Nainital - Abode of Goddess Naina

Nainital, the abode of Goddess Naina, a huge lake made by nature at 7000 ft. altitude, enchanting beauty of Himalayas which seems to be challenging the might of the sky, the soothing greenery enveloping you all around, fresh and pure air soothing your lung every time you breath; yes it�s the place Nainital which leaves nothing more to be desired when you are there.

It is said that Nainital district was having 60 Lakes hence it was called �Shasthikhata� or Chhakhata. But over a period of time most of these lakes have disappeared. A few one still left are -

(i) Nainital
(ii) Bhimtal
(iii) Naukuchiyatal
(iv) Sat tal (Belonging to saptarishi)
(v) Khurpa Tal
(vi) Sukha Tal
(vii) Malua Tal
(viii) Kuhariya Tal
(ix) Sarhiya Tal
(x) Nal-Damyanti Tal

Nainital was established in the year 1841. Earlier, it was only a jungle with temple of Naina Devi. In 1841, an officer of Roja Wine Factory Mr. Barren saw the place and he was fascinated with the beauty. Britishers wanted to take over the place but �thokdar� of the place Nar Singh refused to oblige as they considered it a holy land of goddess. Britishers later took him in the lake aboard a boat and threatened him either to sign a deed to pass the ownership else they will drown him. Afraid of his life, he signed the deed and Britishers took over the Nainital.

Construction work started in 1841 itself and the first building that came up was of Mr Barren�s house which became famous as Pilgrim Lodge. Commissioner Lashington got another house built later. Britishers were in love with the place and from 1857, Provincial Governor started living here.

The pouring rain in 1880 triggered a series of landslides. A large number of houses were buried and many people were killed. This started a review of whole construction policy and a planned scientific construction with proper drainage and sewage system was undertaken.

The amazing natural lake of Nainital is situated at 6350 feet height. The length of the Lake is 1.410 Km and width is 455 miters. The depth is nearly 88 miters near �Paashan Devi temple�. There are skyscraping peaks all around. The highest of them is Naina Peak (China Peak), which have a height of 8568 feet. Atop this peak, one feels flying high. Distant land of hills and planes can be seen from there. Other peaks are �Ayarpata� 7689 feet, �Devpata� 7989 feet, �Lariyakanta� 8144 feet and �Sher ka Danda� 7869 feet.