Naukuchiatal, which literally means the ‘nine cornered lake’, forms part of the Lake District of India and is a picturesque hill station in Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The hill station is popular for its lake, which is the deepest lake in the Nainital region. The hill station is situated at an altitude of 1,220 meters. According to folklore, any person who can spot all the nine corners of the lake standing on the ground is guaranteed nirvana. It is also said that anyone who performs a circumambulation or parikrama of the lake, will be blessed by Lord Brahma.
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The beauty of the lake is enhanced by the thick woods. A walk through the woods, which offers scenic views of the lake, is a popular activity among the locals and tourists. Apart from the lake, one can also see rare butterflies and a variety of wildlife. The hill station is also an ideal place for adventure sports aficionados. One can experience water sports activities such as angling, trekking, paragliding, parasailing and river rafting.
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There are ample accommodation options in the hill station. One can find budget, mid-range hotels and resorts. There are several restaurants, which serve local cuisine as well as South Indian and Chinese. Most of the restaurants serve vegetarian dishes. The best time to visit the hill station is during the months of March to June and September to November. During the months, the climate remains pleasant and it is the ideal time for sightseeing.
Photograph courtesy: Sandeepa and Chetan/Creative Commons
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Nainital is as given below. The best time to visit Nainital is also specified.