Credit: Jyotsnaa G Bansal
Uttarakhand is home to several lakes. Sattal, Nainital, and Nauchakital are lakes in the Kumaon region that are popular destinations in the region. A lake we will talk about today is Khurpatal, which is situated in the town of Khurpatal near Nainital, Uttarakhand.
The lake is believed to have been created due to geological formation when a landslide hit the surrounding area several centuries ago. Debris from the landslide creates a natural dam that is further filled with water to form a lake.
The name “Khurpa” is derived from the Hindi word Khurpi,” which means a small spade or hoe. According to legend, a farmer once used his spade to dig a hole in the ground to collect water. That eventually turned into a lake. Another story tells that there is a mythical creature named Khurpia or Kuru Yakshini that protects the lake and surrounding forest from harm.
In the past, Khurpa Tal played a historic role in overcoming the water shortages in the region. In the early 20th century, a pipeline was constructed to transport water from the lake to Nainital.
Talking about the geography of the lake, Khurpa Tal is shallow compared to other lakes in the region, with a maximum depth of only 17 meters. The lake is ideal for boating and fishing as the water is calm and clear.
Things to do in Khurpatal
Bird Watching: Kurpatal is home to a variety of bird species. Several migratory birds come in the winter months, including the bar-headed goose, red-crested pochard, and Eurasian wigeon. You can watch several species throughout the year.
Boating: Boating is a famous activity in Khurpa Taal. You can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and views while boating in the lake. Several fish, including mahseer, trout, and Carp are raised in the lake.
Trekking: Nestled in between the Kumaon hills, Khurpatal has many trekking routes that pass through dense forests and hidden waterfalls.
Accommodation in Khurpatal
There are several accommodations available in Khurpatal that range from budget-friendly to luxury resorts. Some of the popular include
Lake resort
Shervani Hilltop
Khurpatal lake resort
Best time to visit Khurpatal
The best time to visit Khurpa Taal is between March and June when the weather is pleasant and the flowers are in bloom. The monsoon season between July and September is also a great time when rains bring out the lush greenery of the hills, but do remember that landslides don’t block the road.
How To Reach Khurpatal
By Road: One can reach Khurpatal by taking a bus or taxi from nearby cities like Nainital, Haldwani, or Kathgodam. The town is located at a distance of about 10 km from Nainital, and the journey takes around 30 minutes.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Khurpatal is Kathgodam, which is located at a distance of around 30 km from the town. One can take a taxi or bus from Kathgodam to reach Khurpatal. Kathgodam railway station is well-connected to major cities in India.
By Air: The nearest airport to Khurpatal is Pantnagar Airport, which is located at a distance of around 62 km from the town. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Khurpatal. Pantnagar Airport is well-connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.