The keen desire to be at Naukuchhiatal someday was deep in my mind, ever since some three decades ago I read Nadi Ke Dweep (Islands of River), a masterpiece creation by late Agyeya, the great writer-thinker from India. 

The book, a novel of true love and meaning of life, left a lasting impact on me. It was in the setting of Naukuchhiatal that love of the main characters found a profound expression. 

It took me really long to reach there because I was not sure whether beauty of the place as described in the book will match the reality, or the image I have been nurturing all along would be shattered. 

But this time I decided to come face to face with my dream, comewhat may. And it was amazingly true to the image I had all along, as I could easily visualise the Naukuchhiatal of three decades ago.

It is 25 kilometres from Nainital, a very popular hill station of north India. Naukuchhiatal is at a slightly lower altitude than Nainital, so not that cold here, but its natural scenic beauty is unique. 

A much bigger lake, about 3.5 kilometres for a full round and its colour changing from dark blue to light blue as sun goes up, shimmering silvery hues at mid -day, cool greenish sometimes with beautiful boats creating ripples on its surface. 

All around it was lush green bounty of nature. In our hotel compound there were a variety of flowers and potted cacti. Also you can find monkeys playfully tossing from one tree to the other. But no reason for alarm, they have learnt to live in neighbourhood of humans.

In our hotel all the rooms were lake facing; so drag a chair, sip hot tea or chilled beer and read your favourite book occasionally changing your glance towards well decorated boats moving over smooth surface of the lake leaving a short trail of water waves. 

Except the occasional cackling of ducks, it was very calm and quiet place. A peaceful hill station unlike many others where you bump into crowds of tourists at every turn.

It is well connected with New Delhi, about five and half hour up to Kathgodam by fast train Shatabdi leaving at 6.00 AM and one hour taxi drive up to Naukuchhiatal or direct car/taxi and you make it in about 7 hours. 

Better book hotel in advance and KMVN hotel bang on the lake front can be a very good choice for budget travellers.

Useful links