From Jim Corbett's Residence To Asia's First Methodist Church - 8 Colonial Wonders Of Nainital

Picture Credits: ryan smith

Every place comes with its own history that makes it unique and special all at once. And in that regard, Nainital has tons of colonial wonders that bear rich history and a great many tales from the bygone era! Read on to find out more about these places and explore away! 

1. Gurney House

Once a beloved abode of hunter-conservationist Jim Corbett, this late 19th century creation located near the Nainital lake was sold to Mr Sharda Prasad Verma by Jim Corbett's sister Miss Margaret Winifred Corbett in 1947 after India gained independence and the two decided to leave India and settle in Kenya. The property is currently the house is owned by Verma’s granddaughter, Nilanjana Dalmia.

Location | Ayarpatta

2. Writer's Bungalow

Approximately 30 kms and 1.5 hours’ drive away from Nainital, lies the well maintained Writer’s Bungalow. Well equipped with excellent staff and services, it's idyllic and located in the middle of nowhere. The surroundings are serene with a flowing river, forests, hills & orchards. With gardens full of apples, peaches, pomegranates and many other fruits and vegetables, this is one gorgeous place to let your creative juices flow!

Location | Ramgarh, Kumaon Hills

3. Governor's House

Raj Bhawan or Governor’s House with its charming architecture of the Raj era is a two storied building with 113 rooms which was used by the Britishers as a summer residence. Built in the Victorian Gothic style as a replica of Buckingham Palace, it looks just as magnificent a creation! With a splendid gardens, a golf area, a swimming pool and lush green surroundings of Deodar & Oak trees, Governor’s House is a sight to behold.

Location | Amghari

4. St. John Wilderness Church

This spiritual retreat is one of most earliest churches built in Nainital. Enveloped by the serene and lush wilderness, St. John Wilderness Church is dedicated to John the Baptist. An Anglican church built in 1852, it is located at the northern end of the Mallital town which is about half a mile northwest of the Naina Devi temple. The church is set in a deodar forest and was built in the style of neo-Gothic architecture. One has to visit the church to appreciate its beauty.

Location | Nainital - Kaladhungi Road, Sherwani

5. St. Joseph's College

St. Joseph's College established in 1888 is a premier educational institute in Nainital. Once a site of a seminary being run by the Italian Capuchin Fathers, it was later reopened as a Catholic school for boys. With 5 large dormitories and classrooms that can accommodate a total strength of 1100, the sprawling buildings even house a Church and residential quarters as well as laboratories, an infirmary, dining hall and a large kitchen too.

Location | Amghari, Nainital

6. Balrampur House

Balrampur House Resort and Hotel was once a summer palace of the former maharajas of Balrampur. The palace was reconstructed and redesigned in the style of French chateaus in 1930. A 5 minute drive from the Mall Road, it provides spectacular views of the Naina Peak and Ayarpatta Hill. Spacious rooms with wooden floors and period furniture, the age old antiques and paintings reflect an aesthetic ambience of the old world hospitality with modern amenities.

Location | Sherwani, Mallital, Near Uttarakhand High Court

7. Chevron Fairhavens

Walking into Fairhavens is like stepping into history. Serving as an important landmark in town since 1920, it’s is a perfect place to relax or set your base camp at to explore the local sites. It is located just 10 minutes from the Mall and promises a memorable experience with its impressive historical features and colonial heritage. Fun fact: few Bollywood films that have been shot at this location include Koi Mil Gaya and Kisna amongst others.

Location | Adjacent To Head Post Office, Mallital

8. Methodist Church

Picture Credits: panoramio

Built during the Raj, this church is said to be the first Methodist Church in all of the Indian subcontinent. Created under the aegis of The Methodist Episcopal Society in 1856 with the aim to preach and further the Methodist Mission, the foundation of the church was laid down by Sir Henry Aramje and was completed in October 1860. It is also believed to be Asia’s first Methodist church and is known for its simplicity and serenity.

Location | Mall Road, Mallital

You gotta get a taste of history with a visit to these places in Nainital.