[Islam]] is second most popular religion in town of Nainital with approximately 11.91% following it. [[Christianity in India|Christianity]] is followed by 0.92%, [[Jainism in India|Jainism]] by 0.01%, [[Sikhism in India|Sikhism]] by 0.75% and [[Buddhism in India|Buddhism]] by 0.77%. Approximately 0.02% of the population were either atheists or followed 'no particular religion'. Nainital in 1880 had a population of 10,054, which consisted of 6,862 Hindus, 1,748 Muslims, 1,348 Europeans, 34 Eurasians, 57 Native Christians and 5 'others'.<ref name="igoi1886" /> [[Kumaoni people|Kumaonis]] form the major part of the town's population along with people from all over India.
A person from Nainital is called ''Naintālwāl'' in Kumaoni. ''Wāl'' is the Kumaoni term for resident.
===Languages===
[[Hindi]] is the official language,<ref name="Langoff"/> while [[Sanskrit]] is the additional official language of the town.<ref name="sanskrit"/><ref name="sanskrit2"/>
[[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]] is the native language and is the most spoken language in the town.<ref name="KumaoniEthnologue">{{cite web |title=Kumaoni |url=https://www.ethnologue.com/language/kfy |website=Ethnologue |access-date=23 March 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Hindi and English also serve as lingua franca between locals and tourists/outsiders.
== Government and politics ==
=== Civic Administration ===
The municipal board of Nainital had its origin in 1845, when the provisions of the Act I of 1842 were sanctioned by the government in the town, which then applied to approximately two thirds of the total population.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Shah |first1=Giriraja |title=Nainital: The Land of Trumpet and Song ; Based on J.M. Clay's Book on Nainital |date=1999 |publisher=Abhinav Publications |isbn=978-81-7017-324-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TNpeJWBT0fwC |access-date=17 April 2020 |language=en}}</ref>{{rp|90}}
=== Politics ===
Nainital town is represented in the [[Lok Sabha]], the lower house of the [[Indian Parliament]], by a [[Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha|representative]] elected from the [[Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar (Lok Sabha constituency)|Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar Constituency]]. [[Ajay Bhatt (politician)]], from [[BJP]], is the current Member of Parliament from Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kumaon Division: Member Of Parliaments |url=http://kumaon.gov.in/pages/display/95-member-of-parliament |website=kumaon.gov.in |access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref> He won the [[2019 Indian general election]]s by 3,39,096 votes against [[Harish Rawat]] from the [[Indian National Congress|Congress]], who was also the [[List of chief ministers of Uttarakhand|former chief minister of the state]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Nihi |title=Lok Sabha Elections Results 2019: Former CM Harish Rawat loses in Naintal by over 3 lakh votes |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/lok-sabha-elections/lok-sabha-elections-results-2019-former-cm-harish-rawat-loses-in-naintal-by-over-3-lakh-votes/story-h52zJOxZrT7nAALNt79M5L.html |access-date=16 April 2020 |work=[[Hindustan Times]] |date=24 May 2019 |location=Dehradun |language=en}}</ref> Prior to the delimitation of the Loksabha Constituencies of Uttarakhand in 2008, the town was a part of the [[Nainital (Lok Sabha constituency)|Nainital Lok Sabha constituency]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Delimitation of Parliamentary & Assembly Constituencies Order - 2008 |url=https://old.eci.gov.in/files/file/3931-delimitation-of-parliamentary-assembly-constituencies-order-2008/ |publisher=[[Election Commission of India]] |access-date=16 April 2020}}</ref> Generally considered a Congress Stronghold, the Congress has registered a victory from Nainital eight times since 1951.<ref name="Tribune">{{cite news|url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20090413/dun.htm#1|title=Three in fray, but bipolar contest expected: Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar Seat|last=Dewan|first=Umesh|date=13 April 2009|work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]|access-date=31 December 2009}}</ref> While the BJP has won this seat three times, several other political parties have also managed three victories.
==Tourism==
{| class="wikitable floatright"
|+ style="text-align: left;"| Tourist arrival in Nainital<ref>{{cite web |title=Tourist Statistics from 2000 to 2018 of Major Tourist Destinations |url=https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Tourist-Statistics-from-2000-to-2002-of-Major-Tourist-Destinations.pdf |access-date=22 November 2020 |website= Uttarakhand Tourism}}</ref>
|-
! scope="col" | Year !! scope="col" | International !! scope="col" | Domestic !! scope="col" | Total
|-
! scope="row" | 2012
| 8,254 || 898,077 || 906,331
|-
! scope="row" | 2013
| 7,088 || 737,130 || 744,218
|-
! scope="row" | 2014
| 7,622 || 750,501 || 758,123
|-
! scope="row" | 2015
| 6,902 || 808,903 || 815,805
|-
! scope="row" | 2016
| 7,231 || 866,164 || 873,395
|-
! scope="row" | 2017
| 8,329 || 910,323 || 918,652
|-
! scope="row" | 2018
| 9,341 || 924,316 || 933,657
|}
A popular hill station, Nainital has numerous tourist spots including [[Nainital Lake]], [[Naina Peak 8622ft]], [[The Selva Valley]], [[Hanumangarhi, Nainital|Hanumangarhi]] and [[G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo]]. Nainital is Kumaon's most well known hill station, and its premier tourist destination
===Nainital Zoo===
The Nainital zoo located on Tallital, Sher Ka Danda Hill at height of 2,100m or 6900 ft above sea level. The zoo was officially named as [[G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Nainital Zoo (Timings, Entry Ticket Fee & Images) - Nainital Tourism 2024 |url=https://nainitaltourism.org.in/nainital-zoo |access-date=13 March 2024 |website=nainitaltourism.org.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Nainital zoo gets female markhor from Darjeeling |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/nainital-zoo-receives-female-markhor-from-darjeeling/articleshow/108447716.cms |work=The Times of India |date=13 March 2024 |access-date=13 March 2024}}</ref>
===Nainital Yacht Club===
[[File:Beautiful Nanital - The City Of Lakes.jpg|thumb|Yachts on the lake]]
The [[Nainital Yacht Club]], situated along the lake, is run by the Boat House Club. It is the highest yacht club in India and among the highest clubs in the world. It was founded in 1910 by the British and, till 1970, was only open to members. Today, tourists can pay for a sailing session on the yachts.
===Jama Masjid===
[[File:Jama Masjid Mosque Nainital.jpg|thumb|A view of Jama Masjid Mosque, Nainital]]
The Jama Masjid of Nainital is located in Mallital area of Nainital is a mosque which was built in 1882 during the British Era for Muslims around Nainital. Over the main entrance one can see Arabic inscriptions. The most notable feature is the mihrab where a niche shows the direction towards Mecca.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bedi |first1=Aneesha |title=Jama Masjid, Mecca Masjid — why Twitter is flooded with images of India's stunning mosques |url=https://theprint.in/india/jama-masjid-mecca-masjid-why-twitter-is-flooded-with-images-of-indias-stunning-mosques/322043/ |access-date=24 February 2020 |work=ThePrint |date=16 November 2019}}</ref>
=== Naina Devi Temple ===
[[File:Maa Naina Devi Temple, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.jpg|thumb|A view of the Maa Naina Devi Temple, Mallital, Nainital, Kumaon, India]]
Temple of Naina Devi is located at the upper end of Naini lake. This temple is dedicated to the goddess of the town Naina Devi. Its complex becomes the location of the Nanda Devi Mela festival which held every year on Nandashtami during September.<ref>{{cite news |title=Naina Devi Mandir: चमत्‍कारी मानी जाती हैं नैना देवी, मंद‍िर में दर्शन से आंखों के रोग दूर होने की है मान्‍यता |url=https://www.timesnowhindi.com/spirituality/article/naina-devi-mandir-katha-kahani-puja-visit-in-nanital/313220 |access-date=9 October 2020 |work=Times Now |date=18 September 2020 |language=hi}}</ref>
=== St John Wilderness Church ===
