Set around a tal or lake, this small town with cottage-like houses and steep mountains covered with green forests is one of the most sought-after summer destinations of India. This charming hill station of Uttaranchal (former Uttar Pradesh), situated at an altitude of 1,938 metres, has many villas, bungalows, and a number of other sites of tourist importance. Many legends are associated with how the town came to be called Nainital. It is said that the name of the place has been derived from the Naini Lake that lies just in the middle of the town. Legend also has it that after Sati, Lord Shiva's consort, committed suicide at the yajna of Daksha Prajapati, Lord Shiva roamed across the universe carrying her dead body. During that period, Sati's eye fell near the lake, where the Naina Devi temple now stands. The waters of the lake are therefore considered sacred and the Naina Devi temple is the venue of an annual autumn fair. However, legends apart, it was in 1841 when an Englishman named Barron chanced upon the lake. Fascinated by the scenic beauty of the lake and thickly forested hills, he constructed a house here. By 1858, Nainital became a well-known hill station, and within a few years it became the summer seat of the provincial government. The climate of Nainital is cool and pleasant. The best season to visit this place is during summer between March and June. However, the monsoon season that lasts from June to late August is best avoided.