Nainital | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Nainital
Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of ‘Lake District’ of India.
The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills, Nainital has a
varied topography. Some of the important places in the district are Nainital,
Haldwani, Kaladhungi, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal,
Sattal and Naukuchiatal. Nainital is headquarter of Nainital District. It is also
divisional Headquarter of Kumaon Division.
Historical Background- Nainital is referred to in the ‘Manas Khand’ of
the ‘Skanda Purana’ as the Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, the lake of the three sages,
Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha who were reputed to have arrived here on a
penitential piligrimage, and, finding no water to quench their thirst dug a hole
and siphoned water into it from Mansarovar the sacred lake in Tibet.
The Second important reference to Nainital is as one of 64 ‘Shakti Peeths’.
These centres were created wherever parts of charred body of Sati fell, when
Lord Shiva was carrying around her corpse in grief. It is said that the left eye
(Nain) of Sati fell here and this gave rise to patron deity of town Nainital. It is
said that the lake is formed in the emerald eye shape. Naina Devi temple is
located at the northern end of the lake.Thus name of Nainital derivated from
Naina and the tal (Lake).
British Settlement- The British occupied Kumaon & Garhwal in 1815.
After the British Occupation, E. Gardiner was appointed as the commissioner
of Kumaun Division on May’8
th
 1815. In 1817 the second commissioner of
Kumaun Mr. G.W. Traill has conducted the second revenue settlement of
Kumaun, Mr. Traill was the first European to visit Nainital but he did not
popularize his visit in respect for the religious sanctity of the place.
In the year 1839 an English businessman from Rosa, Mr. P. Barron a sugar
trader and his friend an avid hunter strayed into the hills while hunting they
got lost and while finding there way back chanced on the wondrous spot. So
enamored was Barron with the vision of the placid lake that he left the sugar
business and build a European Colony on shores of the lake. In 1841, Nainital
appeared in issue of the ‘Englishman Calcutta’ announcing the discovery of a
lake in the vicinity of Almora.
By 1847, it had become a popular hill resort. On 3
rd
 October 1850, the
Page 2


Nainital
Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of ‘Lake District’ of India.
The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills, Nainital has a
varied topography. Some of the important places in the district are Nainital,
Haldwani, Kaladhungi, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal,
Sattal and Naukuchiatal. Nainital is headquarter of Nainital District. It is also
divisional Headquarter of Kumaon Division.
Historical Background- Nainital is referred to in the ‘Manas Khand’ of
the ‘Skanda Purana’ as the Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, the lake of the three sages,
Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha who were reputed to have arrived here on a
penitential piligrimage, and, finding no water to quench their thirst dug a hole
and siphoned water into it from Mansarovar the sacred lake in Tibet.
The Second important reference to Nainital is as one of 64 ‘Shakti Peeths’.
These centres were created wherever parts of charred body of Sati fell, when
Lord Shiva was carrying around her corpse in grief. It is said that the left eye
(Nain) of Sati fell here and this gave rise to patron deity of town Nainital. It is
said that the lake is formed in the emerald eye shape. Naina Devi temple is
located at the northern end of the lake.Thus name of Nainital derivated from
Naina and the tal (Lake).
British Settlement- The British occupied Kumaon & Garhwal in 1815.
After the British Occupation, E. Gardiner was appointed as the commissioner
of Kumaun Division on May’8
th
 1815. In 1817 the second commissioner of
Kumaun Mr. G.W. Traill has conducted the second revenue settlement of
Kumaun, Mr. Traill was the first European to visit Nainital but he did not
popularize his visit in respect for the religious sanctity of the place.
In the year 1839 an English businessman from Rosa, Mr. P. Barron a sugar
trader and his friend an avid hunter strayed into the hills while hunting they
got lost and while finding there way back chanced on the wondrous spot. So
enamored was Barron with the vision of the placid lake that he left the sugar
business and build a European Colony on shores of the lake. In 1841, Nainital
appeared in issue of the ‘Englishman Calcutta’ announcing the discovery of a
lake in the vicinity of Almora.
