Naukuchiatal Travel Guide
The nine-cornered lake near Nainital — quieter, less crowded and ideal for paragliding, kayaking and birdwatching.
- Altitude
- 1,220 m
- Best season
- Year round · best Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
- From Dehradun
- ~330 km
- Category
- Lake
Why visit Naukuchiatal
- The deepest lake in Kumaon at 40 m — Naukuchiatal's unusual nine-cornered shape gives it a unique geometry visible from the surrounding hills
- Adventure activities including parasailing, zip-lining, boating, kayaking, and rock climbing make it the most activity-rich lake in the Kumaon lake district
- Outstanding birdwatching — migratory and resident birds including kingfishers, herons, pochards, coots, and cormorants congregate on and around the lake
- Far less crowded than Nainital despite being only 26 km away — the lake retains a quieter, more natural character
- The surrounding forests of rhododendron, oak, and pine create a green amphitheatre that is especially spectacular in rhododendron season (March–April)
- Just 4 km from Bhimtal and easy to combine with Bhimtal, Sattal, and Khurpatal in a Kumaon lakes circuit
Naukuchiatal — literally 'nine-cornered lake' — is a 983 m long and 693 m wide lake at 1,220 m, about 26 km from Nainital. The irregular nine-pointed perimeter gives it its name and makes it distinctive among the Kumaon lakes. It is deeper than Bhimtal and Sattal and supports a rich aquatic ecosystem.
The lake is significantly calmer than Nainital, with boats, kayaking, paragliding and fish-feeding as activities. The surrounding forest has over 200 bird species making it popular with birders. Several resort properties on the lakeside offer accommodation with water views, and the area has become a quiet alternative for families who find Nainital's crowds difficult.
Explore around
Places near Naukuchiatal
Larger lake with an island aquarium — good food options and accommodation
Sattal12 kmCluster of 7 interconnected lakes in forest — superb birdwatching and quiet atmosphere
Nainital26 kmThe main lake hill station and regional hub
Small, green, very quiet lake — off the main tourist trail
Ridge-top destination with apple orchards and dramatic cliff viewpoints
What to do
Activities at Naukuchiatal
Parasailing
Parasailing over the lake is Naukuchiatal's signature activity — operators on the lakeside run tandem flights with views of the nine-cornered lake shape from altitude
Zip-lining
A 500 m-plus zip line over the lake and surrounding forest provides an adrenaline rush with spectacular scenery
Boating and Kayaking
Paddle boats, row boats, and kayaks are available on the lake — self-powered boats allow you to explore the nine corners at your own pace
Birdwatching
The lake and surrounding forest host over 200 species; winter (November–February) brings migratory waterfowl including pochards, teals, and coots; kingfishers and herons are resident year-round
Rock Climbing
The rocky faces above the lake offer basic to intermediate rock climbing routes managed by local adventure operators
Forest Walks
Trails through oak and rhododendron forest above the lake connect to viewpoints; the walk above the east bank gives the best view of the lake's nine-cornered geometry
Before you go
Naukuchiatal travel tips
- Visit on weekdays if possible — weekends see city visitors from Haldwani and beyond, making the lakeside crowded
- Birdwatching is best in the early morning (6–9 am) before boat traffic disturbs the waterbirds
- Adventure activity operators have fixed government-approved rates; avoid touts and book directly at the lakeside counters
- The nine corners of the lake are best appreciated from the forest viewpoint above the east bank — a 20-minute walk up a trail
- Accommodation is limited at Naukuchiatal itself; Bhimtal (4 km) has more options and is very convenient as a base
- The lake water is not suitable for swimming — currents and depth make it unsafe
Getting there
How to reach Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal is 26 km from Nainital and 4 km from Bhimtal. Shared taxis from Haldwani reach Bhimtal (30 km); local taxis or autos cover the 4 km to Naukuchiatal. From Nainital, taxis run directly.
Kathgodam is the nearest railhead (34 km). Taxis from Kathgodam reach Naukuchiatal via Bhimtal in about 1 hour.
Pantnagar Airport (55 km) is the nearest airport. Taxi to Naukuchiatal takes approximately 2 hours.
