Naukuchiatal, a small, picturesque lake village is a destination for those who seek quietude and tranquility beneath the shade of pure nature. As the name of the place suggests Paragliding Naukuchiatal, Bhimtal lake, Naukuchiatal the lake resort, this place is mainly know for its nine-corner lake which measures up to 1 km in length and 40 m deep.
Lying at some distance from bustling hill station of Nainital, this place is also attached to a legend. It is said that one glimpse of all nine corners of lake with both feet on the earth can make the viewer disappear into smoke to achieve nirvana. With ample opportunities to rejuvenate your body and soul, Naukuchiatal is blessed with panoramically splendid surroundings and captivating lake. The beautiful weather throughout the year and several attractions like lakes and temples makes sure to make your trip a beguiling experience.
Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal the lake resort is one of the seven lakes in and around “the lake city” of Nainital in Uttarakhand state of India. It is located in a scenic village of Naukuchiatal the lake resort, 26 km away the popular hill station of Nainital.
Geography
The lake has nine corners, which is why people call it Naukuchiatal, means “the nine cornered lake”. And The lake measures up to 1 km length and 40 m deep, which makes it the deepest lake in Nainital district.
The lake peacefully sits at an elevation of 1220 m above the sea level. One has to drive for almost one hour to reach here from Nainital.
Things to do in Naukuchiatal
Paragliding Naukuchiatal : Adventure lovers often hit this place to fly high like a bird. It is one of the most popular and reachable Paragliding Naukuchiatal place to enjoy Paragliding Naukuchiatal in Uttarakhand. It will take you about 8 to 9 hours to reach here from Delhi.
Though Paragliding Naukuchiatal is a year-round destination that can be cherish in all the seasons, it is advise to keep a check on the weather while one if traveling to the hill station for specific activities such as paragliding in Naukuchiatal.
Owing to the obvious reasons, location, and naturally associated risks, the paragliding Naukuchiatal price falls under the higher bracket. Mainly, there are two types of Paragliding Naukuchiatal which are popularly known as short fly, and high fly. Here are the paragliding Naukuchiatal rates:
1. Short Fly
Duration: 3 to 5 minutes
Cost: INR 1,500 per person
2. High Fly
Duration: 20 to 30 minutes
Cost: INR 5,000
Other than that, below mention are few other factors Paragliding Naukuchiatal that are a must to be considered while arriving at an estimate budget for traveling to Naukuchiatal the lake resort.
Paragliding: INR 1,500 (considering the lower limit)
Accommodation: INR 1,500 to INR 2,000
Transfers: INR 500 to INR 1,000
Meals: INR 1,000
Sightseeing: INR 500 to INR 1,000
Miscellaneous: INR 1,000
Boating: The lake is 1 km long, in the middle of lush greenery. This makes it a perfect and quiet place to enjoy boating.
Nature Walk in the Village and Around the Lake: Naukuchiatal the lake resort or Naukuchiyatal village is rich in greenery, Kumaon hills and natural landscapes. A walk in the village and around this lake will rejuvenate yourself.
Bird Watching: The lake is home to many local and migratory birds. A trip to Naukuchiatal will not disappoint you if you are a bird watcher.
Wildlife Photography: The whole valley is rich in flora and fauna, which provides ample opportunities for wildlife photography.
Fishing: Jungliagaon is a nearby village known for fishing activities.
Local Info about Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal the lake resort is popular for Buraans squash, made from rhododendrons flowers. It is easily available in many fruit stores.
Himjoli is a local organization, supported by many NGOs and self-help organizations. They make natural cosmetics, culinary herbs, herbal teas, health foods, honey, pickles and handicrafts. Taking home one of their products with you would not disappoint you.
Lake Naukuchiatal
One of the most sought-after places in Naukuchiatal the lake resort, this lake is located at an altitude of 3996 ft above the sea level. Never falling short of water, it is regularly filled by the underwater stream.
This place also acts as an inhabitation for numerous exotic bird species. Naukuchiatal the lake resort Activities like paragliding, boating, biking, swimming, fishing and parasailing attracts tourists from all over the country in large numbers. There is also a myth attached to this lake. According to legend, a single glimpse of all the nine corners of the lake with feet on the land can help one achieve nirvana.
Boating
An activity one must indulge in while visiting Naukuchiatal Lake is boating. Apart from its beautiful background, the best part is its peaceful surrounding where one can even enjoy the birds chirping. The activity is charged and comes under the local union.
Hanuman Temple/ Vaishno Devi Temple
This temple is a fascinating place for Lord Hanuman devotees where on the entrance the visitors will be enthralled with the 52 ft high statue of the God.
The splendiferous backdrop of mountains and valley adds charm to the already bewitching environment. The artificially made caves further lead to the famous Vaishno Devi Shrine which surrounds the temple and gives way to different parts. The temple complex consists of many sections like three temples in main complex, the meditation room, Shani Temple, Ram Darbar Temple and the resting area for pilgrims.
Religious Significance and Importance of Hanuman Garhi Temple
Hanuman Garhi Temple has great religious importance among the locals, as it was built by Neem Karoli Baba, who was a famous saint during the 1950s.
Baba Neem Karoli lovingly referred to as “Maharaj Ji” was a mystic and a devotee of Lord Hanuman. Therefore, he built the temple so his devotees could worship Lord Hanuman, who is believe to be the epitome of strength, loyalty, and dedication.
The Architecture of Hanuman Garhi Temple
The temple has a marvelous architecture, one can see saffron, white and red colors painted on the shrines present in the temple complex.
The sky-scraping statue of Lord Hanuman is the most prominent feature of the temple. The statue of Lord Hanuman is said to guard the area and locals against the evil energy.
The lifelike features of Lord Hanuman make the statue even more realistic. He is show holding a mace or “Gada” in one hand and a golden umbrella is install over the head of Lord Hanuman.
Inside Hanuman Garhi Temple Nainital
The temple enshrines an idol of Lord Hanuman, opening his chest with his bare hands, revealing the images of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, present inside his heart.
Lord Hanuman also nicknamed as “Maruti Nandan” is the son of Mata Anjani and Kesari. He was bless by wind-God Pawan. Therefore, he is also refer to as ‘Pawan Putra Hanuman’, as Pawan Deva is considered to be the spiritual father of Hanuman.
Things to do at and around Hanuman Garhi Temple in Nainital
Hanuman Garhi Temple is one of the most visited places in Nainital. Since the temple is bound by lush green hills from all four sides. It attracts the attention of nature bugs to visit here.
The calming aura and the sun-kissed hills surrounding the temple makes the place spiritually uplifting. There are a lot of activities to do at and around Hanuman Garhi temple, here are some:
- You can enjoy the scenic view of the Tarai Valley from here and take some amazing shots for your Instagram.
- Since the temple is strategically located atop a hill, you can have an excellent view of the Sunrise and Sunset from here.
- Engage in bhakti rasa by taking part in the evening prayer held at the temple.
- If you are a morning person, you can be a part of the morning Aarti and start the day by chanting mantras. Om!
- Enjoy boating in the tranquil waters of Naini Lake, around 3.2 km away from the temple.
- Embark on a mini trek to Sheetla Mata Mandir located nearby.
- Savour the beauty of the snow-pecked Himalayan peaks from Snow Viewpoint, about 5.4 km away from Hanuman Garhi temple. The aerial ropeway will lead you to the Snow Viewpoint, from where you can have a stellar view of the city and the surrounding beauty.
- You can commence a trek to Naini Peak which is about 12.6 km away from Hanuman Garhi temple.
- Nature enthusiasts can visit the Eco Cave Garden, a popular sightseeing place in Nainital just 5.7 km away from the temple.
- Wrap up your journey by paying obeisance at Naina Devi Temple, located about 4.2 km away from Hanuman Garhi Temple.
Best Time to Visit Hanuman Garhi Temple in Nainital
Hanuman Garhi Temple can visit anytime during the year. Since Nainital experiences subtropical highland climate. Therefore, the city’s climate is influenced by its elevation.
The city experiences biting cold winters with heavy chances of snowfall during the months of November, December and January. Summers are quite pleasant here and are also the peak season for tourist visits.
Monsoon can be rough sometimes, which may hinder your movement. You must check with the weather department before planning a trip to Nainital in monsoon season.
Bhimtal Lake
Bhimtal Lake, one of the most famous lakes in India, is located in the Bhimtal town of the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. Likewise, an island at the Centre of the Lake is a famous tourist attraction and also houses an aquarium with a variety of fish species and a temple. In the Kumaon region, which is also know as the Lake district of India, the Bhimtal lake is the largest lake and supplies drinking water to the town and supports aquaculture in the region. Today, the lake has open for tourists and has a variety of activities in and around the lake. Morning walks are especially recommend for those who want to avoid the tourist crowd. The tranquil atmosphere of the lake is sure to make you want to come back again and again.
History of Bhimtal Lake
The Bhimtal Lake is located at an elevation of over 4500 feet, in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is a ‘C’ shaped lake that expands over area of 47 hectares. During some months in a year, the otherwise clear lake water turns brown due to infused animalcule. Locals believe that only after the lake claims a victim does the brown color disappears, and the water becomes clear again.
