Nainital, Uttarakhand

Nainital is situated at an altitude of 1,938 metres (6,358 ft) above sea level, Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference.Though there are some other beautiful lakes around Nainital ( Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Sattal ), but Naini Lake is situated in the heart of the city and this wonderful lake offered the name of the city Nainital. The eye-shaped lake is a tourist hotspot and acts as a magnet for all those visiting the hill resort. Here, a person can either take a leisurely stroll or indulge in boating and enjoy the surrounding beauty.

Most Important Characteristics of the town Nainital has some unique features and physical characteristics. By far the greatest attraction is provided by the lake Naini. Flowing on the base of rising peaks. Cheena, Laria-Kanta, Deo- patha, Snow view and others, the lake presents a view which lingers in memory. And the polution free city presents an atmosphere which never ever forgateble...

Nainital in Mythology :
It is also believed that The Naini Lake is one of the 64 Shakti Peeths, or religious sites where parts of the charred body of Sati (Parvati) fell on earth while being carried by Lord Shiva. The spot where Sati's eyes (In Hindi ''Nain'') fell, came to be called Nain-tal or lake of the eye. The goddess Shakti is worshipped at the Naina Devi Temple on the north shore of the present day lake Hence,the lake was given the name of 'Nainital' or Naini lake. Later the spot became famous by this very name.

There is also a another story lies about Nainital in the Manas Khand of the Skanda Purana, Nain Lake is known as Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, which provides hint of the story of three sages(or rishis). They are namely Pulastya,Atri,and Pulaha.It is believed that when they did not find water in Nainital, they dug a huge hole at the site where the lake is presently located and fills it with water which has been brought from the Manassarovar, the sanctum lake of Tibet.

History of Nainital : 
According to historical records, Nainital was discovered by a British sugar merchant named P. Barron.

 The merchant 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 settling this once secluded mountain resort, with colonial villas and promenades coming up very rapidly. Soon, it became an important administrative town as well, with the summer capital of the United Provinces being set up here. In 1880, torrential rains resulted in a devastating landslide that destroyed several buildings including the Victoria Hotel at the north end of the lake near Mallital. 150 people were trapped under the debris and died. The area was later levelled out and became a popular meeting ground and sports arena. Known as The Flats it is now also used for parking vehicles in the peak tourist season.

"Places of Interest ''

Naini Devi Temple : Nainital is believed to be one of the 64 Shaktipeeths, where one of the body parts of Goddess Sati fell, when Lord Shiva carried her body. In Nainital, the eyes (naina) of the Goddess are assumed to have fallen. The shrine of Naina Devi is a must visit for devout Hindus. The temple is located on the northern shore of Naini lake and was reconstructed after being destroyed in the infamous 1880 landslide. One can also get an amazing of the hill station, overlooking the lake, from the temple.

Naini Lake : Naini Lake is situated in the heart of the city and it is owing to this lake that Nainital earned its name. The eye-shaped lake is a tourist hotspot and acts as a magnet for all those visiting the hill resort. Here, a person can either take a leisurely stroll or indulge in boating and enjoy the surrounding beauty. The northern end of the lake is called Mallital, while the southern one is called Tallital. The depth of this lake is said to range between a maximum 28 metres and a minimum of 6 metres. All around the lake is wide road, the Mall, now known as G. B. Pant Marg, which is crowded by pedestrian and rickshaw traffic. All this is mirrored up and brightly reflected in the glittering blue waters of the lake.

Khurpatal view from Lands End: This beautiful view of Khurpatal is taken from the suside point, Nainital Khurpatal is a small hamlet frequented by the tourists for its pleasant climate and a beautiful lake with crystal clear water. It is at an altitude of 5500 ft. and 12 km away from Nainital on the Bajpur Road. It is considered to be anglers paradise having clear water and a good harvest of fishes. The place is ideal for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. One who love peace and solitariness, come and enjoy the beauty of Khurpatal.

The Mall Road : 
This is busiest and charmful place in Nainital. Mall Road is was constructed during the British colonial rule, The Mall Road is the main road which runs through the heart of the Nainital town parellel to the lake connecting the two ends of the town. The Mall On one of side of lake run the Mall road now named Govind Ballabh Pant Marg.
With the cool breeze blowing across the lake through the road an evening stroll on the Mall, has its own charm.