By 1847, it had become a popular hill resort. On 3
rd
 October 1850, the
Nainital Municipal Board was formally constituted. It was the second
Municipal Board of North Western Provinces. To catalyse the formation of a
town the administration transferred land to the wealthy Sah community of
Almora, on condition that they build houses on the land. In 1862, Nainital
became the summer seat of the North Western Provinces. After it was made
the summer Capital, a remarkable expansion of the town occurred with the
growth of magnificent bungalows all around and construction of facilities
such as marketing areas, rest houses, recreation centres, clubs etc together
with the secretariat and other administrative units. It also became an
important centre of education for the British who wanted to educate their
children in the better air and away from the discomforts of the plains.
Geography- To it’s north is Almora district and to its south lies the Udham
Singh Nagar district. Champawat district flanks it in the east and district of
Pauri Gahwal is in the west. It is located approximately in between 80º14’
and 78º80’ east longitude and 29º00’ and 29º05’ north latitude. On the
northern side lies the Himalayan ranges while on the southern side lies the
plains making the resultant climate of the district enjoyable one.
The total geographical area is 4251 Sq.Km. Geographically the district is
divided in to 2 zones viz. Hilly and Bhabar. The hilly region in outer
Himalayas is known to geologist as Krol. The highest peak of the district is
Baudhansthali 2623 mt. The hilly region of the district used to have big &
small lakes. Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal,Khurpatal, Nainital, Malwatal,
Harishtal, Lokhamtal etc. are known lakes of bigger size.
The foothill area of the district is known as Bhabhar. The name Bhabhar is
derived from a tall growing grass growing in the region. The underground
water level is very deep in this region. Kosi is the main river of the district.
River Kosi arising out of Koshimool near Kausani flows on the western side
of the district. There are number of smaller rivulets like Gaula, Bhakra,
Dabka, Baur etc. Most of these have been dammed for irrigation purposes.
Tahsils- Nainital, Haldwani, Ramnagar, Kaladhungi, Lalkuwan, Dhari,
Khanshyu, Kosiyakutoli, Betalghat.
Block- Haldwani, Bhimtal, Ramnagar, Kotabag, Dhari, Betalghat,
Ramgarh, Okhalkanda
Adventures & sports- 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.
Page 3


Nainital
Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of ‘Lake District’ of India.
The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills, Nainital has a
varied topography. Some of the important places in the district are Nainital,
Haldwani, Kaladhungi, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal,
Sattal and Naukuchiatal. Nainital is headquarter of Nainital District. It is also
divisional Headquarter of Kumaon Division.
Historical Background- Nainital is referred to in the ‘Manas Khand’ of
the ‘Skanda Purana’ as the Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, the lake of the three sages,
Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha who were reputed to have arrived here on a
penitential piligrimage, and, finding no water to quench their thirst dug a hole
and siphoned water into it from Mansarovar the sacred lake in Tibet.
The Second important reference to Nainital is as one of 64 ‘Shakti Peeths’.
These centres were created wherever parts of charred body of Sati fell, when
Lord Shiva was carrying around her corpse in grief. It is said that the left eye
(Nain) of Sati fell here and this gave rise to patron deity of town Nainital. It is
said that the lake is formed in the emerald eye shape. Naina Devi temple is
located at the northern end of the lake.Thus name of Nainital derivated from
Naina and the tal (Lake).
British Settlement- The British occupied Kumaon & Garhwal in 1815.
After the British Occupation, E. Gardiner was appointed as the commissioner
of Kumaun Division on May’8
th
 1815. In 1817 the second commissioner of
Kumaun Mr. G.W. Traill has conducted the second revenue settlement of
Kumaun, Mr. Traill was the first European to visit Nainital but he did not
popularize his visit in respect for the religious sanctity of the place.
In the year 1839 an English businessman from Rosa, Mr. P. Barron a sugar
trader and his friend an avid hunter strayed into the hills while hunting they
got lost and while finding there way back chanced on the wondrous spot. So
enamored was Barron with the vision of the placid lake that he left the sugar
business and build a European Colony on shores of the lake. In 1841, Nainital
appeared in issue of the ‘Englishman Calcutta’ announcing the discovery of a
lake in the vicinity of Almora.
