What is the significance of Naini Lake in Nainital?

Naini Lake in Nainital is of great cultural and mythological importance. It is believed to be one of the 51 "Shakti Peethas" in Hindu mythology

What activities can I enjoy at Naini Lake?

Visitors can indulge in boating on the lake, take leisurely walks along The Mall Road, explore Thandi Sadak for shade and relaxation, and capture stunning photographs of the lake's picturesque surroundings.

Are there any adventure activities near Naini Lake?

Yes, adventure enthusiasts can find trekking trails and paragliding opportunities in the hills surrounding Naini Lake.

Nainital’s Naini Lake, where nature meets mythology

Precious RongmeiPrecious Rongmei/TIMESOFINDIA.COM/TRAVEL TRENDS, NAINITAL/ Created : Oct 6, 2023, 18:23 IST

Nainital’s Naini Lake, where nature meets mythology

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Synopsis

The Mallital side of Naini Lake is home to not just any ordinary Hindu temple, but to Naina Devi Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in Hindu mythology. According to the legends, the lake was where the eyes (nain) of the Hindu go … Read more

Nainital’s Naini Lake, where nature meets mythology

Nainital is, without a doubt, one of the most famous names when it comes to destinations in the state of Uttarakhand. It is a very famous hill station for people from all over India, but especially for people from Delhi, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh. It’s not just during peak tourist season that this hill station gets super crowded, one can expect tourist activities almost throughout the year.

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Is it the weather? Yes, the weather is one of the reasons. But the main reason is the city’s most obvious tourist attraction – the Naini Lake.

Perfect destinations in and around Nainital for adventure lovers

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Naini Lake lies at the heart of Nainital, a shimmering natural freshwater body that has captivated the hearts of travelers and locals alike for centuries. When you are in Nainital, you will hear a lot about Tallital and Mallital. Well, they are localities around the lake, but it’s good to be familiar with these two names.

Coming back to our Naini Lake, when you are in Nainital, it doesn’t matter what time of the day it is, you will surely find the lake dotted with boats.

The natural lake

The natural lake was formed due to tectonic movements. A natural depression was formed because of those movements and fresh streams from the nearby mountains and hills formed the present-day Naini Lake. The lake is full of fishes, but they are not for angling purposes. You can feed the fishes though. While on one of the boat rides, just ask the boatman to take you to spots with plenty of fishes. There are several points around the lake (both Tallital and Mallital sides) from where you can go boating.

Naini Lake, the mythological wonder

The Mallital side of Naini Lake is home to not just any ordinary Hindu temple, but to Naina Devi Temple, one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in Hindu mythology. According to the legends, the lake was where the eyes (nain) of the Hindu goddess Sati fell when her distraught husband, Shiva, was carrying her charred body. The temple is open to visitors the whole year round and that is one of the biggest reasons why Nainital is always a busy hill station.

The Mall Road and Thandi Sadak

Naini Lake is bordered by a promenade known as The Mall Road. If you can, try walking the entire length of the Mall Road from Tallital to Mallital. Forget 10,000 steps a day, you will be doing a healthy 16 -17,000 steps easily. It’s an easy walk, if you can snake your way past traffic and people, the latter one is more of the pesky kind. The Mall Road on the Tallital side is where you will find a maximum number of hotels and restaurants. The Mallital side is quieter with people more focussed on the temple and the Bhutia market.

On the other side of the Tallital Mall Road, is the Thandi Sadak. This stretch of the lakeside is completely poles apart. It is called Thandi Sadak because the entire stretch (from Tallital Bus Stand to Naina Devi Temple) is a shaded pathway with trees all around and a pebbled trail for walks. Vehicles are not allowed on this road. Do a complete round of the Naini Lake and see which side of the lake you like the most.

Also read: Places in and around Nainital perfect for adventure lovers

Naini Lake, even though it is one of the busiest tourist attractions in Uttarakhand, there is a certain calmness to it. The still waters of the lake, the surrounding forested areas, the more-than-occasional rolling in of the fog, and so many people gathered over there in faith, even though it may seem impossible at first, one can see the charm of this place.

Also read: This quirky ‘Ghoda Library’ in Nainital is winning hearts and minds!

What is the significance of Naini Lake in Nainital?
Naini Lake in Nainital is of great cultural and mythological importance. It is believed to be one of the 51 "Shakti Peethas" in Hindu mythology
What activities can I enjoy at Naini Lake?
Visitors can indulge in boating on the lake, take leisurely walks along The Mall Road, explore Thandi Sadak for shade and relaxation, and capture stunning photographs of the lake's picturesque surroundings.
Are there any adventure activities near Naini Lake?
Yes, adventure enthusiasts can find trekking trails and paragliding opportunities in the hills surrounding Naini Lake.