Nainital is set in a valley containing a pear-shaped lake, approximately two miles in circumference, and surrounded by mountains. From the tops of the higher peaks, “magnificent views can be obtained of the vast plain to the mass of tangled ridges lying north, bounded by the great snowy range which forms the central axis of the Himalayas. In the Manas Khand of the Skand Puranas, Nainital Lake is called Tri-Rishi-Sarovar, hinting at the story of three sages, Atri, Pulastya and Pulaha, who, upon finding no water in Nainital, dug a large hole at the location of the present day lake and filled it with water from the holy lake Manasarovar in Tibet.

Natural beauty abounds in the state of Uttaranchal’s Lake District. Boaters flock to hill-ringed Naini Lake, which according to mythology is one of the emerald eyes of Shiva’s wife. A hike or horseback ride to the top of Naina Peak (aka China Peak), the highest point, provides stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayas. To share a prime vantage point with family members of all ages, take the aerial lift up to Snow View; there’s also a small marble temple at the top dedicated to Dev Mundi.