By 1847, it had become a popular hill resort. On 3
rd
 October 1850, the
Nainital Municipal Board was formally constituted. It was the second
Municipal Board of North Western Provinces. To catalyse the formation of a
town the administration transferred land to the wealthy Sah community of
Almora, on condition that they build houses on the land. In 1862, Nainital
became the summer seat of the North Western Provinces. After it was made
the summer Capital, a remarkable expansion of the town occurred with the
growth of magnificent bungalows all around and construction of facilities
such as marketing areas, rest houses, recreation centres, clubs etc together
with the secretariat and other administrative units. It also became an
important centre of education for the British who wanted to educate their
children in the better air and away from the discomforts of the plains.
Geography- To it’s north is Almora district and to its south lies the Udham
Singh Nagar district. Champawat district flanks it in the east and district of
Pauri Gahwal is in the west. It is located approximately in between 80º14’
and 78º80’ east longitude and 29º00’ and 29º05’ north latitude. On the
northern side lies the Himalayan ranges while on the southern side lies the
plains making the resultant climate of the district enjoyable one.
The total geographical area is 4251 Sq.Km. Geographically the district is
divided in to 2 zones viz. Hilly and Bhabar. The hilly region in outer
Himalayas is known to geologist as Krol. The highest peak of the district is
Baudhansthali 2623 mt. The hilly region of the district used to have big &
small lakes. Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal,Khurpatal, Nainital, Malwatal,
Harishtal, Lokhamtal etc. are known lakes of bigger size.
The foothill area of the district is known as Bhabhar. The name Bhabhar is
derived from a tall growing grass growing in the region. The underground
water level is very deep in this region. Kosi is the main river of the district.
River Kosi arising out of Koshimool near Kausani flows on the western side
of the district. There are number of smaller rivulets like Gaula, Bhakra,
Dabka, Baur etc. Most of these have been dammed for irrigation purposes.
Tahsils- Nainital, Haldwani, Ramnagar, Kaladhungi, Lalkuwan, Dhari,
Khanshyu, Kosiyakutoli, Betalghat.
Block- Haldwani, Bhimtal, Ramnagar, Kotabag, Dhari, Betalghat,
Ramgarh, Okhalkanda
Adventures & sports- 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.
Every year national & zonal races are held in Naini Lake. Swimming
competetions are also organized in Nainital in summer months. Beside this
Canoeing, Kyaking competetion are organized in Naini Lake.
Nainital district is known for its paragliding activity in the country. Most of
the centres are located at Pandeygaon on Bhimtal – Jangliagaon road. In
adventure sports Hotbalooning is another attraction at Nainital. Hotbalooning
camps are 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 Mountaineering Club at Nainital is
pioneer in the area of mountaineering & rockclimbing training. Rock
Climbing training takes place at BaraPathhar & Camelsback.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Nainital-Nainital is located in a valley of the Gagar Range extending NW-SE
on the flanks of the pear shaped lake basin being easily accessible from the
plains. Town lies at an elevation between 1950 and 2250m. Though the place
is associated with earlier settelements (particularly religious), it was
recommended by Barron in 1841 as a suitable site for summer resort. Later in
1862 the place became summer capital of the provincial government.
The rapid development of cultural landscape took place in the late 19
th
century. Houses, shops, schools and many hotels sprang up all around the
lake. Although there had been a great catastrophe in 1880 when a huge
landslip had destroyed most of the settelements on the northeast of the lake,
yet the same provided a fresh site on the upper end of the lake now named as
‘flats’.
Functionally, the Tallital and the Mallital at the opposite ends of the town
are important business areas, though also partly residential. High class
shopping area has developed along the ‘Mall’ (now Pant Marg). The
residential segregation between Europians and low and middle income group
has, however been replaced by high class residential areas; the former
occupies the higher ground and the latter, the lower portions. Most of the
administrative buildings are located in Tallital area while municipal office,
police stations are located in Mallital area. Nainital is well known for its
European schools and colleges whose patterns have now changd since
independence.
Page 4


Nainital
Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of ‘Lake District’ of India.
The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills, Nainital has a
varied topography. Some of the important places in the district are Nainital,
Haldwani, Kaladhungi, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal,
Sattal and Naukuchiatal. Nainital is headquarter of Nainital District. It is also
divisional Headquarter of Kumaon Division.
