Nainital Lake, Natural freshwater lake in Nainital district, India.

Nainital Lake is a natural freshwater lake in Nainital, Uttarakhand, India, formed by tectonic activity and now crescent-shaped after landslides altered its almost circular outline. It has an outfall at its southeastern end and is fed by 26 drains, including three perennial ones. The lake is bordered by the steep Naina peak to the northwest, Tiffin Top to the southwest, and Snow View peaks to the north, with coniferous forest on these slopes.

The first European to reach the lake was P. Barron, an English sugar trader who came upon it after losing his way on a hunting expedition. The Englishman Calcutta reported the lake's discovery near Almora in 1841. Barron abandoned the sugar trade and built a European colony on its shores.

The name comes from Sanskrit words meaning eyes and lake, rooted in Hindu mythology about a goddess and this sacred place. You will notice pilgrims and local families who visit regularly, treating the waters with reverence as part of their spiritual practices.

The lake is easily accessible to visitors and offers boat rentals through local clubs for exploring the water. Plan your visit during daylight hours when most facilities and recreational activities are in operation.

The water maintains an alkaline composition that supports specific fish species, including introduced varieties. This chemical property makes the ecosystem distinct from typical freshwater lakes in the surrounding mountains.