The district has part of the Bhabar tract in its south, which is bordered to the north by the Sivalik hills.

After the downfall of the Kingdom of Brahmapura, the Katyuris from Joshimath established their rule over most of Kumaon including the Bhabhar parts.

Starting in the middle of the 10th century, however, their power began to decline and they were eclipsed by the Chand kings of Champawat.

The Chand kings generally had friendly relations with the empires to their south, but were never under their direct political control.

In 1790, the Gorkhas overran Kumaon including Nainital district and held it for 24 years, until the British took it in 1814 during the Anglo-Nepalese War.

The region came under direct British rule and was organised into Nainital district in 1891 as part of the United Provinces.