Naini Lake

Naini Lake, a natural freshwater lake of tectonic origin, lies in the heart of Nainital, Uttarakhand, offering stunning views and a serene escape in the Himalayas.

Naini Lake
Table of Contents☰

Naini Lake Latest News

The Naini Lake, one of Nainital’s key attractions, recently recorded a water level of 4.7 feet — marking a five-year low.

About Naini Lake

  • It is a natural freshwater lake of tectonic origin, located amidst Nainital city of Uttarakhand. 
  • Discovered in the early 1800s by the British, the Naini Lake also finds mention in the Skanda Purana as Tri-Rishi-Sarovar. 
  • The lake is in crescent or kidney shape, and has an outlet at the southeastern end. 
  • It covers a perimeter of 2 miles with a depth from 6m to 28 m. 
  • It is one of the four lakes in the Kumaon hills, the three others being Sattal Lake, Bhimtal Lake, and Naukuchiyatal Lake.
  • Balia Nala is the main feeder stream of the lake. Other than this, 26 major drains, including the three perennial ones, feed it.
  • Mallital is the name of the lake’s north end, while Tallital is the name of the southern one, which has a bridge with Gandhi’s statue and a post office on its sides. 
    • It is the world’s only post office on a lake bridge.

Naini Lake FAQs

Q1. What is the legend associated with Naini Lake?

Ans. According to the legends, the lake was where the eyes (nain) of the Hindu goddess Sati fell when her distraught husband, Shiva, was carrying her charred body. 

Q2. Which Hindu scripture mentions Naini Lake as “Tri-Rishi-Sarovar”?

Ans. Skanda Purana

Q3. Which stream is the main feeder of Naini Lake?

Ans. Balia Nala

Source: IE

Update Icon
Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

Date IconLast updated on August, 2026

→ UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted on 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 29th and 30th August 2026.

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

→ UPSC Mains Admit Card 2026 is now out.

→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2027 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mentorship Program 2027 for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.

→ Go through the UPSC Mains Previous Year Papers to enhance your preparation.

→ Download UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-I 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-II 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-III 2025, UPSC Mains GS Paper-IV 2025, UPSC Mains English (Compulsory) Paper 2025, UPSC Mains Hindi (Qualifying) Paper 2025 here.

→ UPSC has released UPSC Toppers List 2025 with the Civil Services final result on its official website.

→ UPSC Calendar 2027 has been released.

→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India

UPSC GS Course 2026
UPSC GS Course 2026
₹1,80,000
Enroll Now
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
GS Foundation Course 2 Yrs
₹2,45,000
Enroll Now
UPSC Mentorship Program
UPSC Mentorship Program
₹85000
Enroll Now
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
UPSC Sureshot Mains Test Series
₹27000
Enroll Now
Prelims Powerup Test Series
Prelims Powerup Test Series
₹14000
Enroll Now
Enquire Now