Naini Lake, Nainital, Uttarakhand India

Naini Lake is a natural freshwater lake, located in the heart of Nainital in Uttarakhand. The Naini Lake spread over 3.5kms is one of the most visited attractions in Nainital, with the city being built around the lake.

Naini Lake is set amidst seven hills, dotted with attractive cottages and villas that surround this exotic water body. The lake is swarmed by tourists all the year round who come to view its enchanting beauty. One can sit on the banks of the lake and enjoy a mesmerising view of the rising and setting sun and watch the reflection of the sun on the waters of Naini Lake. It is an exceptional sight!

Naini Lake divides Nainital into two divisions; the Northern end of the lake called Mallital, and the Southern end called Tallital. Both the ends are connected by a lake bridge named 'Danth' which features the only Post Office in the whole world that is built on a lake bridge. Along with a statue of Gandhiji erected here, the lake bridge also has the Nainital Bus Stand, Taxi Stand and Railway Reservation counter located here. Many people stand on this bridge to have a panoramic view of the city, or stroll through the bridge to delight in the green waters of the lake and its surroundings.

The periphery of Naini Lake is beset with hotels, restaurants, small souvenir shops and big stores. It is speckled with cottages and villas, some of which still retain their old charm of Victorian style of architecture. When these light up at night, their reflection encircles the Naini Lake to form a beautiful gem like necklace adorned by the Nainital city.

Naini Lake forms an ideal destination for families, honeymooners, adventure buffs and nature lovers who wish to enjoy the beauty of the lake and Nainital to the fullest. Naini Lake also offers a fabulous boating experience by paddling or rowing including yachting.

Naini Lake obtains flows from the catchments, which consist of the hill slopes and springs. This captivating lake is a major tourist spot in Nainital, as it provides tourists with opportunities of boating and yachting. There are many mythological stories related to this lake, especially its origin. The first story states that Naini Lake was earlier known as ‘Tri-Rishi-Sarovar’, meaning 'the lake of the three sages'. Three sages - Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha - of the saptirshi group landed in Naintal, during a pilgrimage, and did not find water to drink. They dig the ground and worshipped there, for getting water at the spot.

It is believed that the worship of the three sages resulted in filling up of the dug hole with water, drawn from the sacred Mansarovar Lake. Hence, the localities’ consider it sacred to take a dip in Naini Lake. The historical records say that the lake was discovered in 1839, when Mr. P. Barron, a British businessman, came across this lake on a hunting expedition. A news magazine, the Englishman Calcutta, also reported its discovery. Whatever be the myths and records, the fact is that, today, the life of Nainital's people revolves around Naini Lake. All the elite hotels are in the lake’s vicinity and it is also a popular recreational spot.

Naini Lake is the strength of the city of Nainital. Nainital was named after the name of this lake. Naini Lake is surrounded by green hills, the beauty of which is awesome and should be captured as a photographic memory forever. The name Nainital stands for the eyes of the Goddess. The town of Nainital is located on the side of the Naini Lake. The lake was formed out of the eyes that fell out of Satis body when she was being taken back to Mount Kailash by a sad Lord Shiva. The place where her eyes or Nain fell formed a crescent shaped lake, taken to the emerald green eyes of Lord Shivas wife Sati. Hence the name, Naini Lake or Naini Taal. The picturesque blue green lake is located in the district of Nainital. Naini Lake is so called because of its eye-like shape.