Historical Background- Nainital is referred to in the ‘Manas Khand’ of
the ‘Skanda Purana’ as the Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, the lake of the three sages,
Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha who were reputed to have arrived here on a
penitential piligrimage, and, finding no water to quench their thirst dug a hole
and siphoned water into it from Mansarovar the sacred lake in Tibet.
The Second important reference to Nainital is as one of 64 ‘Shakti Peeths’.
These centres were created wherever parts of charred body of Sati fell, when
Lord Shiva was carrying around her corpse in grief. It is said that the left eye
(Nain) of Sati fell here and this gave rise to patron deity of town Nainital. It is
said that the lake is formed in the emerald eye shape. Naina Devi temple is
located at the northern end of the lake.Thus name of Nainital derivated from
Naina and the tal (Lake).
British Settlement- The British occupied Kumaon & Garhwal in 1815.
After the British Occupation, E. Gardiner was appointed as the commissioner
of Kumaun Division on May’8
th
 1815. In 1817 the second commissioner of
Kumaun Mr. G.W. Traill has conducted the second revenue settlement of
Kumaun, Mr. Traill was the first European to visit Nainital but he did not
popularize his visit in respect for the religious sanctity of the place.
In the year 1839 an English businessman from Rosa, Mr. P. Barron a sugar
trader and his friend an avid hunter strayed into the hills while hunting they
got lost and while finding there way back chanced on the wondrous spot. So
enamored was Barron with the vision of the placid lake that he left the sugar
business and build a European Colony on shores of the lake. In 1841, Nainital
appeared in issue of the ‘Englishman Calcutta’ announcing the discovery of a
lake in the vicinity of Almora.
By 1847, it had become a popular hill resort. On 3
rd
 October 1850, the
Nainital Municipal Board was formally constituted. It was the second
Municipal Board of North Western Provinces. To catalyse the formation of a
town the administration transferred land to the wealthy Sah community of
Almora, on condition that they build houses on the land. In 1862, Nainital
became the summer seat of the North Western Provinces. After it was made
the summer Capital, a remarkable expansion of the town occurred with the
growth of magnificent bungalows all around and construction of facilities
such as marketing areas, rest houses, recreation centres, clubs etc together
with the secretariat and other administrative units. It also became an
important centre of education for the British who wanted to educate their
children in the better air and away from the discomforts of the plains.
Geography- To it’s north is Almora district and to its south lies the Udham
Singh Nagar district. Champawat district flanks it in the east and district of
Pauri Gahwal is in the west. It is located approximately in between 80º14’
and 78º80’ east longitude and 29º00’ and 29º05’ north latitude. On the
northern side lies the Himalayan ranges while on the southern side lies the
plains making the resultant climate of the district enjoyable one.
The total geographical area is 4251 Sq.Km. Geographically the district is
divided in to 2 zones viz. Hilly and Bhabar. The hilly region in outer
Himalayas is known to geologist as Krol. The highest peak of the district is
Baudhansthali 2623 mt. The hilly region of the district used to have big &
small lakes. Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal,Khurpatal, Nainital, Malwatal,
Harishtal, Lokhamtal etc. are known lakes of bigger size.
The foothill area of the district is known as Bhabhar. The name Bhabhar is
derived from a tall growing grass growing in the region. The underground
water level is very deep in this region. Kosi is the main river of the district.
River Kosi arising out of Koshimool near Kausani flows on the western side
of the district. There are number of smaller rivulets like Gaula, Bhakra,
Dabka, Baur etc. Most of these have been dammed for irrigation purposes.
Tahsils- Nainital, Haldwani, Ramnagar, Kaladhungi, Lalkuwan, Dhari,
Khanshyu, Kosiyakutoli, Betalghat.
Block- Haldwani, Bhimtal, Ramnagar, Kotabag, Dhari, Betalghat,
Ramgarh, Okhalkanda
Adventures & sports- 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.
Every year national & zonal races are held in Naini Lake. Swimming
competetions are also organized in Nainital in summer months. Beside this
Canoeing, Kyaking competetion are organized in Naini Lake.
