Last Updated on December 27, 2023 by Kuldeep Bisht
Planning a trip to Naukuchiatal? That’s great! you won’t regret your decision. Here is my ultimate travel guide for Naukuchiatal as a local.
Naukuchiatal is a small hill station known for its nine-cornered lake, which is said to have been created after the hard worship of Bharmaji. The Lake is located near Bhimtal in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills and forests, and it is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking.
| Location: | Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal, Nainital |
| Elevation: | 4,000 ft |
| Temperatures: | Summer: 11ºC to 26ºC, Winter: -2ºC to 14ºC |
| Lake Length: | 3,225 ft |
| Lake Width: | 2,274 ft |
| Lake Depth: | 132 ft |
| Distance from Nainital: | 29 Km |
Let’s start my Naukuchiatal travel guide based on my experience.
Table of Contents
Naukuchiatal: A Hidden Gem in the Himalayas
I recently had the pleasure of visiting Nakuchiyatal, a beautiful hill station in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. It is a hidden gem in the Himalayas, and I was immediately charmed by its natural beauty. The Naukuciatal lake is the centerpiece of the town and is surrounded by pine trees and shrubs. It is the deepest lake in the Nainital Region.
I spent hours sitting by the lake, enjoying the peace and quiet. The water is crystal clear and reflects the surrounding mountains. In addition to the lake, there are many other things to see and do in Naukuchiatal. You can go for hikes in the surrounding forests, visit the nearby temples, or simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. I’ll mention these activities in the post later.
Places to Visit in Naukuchiatal
1. Naukuchiatal Lake
Naukuchiatal is famous for the Lake. The lake is located in the middle of town and offers stunning views of reflecting mountains and fish dancing. The lake is situated at 1,220 meters (4,000 feet) above sea level. The length of the lake is 983 meters (3,225 feet), its breadth is 693 meters (2,274 feet) and it has a depth of 40.3 meters (132 feet) which makes it the deepest lake in the region. You can go for a boat ride, fishing, or simply sit in the middle of the lake and enjoy the peace and views.
2. Hanuman Temple
The Hanuman Temple is located on the main road to Naukuchiatal Lake. You’ll notice the temple by an amazing 52-foot-tall statue of Lord Hanuman. This divine place is a wonder of architectural creativity, featuring an artificial cave structure inspired by the renowned Vaishno Devi Mandir. Inside the temple area, you’ll find three temples, a comfy place for devotees to rest, a peaceful meditation room, the Ram Darbar temple, and the Shani Temple.
3. Bhimtal Lake
Bhimtal is the closest town to Naukuchiatal it is only 5 Km from Naukuchiatal Lake. You can visit many places in Bhimtal including Bhimtal Lake, Victoria Dam, Aquarium Island Cafe, Karkotak Nag Temple, Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple, etc. You can enjoy boating, water zorbing, and bird watching in the town.
4. Sattal Lake
Sattal is a group of seven lakes located about 16 km from Nakuchiyatal Town. The lakes are set in a picturesque valley, and they offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can hike to the Sattal Lakes from Nakuchiyatal, or you can take a taxi. You’ll be amazed to see the wonder of seven lakes in Sattal. Read my Sattal Travel Guide Here.
5. The Lake City Nainital
Nainital is a popular tourist destination in Uttarakhand located about 30 km from Nakuchiyatal. Nainital is famous for its lake, its scenic beauty, and its colonial-era architecture. There you can visit many places in the town and can take a cable car to reach the top of Naina Devi Peak for stunning views of the town and the mango-shaped lake.
6. Market
Nakuchiyatal has a small market but you’ll get lots of local handicrafts, foods, and dresses. You can buy souvenirs to take a memory from the town.
Places to Stay in Naukuchiatal
There are a variety of accommodation options available in Nakuchiyatal, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. I recommend staying at a hotel or resort on the banks of the lake so that you can enjoy the stunning views of the lake at night.
Tip: If you’re visiting the town in the peak season, make sure to book your stay in advance.
How to Reach Naukuchiatal
Nakuchiyatal is located about 5 km from Bhimtal, 29 km from Nainital, and 35 km from Haldwani. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam which is about 31 km and Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport about 65 km. You can take a taxi or a bus to reach the town.
