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Nainital Naini Lake Landscape Image

Overview

Discovered in the early 1800s by the British, the Naini Lake also finds mention in the Skanda Purana as Tri-Rishi-Sarovar. Today, it is the centre of Nainital’s tourism industry.

Suggested Duration - 1 to 2 hours

What To Expect?

Surrounded by seven lush-green hills, the Naini Lake offers paddle and motor boats, along with yachts. You can also take a walk along the promenade and soak-in the calm environs.

Tips

  • Monsoons are not the best time to visit the lake.
  • Avoid going for a boat ride if you suffer from hydrophobia.
  • Take care of your belongings.

Naini Lake Overview: A Serene Jewel of Nainital Surrounded by Majestic Hills


Naini Lake is one of the most scenic and iconic lakes situated in Nainital, India. It is shaped like an eye, so it is called "Naini" lake. Legends believe that it is one of the Shakti Peethas, which denotes that it is the place where the right eye of the Goddess Sati fell. Hence, it is a religious site. You can do many activities here, such as boating, kayaking, and leisurely strolls along its shores.

Over the years, Naini Lake has transformed from a natural water body to the center of attraction for Nainital's tourism. The Naina Devi Temple is also situated on the northern shore of the Lake, which further enhances its spiritual significance. Therefore, Naini Lake attracts visitors worldwide, enabling you to have a peaceful experience in nature. It is a must-visit destination for travelers looking for peace and self/quality time.


Naini Lake Information

Ticket PriceThere is no specific Naini Lake entry fee. However, there is a price for boat riding.
Boat Riding PricesRowboat (half-round): INR 160
Rowboat (full-round): INR 210
Paddle Boat: INR 210
Timings6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Best Time to VisitApril to June
Famous ForIt is famous for the panoramic views of the surrounding hills and snow-capped peaks.
AltitudeIt is located at an altitude of 6,358 ft. (1,938 metres)
Time RequiredApproximately 1-2 hours

About Naini Lake History

According to Legends, Nainital is one of the Shakti Peethas. An English businessman discovered the Naini Lake - Mr. P. Barron in 1839. He found the place so captivating that he built a European Colony on the shores of the Lake.


Nearby Places

  • Naini Peak
  • Tiffin Top
  • The Mall Road
  • Sno View Point
  • Nainital Zoo
  • Raj Bhawan
  • Naina Devi Temple
  • Bhimtal Lake
  • Eco Cave Gardens
  • Woodland Waterfalls
  • Kibury
  • Dinosaur Park

Adventurous Activities

  • Camping
  • Paragliding
  • Bridge camping
  • Rock Climbing
  • Trekking
  • Parasailing
  • Rappelling
  • Horse Riding
  • Water Zorbing
  • River Crossing
  • Bike Riding
  • Angling

Things to Do At Naini Lake, Nainital

  • Boating:You can enjoy the pedal or row boat riding amidst the serene Lake.
  • Visit Naina Devi Temple:The Temple is also located near the Lake, and you must visit it.
  • Walk Around the Lake:You can also have a peaceful walk around the Lake. If you're with your partner, you can walk hand-in-hand.
  • Take a Cable Car:Go by the cable car to enjoy the stunning views of the Lake and snow-capped peaks.
  • Explore Mall Road:Go to explore the local shops and stalls around the Mall Road.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Naini Lake

How to explore a place by yourself?

"Adventure is out there!" - You just need to know the 'whats' and the 'hows' of it. You need to realize the things that will make exploring a place completely worthwhile and satisfy all of your travel cravings. This can be achieved by -
  • Taking Yourself Out To Eat At A Restaurant
  • Learn The Public Transportation Routes
  • Check Out A Local Planetarium Or Observatory
  • Take A Drive To The Nearest Coastal Town Or National Park
  • Join A Group Of Tourists On A Sightseeing Tour
  • Take Pictures At A Botanical Garden
  • Go Shopping At A Local Farmers Market
  • How to choose a destination to travel to?

    Travelling is exhilarating - and a little bit intimidating too. You are venturing into the unknown and you really have very little ideas about what things will be like there when you arrive. It's always a massive learning curve when you leap into the new (which is why it's important to thoroughly research a travel destination before you go.) Some of the important things to keep in mind while deciding on a destination to travel are :
  • Figure out how to travel to a destination, where to stay and what are the things to do amongst other things. Trip Ideas by MakeMyTrip brings you a plethora of knowledge about a destination ranging from images and videos to lists of all the activities
  • Read posts by travel bloggers who have been there and if needed email them
  • Watch documentaries and reach out to people who have been there
  • How do you plan for the perfect trip to any destination?

    To plan the perfect trip, the following will help cover any caveats for your to arrive at the best plan for your vacations :
  • Where do you want to go? - Your first step in how to plan a vacation is to choose a travel destination that meets your interests and travel budget.
  • Once you have chosen your destination, the next step in planning a trip is to book flights. And learning how to find and book cheap flights will help you reduce one of your biggest expenses when it comes to travelling
  • Where you stay is your other major travel expense, so choosing the best stay for your needs at a price that suits you will free up more money for activities
  • Another major thing to consider while planning a trip is to find out the transportation options in your chosen destination, be it public or private and the costs involved
  • When you plan a trip you should also research about the must-visit attractions and the best free things to do in your destination of choice
  • Know the visa requirements for visiting the destination
  • Depending on where you are planning your trip in a particular country, it's important to get the correct advice for any necessary vaccinations that needs to be taken care of before your travel dates
  • Make copies of your important documents and keep them handy