Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal is a lake town in the Kumaon hills near Bhimtal and Nainital, named for its lake of nine corners, which stretches 983 metres. Local lore holds that the lake arose from the penance of Brahma, and a small Brahma temple stands nearby; walking a circuit of the lake is believed to earn his blessing. Another legend says anyone who sees all nine corners at once, feet on the ground, will vanish as smoke and reach nirvana.

The lake is used for boating, rowing, yachting, angling and parasailing, and paragliding takes place on the hills. Oak, pine, rhododendron and orchids grow around it, with barking deer and the Himalayan newt among its wildlife. An Escape Festival is held each May.