Nainital Lake View Point — Attraction in Nainital

Nainital, a popular hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, has a rich and diverse history that blends mythological significance with colonial heritage.

Mythological Background Nainital's name is derived from "Naini Lake," one of the 64 Shakti Peethas in Hindu mythology. According to legend, Nainital is the place where the eye (naina) of Goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva was carrying her charred body. The temple of Naina Devi, located on the northern shore of Naini Lake, is dedicated to the goddess and is an important pilgrimage site.

Colonial Era Nainital's modern history began in 1841 when it was discovered by P. Barron, a British sugar trader and explorer. Attracted by its pleasant climate and scenic beauty, the British developed Nainital as a hill station, and it quickly became a popular retreat for British officials escaping the heat of the Indian plains. The town was named "Nainital," meaning "the lake of the eye," referencing both the mythological background and the natural lake.

During British rule, Nainital served as the summer capital of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh). The British established several schools, churches, and colonial-style bungalows, some of which still stand today. The town became an important educational center, with schools like St. Joseph's College and Sherwood College, which are among the most prestigious in India.

Natural Disasters Nainital has faced several natural disasters, the most significant being a devastating landslide in 1880, which caused widespread damage and loss of life. This event led to improved planning and construction practices in the region to prevent future disasters. The Mall Road, a famous promenade along the lake, was built after this event and became a central part of Nainital's infrastructure.

Post-Independence After India's independence in 1947, Nainital continued to develop as a tourist destination. Its popularity grew due to its picturesque lake, pleasant weather, and colonial charm. The town has seen substantial growth and urbanization over the years, attracting visitors from all over India and abroad.

Modern Nainital Today, Nainital remains one of India's most beloved hill stations, known for its scenic landscapes, boating on Naini Lake, trekking opportunities, and a blend of cultural heritage. It retains its old-world charm while also embracing modernization to cater to the growing influx of tourists.

The history of Nainital reflects a blend of mythology, colonial influence, natural beauty, and resilience, making it a unique destination with a storied past.

Reaching Nainital, a popular hill station in Uttarakhand, India, can be done by various modes of transportation, including air, rail, and road. Here’s a guide on how to get to Nainital:

1. By Air The nearest airport to Nainital is Pantnagar Airport, located about 70 kilometers away. However, Pantnagar has limited connectivity with major cities, primarily serving flights from Delhi.

From Pantnagar Airport: You can hire a taxi or take a shared cab to reach Nainital, which takes approximately 2-3 hours.

For better connectivity, travelers often fly to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which is about 300 kilometers away from Nainital. From Delhi, you can reach Nainital by train, bus, or taxi.

2. By Train The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam Railway Station, about 34 kilometers away. Kathgodam is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow, and Dehradun.

From Kathgodam Railway Station: You can hire a taxi or take a shared jeep or bus to Nainital. The drive from Kathgodam to Nainital takes around 1-1.5 hours.

3. By Road Nainital is well-connected by road to various cities in North India. Here are some options:

From Delhi: Nainital is approximately 300 kilometers from Delhi. The drive takes about 7-8 hours via NH9, passing through Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Rampur, and Haldwani before reaching Nainital.

From Dehradun: The distance from Dehradun to Nainital is around...

Home Travel Everything About Nainital Lake, The Kidney Shaped Lake Located At The Heart Of Nainital

Those of us who have been to Nainital know that the whole town centres around the lake, literally! Nainital district is called the Lake District of India and Nainital Lake is one of the four lakes of Kumaon hills. While most of the happening events/places are either on or around it, others are not too far away either. My personal favourites have always been a combination of land and water, so this town stays very much on my ‘go-to’ list! Now, while it forms a crucial part of our stay in Nainital, not many of us are aware of the history of this lake. We bring to you some of those lesser known facts related to the Naini Lake that not many people are aware of.

Geographical features

The Naini Lake is a natural freshwater body located in the township of Nainital in Uttarakhand at an altitude of 6,358 feet. The depth of the lake begins with 6 metres and goes up to 28 metres and covers a perimeter of 2 miles.

Nainital Lake

Origin of Nainital Lake The origin of this lake has been described by three different theories. As per Indian mythology, Naini Lake is the place where goddess Sati’s eyes fell out of her charred body while being carried by Lord Shiva in extreme anger and grief upon her death. Hence, the name Nain-Tal which refers to lake of the eye and is considered to be one the ‘Shakti Peeths’. The goddess is worshipped by the locals at the Naina Devi Temple, built on the north shore of the lake.

According to another legend, this lake was primarily known as ‘Tri-Rishi-Sarovar’, meaning the lake of the three sages (Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha), as they discovered this place and dug up a hole in search of water. Upon appearance of water, they started worshipping there and the lake became sacred. This also finds its mention in the Hindu scripture Skanda Puran. However, as per the historical records, a business man in sugar trade, Mr. P Barron, accidentally came across this lake on a hunting expedition during 1839. He was so impressed with its beauty that he decided to build a European Colony on its shores.

Nainital Lake History

Geology- Naini Lake is a seismically active lake of tectonic origin Rocks comprising slates, marls, sandstones, limestones and dolomites play major role in the geological formation of the lake’s surroundings. The lake is fed by 26 major drains out of which 3 are perennial. The hill slopes around it are highly vulnerable and landslide is a common occurrence. Frequent occurrence of landslides in the hill slopes surrounding the lake happens due to mass movements of humans. Several landslides have occurred in past.

Nainital Lake landslide daily Topography and Hydrology The lake is fenced by seven never-sleeping hills covered in coniferous forests namely, Alma, Ayarpata, Deopata, Handi Bandi, Cheena Peak, Laria Kanta and Sher Ka Danda. While on the north west side lies the Naina Peak (Cheena Peak) with massively steep slopes, Tiffin top surrounds it in the south west side and snow clad Himalayan peaks in the north.

It receives flows from the surrounding catchment basin comprising of hill slopes and springs and has an outfall in the south-eastern end.

Snowfall at Nainital Lake wikipedia Water quality of the lake The water on Naini Lake is reported to be alkaline in nature and is home to various species of fish like Mahseer, Hill Trout and...

Nainital, nestled at the foothills of the majestic Kumaon ranges in Uttarakhand, is a picturesque hill station that beckons travelers with its enchanting beauty and serene ambiance. Located within easy reach of Dehradun and Delhi, Nainital is a favored destination for weekend getaways and leisurely escapes.

The town enjoys a pleasant climate year-round, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Accessible by road from nearby major cities, Nainital is perfect for a short 2-day retreat, offering a refreshing respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

At the heart of Nainital lies the tranquil Naina Lake, around which the town unfolds. Mall Road on one side and Thandi Sadak on the other flank this serene waterbody, creating a charming ambiance for leisurely strolls and scenic views. The surrounding hills are adorned with elegant colonial structures, a testament to Nainital's colonial heritage and its resemblance to England's Lake District.

While Nainital itself exudes timeless charm, nearby hill towns like Pangot, Ranikhet, and Almora offer quieter retreats for those seeking a more secluded experience. Trekking enthusiasts can explore the region's small trekking trails, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the Himalayas.

From boating on the tranquil Naini Lake to savoring Garhwali and Kumaoni delicacies, Nainital offers a diverse range of experiences for visitors. Shopping enthusiasts can browse for mementos along Mall Road, while adventure seekers can take a ropeway ride to Snow View Point, soaking in panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas.

Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply a moment of tranquility amidst nature's embrace, Nainital promises to leave an indelible mark on your soul. With its timeless beauty and myriad attractions, it's no wonder that Nainital remains a cherished destination for travelers seeking solace in the lap of...