Nirvana@Naukuchiatal

Nestling in nature’s lap, Naukuchiatal offers peace and tranquillity to travellers,
weary of usual commercialised tourism spots, writes Aayush Goel

EVERY time, I would drive to Nainital, the untamed wilderness and cedar forests running parallel to the road would pull me towards the tranquillity these offered away from the usual overcrowded and commercialised tourism spots or ‘valley-facing’ hotels.

So this time give a bypass to the tried and tested Nainital, and drive another 24 km to experience the serenity of its lesser known cousin, Naukuchiatal.

Situated at a height of about 1,396 feet, the place is a known bio-reserve and has something for everybody, right from a tourist to a trekker or even a researcher.

For the luxury inclined, Naukuchiatal may not offer much. For others, however, there are some good options. The local chaiwalla recommended a bird watching camp, located in the midst of the forest, called the Camp Exile.

Situated near a fresh-water stream, the place is a small setup with more than 10 tents equipped with all facilities, including catering. This quiet place is owned by a 30-year-old IT professional from Delhi, who came for a holiday but fell in love with this place and decided to stay here forever.

The next morning chirps of hundreds of birds offered the perfect wakeup call. Naukuchiatal is home to more than 500 species of native and migratory birds and more than 700 of butterflies and moths. This place is a heaven for ornithologists from across the world, and many researchers come here just to spot the breath-taking Atlas butterfly. It is because of this biodiversity that Unesco has identified the place as a major gene bank.

A wide stretch of pines, figs, and fruit-laden trees of pear, guava, apples and lemon make the trek around the place a memorable experience.

After a trek of couple of hours through the forest, lies the famous nine-cornered lake or Naukuchiatal after which the town is named.

As per the belief, this lake, fed by an underwater spring, imparts nirvana to anybody who spots its nine corners at one go. The nine corners are believed to be the worship places of nine sons of a local king who used to mediate here while the gods bathed in the lake.

The lake epitomises serenity but what makes the site even more beautiful are the lotuses floating in the blue waters. These flowers grow in abundance here. Interestingly, what strengthens the mystic belief about the lake is the fact that this is the only lake in state to have lotus growing in it. Also its depth has not been calculated till date.

The lake is a happening fishing joint, too. It is home to various wild species of fish, especially the mahaseer. It attracts people from all over the world who visit the spot for guided and licensed fishing events.

Though the place does not offer many options in terms of restaurants but mutton delicacies cooked at local stalls are a must have with side helping of Maggi noodles.

The next day it is Bhimtal on the agenda. It is situated at around 1,370 metres, 4 km away from Naukuchiatal. This place is separated by a small forest and also has a small lake, which is believed to be created by the one of the Pandavas, Bhim. It is believed that the Pandvas had spent some time here during their exile, and Bhim had hit the ground with his gada to create this water-filled cavity with an interesting island. There is an ancient Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple on the banks of this lake.

In addition to its religious importance, Bhimtal is also known for its tea plantations. It may be noted that the East India Company in 1834 had started growing tea here for export purposes. Till date these vast and fascinating plantations continue to export the aromatic green tea to various parts of the world.

After Bhimtal, Sat Tal is another must-visit. It is famous for its seven ponds or kunds. The Karkotaka hill is the highest point in the region with a blissful trek. It is famous for its Naag temple, which attracts thousands of locals on Naag Panchami and Shivratri. According to a myth, it is in this temple that the famous shesh naag rested his head while his tail is submerged in the Bhimtal.

The area also has a Nal Damayanti Tal, named after the famous king who left all worldly pleasures in search of moksha.

There is nothing better to conclude this holiday by going on a trek to Chhota Kailash (6,191 m) in Pithoragarh.

This snow-clad peak offers visitors the picturesque view of the Himalyas and that rare feeling to be on top of this world. The four-hour long trek takes you through dense yet mostly snow-clad forests, which have a beautiful lake called Parvati Tal, adorned with hundreds of swans. The reflection of the peak in the lake is really fascinating and when you set foot on this peak and look at the sun the only thing which comes to mind being in paradise.

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