Need a break from the heat and the dust? Arrive at the hill resort of Nainital. The popular summer retreat of India, Nainital attracts innumerable tourists during the summer heat. Set around a tal or lake, this small town with cottage-like houses and steep mountains covered with green forests is one of the most sought-after summer destinations of India.

The small town of Nainital in Uttaranchal is dotted with cottages, villas and bungalows. The gorgeous greens and the majestic mountains add

to the beauty of the hill resort. The hill resort is believed to have derived its name from the goddess Naina. There is a temple dedicated to the goddess Naina too in Nainital. Other legend claims that the Naini Lake in Nainital lends its name to the hill resort. The natural beauty and the charm of the scenic spots besides the cool weather make Nainital the place to be in during the summers. The Naini Lake is the axis around which the life of the people of Nainital revolves. Sailing on the lake is popular, though swimming is not recommended. The lake is the center of tourist activities in the peak season.

Naini Peak or China Peak offers a challenging hike. From its top you can view the mountain-clad Himalayas. Hanumangarh and the State Observatory are other places of interest. Hanumangarh has a temple dedicated to Hanuman, the monkey god. The State observatory has a 105 cm reflecting telescope, besides a library, workshop and photographs of our solar system.

Legends have it that Nainital was born out of love and pride and rage and grief. It's a strong combination of these and you should remember it each time you look at the lake. It is after all, the eye of a goddess, and is probably looking back at you!

History of Nainital

Many legends are associated with how the town came to be called Nainital. It is said that the name of the place has been derived from the Naini Lake that lies just in the middle of the town. Legend also has it that after Sati, Lord Shiva’s consort, committed suicide at the yajna of Daksha Prajapati, Lord Shiva roamed across the universe carrying her dead body. During that period, Sati’s eye fell near the lake, where the Naina Devi temple now stands. The waters of the lake are therefore considered sacred and the Naina Devi temple is the venue of an annual autumn fair.

However, legends apart, it was in 1841 when an Englishman named Barron chanced upon the lake. Fascinated by the scenic beauty of the lake and thickly forested hills, he constructed a house here. By 1858, Nainital became a well-known hill station, and within a few years it became the summer seat of the provincial government.