This beautiful hill station is only 320 km from Delhi and 385 km from Lucknow. So, it’ll be an easy-to-go weekend gateway from these cities.
Things to do in Naukuchiatal
I spent a few days exploring Nakuchiyatal, and I was highly impressed with what it had to offer. Here is a guide to some of the best things to do in Naukuchiatal:
Visit the nine corners of the lake: Nakuchiyatal is known for its nine-corner lake, each corner has its own unique charm and beauty. You can hire a boat and enjoy the time in the banks of these corners.
Visit the Devbhumi Adventure Park: The Devbhumi Adventure Park is a great place to go for adventure activities such as ziplining, rappelling, and rock climbing. The park also has a restaurant and a children’s play area. This is a must-visit place when you’re traveling with kids.
Take a Boat ride: Taking a boat ride on one of the lakes is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of Nakuchiyatal. This is a great way to see the lake from a different perspective and to enjoy the stunning views. You can hire a pedal boat, kayak, and Shikara.
Hike beside the lake: People who love wandering and nature watching can enjoy an evening walk beside the lake. A long walk gives you peace of mind and enjoys fish dancing and bird watching near the lake.
Sky Ride with Paragliding: If you’re adventurous, you can take a short or long sky ride with Paragliding in Naukuchiatal. You’ll be immersed in the beauty of the town and the serene beauty of hills from the sky.
Visit Temples & Regional Places: If you love to explore temples then you must visit Hanuman Temple and Brahmaji temple which is located near KMVN Naukuchiatal.
Simply relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are many places to sit and relax in Naukuchiatal, such as the lakeside promenade, the Botanical Gardens, and the Echo Point.
Places to Eat in Nakuchiyatal
There are a variety of cafes & restaurants in Naukuchiatal that serve Indian, Chinese, and international cuisine. You’ll get almost everything that you wish to eat as per your mood. I recommend trying some of the local Kumaoni dishes, such as Bhatt ki Chudkani, Aloo Ka Jhola, Pahadi Kadi, and Chapati.
Best Time for Visiting Nakuchiyatal
Although you can visit the town any time of the year, traveling from April to June and October to February are recommended for tourist. This time you’ll watch nature in it’s full beauty. Below are some travel tips for tourists who want to explore the town in depth and some suggestions so that you can prepare yourself according to the weather.
- The best time to visit Naukuchiatal is during the summer months (April to June) and the winter months (October to February).
- If you are visiting during the summer months, be sure to pack sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
- If you are visiting during the winter months, be sure to pack warm clothes.
- Nakuchiyatal is a relatively small town, so it is easy to get around on foot. However, there are also auto-rickshaws and taxis available.
- Be sure to try some of the local Kumaoni dishes.
- Nakuchiyatal is a popular tourist destination, so it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season.
- Nakuchiyatal is a hill station, so be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially at night.
- Pack comfortable shoes, as you won’t be able to control yourself from walking beside the lake.
- If you want to explore nearby places then make sure to book your cab earlier, especially during peak season.
So, that was it.
This was my personal experience with this beautiful small hill station located in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. So, If you are looking for a beautiful and relaxing hill station to visit, I highly recommend Naukuchiatal.
Below I am giving an itinerary for 2 day weekend trip from Delhi or nearby cities.
2 Days Travel Itinerary for Naukuchiatal
Here is a sample itinerary for a 2-day trip to Naukuchiatal from Delhi:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Naukuchiatal and check into your hotel.
- Visit the Hanuman Temple and have your breakfast or lunch.
- Enjoy adventurous activities like Paragliding, Zip biking, Cycling, etc.
- Take a boat ride on the lake and relax on the lake.
- Enjoy the night light sitting near the lake.
- Have dinner at one of the many lakeside restaurants.
Day 2:
- Have breakfast.
- Visit the Bhimtal Lake and enjoy one of many lake activities.
- Have lunch at any famous restaurant in Bhimtal.
- Return to Naukuchiatal and do some shopping.
- Have an evening walk beside the lake.
- Have dinner and say bye to the town.
I hope this travel guide has helped you plan your trip to Naukuchiatal. It is a truly special place and I am sure you will have a wonderful time. Read my other Travel Guides.
Photos of Naukuchiatal
If you have questions regarding the town, then feel free to ask in comments.
