Most of the tourists to Nainital succumb to the beauty of Lake Naini, the picturesque blue green lake located right in the heart of the city. It is believed that the left eye (nain) of Goddess Sati fell on earth and the lake that was formed was called Nainital.
A natural lake, it stretches over 3.5 km and undoubtedly offers captivating scenic views especially during sun rise and sunset when the lake’s water carries impressions of the bright crimson and vermillion coloured sky. However, it would be imprudent to limit the calm and beauty of Nainital to just the Naini Lake.
Khurpa Tal gets its name from its trowel shape
The actual beauty of Nainital, aptly called the Lake District of India, lies on the outskirts with at least five adorable set of placid and serene lakes which have not yet been cluttered with hotels, shops, souvenir shops and restaurants like the Naini Lake.
Bhimtal Lake, located 22 km from Nainital, is believed to have been created by the second Pandava brother Bhima, known for his extraordinary strength. Mythology says that during their exile when Pandavas were unable to find water here, Bhima thumped the ground with his mighty ‘gada’ and created a cavity which was filled by underground water. The largest lake in the region, Bhimtal is more beautiful and serene than Naini Lake. The lake has an island in the middle, which boasted of a restaurant earlier but now an aquarium has been set up with exotic varieties of fishes from countries like South Africa, Mexico and China.
The lake, which supports wide variety of aquatic species as well as migratory birds and Trans-Himalayan birds in winters, has become one of the prime tourist destinations in the Kumaon region because of its pristine surroundings, cool weather conditions and placid waters. An ancient Lord Shiva temple – Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple – is also situated at one end of the lake besides a picturesque 14-feet high dam. The temple was established by Pandavas themselves and later rebuilt by King Baz Bahadur of the Chand Dynasty in the 17th century. Evidence suggests that the town was also part of the ancient Silk Route, which historically connected the Asian countries for trade. The town, therefore, is much older compared to Nainital, which is about 170-years-old.
Nainital Lake is the most famous among the lakes in the Lake District
Bhimtal offers many recreation activities like boating, trekking, other interesting places including Garg Parbat (the origin of Gargi River), the Hidimba Parbat (named after demoness Hidimba of Mahabharat), a small sanctuary of wild animals and a museum of folk culture. The destination offers a complete package to the tourists looking for a rejuvenating holiday in the lap of Mother Nature.
Sattal is an ultimate destination for nature lovers, bird watchers and adventure seekers. Located around 23 km from Nainital, the place literally means a combination of seven lakes. These sacred interconnected lakes – Ram Tal, Sita Tal, Lakshman Tal, Purna Tal, Nal Damyanti Tal (named after the famous Hindu King Nala), Garuda Tal (named after the mythological king of birds and Lord Vishnu’s vehicle) and Khudariya Tal (which is now called Sukha Tal since it has almost dried up), comprise one of the few unpolluted freshwater biomes in India.
The serene Tallital is a sight to behold
Set amidst dense oak and pine forest in lower Himalayan range at an altitude of 4490 feet, the place is an idyllic destination for visitors yearning to break away from the usual clutter of city life. It is often compared to Westmoreland, which is a former country in the Lake District of England.
Sattal offers loads of adrenaline-pumping adventure sports for the young-at-heart visitors, who can opt between hot air balloon trips, rock climbing, rappelling, trekking, night camping, mountain biking, river crossing, angling, kayaking, river rafting, swimming and nature trailing into deep jungles.
The natural habitat houses more than 500 species of migratory and resident birds including a wide variety of barbets, parakeets, woodpeckers, red-billed blue magpie and kingfishers, an unbelievable 525 species of butterflies and over 11000 species of insects including beetle, bugs and moths and a variety of flora including rare medicinal herbs and shrubs. A museum built by Frederick Smetacek in the Jones Estate exhibits an enthralling collection of over 3600 species of butterflies, moths and insects.
Boating in the lakes is a popular past time
Khurpa Tal (meaning Trowel Lake) is a picturesque location hidden amidst the hills, just 11 km from Nainital. The place is surrounded by beautifully-terraced vegetable farms. It is a paradise for anglers since it has crystal clear water and wide variety of fishes. It is a heavenly and idyllic location for visitors looking for peace and calm. One can spend time fishing, interacting with village folks, doing vegetable farming and just lazing around while admiring the exquisite natural scenery of the place.
Naukuchia Tal, meaning a lake with nine corners, is a stunningly beautiful lake located 26 km from Nainital and just four km from Bhimtal. The lake is fed by a natural underground freshwater spring thereby making it the deepest lake in the region. The oak forests, green slopes and grasslands surrounding the lake transform it into a lush green haven and make it an ideal destination for the traveler looking for rejuvenation and reinvigoration of senses.
There is air of mystery surrounding the place since it is believed that if one is able to see all the nine corners in one glimpse, he or she will either attain salvation or will vanish in thin air. The cool weather round the year makes it a year-round destination for tourists as well as a wide variety of Trans-Himalayan migratory birds and colourful butterflies.
One who beholds the nine corners of Naukuchia is guaranteed salvation
Sariya Tal/ Sarita Tal is a small and beautiful lakelocated just five km from Nainital on the way to Kaladhungi. The place boasts of a botanical garden with a butterfly park, herbarium, library and a fern house. The Himlayan Botanical Garden, spread over an area of 30 hectares, is a prominent centre of study. It has a collection of several rare and endangered native plant species.
Your visit to Kumaon region is incomplete if you limit your itinerary to just Nainital and do not venture out to these adorable locations to admire the true beauty of the region
