Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal, in Nainital district of Uttarakhand, is a small hill village built around the famous “lake of nine corners”—a deep natural lake at about 1,220 m, considered the deepest in the Nainital region. The name comes from its unique nine-edged shape (nau = nine, kuchia = corners, tal = lake).

Local mythology says the lake was created by Lord Brahma in response to intense penance by devotees; a small Brahma temple near the KMVN guest house honours this belief. Anyone who performs a complete parikrama (circumambulation) of the lake is said to receive his blessings, and a popular legend claims that seeing all nine corners at once grants nirvana.

Historically, Naukuchiatal remained a quiet Kumaoni settlement of farmers and fisherfolk, overshadowed by nearby hill stations like Nainital and Bhimtal. Under British rule, as roads spread through Kumaon, the village gradually became accessible, but it truly emerged in the late 20th century as a peaceful alternative to busier resorts. Today, Naukuchiatal is known for its calm waters, birdlife and annual “Escape” music and arts festival, blending old village life with eco-tourism around its legendary nine-cornered lake.