Naini Lake Nainital, Uttarakhand India.

Naini Lake is in a lovely town called Nainital in the Kumaon region. It’s like something out of a dream. The lake is shaped like a crescent and is a popular place for tourists all year round. Snowy mountains are to the north, Tiffin point is to the southwest, and Naini peak (which gives the town and lake their names) is to the northwest.

Imagine a really big lake with lots of water, surrounded by green mountains. There’s a cool breeze, birds singing, colorful boats, different kinds of plants, and orange fish called common carp swimming below. If you’ve ever had a dream like this, it’s probably Naini Lake.

People love to visit Naini Lake, whether they’re families, friends, honeymooners, or just on a day trip. You can enjoy the beauty of the lake by taking a walk around it, boating on the sparkling water, and even hanging out with the happy ducks. It’s a great experience!

Geography of Naini Lake Nainital

Naini Lake in Nainital is really big, and it’s divided into two parts: Tallital and Mallital. Mallital is the upper part, and Tallital is the lower part. The lake is surrounded by seven big peaks named Laria Kanta, Sher ka Danda, Cheena Peak, Handi Bandi, Aryapata, and Deopata. There are different types of trees around the lake, like Coniferous trees, Oak trees, and the famous Bicchu Booti plant of Nainital.

History of Naini Lake Nainital

Now, let’s talk about the stories related to Naini Lake. There’s a local legend about a powerful king named Daksha, who had a beautiful daughter named Sati. Sati fell in love with Lord Shiva, but her father didn’t approve. Despite that, Sati and Shiva got married. Daksha organized a ritual and didn’t invite Sati and Shiva. Upset, Sati attended the ritual, and when Daksha insulted them, she jumped into the fire.

Shiva, heartbroken and angry, started a destructive dance called ‘Tandava,’ and part of it happened at Naini Lake. To stop Shiva, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to cut Sati’s body into 51 parts, which fell in different places. The Naina Devi temple in Nainital is where Sati’s eye fell, and that’s why it’s called Naini Lake.

There’s also a mention of a water body in the Hindu Scripture ‘Skanda Purana’ called ‘Tririshi Sarovar’ or lake of three saints, believed to be Naini Lake.

The town of Nainital looks a bit like European colonies because a European businessman named P. Barron discovered it while hunting. He was so captivated by its beauty that he decided to build a European-style town around the lake, making it a charming summer escape.

Things to do surrounding Naini Lake

Explore the charm of Naini Lake and its surroundings with these activities:

• Take in the fresh mountain air as you wander through the market circle by the lake.
• Indulge in the delightful experience of sipping cutting chai at a local shop.
• Discover Nainital’s renowned candles, featuring heavenly scents and intricate designs in various sizes.
• Capture memorable moments against the backdrop of the picturesque landscape and glistening waters.
• Embark on a boat ride for a unique encounter with Kumaoni flora and fauna. Don’t forget to admire the beautiful orange and pearl-colored fishes swimming alongside you. You can even feed them with fish food available at the lake shores.
• Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Eco Cave Gardens.
• Seek blessings at the Naina Devi temple.
• Shop for local artisans’ creations at Mall Road, encircling Naini Lake.
• Marvel at the breathtaking views from Snow View Point, just 3 km beyond Nainital.
• Explore Tiffin Top, also known as Dorothy’s Seat, located just a kilometer away in memory of Mrs. Kellet Dorothy.
• Be mesmerized by the beauty of Naina Peak, a mere 3 km from the city center.
• Experience the enchanting butterfly haven at Jeolikot, situated 5 km from the city.
• Let your children have a great time at Nainital Zoo.
• Engage in bird watching at Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary.
• Witness the regal splendor of Raj Bhawan, showcasing Nainital’s royalty.

Boating Charges and Fee in Naini Lake

Visiting Naini Lake in Nainital comes with specific details:

Entry Fee and District Toll:

• There’s no entry fee for Naini Lake itself.
• However, there is a ₹ 100 toll when entering the Nainital District.

Boating Charges:

• Boating is chargeable, and the rates vary for different types of boats.
• Rowboat (half round): ₹320
• Rowboat (full round): Rs. ₹420
• Paddle boat (per hour): Rs. ₹420
• Gondola Ride across the lake: ₹420 per person.

Operating Hours:

Naini Lake welcomes tourists every day from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Best time to visit Naini Lake

The optimal time for visiting Naini Lake in Nainital is during the months of March, April, May, and the beginning of June. This period is ideal for witnessing the full bloom of the lake’s flora and provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy a boat ride. Additionally, the months of November and December attract tourists seeking a picturesque experience with fresh snowfall and chilly weather.

Interesting Facts about Naini Lake Nainital

Here are some interesting facts about Naini Lake in Nainital, explained in simpler terms:

• Crown of Hills: The Naini Lake forms the base of a crown made up of seven hilltops.
• Hospitality by Nainital Boat Club:You can experience excellent hospitality at the Nainital Boat Club, which offers yachting services on the lake.
• Annual Yachting Competition: Every June, there’s a special event called the Annual Kingfisher Yachting Competition held at Naini Lake.
• Kumaon Festival: In October and November, the Tourism Department organizes a Kumaon festival at the lake.
• Pear-shaped or Crescent: The lake has a natural shape that looks like a pear or crescent.
• Other Nearby Lakes: Three other popular lakes are located nearby: Naukuchiyatal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, and Sattal Lake.

Considerations for Your Attention

Consider the following guidelines when planning your visit:

Apparel Preparation:

It is advisable to carry woolens throughout your visit, particularly during mornings and evenings when the temperature tends to drop significantly. If your visit coincides with the winter season, ensure to pack heavy woolens for added warmth.

Photography Essentials:

Given the captivating beauty of Nainital, it is essential to bring along your camera or allocate sufficient storage space on your smartphone for capturing the scenic landscapes. This ensures that you don’t miss the opportunity to document the mesmerizing surroundings.

How to Reach Naini Lake Nainital

Address – Naini Lake, Ayarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand, 263001, India

Naini Lake is centrally located in the heart of Nainital town, merely one kilometer from the Tallital Bus stand, the government bus stand in Nainital. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway station, situated at a distance of 25 kilometers.

For those arriving at Pantnagar airport, a road journey of approximately 58 kilometers via NH 109 is necessary to reach Naini Lake.

Conveniently, private taxis and traveler services are accessible from both the bus stand and the railway station, providing transportation to the lake.