Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal is one of the seven lakes in and around “the lake city” of Nainital in Uttarakhand state of India. It is located in a scenic village of Naukuchiatal, 26 km away the popular hill station of Nainital.

Geography

The lake has nine corners, which is why people call it Naukuchiatal, means “the nine cornered lake”. The lake measures up to 1 km length and 40 m deep, which makes it the deepest lake in Nainital district.

The lake peacefully sits at an elevation of 1220 m above the sea level. One has to drive for almost one hour to reach here from Nainital.

naukuchiatal

Quick Overview

Famous for:A scenic natural lake and greenery
Ideal for:Corporates, Couples, Family and Solo
Exploration time:3 hours
District:Nainital, Kumaon division
Best time:Anytime except Monsoons
Nearest Railway Station:Kathgodam (26 km)
Nearest Airport:Pantnagar Airport (52.5 km)

Things to do in Naukuchiatal

Paragliding: Adventure lovers often hit this place to fly high like a bird. It is one of the most popular and reachable place to enjoy paragliding in Uttarakhand. It will take you about 8 to 9 hours to reach here from Delhi.

Boating: The lake is 1 km long, in the middle of lush greenery. This makes it a perfect and quiet place to enjoy boating.

Nature Walk in the Village and Around the Lake: Naukuchiatal or Naukuchiyatal village is rich in greenery, Kumaon hills and natural landscapes. A walk in the village and around this lake will rejuvenate yourself.

Bird Watching: The lake is home to many local and migratory birds. A trip to Naukuchiatal will not disappoint you if you are a bird watcher.

Wildlife Photography: The whole valley is rich in flora and fauna, which provides ample opportunities for wildlife photography.

Fishing: Jungliagaon is a nearby village known for fishing activities.

Local Info about Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal is popular for Buraans squash, made from rhododendrons flowers. It is easily available in many fruit stores.

Himjoli is a local organization, supported by many NGOs and self help organizations. They make natural cosmetics, culinary herbs, herbal teas, health foods, honey, pickles and handicrafts. Taking home one of their products with you would not disappoint you.

Places to Visit near Naukuchiatal

Nainital

Nainital is a worldwide famous hill station situated on the foothills of Kumaoni Himalayan range in Uttarakhand state of India. << Read More >>

Bhimtal

Bhimtal, 22 kilometers from Nainital, is a beautiful town in Nainital district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. << Read More >>

Bhowali

“The Fruit Basket of Kumaon” Bhowali is a scenic town in Nainital district of Uttarakhand state, India. << Read More >>

Khurpatal

Khurpatal or Khurpa taal is a small high altitude natural lake in a village named Khurpatal in Nainital district << Read More >>

Hanuman Garhi

“Hanuman Mandir built by Baba Neem Karoli” Hanuman Garhi Temple near Mall Road is a famous Hindu Temple in Nainital << Read More >>

Ranikhet

“The Queen’s Land” Ranikhet is a well-known hill station and cantonment town in Almora district of Uttarakhand state << Read More >>

Best Time to Visit

Summers are the best time to visit if you like to enjoy paragliding and boating under the blue sky.

If your priority is witnessing snowfall in Nainital then obviously winter months – December and January are the best.

March to May months are best if you are a solitude seeker and want to spend some quiet time.

Staying in Naukuchiatal

This less crowded hill station has a few budget and luxury accommodation options. There are a few budget guest houses and honeymoon friendly hotels and restaurants.

Couples often visit this place to enjoy a quiet honeymoon in the lap of nature. Rates may go higher during peak season. Accommodation in Naukuchiatal is way cheaper than Nainital. If your budget is less, then Naukuchiatal can turn out to be the best option.

Food in Naukuchiatal

Visitors may enjoy fast foods like momos and tikki and sip tea and coffee in roadside stalls. There are few restaurants serving Indian, Italian and Chinese cuisines. One can find a few roadside dhabas serving typical Kumaoni, north and south Indian dishes.

Mythologies and Stories

A legend states that if someone can count all the nine corners of the lake at once with both feet on the ground, he/she will disappear and will attain Moksha or Nirvana instantly.

According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Brahma created this lake and also performed penance here. There is a small lord Brahma temple in the village.

People say that there was a secret route directly to China inside the lake but there is no clear evidence of it.

How to Reach and Location of Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal is at a distance of 26 km from Nainital. While you are in Nainital, you can take a drive to Naukuchiatal or take a private or sharing cab. Or one can visit  here as a separate getaway. It usually takes about an hour to reach here from Nainital and one and a half hours from Haldwani. It is 33 km away from Haldwani.

By Air

Pantnagar airport is the nearest airport from Naukuchiatal and Nainital. After that, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Haldwani or Kathgodam and then a bus or a taxi further to Nainital or directly to Naukuchiatal. One can find many buses in Haldwani and Kathgodam bus stops going to Nainital. If you want to visit Naukuchiatal directly from Haldwani or Kathgodam the taking a cab would be the best option.

By Train

Naukuchiatal is 25 km away from Kathgodam railway station. It is the last railway station and from here one has to take a bus or a taxi to reach Naukuchiatal. There are plenty of buses and taxis available in Kathgodam which will drop you to Nainital of Naukuchiatal. Just outside the railway station, there is a bus station from where one can find a bus to Nainital.

By Bus

Many private and government buses are available from ISBT Dehradun and ISBT Anand Vihar Delhi to Nainital, Haldwani and Kathgodam. It takes more than 7 hours to reach Haldwani or Kathgodam from Delhi and further one and half hours to reach Naukuchiatal. Please note that Haldwani and Kathgodam are basically a single city.