Nainital name has been originated from Naina Devi and Naina Devi temple is situated right on Naini Lake near flats, It is said that eye of goddess Sati(Wife of Lord Shiva) fell here at Nainital thus lake is known as Naini Lake. Tibbetan Shopping market is situated besides Naina Devi Temple.
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, Rose ringed Parakeet, Hill Fox , Ghoral, Barking Deer, Sambhar. The zoo remains closed for visitors on Monday, all national holidays, Holi & Diwali.
Raj Bhavan was built by British as residence for Governor of North West Province. Now Raj Bhavan is the official accommodation of Governor (Uttarakhand). 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.
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.
Located at a distance of 4 Kms from the town this peak is 2292 mts. above the sea level in Ayarpatta region. 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.
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 . Snow view as the name suggests offers an indescribably beautiful and breath taking picture of the glittering snows of Himalyas.