[[File:St John in the Wilderness Church, Sukhatal, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.jpg|thumb|A view of St John in the Wilderness Church, Sukhatal, Mallital, Nainital, Kumaon.]] St. John in the Wilderness is one of the oldest and finest churches in Nainital. The Church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. This Anglican Church was built in 1846 and is one of the earliest buildings erected in Nainital.<ref>{{cite news |title=Plan your next vacation to Uttarakhand's picturesque hill town, Nainital |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/travel/plan-your-next-vacation-to-uttarakhand-s-picturesque-hill-town-nainital/story-kXvbxwoCdYvB0UrKClVUHK.html |access-date=9 October 2020 |work=Hindustan Times |date=22 October 2019 |language=en}}</ref>
=== The Mall Road ===
The Mall Road is a shopping area in Nainital. It has many shops, restaurants and road side sellers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mall Road |url=https://nainital.nic.in/tourist-place/mall-road/ |access-date=30 October 2021 |work=Nainital |date=30 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Eco Cave Gardens ===
Eco Cave Gardens is a cluster of naturally formed rocky caves. It is close to the Mall Road. It has 6 caves formed in the shape of animals. Tourists can visit the caves from 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. every day of the week.<ref>{{cite news |title=Top 19 things to do in Nainital |url=https://www.zongaroo.com/2021/10/02/top-19-things-to-do-in-nainital/ |access-date=30 October 2021 |work=Zongaroo |date=30 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Naina Peak ===
Naina Peak is a sightseeing place situated at an altitude of 2611 meters. It gives a view of the [[Himalaya range|Himalayas range]] and a birdseye view of Nainital.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Kohli |first=M. S. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GIs4zv17HHwC&dq=naina+peak&pg=PA144 |title=Mountains of India: Tourism, Adventure and Pilgrimage |date=2002 |publisher=Indus Publishing |isbn=978-81-7387-135-1 |language=en}}</ref>
===Libraries===
[[File:Durga Lal Shah Municipal Public Library, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India.jpg|thumb|A view of Durga Lal Shah Municipal Public Library, Nainital, Kumaon, India]]
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,<ref>Singh, Sarina (2005). ''Lonely Planet: India'' (Nainital). {{ISBN|1-74059-694-3}}. Page 425.</ref> the Uttarakhand Academy of Administration, Library and Documentation Center, Mallital,<ref>The World Bank [http://www.worldbank.org.in/WBSITE/EXTERNAL/COUNTRIES/SOUTHASIAEXT/INDIAEXTN/0,,contentMDK:20202836~menuPK:462277~pagePK:1497618~piPK:217854~theSitePK:295584,00.html#Depository_Libraries India: Depository Libraries], 2006.</ref> the ARIES Observatory Library,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eso.org/gen-fac/libraries/lisa3/louisc.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717211747/http://www.eso.org/gen-fac/libraries/lisa3/louisc.html|url-status=dead|title=Astronomical Networking Libraries|archive-date=17 July 2006|access-date=29 January 2020}}</ref> and the Kumaon University Library, Nainital.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kunainital.in|title=Kumaon University|access-date=12 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205125111/http://www.kunainital.in/|archive-date=5 February 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Transport ==
===Roadways===
[[File:Old Roadways bus station nainital.jpg|thumb|The old roadways bus station is located at Tallital in front of the [[Naini Lake]].]]
Nainital can be reached by the [[National Highway 109 (India)|National Highway 109]] (previously National Highway 87) from [[Haldwani]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Landslide spoils festivity, NH-87 blocked|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Landslide-spoils-festivity-NH-87-blocked/articleshow/53744569.cms|access-date=30 November 2016|work=[[The Times of India]]|date=17 August 2016|location=Nainital}}</ref> {{convert|40|km|mi|abbr=on}} away, or by State Highway 13 from [[Bajpur]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pwd.uk.gov.in/files/PWD/Length_of_Road.pdf|title=वर्ष 2016-17 में लोक निर्माण विभाग के अंतर्गत राज्य मार्ग की लम्बाई|access-date=29 January 2020}}</ref> {{convert|60|km|mi|abbr=on}} away.
