Naukuchiyatal -Uttaranchal

Surrounded the reforested hills, Naukuchiyatal takes its name from its nine-cornered shape.

The lower foothills of Kumaon Himalayas are home to several mountain lakes such as the well known Naini and Bhim taals. However, the smaller and less crowded lake at Naukuchiyatal, amid woody hills, is a truly enchanting destination. Located at comfortable 4,265 ft, it has pleasant winter days though the mornings and evenings can get a bit nippy.
This is possibly one of the easiest destinations to reach. There are two equally viable options to get there. The convenient one is to take an overnight train (Ranikhet Express from Old Delhi Station) that deposits you at the crack of dawn at Kathgodam. From there, it’s a pleasant, 27-km drive to your destination. But then, true warriors will hit the road!

Surrounded by carefully reforested hills, Naukuchiyatal takes its name from its nine-cornered shape. The atmosphere is peaceful and, when a breeze builds up, the swishing sounds from the trees can easily lull you to sleep. Besides boating, there are lovely walks through lush green forests that you can try out. The place is also home to interesting birdlife and amazing butterflies.

ROAD MAP
Make an early start and you can cover the 265 km long haul to Kathgodam within six hours. The journey onwards from Kathgodam involves about 30 km of hill driving and, within the hour, you are in Nanital, the ‘Lake District of India’. Bhimtal is 26 km further away while Naukuchiyatal is just 6 km from there. The best route from Delhi is through Moradabad- Haldiwani- Bhimtal- Naukuchiyatal.

Delhi to Naukuchiyatal: 327 km