Naukuchiatal Lake that looks like it has nine corners, as its name suggests. The western part of the lake has lots of lotus plants and other water plants. The lake is 955 meters long from north to south and 695 meters wide from east to west. In the middle, it’s really deep, reaching 53 meters, which makes it the deepest lake in the Nainital area. Unlike Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal is warmer, but it’s well-known for its beautiful scenery with lotus flowers and different kinds of fish. The place looks especially stunning when the lotus flowers bloom, creating a calming sight.
The lake’s water is really clear, pure, and has a bluish-green color, making it look nice. According to local beliefs, seeing all nine corners of Naukuchiatal at the same time within a year is seen as a bad sign, and people think it might lead to something bad happening, even though it’s nearly impossible to do. Naukuchiatal has a variety of fun activities like boating, swimming, kayaking, fishing, and horse riding, making the visit more enjoyable.
Historical & Mythological beliefs
The well-known story about Naukuchiatal says that the lake was created by Lord Brahma after wise scholars and Rishis prayed for a long time. According to the famous legend, if someone can somehow see all nine corners of the lake at the same time, with both feet on the ground, they achieve nirvana, breaking free from the cycle of being born and reborn. Even though this seems like a really hard thing to do, it has still drawn spiritualists and devotees to the town for many years.
Quick Facts about Naukuchiatal Lake
- Length of the lake – 955 Meter
- Maximum Depth of lake – 53 Meter
- Positioned above sea level – 1220 M
- Famous for – Natural beauty
- Timings – 9:00AM to 6:00PM
- Entry Fee – Free entry, Boating Chargeable
- Known as – 9 corner lake
Nearby attraction and Exploration options
When you arrive, you can take it easy and enjoy a leisurely retreat by grabbing a picnic basket and refreshing yourself. There are also lots of fun things to do like bird watching, paragliding, fishing, parasailing, and rowing. Plus, if you explore the hillside roads, you’ll find interesting places to visit like Bhimtal, which has the biggest lake in the Kumaon Region, the seven beautiful lakes of Sattal, and the famous travel spot, Nainital.
Besides the places mentioned earlier, there’s another less-known area called Jangalia Gaon, which is known for its rich variety of plants and animals. Naukuchiatal is a popular spot for families, honeymooners, and solo travelers, and it’s famous for hosting the Escape Festival every May.
This detailed Naukuchiatal travel guide gives you all the info you need about the best places to visit and things to do, making sure you have a great holiday.
Things to do at Naukuchiatal
Boating in Lake
If you’re interested, you have the option to engage in boating on Naukuchiatal Lake, although there is a fee associated with this activity. The cost typically ranges from ₹300 to ₹600.
Plants and animals
Naukuchiatal is a beautiful place with lots of greenery and different kinds of plants and animals, making it a great spot for nature lovers. You’ll find plenty of thick oak and pine trees, along with colorful rhododendrons and unique orchids adding to the scenery. It’s also a good place to see birds that migrate here, as well as some mountain animals like the Barking Deer and Himalayan Newt.
Paragliding
Adventure enthusiasts can now enjoy paragliding activities at Naukuchiatal, thanks to the Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN). This exciting experience features a glider controlled by a skilled pilot. The cost for this adventure ride is around ₹750, providing participants with a 7-10 minute thrill. During the ride, individuals have the chance to feel like they are soaring like a bird and enjoy the unique sensation of paragliding.
Enjoy the beauty of nature
Situated in the Himalayan foothills, Naukuchiatal boasts stunning landscapes that showcase the unique beauty of the area. It’s also conveniently close to several other hill stations like Mukteshwar, Kasar Devi, Bhimtal, and Jungliagaon, adding to its attractiveness as a well-located destination in the scenic surroundings.
Get divine blessings
The town resonates with the echoes of ancient temples and myths, imbuing it with a mystical ambiance. Noteworthy among these are the renowned Hanuman Temple, Naukuchia Mata Temple, and Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple.
Best time to visit Naukuchiatal Lake
The best time to visit Naukuchiatal depends on what you like. If you enjoy nice weather and outdoor activities, the summer months from March to June are good. But if you prefer colder weather and fewer people around, winter might be better. For those who like the rainy season and the lush green scenery it brings, July to September is attractive, although it’s wise to be ready for things like road closures or weather warnings during the monsoon season.
Where to stay in Naukuchiatal?
Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) manages a Tourist Rest House strategically situated with a scenic view of Naukuchiatal Lake, featuring a lotus garden and convenient car parking facilities. The accommodations offer cleanliness, comfort, and reasonable pricing, complemented by a culinary experience featuring delicious cuisine.
Besides this, there are many other hotels near the lake, making it easy for you to find accommodation according to your budget.
How to reach Naukuchiatal
Address – Naukuchiatal Lake, Naukuchiatal , Uttarakhand – 263136, India
Latitude – 29.3222° N, Longitude – 79.5837° E
Nearest Bus stand
Naukuchiatal is well-connected by bus services. If you cannot find a direct bus from major cities like Delhi, you can first travel to Nainital and then take a local bus. Alternatively, if you have your own car, the distance is approximately 293 kilometers from Anand Vihar Bus Stand.
Nearest Railway Station
The nearest train station to Naukuchiatal is Kathgodam, and it’s well connected to big cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Lucknow. The distance from Kathgodam to Naukuchiatal is just 27 kilometers, and you can easily cover it by taking a private or shared taxi or using local bus services.
Nearest Airport
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, situated approximately 72 km from Naukuchiatal, and it is well-connected by roadways. Accessible taxi services are readily available, facilitating transportation to Naukuchiatal within roughly two-hour duration.
Weather in Naukuchiatal
Summer Season (March to June): During this period, temperatures range from 14°C to 30°C.
Monsoon Season (July to September): The average temperature during the monsoon months hovers between 15°C and 25°C.
Winter Season (October to February): Temperatures can drop to as low as 0°C, particularly in late December and January. Daytime temperatures are milder, often ranging between 5°C and 15°C.
FAQs about Naukuchiatal Lake
Naukuchiatal Lake is known for its divine creation, believed to have originated from the blessings of Lord Brahma after extensive penance by ancient scholars and rishis.
The lake is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Entry to the lake is free, but charges apply for activities such as boating.
Visitors can engage in various activities, including boating, swimming, kayaking, fishing, horse riding, and paragliding.
Summer (March to June): Pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
Visitors can explore nearby places such as Bhimtal, Sattal, Nainital, and the lesser-known Jangalia Gaon, known for its diverse flora and fauna.
Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN) manages a Tourist Rest House with clean, comfortable rooms, offering reasonable pricing and delicious cuisine.
By Bus: Well-connected by bus services; alternatively, travel to Nainital and take a local bus.
By Train: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam, 27 kilometers away; private or shared taxis and local bus services available.
By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, approximately 72 km away; accessible taxi services are available.
Summer (March to June): 14°C to 30°C
Monsoon (July to September): 15°C to 25°C
Winter (October to February): 0°C to 15°C, with colder temperatures in late December and January.
