Naukuchiatal translates to the "Lake of Nine corners" and was once a small and beautiful hill station of Nainital district, Uttarakhand. Its one-of-a-kind nature with a lake of nine corners and almost one kilometre long, and about 40 meters deep, i.e., the deepest lake in the surrounding area, made it famous. The lake is situated at a height of about 1,220 meters above sea level. In contrast to various other tourist centres, Naukuchiatal is more attractive because of its tranquil and less commercialised atmosphere, hence, a perfect place for lovers of peace and nature. The gorgeous hills, oak forests, and lovely valleys surrounding Naukuchiatal make it a paradise for nature, bird, and adventure lovers. Boating, kayaking, and fishing are adorable activities at the lake, while the adjacent areas are excellent for trekking, paragliding, and angling. Myth has it that the person who can view all nine corners of the lake at one time will attain salvation. Naukuchiatal, with its peaceful water, enchanted stories and mesmerising silent winner and an excellent getaway from the chaos of city life.The past of Naukuchiatal is very much intertwined with local legends, its natural heritage and the spiritual side of the Kumaon region culture and identity. The name of the town itself is related to the relatively lesser-known but still quite fascinating lake with nine corners that has been a source of curiosity for both locals and travelers for a long time. One of the legends tells that the lake came into being due to a hit of the plough of Lord Brahma, and so it is considered a holy place. Most of the locals help in the performance of rituals around the lake, where a small temple dedicated to Brahma Ji is still located on the bank of the lake. The folk tale says that a person who manages to see all nine corners of the lake at a glance will be given the power to be freed from the rebirth cycle. If compared to Naukuchiatal was a relatively lesser-known town than its more famous neighbor, Nainital. The whole Kumaon area has been the residence of the Katyuri and the Chand dynasties, who ruled from the 7th to the 18th century. The rich valleys and peaceful lakes around Naukuchiatal were a good source of support for the rural farming communities of the area that lived on or used the land in an eco-friendly way. Nearby Places around NaukuchiatalNainital: In general, it is considered a "local" attraction, not exceeding 25 km in distance from Naukuchiatal. Nainital is the hill town of the region famous for Naini Lake, temples, shopping streets, and its lively locals.Bhimtal: The distance between Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal is only 4 km. Owing to that there is a large lake with a small island in the center, a boat ride is a perfect way for the visitors to enjoy the rich nature of the area.Sattal: The lakes are seven interconnected freshwater lakes that are surrounded by pine trees, a paradise for bird lovers and campers, located around 7 km away.Mukteshwar: Mukteshwar is a famous place 40 km away due to the apple orchards, adventure activities, and Mukteshwar temple that offers a spectacular view of the Himalayas.Almora: Almora is a valley in Uttarakhand that is known for its age-old values, handicrafts, and the stunning view of the Himalayas 60 km away from Naukuchiatal.Best Time to Visit NaukuchiatalSummer (March to June): The period of summer when the temperature varies from 12 to 28 degrees Celsius is very agreeable. Tourists can have sightseeing, boating, and paragliding to the fullest during this time.Monsoon (July to September): The place around the region is not the only one that gets lovely and green during the monsoon, and in addition, the ideal rainy season lovers can also have their paradise there. Nevertheless, on the other side of the coin, heavy rains can be the reason for landslides, and rain can spoil your travelling plan. Nature lovers and people who need a break will locate it a favourable period.Winter (October to February): At 2°C, the temperature in winter drops to a level where the season of winter is extremely cold. Foggy mornings, blue skies, and quiet lake views form a nice place for honeymoon couples as well as for those who love tranquillity.How to Reach NaukuchiatalBy Airport: The closest airport that is also the most convenient is Pantnagar, which is roughly 70 km away. At the airport, you can get a lot of cabs that are waiting especially for you so that they can take you to Naukuchiatal.By Railway station: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is located 35 km away. Trains that start from Kathgodam go in both directions and cover the routes of Delhi, Lucknow, and Dehradun. Also, from there, it is very convenient to take a bus or a cab.By Road: Uttarakhand roads, northern Indian roads, and different cities all have very good road connections to Naukuchiatal. It is possible to get from Delhi to Naukuchiatal by bus or car through the Kathgodam or Nainital route, which is about 320 km.
