Naini Lake, Nainital

Naini Lake is the prime attraction of Nainital, which is surrounded by green hills. Travellers can enjoy activities like yachting, rowing and paddling here. According to legends, the eye-shaped lake was formed at the spot where the left eye of the Hindu Goddess Sati fell (while Lord Shiva was carrying her to the Kailash Parvat).

The lake is also known as 'The lake of Three Sages' or the 'Tri-Rishi-Sarovar'. This name is mentioned in the chapter of Manas Khand in the Skanda Purana. This chapter reveals that three sages, namely Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha who stopped at Nainital during their pilgrimage in search of water to satisfy their thirst.

Unable to find any water, they dug a hole and transferred some water brought from the Lake Mansarovar and consequently, the Naini Lake was created. This lake is quite long, and its northern end is known as the Mallital, while the southern is called the Tallital.

This is the only lake having a bridge with a post office on it. Besides, a bus station, taxi stand, railway reservation counter and shopping centres are located nearby.