The surroundings of the Bhimtal Lake are well maintain and clean offering a pleasant experience to everyone visiting it. One can go boating or take a long walk along the banks and feed the ducks during dawn or dusk. After that the vibe, wholly tranquil and serene, will mesmerize you as you wrap up a busy vacation day schedule at the lake.
About
The Bhimtal Lake occupies an area of about 48 hectares and has a storage capacity of about 4.6 million cubic meters. Similarly It is located at an elevation of over 4500 feet above sea level in Nainital, Uttarakhand. The lake originated from numerous faults which occurred due to the shifting of the earth’s crust which caused a blockade of the overland flows, and thus, resulted in the creation of the lake. Research has prove that the Lake water is highly pollute because of the disposal of sewage directly into the water from the residential complexes fringing around it. To include It hence falls into the Mesotrophic category of lakes. To the end that A project to trap the wastewater and treat it instead of dumping it the lake water is underway.
Secondly The region has mostly tropical and sub-tropical climatic conditions and receives quite a high level of precipitation during the months of monsoon, between July and September). The C-shaped Lake has steep banks, and it is home to a variety of flora and fauna. The banks have grass and bushes growing, and some thickly forested areas around the lake mostly have Oak, Following Chir Pine and other deciduous trees thriving in the environment.
Species like the Khalij Pheasants, another the Barking Deer, geese and ducks are frequently see. Yet The lake houses common Snowtrout, Rohu, Catla and European Carp. And The Fish Farm at Bhimtal produces abundant yields of Mahseer or the Tor Putitora Fish.
Other Activities to do at Bhimtal Lake
Trekking: The Bhimtal Lake is surround by thick forests with numerous trekking trails around the lake. So, the view of the picturesque valleys and the serene lake from a distance is worth trekking for.
Paragliding: Just about 4 kilometres away from Bhimtal Lake is Naukuchiatal where adventure freaks can go paragliding to get a bird’s eye view of the mesmerizing scenery.
Cycling or Mountain Biking: Visitors can cycle through the surroundings of the Bhimtal Lake to explore the beautiful scenery.
Water ball: This is an activity similar to Zorbing, but only done on water. Because Visitors must experience walking or running on the surface of the water in one of these water balls.
Horse Riding: The Bara Pathar route in Bhimtal is a preferred route for horse riding. However, Horses can be rent on an hourly basis to explore the beautiful trails around the Bhimtal Lake.
Tips For Visiting Bhimtal Lake
2. There are kiosks selling street food around the lake area.
3. The climate could get chilly in the early hours of the evening, carry enough warm clothing.
4. Avoid activities that pollute the lake water and the surroundings.
5. Visit the lake early in the morning if you wish to avoid the crowd during peak seasons.
What is the best time to visit Naukuchiatal?
To begin with Naukuchiatal the lake resort experiences warm summer but in a pleasant way. Being that the cool breeze in the evening can lift up your spirits. Following Stretching from the month of March to June, the maximum temperature goes up to 30 degrees Celcius. Monsoon season in the village faces moderate rainfall with a hint of newness and greenery in the environment. However, it is best advise to avoid travelling during monsoon which ends during the month of September. Therefore, Winter season is cool with temperature ranging from 0 to 20 degrees Celcius. With a breath of fresh air, winters may also witness heavy snowfall. Above all, Heavy woolens are recommend for this season which extends up to the month of February.
How to Reach and Location of Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal is at a distance of 26 km from Nainital. While you are in Nainital, in other words, you can take a drive to Naukuchiatal or take a private or sharing cab. Or one can visit here as a separate getaway. Being that It usually takes about an hour to reach here from Nainital and one and a half hours from Haldwani. It is 33 km away from Haldwani.
By Air
Pantnagar airport is the nearest airport from Naukuchiatal and Nainital. After that, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Haldwani or Kathgodam and then a bus or a taxi further to Nainital or directly to Naukuchiatal. One can find many buses in Haldwani and Kathgodam bus stops going to Nainital. If you want to visit Naukuchiatal directly from Haldwani or Kathgodam the taking a cab would be the best option.
By Train
Naukuchiatal is 25 km away from Kathgodam railway station. In contrast It is the last railway station and from here one has to take a bus or a taxi to reach Naukuchiatal. There are plenty of buses and taxis available in Kathgodam which will drop you to Being that Nainital of Naukuchiatal. Moreover, just outside the railway station, there is a bus station from where one can find a bus to Nainital.
By Bus
Many private and government buses are available from ISBT Dehradun and ISBT Anand Vihar Delhi to Nainital, Shortly Haldwani and Kathgodam. It takes more than 7 hours to reach Haldwani or Kathgodam from Delhi and further one and half hours to reach Naukuchiatal. Most Importantly Please note that Haldwani and Kathgodam are basically a single city.