I Needed Better Air And Less Noise—Naukuchia House In Uttarakhand Delivered Both

I didn’t realise how badly my body needed clean air until I left Delhi. My lungs had been dry for weeks, my throat perpetually sore, and my mind exhausted in ways sleep couldn’t fix. What I needed was a change of scenery—and more importantly, better AQI. That instinct led me to Naukuchiatal, a quiet lake town in Uttarakhand, where forests outnumber traffic signals and time seems to soften at the edges.A road trip felt ambitious, especially given my motion sickness. What we optimistically thought would be a six-hour drive stretched to nearly nine, thanks to road closures and reroutes. Sleep-deprived and already regretting the decision to travel by road, I drifted in and out of sleep as Delhi’s dry, dusty trees slid past the highway. A chai stop at a roadside dhaba revived us briefly before we pushed on.Somewhere along NH09, the landscape shifted. The trees grew greener, fields stretched wide and open, and it became clear we had left the capital behind. Marz by The Yellow Diary played on loop as the road gently climbed. By the time we reached Naukuchia House in Naukuchiatal, it was late—but the air already felt different. Lighter. Kinder.Arrival At The Edge Of The LakePerched about 4,000 feet above sea level and overlooking the nine-cornered Naukuchiatal Lake, Naukuchia House from IHCL SeleQtions introduces itself quietly. The arrival isn’t grand in a theatrical sense, but it is deeply intentional. As we stepped in, we were welcomed by the sound of the ransingha, an ancient Kumaoni brass instrument traditionally used to announce the arrival of royalty. The sound lingered—earthy, ceremonial—before dissolving into the stillness of the hills.Inside the lobby, a hand-pan drum was being played, its soft, rhythmic notes echoing gently against glass walls that frame the surrounding forest. The architecture borrows from Palladian symmetry but remains rooted in its Himalayan context, allowing the outdoors to flow in rather than shutting it out.Given the late hour, check-in was seamless. We were soon ushered to our rooms, dropped our bags, and made our way to Ija, the property’s all-day dining restaurant. A bowl of hot soup, comforting chicken dishes, and the quiet hum of the mountains outside was all we needed before calling it a night.Rooms That Let The Landscape LeadNaukuchia House has 40 rooms and two suites, spread across lake-facing and garden-facing categories. The design leans towards aristocratic hill-station charm—tasteful without excess. My room opened out to a view of the lake, framed by pines and oaks, the water catching the last traces of daylight.Inside, the space felt considered rather than curated for show. Objets d’art were placed with intention, while vibrant interiors subtly mirrored the colours of the landscape beyond. Glass plays a defining role across the property—large windows, sunlit corridors, and semi-covered spaces designed to draw the outdoors in. Beyond the visual connection, this extensive use of glass creates a natural greenhouse effect, helping retain warmth during the colder months and reducing dependence on artificial heating—an architectural choice that is as practical as it is sustainable.The result is a sense of openness without exposure, and comfort without excess. There was enough room to breathe—literally and figuratively. By day, sunlight flooded the interiors; by morning, birdsong replaced alarm clocks. Service throughout the stay was attentive yet unobtrusive, striking a balance that’s often difficult to achieve in luxury settings.Forests, Silence, And The Ninth CornerWe woke up early the next morning—around 6 am—just as the sun began to rise. Our first experience was forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, a guided walk through dense woodland without marked roads. The trail led us uphill into a quiet pocket of forest where sunlight filtered through the canopy, playing peek-a-boo with the leaves.At one point, we came to a standstill. The air was cool, mineral-fresh, and startlingly pure. I wrapped my arms around a tree, something entirely out of character for me, and felt an unexpected sense of relief. The air tasted cleaner than anything I’d known in years.Later, we learned more about the lake that anchors this region. Tal means lake, and Naukuchiatal translates to the “lake of nine corners.” Only eight are visible to the naked eye, locals say. The ninth reveals itself only through tapasya, or meditation. Whether myth or metaphor, it felt fitting in a place that asks you to slow down and look inward.Post-walk, we visited the lake itself, sipping freshly brewed elaichi chai (cardamom tea) by the water before heading back to the hotel for breakfast.Beyond NaukuchiatalThe day ahead was packed. After freshening up, we set out to explore nearby landmarks. Sattal Lake, about 40 minutes away, offered a different rhythm—quieter, more expansive, surrounded by dense forests. From there, we headed to Bhimtal, stopping at the Hanuman Temple, where I spent a few quiet moments in prayer as the lake shimmered nearby.By the time we returned to the property, the sun was easing itself behind the hills, casting a soft amber glow across the valley. High tea unfolded at a gentle pace with warm brews