Treks by
March to June (pleasant spring & summer weather) and September to November (post-monsoon freshness and clear skies).
By Road: The church is located about 1.5 km from the Mallital Bus Stand. You can walk or take a short drive up the forested slope. By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (approx. 35 km), with regular taxis and buses available to Nainital. By Air: The closest airport is Pantnagar Airport (approx. 70 km). From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Nainital.
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2,200 meters
St. John in the Wilderness is one of the oldest churches in Nainital, Uttarakhand, built in 1844 and nestled amidst dense pine and deodar forests. Located on the serene hillside of Mallital, this Gothic-style Anglican church is dedicated to John the Baptist and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy tourist circuits. Its unique name reflects the solitude and spiritual aura of the forested area in which it stands.
The architecture features classic stained-glass windows, arched doors, and rustic stone walls, built using locally available materials after a devastating landslide in 1880. It also houses a memorial plaque for victims of the 1880 landslide, adding a historical and emotional dimension to the place.
This lesser-known yet spiritually enriching site is a must-visit for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and those seeking inner peace. With moss-covered gravestones and British-era relics scattered around, the churchyard evokes a sense of timelessness and reverence.
St. John in the Wilderness Church was built in 1844 by the British to serve as a place of worship for the colonial officers and their families in Nainital. Named “in the Wilderness” due to its location amidst thick deodar and pine forests, the church is an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture. It features beautiful Belgian stained-glass windows, antique wooden pews, and stone walls that have stood the test of time.