Treks by
March to June and September to November
By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, around 70 km from Nainital. Taxis are available from the airport to the town. By Train: The closest railway station is Kathgodam, located about 34 km away. Frequent trains connect it to Delhi and other major cities. Taxis and shared cabs are available from Kathgodam to Nainital. By Road: Nainital is well connected via road to cities like Delhi (approx. 300 km), Haldwani, and Dehradun. Regular buses and private taxis operate from these locations.
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1,938 meters
Naini Jheel, also known as Naini Lake, is a beautiful crescent-shaped freshwater lake located in the heart of Nainital, Uttarakhand. Surrounded by lush green hills and colonial architecture, the lake is a popular destination for boating, sightseeing, and spiritual visits to the sacred Naina Devi Temple. With its serene waters, vibrant Mall Road, and scenic views of the Kumaon Himalayas, Naini Jheel is a must-visit gem in the Indian Himalayas.
Naini Jheel, famously known as Naini Lake, is the shimmering jewel of Nainital, nestled amidst the lush hills of the Kumaon region in Uttarakhand, India. This natural freshwater lake, shaped like a crescent or an eye, lies at an altitude of 1,938 meters above sea level and is the centerpiece around which the town of Nainital has grown.
Surrounded by seven majestic hills—Naina, Ayarpata, Deopatha, Handi Bandi, Alma, Laria Kanta, and Sher Ka Danda—the lake offers panoramic views and a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Early mornings and late evenings by the lake are especially tranquil, with misty hills and birdsong creating a perfect ambiance.
Naini Jheel has deep mythological and historical roots. It is believed to be the Tririshi Sarovar, where three sages—Atri, Pulastya, and Pulaha—dug a hole to fill it with water after finding no natural water source in the region. According to Hindu mythology, Goddess Sati’s eye (nain) is said to have fallen here, making the place a Shakti Peetha and giving the lake its name—Naini. The modern town of Nainital was established in 1841 by a British sugar trader P. Barron, who was mesmerized by the lake’s beauty. He built a European-style settlement, and the town soon became a popular summer retreat for colonial officials.