Nainital is a lake resort set at a height of 1,938 metres in a beautiful wooded valley.

Surrounded by seven hills, the sparkling waters of the natural lake make it a gem among hill resorts.

The lake is Nainital's pride and its yachting competition, organised during the season, is on a national level. The gaily coloured yachts on the, sparkling lake have become synonymous with this beautiful resort.

If legend is to be believed, the lake was formed when the Goddess Sati lost her eyes at this spot. She was being carried by Lord Shiva at the time and a lake was formed as a result. 'Naina' (Eyes) Tal' (Lake) was thus given its name.

The British were the first to 'discover' Nainital as, a holiday resort in 1841. Today, it has developed into a popular tourist destination of great beauty. The emerald waters of this mountain lake continue to retain their charm and beckon the tourist.

HOW TO GET THERE :

• Air     : Pantnagar, 71 km is the nearest airport. Vayudoot services operate between Pantnagar and Delhi.

• Rail   : The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, 36 km. Kathgodam is connected directly by rail to Lucknow, Bareilly and Agra.

• Road : Nainital is connected by good motorable roads to many places. Some of the distances are: Almora 65km, Delhi - 318 km, Ranikhet - 54 km, Bareilly - 137 km, Haridwar - 306 km, Dehradun 373 km, Badrinath - 303 km, Moradabad - 155 km, Lucknow - 380 km.