If you are looking for a tranquil and scenic getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, Khurpatal is the perfect destination for you. Khurpatal is a freshwater lake located just 10 km from Nainital in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by lush green pine and cedar forests and offers a stunning view of the mountains. Khurpatal, which means “cow’s hoof” in the local language, is named so because of its shape. It is one of the lesser-known lakes of Uttarakhand and has a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about Khurpatal, such as its attractions, activities, culture, cuisine, accommodations, and travel tips. Read on to discover why it is a hidden gem that you should not miss.
Attractions of Khurpatal
Khurpatal is not only a natural beauty but also a natural habitat for various flora and fauna. It is home to many rare plant species, birds, and animals that make it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It has a rich biodiversity and is of great botanical interest. Some of the rare plant species found here are Himalayan orchids, ferns, lilies, primulas, and rhododendrons. Khurpatal is also a haven for birdwatchers as it attracts many migratory and resident birds such as kingfishers, eagles, woodpeckers, parakeets, and thrushes. It also has some wild animals such as leopards, deer, foxes, and monkeys that can be spotted in the nearby forests.
Here are some of the attractions that you can explore in Khurpatal:
Khurpatal Lake:
The main attraction of Khurpatal is the lake itself. The lake is trowel-shaped and has an emerald colour that reflects the sky and the trees. The lake is also home to many fish species that make it a popular spot for angling and fishing. You can enjoy boating on the lake or just sit by the shore and admire the beauty.
Khurpatal Forest
The forest around Khurpatal is a dense and green cover that provides a refreshing and soothing environment. The forest has many trails that you can walk or trek on to explore the nature and wildlife. You can also camp in the forest if you want to have an adventurous and close-to-nature experience.
Khurpatal Wildlife
The wildlife of Khurpatal is diverse and fascinating. You can see many birds and animals in their natural habitat. You can also visit some nearby wildlife sanctuaries such as Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary or Naina Devi Himalayan Bird Conservation Reserve to see more varieties of birds and animals.
Khurpatal Flora
The flora of Khurpatal is colourful and exotic. You can see many rare and beautiful flowers and plants here. You can also visit some nearby botanical gardens such as Eco Cave Garden or Himalayan Botanical Garden to see more collections of plants.
Activities in Khurpatal
Khurpatal is not only a place to relax and enjoy nature but also a place to have fun and adventure. One of the most popular activities to do here is boating on the lake. You can choose from paddle boating or rowing boating and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lake and the surrounding hills. Boating in Khurpatal is a refreshing and soothing experience that will make you forget all your worries.
Another activity that you can try here is trekking on the trails around the lake. There are many trekking trails in Khurpatal that offer different levels of difficulty and duration. You can choose from easy to moderate to challenging treks depending on your preference and fitness level. Trekking in Khurpatal will give you a chance to explore the natural beauty of the lake and the forests as well as the Himalayan peaks in the distance. Trekking here is a great way to satisfy your adventurous spirit and challenge yourself.
Some other activities that you can do in Khurpatal are:
Fishing
Fishing is one of the traditional activities in Khurpatal. The lake provides a natural habitat for many fish species such as trout, carp, mahseer, etc. You can try your luck with fishing rods or nets or learn from the locals how to fish in the traditional way.
Photography
Photography is one of the best ways to capture the beauty of Khurpatal. The lake, the forest, the mountains, and the sky offer a perfect backdrop for your pictures. You can also take pictures of the flora and fauna here and create a memorable album of your trip.
Camping
Camping is one of the most exciting and adventurous activities in Khurpatal. You can pitch your tent near the lake or in the forest and enjoy the night under the stars. You can also have a bonfire and roast some marshmallows or sing some songs. Camping here will give you a unique and unforgettable experience.
Culture of Khurpatal
Khurpatal has a rich and diverse culture that reflects the local traditions and customs of the indigenous people. You can learn about their history, lifestyle, beliefs, and festivals by interacting with them or visiting their villages. You can also taste their cuisine which is made from fresh and organic ingredients grown in their farms.
Some of the aspects of the culture of Khurpatal are:
- People: The people of Khurpatal are warm and hospitable. They belong to an ethnic community of Kumaoni people. They speak different languages such as Hindi, Kumaoni, English etc. They wear colourful and traditional clothes such as kurta-pyjama, sari, salwar-kameez, etc. They are simple and hardworking people who live in harmony with nature and each other.
