Commonly known as the “Lake District of India”,
Nainital is one of the most beautiful hill stations in North of India.
Surrounded by green lush mountains on three sides Nainital is located around
the beautiful lake
Naini
This beautiful resort is situated at an altitude of 1,938 meters in Himalayan valley.There are many legends associated with the place.
According to one, Nainital has derived its name
from the Hindu Goddess Naina.The other legend says that when the Goddess
Sati sacrificed herself and her
body was being carried by the Lord Shiva, one of her eye dropped to the
ground and an
eye-shaped lake was formed. (‘Naina’
means eyes and ‘Tal’ means lake).It is said that the shimmering green water of
the NAINI LAKE is a reflection of the emerald
green eye of Goddess Sati.
According to recent historical records, Nainital
was discovered by a British sugar merchant P. Barron in 1839. He was so deeply
enthralled by the lake settlement and its forested surrounding that he came
back with a sailing boat and built a house named ‘Pilgrim’s Cottage’. Thus
started the process of settlement in this once secluded mountain resort, with
colonial villas and promenades coming up one after the other. Soon, it became
an important administrative town as well, with the summer capital of the
erstwhile United Provinces being set up here.
This beautiful small town in surrounded by seven hills, popularly known as ‘Sapta-Shring’ (in Sanskrit) or
The majestic mountains and the sparkling waters of the lake add an immense lot to the beauty of this town.
This beautiful town is world famous for its incredible and wonderful natural beauty.
Some of the famous green coloured freshwater lakes including Naukuchiyatal(lake of nine corners), Bhimtal(named after Bhima,one of
the Pandavas of
the epic story
of Mahabharata) & Saat Taal (Interconnected
group of Seven Lakes )are situated here.
Nainital has an advantage of being situated in vicinity of several other lesser known hill stations that are connected through all season motorable roads.
Vantage points around Nainital offer a panoramic view of Himalayan peaks on one side and the plains spread out on the other. Narrow wooded lanes through forests of oak, pine and deodar are excellent for short refreshing walks.
The older parts of Nainital also retain colonial vestiges, including sprawling bungalows, public schools, churches and the old Christian cemetery.
A sail of Brightly coloured yachts and boats dot the calm waters of the Naini lake while crowds of holiday makers throng the famous Mall road at its edge.Also a must visit local attraction is the Tibetan market which is a popular bazaar for shopping specially for clothing's and woolen items and also carries souvenirs & Tibetan food to enjoy. Boating in the lake is just one of the favourite activities of this hill town.The main attractions of Nainital is ranging from a quiet walk in meadows or cover a various tracking routes in the forests of deciduous pine trees.You can also take part in various adventure activities including rock climbing, yachting and paragliding in and around the town
