Nainital is famous across Uttarakhand as the state's lake district, but tucked deep inside its forests is a lake that hardly any visitor has heard of. Locals call it Pari Tal, and it is known less for scenic views than for the folklore that has surrounded it for generations. Set among tall mountains and dense trees, the spot offers both adventure and calm in equal measure, which is why it counts among Nainital's most hidden and intriguing corners.
Fairies are said to bathe here on full moon nights
The lake's name comes from an old belief held by villagers nearby. They say that on every full moon night, fairies descend to this lake and bathe in its waters, and it is this belief that gave the lake its name, Pari Tal, meaning fairy lake. Villagers still take the legend seriously, avoiding the lake and steering clear of bathing in it whenever a full moon night falls. The story has survived for years and continues to draw travellers curious about the mystery.
A tough trek that begins at Chafi village
Pari Tal is not a spot you can simply drive up to. Reaching it means first taking the Bhimtal-Dhanachuli road out of Nainital to Chafi village, and only then does the real journey start, a trek of roughly 3 to 5 kilometres on foot. The path winds through dense forest, crosses slippery rocks and a river along the way. It is far from an easy walk, but for anyone who loves nature and adventure, it turns into a memorable experience.
A British-era bridge stands deep in the forest
Somewhere along that trek sits an old bridge said to date back to the British era. Built from stone and iron, it still stands firm today, a quiet reminder of that period. Surrounded by dense forest, the historic bridge adds another layer of charm to the trek, and most visitors who pass it stop to take photographs before moving on.
No one has ever measured its real depth
The biggest mystery around Pari Tal is how deep it actually runs. According to locals, no one has ever managed to find out the lake's true depth. What lies beneath its calm surface remains an open question, and that unanswered mystery is exactly what sets Pari Tal apart from other lakes in the region, keeping it a magnet for curiosity and intrigue.
A yearly accident, and a warning to stay out of the water
Another belief tied to Pari Tal is widely repeated among locals: that an accident or death occurs here every year. There is no official confirmation of this claim, but the folklore still carries weight in the villages around it. That is why locals themselves avoid swimming or wading into deep water here, and why they tell visitors to be careful too.
Black rocks locals link to shilajit
Several black rocks are visible around Pari Tal, and locals believe these contain shilajit, a substance widely regarded for its medicinal properties. Whether that is scientifically confirmed is a separate matter altogether, but the local belief has given these rocks an identity of their own, and visitors often look at them with the same curiosity as the lake itself.
A waterfall that adds to the charm
A beautiful waterfall flows right next to the lake, multiplying the natural beauty of the place several times over. Clear water, dense forest and green mountains all around come together to create a view that leaves every visitor spellbound. For photographers and nature lovers, the spot feels like nothing short of paradise, which is why it draws a considerable crowd through the summer months, and why numerous videos and photographs of the location already circulate online.
For anyone looking for a quiet, unusual destination away from the crowds, Pari Tal makes for an excellent choice. The thrilling trek required to reach it, the centuries-old folklore surrounding it, and its untouched natural beauty set it apart from the usual tourist spots. Getting there does demand some effort, but the view at the end of the trek is worth it. There is just one thing to remember: whenever you visit, stay out of the water.
