St. John in the Wilderness

St. John in the Wilderness is a Neo-Gothic church in northern Nainital, surrounded by tall deodar and pine trees that give it shelter and shade. The building features pointed arches, delicate stonework, and a steep roof typical of the Gothic style adapted to mountain conditions.

The church was established in the mid-19th century as the region developed under British influence and required a place of worship for the growing community. It has survived natural disasters and remained a focal point of religious life in this hill station for generations.

The name references John the Baptist and the wilderness setting of the surrounding mountains. The church continues to serve the local community as a place of worship and remains a notable landmark in this hill station.

The church is accessible on foot along wooded paths up the hillside and welcomes visitors throughout the day, though hours may vary seasonally. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing for the mountain climate and bring comfortable shoes since the approach involves some uneven ground.

The cemetery holds graves of individuals who died in the catastrophic landslide of 1880, an event that claimed hundreds of lives across the region. This sacred ground preserves the memory of one of the area's most devastating natural disasters.

Location: Nainital district

GPS coordinates: 23.39439,79.44686

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:45