Explore the various things to do in Naukuchiatal, a picturesque and serene hill station in Uttarakhand. The town is famous for the gorgeous nine-cornered lake from which the name ‘Naukuchiyatal’ has been derived. In the magnificent mountains of Kumaon Hills, this beautiful destination offers a great escape from the busy city life and allows you to experience peace amidst nature. It is believed that the lake is sacred and full of mystic powers which counts for the surreal experience you have while boating through the lake’s waters. Let us take you through the story of this town and suggest other places you can visit on your excursion to Naukuchiatal. From activities like boating, fishing, and bird watching to trekking and paragliding, you can make this trip a memorable one.
Things To Do In Naukuchiatal
Explore the beautiful town of Naukuchiatala in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. You can enjoy a wide range of activities and explore many places around this little hill station.
1. Sattal Lake
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The name ‘Sattal’ translates to ‘seven lakes’ signifying the delightful beauty of nature. Sattal is a connection of seven freshwater lakes that are interconnected and located in the Kumaon district of Uttarakhand. These lakes are also home to many fishes, including mahseers and Labeo rohita. Sattal Lake is surrounded by lush and dense oak forests and is considered one of Uttarakhand’s most beautiful gems.
However, many spots and trails have been left uncovered, and you can discover them while trekking through these beautiful nature trails and enjoying a delightful view of the dense forests. This place is also considered the most optimal one for bird watchers since you can spot many species of finches and listen to their calls all day. These surreal experiences account for an amazing holiday and might check your list of activities that you wish to do to unwind and rejuvenate yourself. If you are a fan of museums and a butterfly watcher, this place houses a gigantic and beautiful butterfly museum at John Estate.
Must Read: Places To Visit Near Nainital
2. Bhimtal Lake
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Situated approximately 19 km from Naukichiatal, Bhimtal is said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in the country. The most famous tourist attraction in Bhimtal is a small island located at the centre of this lake, which also houses a magnificent aquarium with a variety of exotic fish. There is a small temple located near the aquarium, which also holds immense spiritual significance in the historical context of Bhimtal.
This temple is dedicated to Bhimeshwar Maharaj, believed to be an eruption of true devotion of Bhima towards Lord Shiva. The mythological story linked to this temple’s history dates back to when Bhima had visited all the surrounding temples and was now starting to climb the mountain, a divine voice told him to build a Shiva Temple with extreme devotion and his name would forever be remembered. And being a true devotee, this temple was built in no time, and the entire town gained its name – Bhimtal. The Bhimtal Lake is located approximately 4,500 meters above sea level in the Nainital region of Uttarakhand. You can try various activities around here, including boating, feeding the ducks, and taking a pleasant walk along the banks of the lake. Yet another historical significance of this place is that this town is named after one of the Pandavas of Mahabharata – Bhima.
3. Hanuman Temple
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The famous Hanuman Temple in Naukuchiatal houses Lord Hanuman’s beautiful and gigantic idol with a height of 52 feet (above ground). The temple is well-kept and maintained by the Bhakti Dham Trust of Uttarakhand. Although the temple is mainly dedicated to Lord Hanuman, it also houses other idols of Neem Karoli Baba, Bhakti Maa, and a cave of Vaishno Devi in prominence.
All the devotees visiting the temple on the lower floor are offered a halwa prasad(a traditional sweet blessing). The history of this temple dates back to when Bhakti Maa was given her title by Neem Karoli Baba when she did not speak to anyone for 62 years (Maun Vrat) until she passed away in 2013. In her memory, the Bhakti Dham Trust was established and had been serving the masses ever since in her honour.
Suggested Read: Hill Stations near Nainital
4. Naukuchiatal Lake
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Naukuchiatal, more famously known as the “Lake of Nine Corners” is a small but mesmerizing hill station in the Uttarakhand Nainital district. The lake is very famous because it is the deepest lake in Uttarakhand surrounded by lush green trees and shrubs and fed by an underground spring throughout the year. The lake has nine corners and it is said that nobody can see all these nine corners at once. The popular myth surrounding this fact is that if someone does see all the nine corners, he/she might either die or attain nirvana.
The natural beauty of Naukuchiatal Lake combined with the serene atmosphere invites numerous tourists from all around the world to visit the magical lake and enjoy its tranquillity.
5. Mukteshwar
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Mukteshwar is a small village and hill station in Uttarakhand which is famously known for its breezy waterfalls and magnificent landscapes. It is recommended that you visit Mukteshwar somewhere around March to April, when the climate conditions are pleasant and the weather is most suitable for travelling. The days are however a little warm during these months of summer, but the during the evening it is very pleasant and serene.
May and June are also the months when you can enjoy the scenic views of fruit and flower orchards in full bloom. This is when you get to experience the surreal beauty of nature. You can also visit the Mukteshwar Shiva Temple which gets its name from the centuries-old Shiva Temple nestled in this village of Mukteshwar. Other than the temple and orchards, tourists also enjoy a variety of other activities like rock climbing at Chauli-ki-Jali and enjoying waterfalls such as the Bhalu Ghad.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Yamunotri
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to Naukuchiatal make sure you plan your trip to Uttarakhand to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. If you are planning a mountain trip, do not forget to check out this guide. Don’t miss out on these opportunities; book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Naukuchiatal
Where is Naukuchiatal located?
Naukuchiatal is at a distance of 26 km from Nainital and just 4 km away from Bhimtal. It lies approximately 1220 meters above sea level and is well-connected by roads. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, from where you can hire a cab to reach Naukuchiatal.
Can you expect snow in Naukuchiatal?
Yes, you might expect to spot some snow in January. The overall weather is quite pleasant and cool throughout the year because of its location in the beautiful mountains of the Himalayas.
What is the one myth related to Naukuchiatal?
It is believed that nobody can see all the nine corners of the lake at the same time. The myth surrounding this is that anyone who can see all the nine corners at once with either die or attain nirvana.
What is Naukuchiatal famous for?
the Naukuchiatal Lake or the ‘Lake of Nine Corners’ is the deepest in Uttarakhand with a depth of about 40.3 meters. It also attracts many tourists every year due to the serene landscapes and beautiful ambiance of nature.
What is the capital of Uttarakhand?
Uttarakhand has two capitals. Bhararisain (located in the Chamoli district) serves as the summer capital of Uttarakhand whereas, Dehradun is the winter capital.
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