St. John's Church, Nainital

Located at an altitude of 1938 meters, this famous hill town nestles amidst pine forests, with a stunningly calm, deep lake, reflecting the green of the surrounding hills. Named after the goddess Naina Devi, Nainital represents a concoction of Kumaon tradition, age-old beliefs of hill folk and many British lore. Founded in 1841 by P. Barron, a European merchant, the hilly landscape soon became a retreat for the British. Even today, it has traces of the British character, with a few clubs, movie theatres, Roman Catholic Church, and British schools offering ‘anglicised’ education. While its numerous lakes and stunning mountain vistas offer a paradise for nature lovers, a journey to Nainital is a fairytale panoramic tour through the Himalayas. If you linger long enough you can also hear mythological tales about Lord Shiva.