Naini Lake
About Naini Lake
Far From City: 1 kms from city center
Cost:
About Naini Lake
Weather:
Time Required:1-2 hours
Open Time:6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost:Free
Legends of Naini Lake
Legend says that once upon a time, a very powerful king named Daksha ruled in the country. He had a beautiful daughter named Sati, and when she came of age, King Daksh began looking for a suitable groom for her. As luck would have it, Sati got attracted to Lord Shiva whom King Daksh despised thoroughly. Despite wanting otherwise, Sati and Shiva got married and started living together. This was not acceptable to King Daksh, and he decided to organize a 'yajna' or fire sacrifice ritual where Shiva and Sati were not invited. However, Sati decided to attend her father's prayer service in spite of not being invited to the same. Upon reaching the venue, she and her husband were thoroughly disrespected by Daksh and unable to tolerate the humiliation, Sati jumped into the ritualistic fire.
Upon learning of Sati's death, Shiva was livid and he started performing the 'Tandava' or celestial dance of destruction. According to a legend, it is said that Lord Shiva performed his tandava at Naini Lake as well. This gave way to apocalyptic destruction on the Earth, and the Gods feared that the world was nearing its end. When repeated pleas to Shiva by the other Gods went in vain, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra upon Sati's dead body which cut it into 52 different parts. Each of the remains fell on a different portion of the country and a temple emerged there. The Naini Devi Temple was the site where Sati's 'nayan' or eyes had fallen.
History of Naini Lake
Hindu scriptures such as the Skanda Purana mention a lake called the 'Tririshi Sarovar', which is believed to be the Nainital Lake. This name was derived from the names of three great sages who used to meditate here, namely Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha. A hole was dug by the three of them which soon got filled with water and came to be known as the Naini Lake or Tririshi Sarovar. According to the historical records, in the year 1839, a European businessman P. Barron while on a hunting expedition, accidently found the Naini Lake and was captivated by its beauty. He then decided to build a European colony on the shores of the lake as a summer retreat for Englishmen.
Boating at Naini Lake
A trip to the Naini Lake is perhaps incomplete if one doesn't indulge in boating here. The serene beauty of the lake surrounded by gently rolling mountains presents a tranquil scenery. With gentle winds blowing as you pedal your way through the waters, the quaint atmosphere of Naini Lake will surely transport you into a world of your own. Yatching and kayaking are available here as well. The charges and timings of various boats here includes:-
Timings: 06:00 AM - 06:00 PM (March to June)
Cost for Boating in Naini Lake:
Brightly painted Gondola-like boats: INR 210 per hourBoat ride through Nainital Boat Club: INR 350 per hourPedal boat: INR 150 per hour
Best time to visit Naini Lake
One 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.
How to Reach Naini Lake
Once you have reached Nainital, the best way to explore the place is on foot. The Naini Lake is situated close to the Nainital Bus stand from where you can walk your way here. However, for convenience, there are cycle rickshaws and taxis area available that can take you from one place to another.
Top Tourist Places in Nainital
Eco Cave Gardens
The Mall Road
Naina Devi Temple
Snow View Point
Adventure Options
Naina Peak
All Tourist Places in Nainital
Shopping in Naini Lake
Nainital'sMal Road, which is a major shopping hub of the city, runs parallel to the the Naini Lake, and is a must visit for every shopping buff. You can take your pick from a variety of candles, handicrafts, wooden artifacts, hand looms and shawls.
Tips
1. Carry heavy woolens if you are planning a visit during winter months as the weather is quite chilly.
2. Avoid traveling during the monsoon season owing to heavy rainfall.
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