nainital lake

Nainital Lake

Naini Lake is a freshwater lake located in the town of Nainital in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque setting and boating activities. The lake is surrounded by hills and is considered to be one of the most beautiful natural lakes in the region. The Naini Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Naina Devi, is located on the northern shore of the lake. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching.

Sure, Naini Lake is a pear-shaped lake located in the heart of Nainital, Uttarakhand, India. It is approximately 2 miles long and 0.75 miles wide. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills and is considered to be one of the most beautiful natural lakes in the region. The lake is fed by several small streams and has a depth of about 30 feet.

One of the most popular tourist activities on Naini Lake is boating. Visitors can rent boats, including traditional wooden boats known as “shikaras,” and explore the lake. There are also several boat rides available, including a sunrise and sunset boat ride, which offer stunning views of the surrounding hills.

The Naini Temple, which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Naina Devi, is located on the northern shore of the lake. The temple is considered to be one of the most important religious sites in the region and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.

Fishing and birdwatching are also popular activities on Naini Lake. The lake is home to several species of fish, including the common carp and the Indian major carp. Visitors can also spot various types of birds, including the common pochard, the great cormorant, and the little grebe.

Naini lake is also surrounded by several famous tourist spots like Naina Devi temple, Governor’s house, Hanuman Garhi, and many more. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful views of the lake by taking a stroll on Mall Road, which runs along the northern shore of the lake. The lake is also a popular spot for photography, particularly during sunset.

History of Naini Lake Nainital

The history of Naini Lake in Nainital dates back to ancient times. According to local legends, the lake was created by the Hindu god Lord Shiva, who dug a hole in the earth with his trident to extract water for his consort, Parvati, who was known as Naina Devi. The lake is said to have been named after her and the Naina Devi Temple, which is located on the northern shore of the lake, is dedicated to her.

During the British Raj, Nainital was a popular hill station for British officials and their families, who would escape the heat of the Indian plains during the summer months. The Naini Lake became a popular spot for boating and other recreational activities. The British also developed the area around the lake, building many colonial-style buildings and hotels.

In the 20th century, Nainital continued to be a popular tourist destination and it has developed a lot in terms of infrastructure and tourism. Today, Naini lake is considered as one of the most beautiful lakes in the country and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

It also has a great historical significance as the Governor’s house is located on the northern shore of the lake and it served as the official residence of the British Governor of United Provinces during the British Raj.

Things to do at Naini Lake

There are many things to do around Naini Lake in Nainital. Some popular activities include:

  1. Boating: Visitors can rent boats, including traditional wooden boats known as “shikaras,” and explore the lake. There are also several boat rides available, including a sunrise and sunset boat ride, which offer stunning views of the surrounding hills.
  2. Visit the Naina Devi Temple: The temple, which is located on the northern shore of the lake, is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Naina Devi. It is considered to be one of the most important religious sites in the region and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
  3. Fishing at Hanuman Garhi: Hanuman Garhi is a temple of Lord Hanuman, located 3 km from Nainital. It is considered one of the most important temples in the region and is believed to have been built by Baba Neem Karoli.
  4. Fishing at Naina Devi Temple: This temple is considered as one of the most important temples in Nainital and is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi.
  5. Fishing at Khurpatal Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at a distance of around 10 km from Nainital.
  6. Fishing at Jageshwar Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at a distance of around 36 km from Nainital.

Naini Lake Boating Timings

The boating timings for Naini Lake in Nainital vary depending on the season and the weather conditions. Typically, boating on the lake is available from morning till evening.

  • In peak season, which is generally from April to June, and from September to November, the boating timings are usually from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
  • In Off-season, which is generally from December to March, boating timings are usually from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

It’s best to check with the local authorities or the boating operators for the exact timings on the day of your visit, as they may change depending on the weather or other factors.

How to reach and the Best time to visit

Reaching Nainital:

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is around 71 km from Nainital. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Nainital.
  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is around 34 km from Nainital. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Nainital.
  • By Bus: Nainital is well connected by road to major cities in the region, such as Haldwani, Almora, and Kathgodam. There are regular buses and taxis available from these cities to Nainital.

Best time to visit:

  • The best time to visit Nainital is from April to June and from September to November. The weather during these months is pleasant, and the views of the surrounding hills are at their best.
  • In peak season from April to June, The temperature ranges from 15 to 25 degrees.
  • September to November is the perfect time to visit Nainital as it’s the post-monsoon season, the skies are clear and the weather is perfect for sightseeing.
  • During the monsoon season, from July to August, the area receives heavy rainfall, which can make it difficult to move around and enjoy the sights.
  • In off-season from December to March, the temperature ranges from 4 to 15 degrees, which is a bit chilly. Visitors can enjoy the winter sports activities like skiing and ice skating in Nainital during this time.

Near by Attractions

Nainital, a hill station located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is known for its picturesque views and natural beauty. In addition to Naini Lake, some of the other popular attractions in and around the city include:

  1. Naina Devi Temple: This temple, located on the northern shore of Naini Lake, is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Naina Devi. It is considered to be one of the most important religious sites in the region and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
  2. Governor’s House: Also known as Raj Bhawan, this building serves as the official residence of the Governor of Uttarakhand. It was built in 1899 and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
  3. Hanuman Garhi: Hanuman Garhi is a temple of Lord Hanuman, located 3 km from Nainital. It is considered one of the most important temples in the region and is believed to have been built by Baba Neem Karoli.
  4. Naina Peak: This peak, also known as China Peak, is located about 6 km from Nainital. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and is a popular spot for trekking and hiking.
  5. Khurpatal: This is a small village located around 10 km from Nainital. It is known for its beautiful lake and is a popular spot for fishing and birdwatching.
  6. Jageshwar Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at a distance of around 36 km from Nainital. It is considered one of the most important temples in the region and is visited by thousands of devotees every year.
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