

Nainital, this is a lovely hilly city with a lake. It is one of the most favorite places in North India. It is usually called ‘Lake City’ i.e. ‘City of Lakes’. But do you know who discovered this place, how it got its name Nainital, why is it called City of Lakes? Our article today is also on this topic.
Enchanting Lake of Nainital
Dehradun: Who does not like to travel? There are many hill stations in India where a huge crowd of people is seen. Whenever there is talk of Hill Stations in India, the first names that are taken are Nainital and Shimla-Mussoorie. Talking about Nainital, you will find many places to visit here. This is a very beautiful hilly area.
Nainital, this is a lovely hilly city with a lake. It is one of the most favorite places in North India. It is usually called 'Lake City' i.e. 'City of Lakes'. But do you know who discovered this place, how it got its name Nainital, why is it called City of Lakes? Our article today is also on this topic. We are going to tell you about the interesting history of Nainital. Let us know in detail -
Nainital is situated at an altitude of 2000 meters
Let us tell you that Nainital is situated at an altitude of about 2000 meters in the Kumaon Himalayas. This beautiful city is surrounded by seven hills. These are called 'Sapt-Shringa'. It includes many hills like Ayarpata, Devpata, Handi-Bandi, Naina, Alma, Laria-Kanta and Sher Ka Danda. The high mountains and the sparkling water of the lake further enhance the beauty of this place.
The eyes of Goddess Sati fell here
This city is situated around the green Naini Lake spread among the lush green mountains. Here you will often see colorful boats running. There is a mythological belief that Naini Lake was formed when the eyes of Goddess Sati fell on this place. It is said that when Lord Shiva was roaming with her dead body, the eyes of Goddess Sati fell at that time.
This is how Nainital got its name
This is why the goddess here became Naina Devi. It is said that this lake is formed in the shape of an eye. Naina Devi temple is built on the northern side (upper bank) of this lake. In this way, the name 'Nainital' is derived by combining 'Naina' (eye) and 'Tal' (lake). This place is one of the 64 Shakti Peethas.
Nainital is very peaceful
It is said that during the British period, this city was the Summer Capital of the United Provinces. Even today, beautiful bungalows and villas of the British period are present in this city. The British who missed their country liked to come to this peaceful and tree-covered city. This place is also known for the famous Naina Devi temple, which is built on the banks of the lake.
It is also mentioned in Skanda Purana
There is a mythological belief that the name of Nainital is taken as Tri-Rishi-Sarovar in 'Manas Khand' (which is a part of 'Skanda Purana'). This name was given due to three sages - Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha. Who had come here for penance. When they did not find water here for drinking, they dug a pit and filled it with water from Mansarovar Lake (sacred lake of Tibet). Since then it became a lake.
Also read: A unique thinking of the king changed the identity of the entire city, do you know how Jaipur became the Pink City?
Why is it called the city of lakes?
Let us tell you that there are seven lakes in Nainital. That is why it is called the city of lakes. Now you must be thinking that till now you have only heard and seen Naini Lake. So we are going to tell you the names of the seven lakes-
Sattal Lake
Sariyatal
KhurpaTal Lake
Naukuchiatal Lake
Bhimtal Lake
KamalTal
Garud Tal
How did it get recognition?
Talking about the history of Nainital, it is said that the British government took over Kumaon and Garhwal in 1815. After this, E Gardiner was made the commissioner of Kumaon Division on 8 May 1815. In 1817, the second commissioner GW Trail conducted the second survey of tax and land. He was the first European to come to Nainital, but he did not publicize his arrival because he respected the religious importance of this place.
By 1847 it had become a famous tourist place
It was in 1839 when an English merchant P Baron from a place called Rosa, who traded sugar, lost his way in these mountains while hunting with his hunter friend. While searching for the way, he reached this lake and was fascinated by its beauty. He left his business and established a European colony on the banks of the lake. From 1841 people started knowing about it and by 1847 it had become famous as a famous tourist spot all over the world.
Everything is available here
After this the city developed rapidly. Beautiful bungalows were built here. From markets to rest rooms, clubs, sports and entertainment places and government offices were also built. During that time, people used to come to this city from far and wide to study. Because most of the children wanted to study in a hilly area away from the heat of the plains. Where they could get a clean and good environment.