Shaktipeeth. However, when Sati’s eyes fell in Nainital, it became a water body—Naini-Tal.
Lake Naini is always bustling with excited families as well as honeymooning couples rowing and spinning around in pedal boats. In the forest-draped hills around the lake, one can see a cluster of houses and hotels buzzing with activity. However, the magnetic appeal of nature still draws you in and all you want to do is find remote trails through the dense forests of oak and pine and savour the moments of complete stillness.
The region of Kumaon is full of lakes. About 23 km from Nainital at an altitude of 1370m is Sat Tal, seven interconnected lakes set against a backdrop of oaks, pines and the mighty Himalayas. Looking at them one is reminded of Westmoreland in England. The first lake to be seen as one approaches Sat Tal is Nal Damyanti. Next is Panna or Garude Lake. And as you move further down, you will come across a cluster of three lakes, Ram, Lakshman and Sita. The beauty of the lakes is heightened by the myths and stories associated with them. Because only six lakes are visible, locals believe that one lake dried up due to a curse. They are also fearful of another lake, which they believe is haunted. However, no one knows which of the blue-green bodies shelters the invisible ghost.
A jungle walk around Sat Tal Lake is something one should do before leaving this land. Cutting through the forests, with pine needles beneath your feet, avoiding the tangle of thorns, the present and endangered future of the forest comes alive before your eyes. This is truly nature in all its glory–untouched by modernisation.
Cradled by green mountains, orchards and dense jungles is a misty blue lake called Naukuchia Tal, the lake with nine corners. The lake is situated in the central Himalayan region, at 1,350 ft and is fed by an underwater spring, which keeps its waters high. It is believed that a single view of all nine corners of Naukuchia Tal can bestow moksha (liberation) upon the onlooker. Apart from boating on the lake, one can walk around with nature as a companion.
Twenty-two km from Nainital, at an altitude of 1370m, is the beautiful lake, Bheem Tal. Named after the mighty Pandava Bheem, Bheem Tal is the largest lake in the district. The lake offers boating facilities and in its centre, there is an intriguing looking island with a restaurant that attracts many tourists all year long. Bheem Tal is also blessed with lovely dappled paths, ravines adorned with dog rose and wild raspberry, farm houses set among terraced fields and citrus trees laden with fruits.
Truly, the lake district of Kumaon, with its subtle yet pristine glory, has tempted lovers of beauty since time immemorial. Being there is indeed a photographer’s delight, an artist’s dream and a writer’s inspiration. |
