Nainital is located in the Kumaon foothills of the outer Himalayas. It is 276 km (171 miles) from Dehradun, the state capital, and 314 km (195 miles) from New Delhi, the capital of India. The town is situated at an altitude of 1,938 meters (6,358 feet) above sea level. Nainital is set in a valley with an eye-shaped lake that is about two miles around. The town is surrounded by mountains, including Naina Peak (2,615 meters or 8,579 feet) to the north, Deopatha (2,438 meters or 7,999 feet) to the west, and Ayarpatha (2,278 meters or 7,474 feet) to the south. From the tops of these mountains, you can see stunning views of the plains to the south and the snowy Himalayan range to the north. Nainital is a popular tourist destination all year round.