The city of lakes, Nainital was discovered during the British era in the nineteenth century. It has received its name Nainital from the Naini Lake that looks just like an eye. Mythologically, it is believed that the lake emerged as a result of an ancient event when the eyes of Goddess Sati fell here while Lord Shiva was roaming around the universe carrying the shattered body of the goddess. It was then, the town was developed as a sign of sorrow and grief. Besides that, the city is flocked by the hordes of tourists from all corners of the world just to explore the nature and adventure this city has to offer. Tourists also obtain Nainital tour packages that sum up everything from shopping and grabbing quick bites of regional delicacies while walking down the narrow and lofty trails to embracing the breathtaking view of the mountains. Adorned with enormous lakes, this paradise by sea is also a storehouse of various fun facts and mysteries. Read on to acknowledge these facts and plan to witness them in real with a pre-planned travel package.
#1 The lake is older than Christ
Today’s most prominent tourist destination of northern India was earlier ruled by the Khasis and named as Khadesh. Even the lake wasn’t called by the same name. According to scriptures, the lake was called Tririshi Sarovar, which means the lake of three sages who meditated by the sanctum of Man Sarovar lake in Tibet and arrived here to dig a huge crater in the earth and fill it with water.
#2 A Home to the holiest temple
Since the eyes of Goddess Sati has been the epicenter of discussion, even the holiest temple worshiped here is devoted to Naina Devi. Locals also celebrate an utterly auspicious festival in honor of the goddess. The temple is also renowned as Shakti Peeth, which was destroyed in the 1880s, only to be revived later.
#3 Holds the oldest golf course in India
The town of the eye-shaped lake is as playful as it is religious and mysterious. It houses India’s oldest golf course where many tourists and prominent personalities come to shed their tedious souls while playing this elegant sport amid the wide stretched and perfectly pastured green valley.
#4 Discovered by Peter Barron
The lake was discovered by a British sugar merchant, Peter Barron, in 1839, who was so mesmerized by the place that he immediately wrote a memoir to put the beauty of Nainital into words. Once the rumors of the discovery reached the ears of British rulers, they decided to construct a colony here.
#5 Famous for Jim Corbet national park
Not only is this city about green valleys and lakes but also is famous for the magnificent Jim Corbet National Park. It is the oldest national park in India at a two-hour away drive distance from Nainital. Those with a big heart for wildlife love to get down for Jungle safari experience in this national park and witness some of the rare species from the closest sight. Also, it gives an up-close sight of endangered species such as snow leopard and Siberian tigers.
#6 Integrates Hinduism, Christianity, Islamism, and Sikhism
Talking about religion, the city is the true epitome of Indian secularism. While wandering through the narrow lanes of mall road, tourists can see a gurudwara and temple on one side and a mosque and church on the other.
#7 Offers the best Kumaon food
Gleaming atop in the Kumaon region, Nainital is the place that you want to visit for tasting traditional Kumaon food. The readily available delicacies vary from Chudkani, Bhattiya, and Guatras to Mattha. One cannot leave the city disappointed after grabbing a bite of traditional yet succulent delicacies of the Himalayas.
The city of the lake is not less than an astounding treasure calling out to the history lovers to pay a visit. It has so many beaten and unbeaten facets to be included in Nainital tours packages, that you wouldn’t be able to resist the enticing glory that this city has to offer.