Naukuchiatal

Situated at the foot hills of the Kumaon Mountains in Nainital District, Naukuchiatal makes a good holiday destination. Charmingly located at an altitude of 1,219 m, Naukuchiatal or the 'nine-cornered lake' is a tree-fringed lake. Craddles by green mountains, it is one of the most picturesque lake in Uttarakhand. It is at 26 south east of Naintal and 300 km north east of Delhi.

The hillstation is a known bio reserve not only a study for researcher but also a delight for trekkers and tourists. Perhaps the most picturesque lake in Uttaranchal, it is fed by an underwater spring, which keeps its waters high. It is said that one attains Nirvana, if he spots its nine corners at one go. A lesser known hillstation, it offers its visitors mountain biking and view of Himalayan birds and animals including rare butterflies, flowers etc.

A home to more than 500 species of native and migratory birds and more than 700 of butterflies and moths, it is paradise for ornithologists. Many researchers from India and abroad, comes here just to spot the breath-taking Atlas butterfly. UNESCO has identified the place as a major Gene Bank Zones.

There is a bird watching camp, located in the midst of the forest, called the Camp Exile (Contact Address: 25, Cillotti Panday, Naukutiatal, Distt Nainital, Uttaranchal- 263136. Ph: 09758133925 (Pratish Ram), Email ID: campexile@gmail.com).

It also offers immense opportunities for trekking. The trek through pine trees, figs, and fruit-laden trees of pear, guava, apples, lemon etc make it a memorable experience. Paragliding is available at Naukuchiatal

The lake is also a home to vast stretches of lotus plants. This is the only lake in Uttarakhand, where lotus growing in it. One interesting thing about this lake is that its depth has not been calculated till date. One can enjoy fishing especially mahseer on the Naukuchiatal Lake in summer. For boating row boats and pedal boats are available on the southern side of the tal, next to the village school. Price range between Rs.50 to 300.

Vaishno Devi Mandir is a famous temple in Naukuchiatal. At the entrance one can see a giant statue of Lord Hanuman. Timings 5 am-11 pm.

Bhimtal just 4 km from Naukuchiatal, it is a place, separated by a small forest. It also has a small lake, which is believed to be created by Bhim (One of the Pandava Brother in the epic Mahabharata). It is believed that Pandvas had spent some time here during their exile, and Bhim had hit the ground with his gada to create this lake. There is an ancient Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple on the banks of this lake (Timings: 5 am-7 pm).