Credit: sanjeev kapoor
Nauchakital, shaped like a nine-cornered star or having nine corners from where the lake gets its name, is situated near the town of Nainital. At an altitude of 1.220 meters above sea level, the lake is surrounded by a beautiful and wide variety of flora and fauna.
History and Mythology
There is an interesting story that is connected with the region. According to the legend, the lake was created by Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe.
The story goes like this: Once, Brahma was in search of a peaceful place where he could perform his Yagna, a Hindu ritual. Captivated by the serenity and tranquility of the lake, he chose this place to perform Yagna. But he was faced with a problem: he needed more space to perform his yagna. So he used his divine powers and created nine corners, or nau-kuchiyas, in the lake. After this, he completed his yagnas and blessed the Naukuchiatal as a sacred lake where one can wash their sins and purify their soul.
A small temple of Brahma near the lake is a reminder of this. Also, this is one of the few temples that is dedicated to Lord Brahma.
There is another story that goes that says no one can see all nine corners of a lake at once, and if someone tries, either he will die or attain nirvana.
Things to do at Naukuchiatal
Boating is the most popular activity that you can opt for while visiting the lake. The clear, pristine water of the lake in the beautiful surrounding hills is something to experience.
Bird watching: Several bird watchers visit the place to look at a wide variety of birds that migrate to the surrounding forests and hills.
Trekking and Campaign: The Kumaon Hills offer stunning views of lakes and surrounding hills to experience. One can explore the trails and experience the thrill of being in nature.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Naukuchiatal Lake is from March to June and September to November.
Accommodation
There are several options available that cater to budgetary preferences. Some of the popular options include Naukuchiatal Adventure Camp, Camphor Tree, and the Lake Resort.
By Road: Naukuchiatal is well connected to other cities in the region by road. The nearest major city is Nainital, which is around 26 kilometers away from the lake. There are regular buses and taxis available from Nainital to Naukuchiatal. If you are coming from Delhi, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Naukuchiatal, which is around 300 km away.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Naukuchiatal is the Kathgodam railway station, which is around 30 km away. Kathgodam is well connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow, and there are several trains that run on a daily basis. From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Naukuchiatal.
By Air: The nearest airport to Naukuchiatal is Pantnagar Airport, which is around 70 km away. However, there are only a few flights that operate from this airport. The nearest major airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, which is around 300 km away. From Delhi, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Naukuchiatal.