- Festivals: The festivals of Khurpatal are vibrant and colourful. They celebrate various festivals throughout the year such as Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Navratri, Makar Sankranti, etc. They also celebrate some local festivals such as Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, Bikhauti Mela, Basant Panchami, etc. Rituals, prayers, songs, dances, fairs, etc. mark these festivals. They also exchange gifts and sweets with their friends and relatives.
- Cuisine: The cuisine of Khurpatal is delicious and nutritious. It is made from fresh and organic ingredients grown on their farms or collected from the forests. Some of the traditional dishes that you can try here are bhatt ki churkani (black bean soup), gahat ki dal (horse gram lentil), bhang ki chutney (hemp seed sauce), mandua ki roti (finger millet bread), bal mithai (brown fudge). These dishes are prepared with local flavours and spices that will tantalize your taste buds.
Accommodations in Khurpatal
Khurpatal has many accommodation options that cater to different budgets and preferences. You can choose from lakeside resorts, hotels, guest houses, homestays, or campsites depending on your comfort level and convenience.
Some of the popular lakeside resorts in Khurpatal are Dynasty Resort, Lake Resort, Lake View Resort, and Lake Inn Resort. These resorts offer a comfortable stay with modern amenities and facilities and stunning views of the lake and the mountains. They also provide activities such as boating, fishing, bonfire, games, etc. for their guests.
If you are looking for more affordable stays in Khurpatal, you can opt for guest houses or homestays that offer basic but cosy rooms with friendly hosts. You can also camp near the lake or in the forest if you want to have a more adventurous and close-to-nature experience.
Travel Tips for Khurpatal
It is a year-round destination that can be visited at any time of the year. However, the best time to visit Khurpatal is from March to June and from September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, boating, trekking, and other activities. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C during these months.
It also looks beautiful during the monsoon season from July to August when the lake is filled with water and the surroundings are green and fresh. However, this season may not be suitable for some activities due to heavy rainfall and landslides.
The winter season from December to February is also a good time to visit Khurpatal if you want to experience snowfall and chilly weather. The temperature drops to below zero degrees during this season and the lake freezes partially.
Here are some travel tips that will help you make the most of your trip to Khurpatal:
- Carry warm clothes, raincoats, umbrellas, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, etc. depending on the season and weather.
- Carry your own water bottles, snacks, medicines, etc. as there are limited shops and facilities here.
- Respect the nature and the culture of Khurpatal and do not litter or harm the environment or the people.
- Hire a local guide or a driver if you are not familiar with the routes or the terrain of Khurpatal.
- Book your accommodations in advance as there are limited options in Khurpatal, especially during peak seasons.
Getting to Khurpatal
Getting to Khurpatal is easy as it is well-connected by road to Nainital and other nearby places. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport which is about 60 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from there to reach Khurpatal. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station which is about 35 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from there to reach Khurpatal. You can also drive from Delhi or other cities as it is about 300 km from Delhi and 70 km from Haldwani.
Here are some of the routes that you can take to reach Khurpatal:
By Air
The nearest airport to Khurpatal is Pantnagar Airport which is connected to Delhi and other major cities by regular flights. You can book your flight tickets online or through a travel agent. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Khurpatal. The taxi fare may vary from Rs. 1500 to Rs. 2000 depending on the season and availability. The bus fare may range from Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 depending on the type and frequency of the bus.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Khurpatal is Kathgodam Railway Station which is connected to Delhi and other major cities by trains such as Ranikhet Express, Shatabdi Express, Sampark Kranti Express, etc. You can book your train tickets online or through a railway reservation counter. From the railway station, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Khurpatal. The taxi fare may vary from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 1500 depending on the season and availability. The bus fare may range from Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 depending on the type and frequency of the bus.
By Road
You can also drive to Khurpatal from Delhi or other cities by taking the NH 9 or NH 24 highways. The road condition is good and scenic along the way. You can also hire a car or a cab from Delhi or other cities to reach Khurpatal. The car rental may vary from Rs. 3000 to Rs. 5000 per day depending on the type and season of the car. You can also take a bus from Delhi or other cities to reach Khurpatal. The bus service is available from Anand Vihar ISBT, Kashmere Gate ISBT, or Majnu Ka Tila in Delhi. The bus fare may range from Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 depending on the type and frequency of the bus.
This concludes my blog on “Khurpatal”. I hope you enjoyed reading it and learned something new about this beautiful place. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with me. Thank you for your time and attention! 😊