A tree-fringed lake, Naukuchiatal (nine cornered lake), 3,996 ft above sea level, is located in
Nainital District. It is 26 km from
Nainital. The lake is fed by an underwater spring. There is a belief that a single view of all the nine corners of the lake at one go will help one attain
Nirvana. The Mata Vaishno Temple is a place of interest, with a huge statue of
Hanuman.
Blessed with lush green hills and mountain trails, Naukuchiatal is a place to enjoy mountain biking and view Himalayan birds, animals, flowers, and rare butterflies. Facilities are available for parasailing and fishing. Janandhidhar and Jangliagaon, at distances of 8 km, offer scope of trekking.
Bhimtal (4 km away) and Ranikhet are nearby. Though Naukuchiatal has pleasant weather throughout, the ideal time to visit is from March to August and October to November. Accommodation facility is available in the nearby lake resort. A tourist office run by Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam (KMVN), caters to the tourists' needs. Kathgodam, 26 km away, is the closest railhead.
