Nainital, also known as the 'Lake District of India', is located in the Himalayan Belt. It is situated amidst the Kumaon Hills and is blessed with beautiful lakes. Nainital is referred to as 'The Lake of Three Sages' or the 'Tri-Rishi-Sarovar', in the Manas Khand (in the Skanda Purana). The three sages, namely Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha, stopped at Nainital to quench their thirst. Unable to find any water, they dug a hole and filled it with water, brought from Lake Mansarovar. Thus, the famous Nainital Lake came into existence. Another legend states that the left eye of the Hindu Goddess Sati (wife of Lord Shiva) fell at this place and created the eye-shaped Naini Lake.
Once this area had many lakes and it was called the region of 60 lakes. Most of the lakes in the region have gradually disappeared and whatever remains is just a glimpse of what they might have been in the past. Today the life of Nainital revolves around the lake Naini though in close proximity lie other lakes e.g. Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Sattal etc. These picturesque lakes have retained their charm and the region is justifiably called The Lake District.
Nainital has an advantage of being situated in vicinity of several other lesser known hill stations that are connected through all season motorable roads.Vantage points around Nainital offer a panoramic view of Himalayan peaks on one side and the plains spread out on the other. Narrow wooded lanes through forests of oak, pine and deodar are excellent for short refreshing walks. The older parts of Nainital also retain colonial vestiges, including sprawling bungalows, public schools, churches and the old Christian cemetery.