Nainital district is known for its paragliding activity in the country. Most of
the centres are located at Pandeygaon on Bhimtal – Jangliagaon road. In
adventure sports Hotbalooning is another attraction at Nainital. Hotbalooning
camps are 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 Mountaineering Club at Nainital is
pioneer in the area of mountaineering & rockclimbing training. Rock
Climbing training takes place at BaraPathhar & Camelsback.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Nainital-Nainital is located in a valley of the Gagar Range extending NW-SE
on the flanks of the pear shaped lake basin being easily accessible from the
plains. Town lies at an elevation between 1950 and 2250m. Though the place
is associated with earlier settelements (particularly religious), it was
recommended by Barron in 1841 as a suitable site for summer resort. Later in
1862 the place became summer capital of the provincial government.
The rapid development of cultural landscape took place in the late 19
th
century. Houses, shops, schools and many hotels sprang up all around the
lake. Although there had been a great catastrophe in 1880 when a huge
landslip had destroyed most of the settelements on the northeast of the lake,
yet the same provided a fresh site on the upper end of the lake now named as
‘flats’.
Functionally, the Tallital and the Mallital at the opposite ends of the town
are important business areas, though also partly residential. High class
shopping area has developed along the ‘Mall’ (now Pant Marg). The
residential segregation between Europians and low and middle income group
has, however been replaced by high class residential areas; the former
occupies the higher ground and the latter, the lower portions. Most of the
administrative buildings are located in Tallital area while municipal office,
police stations are located in Mallital area. Nainital is well known for its
European schools and colleges whose patterns have now changd since
independence.
NAINA 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 on the other.
Ghorakhal-Famous for the temple of Lord Golu and sainik school this
place is at a distance of 3 Kms from Bhowali. It is also a place of tea gardens.
Naukuchiatal- At 1220 mts above sea level, a deep clean lake with its nine
corners. Length of lake is 983 mts. breadth is 693 mt & depth 40.3 mt. It is
within an enchanting valley offering an opportunity of angling and bird
watching. There is ample scope for rowing, paddling or yachting.
Mukteshwar-This beautiful place is 2286 mts in altitude. 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
exists on the top of a rock.
Sattal-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-At an altitude of 1370 mt. the Bhimtal lake offers magnificent
vistas for tourists. The lake is larger than Naini 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 17
th
 century Bhimeshwar temple
complex along the 40 feet high dam.
Bhowali- 1706 meters above the sea level, Bhowali is famous for its scenic
grandeur and as a hill fruit market. It is also known as a health resort with
T.B. sanatorium established in 1912. It is a multifunctional nodal service
centre where the routes converge from Haldwani, Almora, Nainital, Bhimtal,
and Mukteshwar. It is an important fruit, vegetable, collecting and exporting
centre (apples, apricot, plums, pears etc.). the settlement is mainly developed
along Bhowali Naula, a tip-tributary of Ninglat river. Bhowali is an important
agriculture mandi of surrounding areas.
Kilbury-Kilbury is slightly away from Nainital. At an altitude of 2194 mts.
Page 5


Nainital
Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of ‘Lake District’ of India.
The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills, Nainital has a
varied topography. Some of the important places in the district are Nainital,
Haldwani, Kaladhungi, Ramnagar, Bhowali, Ramgarh, Mukteshwar, Bhimtal,
Sattal and Naukuchiatal. Nainital is headquarter of Nainital District. It is also
divisional Headquarter of Kumaon Division.
Historical Background- Nainital is referred to in the ‘Manas Khand’ of
the ‘Skanda Purana’ as the Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, the lake of the three sages,
Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha who were reputed to have arrived here on a
penitential piligrimage, and, finding no water to quench their thirst dug a hole
and siphoned water into it from Mansarovar the sacred lake in Tibet.
The Second important reference to Nainital is as one of 64 ‘Shakti Peeths’.
These centres were created wherever parts of charred body of Sati fell, when
Lord Shiva was carrying around her corpse in grief. It is said that the left eye
(Nain) of Sati fell here and this gave rise to patron deity of town Nainital. It is
said that the lake is formed in the emerald eye shape. Naina Devi temple is
located at the northern end of the lake.Thus name of Nainital derivated from
Naina and the tal (Lake).
British Settlement- The British occupied Kumaon & Garhwal in 1815.
After the British Occupation, E. Gardiner was appointed as the commissioner
of Kumaun Division on May’8
th
 1815. In 1817 the second commissioner of
Kumaun Mr. G.W. Traill has conducted the second revenue settlement of
Kumaun, Mr. Traill was the first European to visit Nainital but he did not
popularize his visit in respect for the religious sanctity of the place.