===Airways===
The nearest airport is in [[Pantnagar]] near [[Rudrapur, Uttarakhand|Rudrapur]], about {{convert|71|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Nainital.<ref>{{cite news|title=A gem in perfect setting |url=http://www.tribuneindia.com/2008/20080511/spectrum/main2.htm |work=[[The Tribune (Chandigarh)|The Tribune]]|date= 11 May 2008|access-date=29 June 2009}}</ref> [[Alliance Air (India)|Alliance Air]], [[Air Heritage]] and [[Deccan Charters]] are the three carriers, that connect the airport to [[Delhi]], [[Dehradun]] and [[Pithoragarh]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/alliance-air-to-start-flights-on-pantnagar-dehradun-route-from-jan-4/articleshow/67287121.cms|title=Alliance Air to start flights on Pantnagar-Dehradun route from Jan 4|date=28 December 2018|access-date=29 January 2020|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref><ref name="RCS">{{cite web|url=http://cadup.gov.in/writereaddata/pdf/RCS_Round_1_and_2.pdf|title=Comprehensive list of Awarded RCS Routes state wise |work=[[Airport Authority of India]]|access-date=5 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://airdeccan.co.in/en/flight-schedule|title=flight schedule of Air Deccan|access-date=29 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612142416/https://airdeccan.co.in/en/flight-schedule|archive-date=12 June 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===Railways===
The closest major railway station is [[Kathgodam railway station|Kathgodam]], on the outskirts of Haldwani, which is connected with almost all major cities of the country.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Kishore|first1=B.R.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=COHI7LlpkSAC|title=India : a travel guide|date=2008|publisher=Fusion Books|isbn=9788128400674|location=New Delhi|page=278|language=en|access-date=11 January 2017}} "NAINITAL; Railway Station : Kathgodam 35 kms"</ref>
== Education ==
[[File:St. Joseph's College, Nainital from Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat).jpg|thumb|right| [[St. Joseph's College, Nainital]] from Tiffin Top (Dorothy's Seat)]]
In the latter half of the 19th century a number of "European" schools for boys and girls were founded in Nainital. During the [[Victorian era|Victorian]] and [[Edwardian period|Edwardian]] eras, students in these schools consisted largely of children of the British colonial officials or soldiers. The Diocesan Girls' High School, now known as All Saints' College, was established in 1869, near where the High Court of Uttarakhand stands today. By 1906, there were over half a dozen such schools,<ref name=murphy/> including the Diocesan Boys' School (later renamed [[Sherwood College]]) and the Philander Smith's college (later renamed Halett War School, currently [[Birla Vidya Mandir]]).
[[St. Joseph's College, Nainital]] (popularly known as SEM), a day-boarding and residential school built by Irish brothers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.stjosephscollege.in/history.aspx|title=History|website=www.stjosephscollege.in|access-date=10 October 2019}}</ref> in 1888, celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2013. Another important school for girls, [[St. Mary's Convent High School, Nainital]] (popularly known as Ramnee), was established in 1878, and celebrated its 125th anniversary in year 2003.
==Notable people==
{{main category|People from Nainital}}
<!--All the entries should have articles in English Wikipedia -->
<!--Entries should be arranged alphabetically by LAST NAME-->
* [[Amitabh Bachchan]], [[Bollywood]] actor. Educated at Sherwood College.
* [[Sonam Bajwa]], Indian actress.
* [[Kabir Bedi]], Bollywood actor. Educated at Sherwood College.
* [[Jim Corbett]], hunter of man-eating tigers, author, conservationist and namesake of [[Jim Corbett National Park]]. Educated at St. Joseph's College and lived in [[Gurney House]].
* [[Danny Denzongpa]], Bollywood actor studied in Birla Vidya Mandir
* [[Shekhar Pathak]], noted historian, editor, travel-writer, and activist
* [[B K Goyal]], cardiologist, educated at Birla Vidya Mandir{{cn|date=July 2022}}
* [[Percy Hobart]], British major general and military engineer
* [[Elsie Inglis]], physician and social reformer
* [[Hastings Ismay, 1st Baron Ismay]], first secretary general of [[NATO]]
* [[Anup Jalota]], singer
* [[Sukirti Kandpal]], TV actress
* [[Gopal Datt]], Indian actor and writer. Graduated from Kumaon University
* [[Sudhir Kakar]], renowned psychoanalyst
* [[Field Marshal]] [[Sam Manekshaw]], Indian Army Chief of Staff during Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Educated at Sherwood College.
* [[Anku Pande]], Film Producer. Educated at St. Mary's Convent High School
* [[Eric Maturin]], British actor
* [[Lalit Modi]], [[Indian Premier League]] (IPL) chairman. Educated at St. Joseph's College.
* [[Rajendra K. Pachauri]], chairman of the [[Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change]]
* [[Manish Pandey]], cricketer who plays for [[Karnataka]] and [[Bangalore]]
* [[Nirmal Pandey]], Bollywood actor and singer
* [[Ram Kapoor]], TV actor. Educated at Sherwood College.
* [[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 third Home Minister of India
*[[K. C. Pant|Krishna Chandra Pant]], former Deputy Chairman of the [[Planning Commission of India]]. Educated at St. Joseph's College.
