Nainital

Nainital is a picturesque hill station and the administrative headquarters of Nainital district in Uttarakhand, situated in the Kumaon region at an elevation of about 2,000 meters. Its name comes from the Naini Lake, a lake shaped like an eye, which according to local legend is associated with the mythological story of Sati's left eye falling here, making it one of the 64 sacred Shakti Peeths.

The lake is also linked to three sages from Hindu scriptures who brought its waters from the sacred Mansarovar in Tibet. Nainital was founded as a British hill station in 1841 by P. Barron, a sugar trader who was captivated by its natural beauty and saw potential for a summer retreat to escape the hot plains of India. This led to the town's rapid growth with the construction of colonial-era bungalows, churches, schools, and administrative buildings.

Nainital became the summer capital of the North Western Provinces in 1862, solidifying its importance. Today, it is renowned for its scenic lake, surrounding forested hills, pleasant climate, and as a popular tourism destination attracting visitors for its natural beauty, historical significance, and tranquil environment.