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. This charming hill station
of Uttaranchal (former Uttar Pradesh), situated at an altitude
of 1,938 metres, has many villas, bungalows, and a number
of other sites of tourist importance.
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.
The climate of Nainital is cool and pleasant. The best season
to visit this place is during summer between March and June.
However, the monsoon season that lasts from June to late August
is best avoided.
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