*[[Hamida Saiduzzafar]], ophthalmologist
*[[Henry Stephens Salt]], considered as the 'father of animal rights'. Born in Nainital.
* [[Naseeruddin Shah]], Bollywood actor. Educated at St. Joseph's College.
* Major [[Som Nath Sharma]], India's first [[Param Vir Chakra]] award winner. Educated at Sherwood College.
* [[Shivani]], Hindi poet
* [[Billy Arjan Singh]], Tiger conservationist of India, Educated in Nainital.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Davison |first1=Phil |title="Billy" Arjan Singh: Honorary Tiger |url=https://sikhchic.com/people/_billy_arjan_singh_honorary_tiger |website=sikhchic.com |access-date=7 August 2022}}</ref>
* [[Dalip Tahil]], Bollywood actor. Educated at Sherwood College.
* [[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.
* [[Orde Charles Wingate]], British general and commander of the Chindits in [[Burma]] during [[World War II]]
==See also==
* [[Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences]]
==References==
{{Reflist}}
*{{cite book |last1=Barron |first1=Peters |title=Notes of wanderings in the Himmala ... |date=1844 |oclc=316507322 |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/316507322 |language=English}}
==Further reading==
* {{Citation
| surname1 = Bateman
| given1 = Josiah
| year = 1860
| title = The Life of The Right Rev. Daniel Wilson, D.D., Late Lord Bishop of Calcutta and Metropolitan of India, Volume II
| publisher= John Murray, Albemarle Street, London.
}}
* {{Citation
| surname1 = Corbett
| given1= SAYUJ
| orig-year = 2000| year = 2002
| title = Inter H.G.S – Indian Culture in Daily Life.
| publisher= Oxford India Reprint
}}
* {{Citation
| surname1 = Corbett
| given1 = Jim
| orig-year = 1948| year = 2002
| title = The Man Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag
| publisher= Oxford India Reprint
}}
* {{Citation
| surname1 = Corbett
| given1 = Jim
| orig-year = 1954| year = 2002
| title = The Temple Tigers and More Man-Eaters of Kumaon
| publisher= Oxford India Reprint
}}
* {{Citation
| surname1 = Fayrer
| given1 = Joseph
| year = 1900
| title = Recollections of my life
| publisher= William Blackwood and Sons, Edinburgh and London
}}
* {{Citation
| year = 1908
| title = Imperial Gazetteer of India, Volume 18, pp. 322–323.
| publisher= Oxford University Press, Oxford and London
}}
* {{Citation
| surname1 = Kennedy
| given1 = Dane
| year = 1996
| title = The Magic Mountains: Hill Stations and the British Raj
| publisher= University of California Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles, and Oxford. 264 pages.
}}
* {{Citation
| surname1 = Kipling
| given1 = Rudyard
| year = 1889
| title = The Story of the Gadsbys
| publisher= Macmillan and Company, London
}}
* {{Citation
| surname1 = Kipling
| given1 = Rudyard
| year = 1895
| title = Under the Deodars
| publisher= Macmillan and Company, London
}}
* {{Citation
| surname1 = McLaren
| given1 = Eva Shaw
| year = 1920
| title = Elsie Inglis: The Woman with the Torch
| publisher= Macmillan and Company, New York
}}
* {{Citation
| surname1 = M'Crindle
| given1 = J.W.
| year = 1901
| title = Ancient India: As Described in Classical Literature
| publisher= Archibald ConstaHble & Company, Westminster
}}
* {{Citation
| surname1 = Murphy
| given1 = C.W.
| year = 1906
| title = A Guide to Naini Tal and Kumaun
| publisher= Allahbad, United Provinces
}}
* {{Citation
| title = Notes on Wanderings in the Himmala, containing descriptions of some of the grandest scenery of the snowy range, among others of Naini Tal
| publisher=Agra Akhbaar Press, Agra
}}
==External links==
{{Commons category|Nainital}}
{{Wikisource1911Enc|Naini Tal}}
* {{Official website|http://nainital.nic.in/}}
* {{Wikivoyage-inline}}
{{Nainital district}}
{{Kumaon}}
{{Municipalities of Uttarakhand}}
{{Uttarakhand}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Nainital| ]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Nainital district]]
[[Category:Tourism in Uttarakhand]]
[[Category:Hill stations in Uttarakhand]]
[[Category:Articles containing potentially dated statements from 2001]]
[[Category:All articles containing potentially dated statements]]