Where to stay in Naukuchiatal
- Naukuchiatal has a handful of lakeside resorts and guesthouses — The Lake Resort and Camp Naukuchiatal are popular options
- KMVN Tourist Rest House provides budget accommodation with lake views
- Bhimtal (4 km) has a wider range of hotels and homestays and is slightly more convenient for transport connections
- Several tent camps operate on the forest margins above the lake during peak season (April–June, October–November)
Food & dining
- Lakeside dhabas serve Kumaoni thali, Maggi, and fresh momos — the food is simple but satisfying after a morning of activities
- Bhimtal (4 km) has better restaurant options including multi-cuisine cafes and a few proper restaurants
- Fresh trout from nearby fish farms is sometimes available at the better lakeside restaurants
- Local markets sell bal mithai, singodi, and Kumaoni pickles — good items to carry for a lakeside picnic
Background
History of Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal's name derives directly from its unusual shape — nau (nine) + kona (corner) + tal (lake) — a natural formation created by glacial and tectonic activity that left the lake bed with an irregular nine-cornered outline. The lake sits in a depression ringed by forest-covered ridges at a slightly lower altitude than Nainital, giving it a warmer microclimate that supports a rich aquatic ecosystem.
The lake was far less known than Nainital and Bhimtal during the colonial period — British hill station development bypassed Naukuchiatal in favour of the larger lakes. This relative neglect preserved its natural character and biodiversity. The Forest Department has maintained the surrounding forest as a protected zone, limiting lakeside construction and preserving the birdlife.
Adventure tourism infrastructure arrived at Naukuchiatal in the early 2000s, establishing it as the activity hub of the Kumaon lakes district. The parasailing and zip-line operations over the lake — the only such facilities at any Uttarakhand lake — transformed it from a quiet backwater into a weekend destination from Haldwani, Rudrapur, and the Tarai towns while the weekday atmosphere remains peaceful and birdwatcher-friendly.
Plan your trip
Suggested Naukuchiatal itinerary
- Day 1Arrive from Kathgodam or Nainital. Morning birdwatching at lakeside (6–9 am). Breakfast at dhaba. Adventure activities: parasailing, zip-line, kayaking (10 am–1 pm). Lunch at lakeside. Afternoon forest walk to the east bank viewpoint for the nine-corner lake perspective. Evening: sunset over the lake. Overnight at lakeside resort.
- Day 2Morning: drive to Sattal (12 km) for forest birdwatching and the seven interconnected lakes. Lunch at Bhimtal (4 km from Naukuchiatal) — visit the island aquarium. Afternoon: continue to Nainital or return to Kathgodam for trains.
Common questions
Naukuchiatal FAQ
- Why is Naukuchiatal called the nine-cornered lake?
- Naukuchiatal's natural shoreline has nine distinct corners or indentations — a result of the irregular glacially-carved basin in which it sits. The name combines nau (nine), kona (corner), and tal (lake). The shape is best appreciated from the forest viewpoints above the eastern bank.
- How deep is Naukuchiatal?
- At 40 metres, Naukuchiatal is the deepest lake in Kumaon, deeper than Nainital (27 m) and Bhimtal (26 m). This depth supports a rich aquatic ecosystem and keeps the water cool even in summer.
- What adventure activities are available at Naukuchiatal?
- The lake offers parasailing, zip-lining (over the lake), boating (paddle and row), kayaking, and rock climbing on the cliffs above the eastern shore. Adventure activities are managed by licensed operators at government-approved rates.
- Is Naukuchiatal good for birdwatching?
- Yes — it is one of the best birdwatching spots in Kumaon. The lake and surrounding forest host over 200 bird species including kingfishers, cormorants, herons, and egrets year-round, and migratory waterfowl (pochards, teals, coots) from November to February.
- Can I visit Naukuchiatal and Bhimtal on the same day?
- Easily — they are 4 km apart. Many visitors combine Naukuchiatal (adventure activities and birdwatching), Bhimtal (island aquarium, lake promenade), and Sattal (forest and seven lakes) in a single day circuit from Kathgodam or Nainital.
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