In the year 1839 an English businessman from Rosa, Mr. P. Barron a sugar
trader and his friend an avid hunter strayed into the hills while hunting they
got lost and while finding there way back chanced on the wondrous spot. So
enamored was Barron with the vision of the placid lake that he left the sugar
business and build a European Colony on shores of the lake. In 1841, Nainital
appeared in issue of the ‘Englishman Calcutta’ announcing the discovery of a
lake in the vicinity of Almora.
By 1847, it had become a popular hill resort. On 3
rd
 October 1850, the
Nainital Municipal Board was formally constituted. It was the second
Municipal Board of North Western Provinces. To catalyse the formation of a
town the administration transferred land to the wealthy Sah community of
Almora, on condition that they build houses on the land. In 1862, Nainital
became the summer seat of the North Western Provinces. After it was made
the summer Capital, a remarkable expansion of the town occurred with the
growth of magnificent bungalows all around and construction of facilities
such as marketing areas, rest houses, recreation centres, clubs etc together
with the secretariat and other administrative units. It also became an
important centre of education for the British who wanted to educate their
children in the better air and away from the discomforts of the plains.
Geography- To it’s north is Almora district and to its south lies the Udham
Singh Nagar district. Champawat district flanks it in the east and district of
Pauri Gahwal is in the west. It is located approximately in between 80º14’
and 78º80’ east longitude and 29º00’ and 29º05’ north latitude. On the
northern side lies the Himalayan ranges while on the southern side lies the
plains making the resultant climate of the district enjoyable one.
The total geographical area is 4251 Sq.Km. Geographically the district is
divided in to 2 zones viz. Hilly and Bhabar. The hilly region in outer
Himalayas is known to geologist as Krol. The highest peak of the district is
Baudhansthali 2623 mt. The hilly region of the district used to have big &
small lakes. Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal,Khurpatal, Nainital, Malwatal,
Harishtal, Lokhamtal etc. are known lakes of bigger size.
The foothill area of the district is known as Bhabhar. The name Bhabhar is
derived from a tall growing grass growing in the region. The underground
water level is very deep in this region. Kosi is the main river of the district.
River Kosi arising out of Koshimool near Kausani flows on the western side
of the district. There are number of smaller rivulets like Gaula, Bhakra,
Dabka, Baur etc. Most of these have been dammed for irrigation purposes.
Tahsils- Nainital, Haldwani, Ramnagar, Kaladhungi, Lalkuwan, Dhari,
Khanshyu, Kosiyakutoli, Betalghat.
Block- Haldwani, Bhimtal, Ramnagar, Kotabag, Dhari, Betalghat,
Ramgarh, Okhalkanda
Adventures & sports- 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.
Every year national & zonal races are held in Naini Lake. Swimming
competetions are also organized in Nainital in summer months. Beside this
Canoeing, Kyaking competetion are organized in Naini Lake.
Nainital district is known for its paragliding activity in the country. Most of
the centres are located at Pandeygaon on Bhimtal – Jangliagaon road. In
adventure sports Hotbalooning is another attraction at Nainital. Hotbalooning
camps are 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 Mountaineering Club at Nainital is
pioneer in the area of mountaineering & rockclimbing training. Rock
Climbing training takes place at BaraPathhar & Camelsback.
IMPORTANT PLACES
Nainital-Nainital is located in a valley of the Gagar Range extending NW-SE
on the flanks of the pear shaped lake basin being easily accessible from the
plains. Town lies at an elevation between 1950 and 2250m. Though the place
is associated with earlier settelements (particularly religious), it was
recommended by Barron in 1841 as a suitable site for summer resort. Later in
1862 the place became summer capital of the provincial government.
The rapid development of cultural landscape took place in the late 19
th
century. Houses, shops, schools and many hotels sprang up all around the
lake. Although there had been a great catastrophe in 1880 when a huge
landslip had destroyed most of the settelements on the northeast of the lake,
yet the same provided a fresh site on the upper end of the lake now named as
‘flats’.
