Unwind, unplug, untangle: A slow travel guide to Naukuchiatal

You’ve probably been to Nainital, maybe taken a boat ride in Bhimtal, or driven past Ramgarh while searching for apples. But tucked just a little beyond the noise and the tourists is a quiet little lake town in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region that most people still don’t talk about much: Naukuchiatal. 

The name Naukuchiatal means ‘Lake of Nine Corners’, around which the town is set. Legend has it that if you can see all nine corners at once, you will attain enlightenment. Spoiler: it’s not that easy—the lake curves and twists like it’s hiding its edges on purpose.

This is just one of the many ways Naukuchiatal draws you closer to nature. Unlike other hill stations, Naukuchiatal doesn't shout for your attention. It doesn’t have flashy resorts or endless café trails. What it offers is silence, fresh pine-scented air, green hills that don’t need filters, and the kind of slow magic that creeps into your bones. This is the place you come to, when you are tired of ‘doing’ things and just want to be.

Here's everything you need to know about Naukuchiatal—not the stuff you will find in brochures but the little secrets, the quiet corners, and the feeling that lingers after you’ve left.

Beyond the brochure 

Wondering how to spend your time in this hill town? YS Life tells you all. 

Walk and just walk 

One of the best things you can do in Naukuchiatal is to slip your phone into your pocket and just take a long, meandering walk around the lake. Early mornings are best when the air is crisp and the light hits the water just right. You might pass an odd villager, few grazing cows, or maybe a sleepy dog or two. It’s quiet, peaceful, and grounding.

Climb up to the Hanuman Temple (and then go behind it)

There’s a giant Hanuman statue, over 50 feet tall, which will catch your attention when you enter Naukuchiatal. But the real magic is behind the temple. There’s a little trail that winds up into the hills, and if you follow it (with snacks and water), you will hit a viewpoint that gives you a wide-angle shot of the valley. It’s one of those places where you stay for hours and just take in beauty. 

Explore Jangaliya Gaon

Just ten minutes from Naukuchiatal lies a village, Jangaliya Gaon, which you won’t find in most guidebooks. It is a beautiful village with old stone houses, vibrant doors, wheat fields, and kids running down dusty lanes. The locals are warm and welcoming, and always up for a chat if you are polite. Just walk through, maybe buy some seasonal fruit from a roadside stall, and let the rhythm of rural life slow you down.

Forest-bathe like you mean it

You don’t need a spa. Just find a trail—ask your homestay host for a good one and walk into the forest. Don’t play music or speak much. Just listen to the wind through the trees, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the occasional woodpecker doing its thing. This experience is all about activating your senses–it’s oddly therapeutic, and you will come back refreshed.

For the adventurous soul 

If you want a little more adrenaline with your peace, try paragliding over the Naukuchiatal lake. There’s a launch site nearby, and when the weather is right, floating above the hills with the lake below feels surreal, like you’re inside a dream you didn’t know you had.

On a platter 

If you want to sample local food or try global delicacies, here are some great options:

Aipan Restaurant (near the lake market): No frills, just real Kumaoni food. If you’re lucky, you will get bhatt ki churkani, aloo ke gutke, madua rotis, and bhang ki chutney–earthy, warm, and made with love.

Himshakti Café: Run by locals, this modest place does hearty Kumaoni meals if you ask upfront. Their ragi rotis with fresh white butter are perfect after a long walk.

iHeart Café (Bhimtal Road): While this one’s not exactly traditional, it’s a great place for breakfasts with a view. Occasionally, they serve millet pancakes or local twists on global dishes. The vibe is very ‘writer finishing their novel in the hills.’

Ida, Naukuchia House: At Ida, meaning mother in Kumaoni, the meals are cooked thoughtfully just like our mothers and grandmothers would, in earthenware and with sil batta‑ground spices. The highlights on the menu include Achari Baingan, Pahadi Chicken, Shikar Mutton, and Himalayan Trout. Find a place in the outer deck and enjoy your meal with expansive mountain views for company. 

Shri Balaji kitchen: Located right opposite the Hanuman Temple, this small dhaba-style eatery is popular with locals and pilgrims alike. While it is known for its simple fare like parathas, upma, and sandwiches, you can request them to whip up local specialities like bhatt ki churkani and aloo ke gutke.

Joshi Ji’s Pahadi Dhaba: In Jangaliya Gaon, a tiny roadside dhaba that flies under the radar is perfect for an offbeat lunch of pahari thali, gahat dal, rajma, and spicy chutneys.

What to take back 

Shopping in Naukuchiatal isn’t about malls or designer stores. Instead, it’s slow, local, and full of character. Think hand-knitted, homemade jams made with fruit from someone’s backyard, or tiny treasures tucked away in a hillside home. While it’s not a conventional ‘shopping destination’, you can find small stalls near the lake and Hanuman temple.

Visit the women-run cooperatives in nearby villages like Jangaliya Gaon and carry back buransh (rhododendron) squash, apricot and plum jams, mandua (finger millet) flour as well as herbal teas and Himalayan salts. Aipan Restaurant also sells small-batch homemade pickles and snacks.

Where to stay 

Nestled at around 4,000 ft amid pine and oak, with direct access and ethereal views of the nine‑cornered lake, the Palladian-style Naukuchia House by IHCL SeleQtions exudes elegance and calm. 

From forest-bathing and guided nature walks to village immersion, private stargazing, and dining under the stars, every element is thoughtfully curated to enrich a guest's sensory journey. 

There are other small homestays like Fairyland and Lakefront in Naukuchiatal that don't market themselves as much. Feel free to check them out and then book. 

The art of doing nothing  

You don’t come to Naukuchiatal for a checklist but just to relax and escape the noise of everyday life. And here, by this quiet, nine-cornered lake, you finally catch your breath. Maybe you paddle across still waters, or you just sip chai and watch the clouds roll in. Either way, you leave lighter. Not because you did so much, but because, for once, you didn’t have to.

Fact file: 

Nearest railway station: Kathgodam is the closest major railhead, approximately 35-45 km from Naukuchiatal. One can take a local taxi from there.

Nearest airport: Pantnagar Airport is about 75 km away. Taxis from the airport typically take 2-2.5 hours to reach Naukuchiatal.

Best time to visit: From March to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear.