Khurpatal

The emerald blue-green lake of Khurpatal is cradled in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is encircled by the lofty pine and old cedar trees offering a gorgeous vista of the mountains. 

Khurpatal, being tucked away at an astonishing height of 1,635 meters above sea level, this beautiful piece of nature is just 12 km away from Nainital and can be easily approachable.

Get Personalised Khurpatal Travel Quote

Contact us for a free travel quote and Khurpatal itinerary for your travel plans.

Khurpatal Travel Guide

Khurpatal is a hidden gem located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is named after the beautiful "Khurpa Tal," a mesmerizing lake nestled amidst dense forests and rolling hills. It is a haven for birdwatchers and ornithologists. 

The area's rich biodiversity attracts various bird species, including colorful Himalayan birds like the Rufous-bellied Niltava, Brown-fronted Woodpecker, and White-capped Water Redstart. It serves as an excellent base to explore nearby attractions like Nainital, Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal. These destinations are easily accessible and offer a variety of experiences. Due to its tranquil location away from city lights, it is an excellent spot for stargazing.

Khurpatal Lake - Peaceful Getaway

  • One of the best scenic locations in Nainital with peaceful environment
  • Khurpatal was British officer's most preferred vacation site and also has an old gun foundry nearby.
  • Only 10 kms from Nainital and one can easily reach from Khurpatal to Nainital in 15 minutes.
  • The Height of Khurpatal is 5600 feet from sea level which provides moderate temperature even during summers. 
  • Best for leisure holiday away from the overcrowded Nainital during peak season.

Activities in Khurpatal

There are plenty of sightseeing and places of interest in and around Khurpatal. Tourists can visit nearby places like Nainital, Bhimtal, Kilbury, Pangot, Ranikhet and Mukhtehswar to name a few. One can also visit the popular high-altitude zoo at Nainital along with other places of interest. Naini Devi temple is another famous temple which is visited by large number of devotees to seek blessings.

Fishing: Khurpatal is famous among tourists not only for its pristine beauty but also for being a favorite destination for fishing and angling. It is called angler’s paradise as it has a good harvest of fishes. 

Boating: Tourists can also do boating on the Khurpatal along with their family and friends. Boating is one of the most popular activities that tourists partake at Khurpatal. 

Nature Walk: Surrounded by lush greenery, Khurpatal makes an excellent choice to hit some nature trails that take one through the pine and oak forests where one can come close to nature.

Khurpatal Travel Tips

  • Khurpatal is situated only 10 kms (15-minute drive) from Nainital and can be visited as an excursion from Nainital. 
  • One of the greatest things about Khurpatal is that it can be visited at any time of the year.
  • During the peak season when Nainital gets too crowded, one can stay at Khurpatal as an alternative destination as it is more peaceful and calm.

Khurpatal Overview


  • Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
  • Nainital, Kumaon
  • 1 days
  • Kathgodam, 34 kms
  • Pantnagar, 78 kms
  • Lake, Peaceful, near Nainital

Staying in Khurpatal

There are very few luxury hotels and resorts at Khurpatal. One can find budget accommodation without hassles, though. Alternatively, tourists usually stay at Nainital (11 km away) and visit Khurpatal on a day trip. Since Khurpatal is a popular tourist destination of Uttarakhand the hotels offer good services at affordable prices. 

Khurpatal Food Guide

There are few roadside local restaurants and dhabas at Khurpatal that serve north Indian meals, snacks and sweets. Alternatively, tourists staying at resorts and hotels have in-house restaurants to serve them hot and delicious dishes at their convenience. One should also try the popular sweets like Bal Mithai and Singauri which is available at every confectionery.

Things to do in Khurpatal

Famously known as the anglers paradise, the freshwater of Khurpatal has a good harvest of fishes which is ideal for fishing, angling, and basking by the lake-side. Since the weather is pleasant throughout the year, one can enjoy trekking or go on nature trails to bond with nature. 

Best Time to Visit Khurpatal

Khurpatal can be visited all round the year. 

How to Reach Khurpatal

Khurpatal is well connected to nearby towns and cities through a network of roads. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is approximately 60 kilometers away. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is approximately 35 kilometers away. Regular buses operate from major cities and towns in Uttarakhand to Nainital. From Nainital, Khurpatal is about 10 kilometers away, and you can hire a local taxi or take a shared jeep to reach it.

Enroute Kaladhungi road lies the placid river of Khurpatal. Being nestled in the lake city Nainital, the pristine Khurpatal Lake can be easily accessible. The nearest railway station is located at Kathgodam about 34 km from Nainital. About 65 km from Nainital you will find Pantnagar, the nearest airport to Nainital. 

Khurpatal Photo Gallery

Clouds in Khurpatal
Khurpatal Lake near Nainital
Khurpatal Lake
Khurpatal is a prepossessing lake situated in its namesake hamlet at a distance of around 11km from Nainital city.
Khurpatal - The offbeat destination of Uttarakhand.
Khurpatal Lake

What is Khurpatal famous for?

Khurpatal is famous among tourist as Lake, Peaceful, near Nainital.

Khurpatal is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Angling, Boating, Christmas and New Year, Leisure, Weekend Getaway, Yoga and Meditation.