Naini Lake Travel Guide: Location, History, Things to Do, Facts & How to Reach

Are you planning to travel to Nainital and enjoy one of the most beautiful lakes, Naini Lake? If you do, this complete Naini Lake travel guide will definitely be helpful to you.

Basic Information about Naini Lake

LocationAyarpatta, Nainital, Uttarakhand
Area48.76 ha (120.5 acres)
Nearest Bus StandTallital Bus stand
Nearest Railway StationKathgodam Railway Station
Nearest AirportPantnagar Airport

Are you in a hurry? Check out the story for a quick tour.

Nainital Lake, often referred to as Naini Lake, is indeed a body of freshwater that is found inside the municipality of Nainital, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region. It has a southeast-facing spillway and is kidney-shaped, or five-pointed.

Nainital Lake’s origin is geological. In addition to the other reservoirs in Kumaon, Nainital is essential to the region’s tourist and leisure industries. The lake plays a significant role in the Kumaoni legend as well.

The main draw of both Nainital municipality and Uttarakhand is undoubtedly Nainital Lake (Naini Lake). Nainital Lake, which is flanked by seven scenic hills, is a favorite destination for couples traveling together.

Suggested Read: Want to explore the most famous hill stations in Uttarakhand as a tourist? If you do, this travel guide will surely be helpful for you.

History of Nainital Lake

Written documents demonstrate that Mr. P. Barron (An English entrepreneur in the sugar industry), who is said to have been the first person to visit Nainital, discovered it in 1839. He was so enamored with the lakes at Nainital that, after discovering it by mistake, he planned to establish a European settlement there.

People hold the view that two Indian gurus who visited the area and wandered around bestowed supernatural presence on the lake, and that through bathing in it, much like in the Mansarovar body of water, one might attain refinement.

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Naini Lake Travel Guide: What to do and see near Naini Lake?

There are so many things that you can do around and in Nainital Lake. Such as –

1. Boating

This is the best thing that one can do on Naini Lake. With thousands of sailors globally, boating is one of the most preferred recreational activities. When exploring lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, visitors may go boating in Uttarakhand using amusement boats, including inflatable boats, paddle boats, and speedboats. Anyone can take a boating excursion or engage in sports like water sports or fishing here.

2. Kayaking

You can enjoy kayaking at this Lake. It is the practice of moving through waterways in a kayak. In other words, kayaks are paddle boats where the canoeist sits looking forward again and navigates the water with a double-bladed paddle. Compared to white water kayaking in terms of adrenaline rushes and goosebumps, fair-skinned kayaking is a well-liked adrenaline activity worldwide.

3. Observe the beauty of Lakes

Many people visit Uttarakhand because it has some of the most stunning and entrancing freshwater bodies in all of India. Uttarakhand is covered with tiny and large lakes with sparkling clear waters and opulent surroundings. Visitors’ eyes are spontaneously drawn to the stunning view of shimmering Nainital Lake in Uttarakhand.

4. Romantic Walk

Every vacation aficionado wants to appreciate traveling in the Himalayas with their better half while the feeling of affection is in the air. Uttarakhand offers several opportunities for romantic holidays. Among those opportunities, walking around Naini lake with your partner is one of the best things to do there.

5. Yachting

Yachting is a type of pleasure boating where yachts are used for outdoor activities, including swimming and surfing. Short trips along a port or lake are typical of leisure sailing; however, many nearby local waterways along rivers and beaches make excellent natural cruising venues.

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Interesting facts about Naini Lake

  1. It has a southeast-facing spillway and is kidney-shaped, or five-pointed.
  2. Even as the left eye of the deity Sati is reported to have fallen on this location, Nainital is a Shakti Peeth.
  3. One of the most revered locations in the country is the Naina Devi Monastery in Nainital.
  4. Nainital Lake has a max. length of 1,432 m and max. width of 457m.
  5. The surface area of this grand lake is 48.76 ha (120.5 acres).
  6. The lake has a maximum depth of 30.3 m (99 ft) in the center of the lake.
  7. The Nainital golf course opened its doors in 1926.
  8. Since Nainital does have a lake at its northern end, it rains almost every lunchtime.
  9. There is an extremely unusual sight in Nainital. Within a kilometer, there is a church, a local mosque, a gurudwara, a temple complex, and other religious buildings.
  10. The lake was found in 1839 by British sugar dealer Peter Barron.
  11. It is a great source of natural fresh water.

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Nainital Lake Travel Guide: Best time to visit Naini Lake

Nainital is otherworldly; the glacial lakes and winter snow slopes of this hill station draw tourists practically all year round with their unparalleled beauty. Nevertheless, the summer/spring period, which lasts from March to June, is the best opportunity to visit Naini Lake. At this time of year, Nainital is buzzing with events and visitors who give it life.

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How to reach Naini Lake?

1. By Road

Going through roadways is an amazing way of visiting this place. You’ll be able to see a lot more things that you cannot see while traveling by other means of transportation. You have to book a taxi or bus which will take you to Nainital. The Naini Lake is at the center of Nainital. You can go visit it easily.

2. By Train

As Nainital is at a high altitude, there are no railway stations in the town. The nearest railway station to Nainital town is Kathgodam railway station, which is 24 km away. You just have to book a ticket to this railway station. There you will be able to find several taxis or vehicles by which you can visit Naini lake.

3. By Air

Traveling by air is the most convenient and time-saving way of traveling. The best part about this is that you’ve got a lot of time to save, and this way you’ll have a lot of time for visiting new places. Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport to Nainital. There are several taxis and buses available in front of the airport that can lead you to Naini Lake.

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Why is Naini Lake so famous?

Nainital is most beautiful in the summer monsoon. You may head to the Monsoon Peak Marathon, though, if you don’t want to sit quietly and unwind with such a hot cup of tea in your palms as you take in the magnificent landscape and would rather do something more strenuous. This incident happens on the final Sunday in August of each year.

If you’re up for the task and are an excitement lover, jogging on Nainital’s challenging, mountainous, and slightly damp terrain would provide you with some excitement in the dreary monsoon if you’re up for the task.

The Nainital Lake is also referred to as “Tri-Rishi-Sarovar” in the well-known religious literature, Skanda Puran. The three legendary sages who meditated here are honored by the appellation Tri-Rishi-Sarovar. They were Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha, three sages. These sages constructed a pit, which quickly overflowed with water and became renowned as Type or Nainital Lake.

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FAQs – Nainital Lake Travel Guide

1. What are the best hotels near Nainital lake?

The Naini Retreat by Leisure Hotels Group, The Manu Maharani, Seasons Hotel and Resort, Lakeside Inn, and Hotel Himalaya is the best hotels around Naini Lake.

2. Which types of fish can be seen in Nainital Lake?

Common carp, Mosquitofish, Putitor mahseer, Tor tor, and Schizothorax plagiostomus are the fish that can be spotted in Nainital lake.

3. How deep Nainital lake is?

Nainital Lake has a maximum depth of 30.3 m (99 ft) in the middle of the lake.

4. Is Nainital lake a natural lake?

Yes, Nainital is a natural lake which was originated from tectonic activity.

5. Which is the largest lake in Nainital?

Bhimtal Lake is the largest lake in Nainital which is spread over an area of 47 acres.

6. What are the best places around Naini Lake?

Nainital Zoo, Mall Road, Tiffin Top, Snow View Point, and Eco Cave Gardens are the best places around Naini Lake.

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