Nainital Lake is one of the best natural freshwater bodies in the state of Uttarakhand. Being a lake in the middle of the bustling township, it becomes a center of tourist attraction. It is a crescent-shaped lake with a temple of Naina Devi at one end.
Location: It is located in the city of Nainital which is located in Uttarakhand. Sukhatal and Tallital busts are nearby and thus you can opt for roadways while traveling to the place by public transport.
Highlights: There is a famous Nainital Boat Club which provides boating facilities on the lake. You can enjoy boating in the lake with a calm and serene atmosphere.
Price: Nainital Boat Club Rs. 350 for boating around the lake. If you want to paddle the boat yourself, you can pay them Rs. 150 per hour. Other sailors will give you Rs. I will give you the boat. 210 in Nainital Lake.
Nainital Lake, Nainital Overview
Situated in the heart of Nainital, Naini Lake (short for Nainital Lake) is a beautiful natural fresh body lake. The lake is in the shape of a crescent or kidney and is one of the most famous lakes in the Kumaon region. Naini Peak in the North West, Tiffin Point in the South West, and Nainital Lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks in the North offers a breathtaking view, especially during mornings and sunsets. It is most famous for boating, picnics, and evening walks.
Nainital Lake is a mesmerizing beauty that is surrounded by seven different peaks namely Ayarpata, Devpata, Handi Bandi, Cheena Peak, Alma, Laria Kanta, and Sher Ka Danda. The lake itself can be divided into two distinct sections, the northern part is called Mallital and the southern region is called Tallital. The coniferous trees covering the hill add to the raw beauty of this place. You can also visit the Naina Devi Temple by the lake. A beautiful lake once loved by a European, Naini Lake today serves as a major tourist destination for people from all over the country.
Boating at Naini Lake
A visit to Naini Lake is probably incomplete if one does not go boating here. The serene beauty of the lake surrounded by gently rolling mountains offers a serene view. With gentle winds blowing as you make your way through the water, the quaint atmosphere of Naini Lake will surely take you into a world of its own. Yachting and kayaking are also available here. Here are the fees and timings of various yachts included:-
Timings: 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM (March to June)
Boating cost in Naini Lake:
Brightly colored gondola-like boats: INR 210 per hour
Boat ride through Nainital Boat Club: INR 350 per hour
Pedal Boat: INR 150 per hour
Historical Significance of Naini Lake
Hindu scriptures like Skanda Purana mention a lake named ‘Tririshi Sarovar‘, which is believed to be the Nainital lake. The name was derived from the names of three great sages who meditated here, namely Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha. The three of them dug a pit that was soon filled with water and came to be known as Naini Lake or Tririshi Sarovar.
According to historical records, in 1839, a European businessman, P. Barron accidentally found Lake Naini during a hunting expedition and was fascinated by its beauty. He then decided to build a European colony on the shores of the lake as a summer retreat for the British.
Legend of Naini Lake
Legend has it that once upon a time, a very powerful king named Daksha ruled the country. He had a beautiful daughter named Sati, and when she grew up, King Daksha started looking for a suitable groom for her. As luck would have it, Sati became attracted to Lord Shiva, who was completely despised by King Daksha. Not wanting otherwise, Sati and Shiva married and started living together.
This was not acceptable to King Daksha, and he decided to conduct a ‘yagna’ or fire sacrifice ritual where Shiva and Sati were not invited. However, Sati decided to attend her father’s prayer service despite not being invited. On reaching the venue, she and her husband were utterly insulted by Daksha and unable to bear the humiliation, Sati jumped into the ritualistic fire.
On learning of Sati’s death, Shiva became enraged and started performing ‘Tandava’ or the celestial dance of destruction. According to a legend, it is said that Lord Shiva also performed his tandava in the Naini lake. This paved the way for apocalyptic destruction on Earth, and the gods feared that the world was nearing its end.
When Shiva was repeatedly requested by other deities, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra on the dead body of Sati, which cut it into 52 separate parts. Each relic fell on a different part of the country and a temple emerged there. Naini Devi Temple was the place where the ‘nayan’ or eyes of Sati fell.
Best time to go
You can best enjoy the serenity of Naini Lake during the months of March, June, November, and December when the weather is perfect for a boat ride.
Advice
- Carry heavy woolen clothes if you are planning a trip during the winter months as the weather is quite chilly.
- Nainital’s Mall Road, a major shopping hub of the city, runs parallel to the Naini Lake and is a must-visit for every shopping enthusiast. You can pick from a variety of candles, handicrafts, wooden artifacts, handlooms, and shawls.
How to Reach Naini Lake
Once you reach Nainital, the best way to see Naini Lake and the surrounding areas is on foot. Naini Lake is located close to the Nainital Bus Stand from where you can walk on foot. However, for convenience, cycle rickshaws and taxis are available in the area that can take you from one place to another.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nainital Lake
Q. Why is Nainital Lake famous?
A – The lake is also known for many different water activities like fishing or boating. Khurpa Tal is also popular as a trekking destination, with many scenic trails to and from the lake. Location: Khurpatal, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263001, India.
Q. What is the name of the lake in Nainital?
A – Nainital is named after the Naini Lake, which is surrounded by seven mountains. The beautiful, still lake is in the heart of the city and is undoubted, one of the most beautiful lakes in Nainital. Go boating and watch the spectacular sunset here.
Q. How many lakes are there near Nainital?
A – There are seven lakes in and around Nainital, these are Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Malvatal, Harishtal, and Lokhamtal. Bhimtal is the largest, Nainital is the most visited and Sattal is the most beautiful and least visited.
Q. Are there crocodiles in Nainital lake?
A – The lake is home to various aquatic animals including a large number of crocodiles. The lake has two parts which are Mallital at the northern end and Tallital at the southern end of Naini Lake.
Q. Can we swim in Nainital lake?
A – Swimming is not allowed in Nainital and any nearby lake. Khurpatal Lake is a marshy area.
Q. Is Nainital Lake a natural lake?
A – Nainital, also known as Naini Lake, is a natural freshwater body located amidst the settlement of Nainital in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. It is tectonic in origin and is kidney-shaped or crescent-shaped and has an outgrowth at the southeastern end.
Q. Who built the Nainital lake?
A – In Pahari folklore, Naini Lake was built by Lord Shiva for his three thirsty devotees – Atri, Pulatsya, and Ulha – and is the abode of Goddess Narayani Devi. The lake’s suffering began in March 1839, when there were demands to take away its divinity.
Q. Why is Naini Lake famous?
A – Nainital, also known as Naini Lake, is a natural freshwater body located amidst the settlement of Nainital in Kumaon, Uttarakhand, India. It is tectonic in origin and is kidney-shaped or crescent-shaped and has an outgrowth at the southeastern end.
Q. Where is Naini Lake located?
A – Nainital Lake, popularly known as Naini Lake, is a major attraction in the city of Nainital as well as in Uttarakhand. Surrounded by picturesque seven hills, Nainital Lake is a favorite destination among romantic travelers from across the world.
Q. How is Naini Lake formed?
A – It is believed that the beautiful lake was formed when the left eye (Nain) of Sati, the wife of Shiva, fell to the earth after being self-immolated by Shiva. Naini Lake is one of the major tourist attractions of the city of Nainital.
