Nainital

Nainital, the jewel of Kumaon at 2,084 metres in Uttarakhand, is built around the emerald-green Naini Lake — a natural pear-shaped lake flanked by seven hills (sapta-shring) whose reflections shimmer in the water. The town takes its name from Naini Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Sati whose eyes (nain) are believed to have fallen here when Lord Shiva carried her body across the subcontinent. This combination of legend, landscape, and lakeside charm has made Nainital one of northern India's most cherished hill stations.

The Naini Lake is the soul of Nainital — all activity revolves around it. Boats and pedal boats can be hired at the Flats (Nainital's town square), and the 1.5km lake promenade (Mallital to Tallital) is a leisurely walk past willows and painted colonial buildings. The Naina Devi Temple on the north shore of the lake is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and draws pilgrims throughout the year.

Snow View Point, reachable by ropeway, offers one of the finest close-up views of the major Himalayan peaks of Kumaon — including Nanda Devi (7,816m), Nanda Kot, and Trishul — on clear days. The surrounding forests of oak, rhododendron and pine, the Kilbury Bird Sanctuary, and the nearby wildlife reserves of Corbett and Binsar make Nainital an ideal base for nature and wildlife exploration.