Who is not fond of travelling? There are many hill stations in India where huge crowds of people can be seen. Whenever there is talk of Hill Stations in India, the first names that come to mind 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 lake city. It is one of the most favourite places in North India. It is usually called ‘Lake City’ i.e. ‘City of Lakes’. But do you know who discovered this place, how did it get 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’s 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.

Goddess Sati’s eyes had fallen here

This city is built around the green Naini Lake, spread among the lush green mountains. You will often see colorful boats running here. There is a mythological belief that Naini Lake was formed when the eyes of Goddess Sati fell at this place. It is said that Goddess Sati’s eyes fell while Lord Shiva was roaming around with her dead body.

This is how Nainital got its name

For this reason 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. Beautiful bungalows and villas from the British era are still present in this city. The Britishers who missed their country loved 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.

There is also a mention 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 this lake has been formed.

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 all the seven lakes-

  • Sattal Lake
  • Sariyatal
  • Khurpatal Lake
  • Naukuchiatal Lake
  • Bhimtal Lake
  • Kamaltal (KamalTal)
  • Garud Tal

How did you 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 a 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 mesmerized by its beauty. He left his business and established a European colony on the banks of the lake. People started knowing about it from 1841 and by 1847 it had become famous as a famous tourist spot all over the world.

Everything is present 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 came 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.

Source-

  • https://nainital.nic.in/history/
  • https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/destination/nainital

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