Functionally, the Tallital and the Mallital at the opposite ends of the town
are important business areas, though also partly residential. High class
shopping area has developed along the ‘Mall’ (now Pant Marg). The
residential segregation between Europians and low and middle income group
has, however been replaced by high class residential areas; the former
occupies the higher ground and the latter, the lower portions. Most of the
administrative buildings are located in Tallital area while municipal office,
police stations are located in Mallital area. Nainital is well known for its
European schools and colleges whose patterns have now changd since
independence.
NAINA 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 on the other.
Ghorakhal-Famous for the temple of Lord Golu and sainik school this
place is at a distance of 3 Kms from Bhowali. It is also a place of tea gardens.
Naukuchiatal- At 1220 mts above sea level, a deep clean lake with its nine
corners. Length of lake is 983 mts. breadth is 693 mt & depth 40.3 mt. It is
within an enchanting valley offering an opportunity of angling and bird
watching. There is ample scope for rowing, paddling or yachting.
Mukteshwar-This beautiful place is 2286 mts in altitude. 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
exists on the top of a rock.
Sattal-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-At an altitude of 1370 mt. the Bhimtal lake offers magnificent
vistas for tourists. The lake is larger than Naini 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 17
th
 century Bhimeshwar temple
complex along the 40 feet high dam.
Bhowali- 1706 meters above the sea level, Bhowali is famous for its scenic
grandeur and as a hill fruit market. It is also known as a health resort with
T.B. sanatorium established in 1912. It is a multifunctional nodal service
centre where the routes converge from Haldwani, Almora, Nainital, Bhimtal,
and Mukteshwar. It is an important fruit, vegetable, collecting and exporting
centre (apples, apricot, plums, pears etc.). the settlement is mainly developed
along Bhowali Naula, a tip-tributary of Ninglat river. Bhowali is an important
agriculture mandi of surrounding areas.
Kilbury-Kilbury is slightly away from Nainital. At an altitude of 2194 mts.
gives a breathtaking view of Himalaya.A place for bird watching.
Dorothy Seat & Tiffin Top-Located at 2292 mts. above the sea level in
Ayarpatta region. Dorothy seat a memorial to an English lady painter
Dorothy Kellet build by her husband an admirers after her death.
Corbett Tiger Reserve-The Corbett park is first national park of India
established in the year 1936 it was named Hailey National Park. In 1957, the
park was rechristned as the Corbett National Park in the memory of Late Jim
Corbett great naturalist, eminent conservationist. It is 118 Kms. from Nainital
via Kaladhungi & Ramnagar.The Corbett national park covering an area of
521 Sq. Km. is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas. It spreads over parts
of two districts, a major part of park with an area of 312.86 sq. Km. falls in
Pauri Garhwal district and the balance 208.14 sq. Km. in Nainital district.
The park occupies portions of Kalagarh and Ramnagar forest divisions. It
falls within the trek of land known as Paltidun.
Dev Guru Dham- the famous temple of Devguru is located in Okhalkanda
block. It is believed to be the only temple of Dev Guru in north India.
Kainchi Dham- located near Bhowali, Kainchi Mamdir is dedicated to
Neem Karoli Maharaj. The temple got fame after two prominent personalities
ie.founder and Former CEO of Apple Inc and Facebook founder and CEO
Mark Zukensberg dedicated their success stories to this temple. Lakhs of
domestic and foreign visitors throng this temple.
Culture & Heritage
Social System- District Nainital has rich cultural traditions & heritage. The
main towns of the district are cosmopolitan and its people are associated with
various religions and sects living through generations. Broadly eighty percent
of population follows Hinduism, the rest part belongs to Sikh, Muslim,
Christion, Bauddha etc religions. The major part of population follows
Kumouni traditions. The main functions of marriages are Ganesh Pooja,
Suwal Pathai, Dhuliargh, Kanya-daan, phere, vida. The traditional kumouni
barat take a lively colour in presence of Choliya Nritya (Dance) & playing of
turais (trumpets),dhol, damua.
Cuisines- People are mostly rice eating in habit but wheat, maduwa and
other grains are also consumed. In pulses, people prefer Urad, Gahat, Bhatt,
Masur. Meat is also common among the people. Ceremonial food consists of
Kheer, Singhal, Poori, Pua, Bada, Kapa made of Palak, Raita, Khatai etc. The