St. John in the Wilderness Church
A short, serene walk from the bustling Mallital market leads you to one of Nainital's oldest and most peaceful landmarks. Established in 1844, St. John in the Wilderness is a classic example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Its name came from a Calcutta Bishop
who, falling ill, had to stay in an unfinished cabin in the then-wild forest. Surrounded by dense deodar and pine trees, the church has an almost timeless feel. Step inside to admire the beautiful Belgian stained-glass windows and feel the cool tranquility. The grounds also feature a quiet graveyard and a brass plaque memorializing the victims of the devastating 1880 landslide, adding a poignant layer of history to your visit.
The High Court of Uttarakhand
Dominating the landscape with its stately presence, the building now housing the High Court of Uttarakhand is a magnificent remnant of the British Raj. Originally built in 1900 to serve as the Secretariat of the North-Western Provinces, it's a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, designed by the architect Santoni MacDonald. Often referred to as the Old Secretariat, its imposing facade with towering spires and intricate details was designed to be earthquake-resistant. While you can't enter the courtrooms, the building's exterior and the surrounding park are a photographer's delight. It stands as a powerful symbol of Nainital’s former status as the summer capital, easily viewable from the main town area.
Governor's House (Raj Bhawan)
Though a bit of a walk or a short taxi ride from the Mall, the Governor's House, or Raj Bhawan, is too spectacular to miss. Built between 1897 and 1900, it was designed as the summer residence for the British governors. This sprawling two-storeyed mansion, with its 113 rooms, is a stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture, often compared to a Scottish castle or even Buckingham Palace. The estate spans 220 acres, featuring manicured gardens and even a historic golf course. Visitors can take guided tours of parts of the building, offering a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its colonial-era residents, with its rich woodwork and grand halls.
Historic Hotels on The Mall
A stroll along The Mall road reveals living history in the form of heritage hotels. The Grand Hotel, built in 1872, is one of the oldest in town and still operates today, offering a slice of colonial charm right by the lake. It began life as The Albion before being renamed. Though now defunct and in disrepair, the nearby Metropole Hotel, built in 1880, was once the finest hotel in Nainital. Famous for its unique 'Nainital-pattern-roofing', it hosted notable figures like Mohammad Ali Jinnah for his honeymoon. While its future is uncertain, with recent plans for it to become a parking lot, its grand structure still tells tales of a glamorous past.