and light bites, before we headed to the spa. The massage was restorative without being indulgent, perfectly attuned to the cool mountain evening that followed.Dinner leaned confidently into Kumaoni flavours, rooted in local produce and time-honoured techniques, a reminder that the most satisfying meals rarely need embellishment. We retired early, hearts full and minds finally still.Slow Living, Thoughtfully DoneOn our final morning, we took a leisurely walk around the property, catching one last glimpse of Naukuchiatal Lake before packing up. It felt too soon, but complete.Speaking to the General Manager later offered context to what we had experienced intuitively. Naukuchia House was envisioned as a space to de-stress, reconnect with nature, and let the outdoors shape the indoors. The property aligns with IHCL’s Pathya sustainability initiative—using local produce sourced within a 20-mile radius, focusing on high-altitude nutrition, and employing eco-friendly building materials and water conservation practices, with plans underway to expand renewable energy use through solar power.At Ija—which means “mother” in Kumaoni—this philosophy finds its most tangible expression. The menu favours nourishment over novelty, with dishes like jhangore ki kheer and millet khichdi celebrating regional ingredients and preserving local food heritage.Beyond the table, the experience of Naukuchia House unfolds through what the GM describes as the nine natural elements surrounding the lake: forests, mountains, clean air, fruiting trees, gardens, starry nights, water, time, and perspective. These elements shape a series of curated, low-impact experiences—from guided forest bathing and nature walks that privilege stillness, to village visits through fields of chillies and Malta, and reflective trails to sacred sites such as the Ghanta Devi Temple, Kainchi Dham and Golu Devta. Slower moments come in the form of secluded lakeside picnics beneath tree canopies, while nights invite a different kind of immersion altogether, with expert-led stargazing sessions that turn the Himalayan sky into a quiet, expansive theatre.Pressing PauseOur stay at Naukuchia House didn’t feel like an escape, it felt like a pause. It was a gentle reminder that luxury doesn’t always need spectacle; sometimes it just needs silence, clean air, and space to breathe. The trip was short, but it gave me exactly what I came looking for: relief, clarity, and a renewed respect for places that let nature take the lead.The InformationGetting ThereNaukuchiatal lies in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, about 4 km from Bhimtal, 26 km from Nainital, and roughly 320 km from Delhi.By Air: Pantnagar Airport (74 km away) is the nearest, with limited weekly flights from Delhi. Taxis are easily available.By Rail: Kathgodam (44 km away) is the closest railhead and well connected to Delhi. From here, taxis and buses run regularly.By Road: Well connected by road; buses and taxis are available from Delhi (ISBT Anand Vihar), Nainital, Almora, and Haldwani.Best Time To VisitMarch to June is ideal, with pleasant weather and temperatures touching 30°C. Monsoons bring moderate rain and lush scenery, while September to November is quieter and green.What To See & Do In NaukuchiatalNaukuchiatal Lake: The heart of the town—perfect for boating, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, and slow lakeside walks.Adventure Activities: Paragliding, zip-lining over the lake, trekking, cycling, and zorbing add a thrill to the calm setting.Nature & Wildlife: Forest walks, birdwatching trails, waterfalls nearby, and access to reserves like Pangot and Binsar.Hanuman Temple (Vaishno Devi Mandir): Famous for its towering 52-foot Hanuman statue and panoramic views.Kainchi Dham: The revered Neem Karoli Baba ashram, a short drive away, known for its serene energy.Brahma Temple: A small but significant shrine near the lake.Cafés & Relaxation: Lakeside cafés serving everything from Kumaoni fare to comfort food make lingering easy.Shopping: Small local markets near the lake sell handicrafts, souvenirs, traditional fabrics, and local produce.Day Trips From NaukuchiatalBhimtal & Sattal: Explore neighbouring lakes, including Bhimtal’s island aquarium and Sattal’s interconnected freshwater system.Mukteshwar: Known for Himalayan views, orchards, and the ancient Mukteshwar Dham temple.Nainital: Mall Road shopping, boat rides on Naini Lake, Snow View Point, and colonial charm.Kasar Devi & Almora: Ideal for culture, spirituality, cafés, and sweeping mountain views.Pangot: A birdwatcher’s paradise with over 300 recorded species.FAQs1. Where is Naukuchia House located?Naukuchia House is in Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand, about 320 km from Delhi and 4 km from Bhimtal, overlooking the nine-cornered Naukuchiatal Lake.2. What kind of stay is Naukuchia House best suited for?It’s ideal for slow, restorative getaways focused on clean air, quiet, nature immersion, and mindful experiences rather than high-energy nightlife.3. Do all rooms at Naukuchia House have lake views?No. The property offers both lake-facing and garden-facing rooms, each designed to maximise natural light and views of the surrounding landscape.4. Is Naukuchia House a sustainable property?Yes. It follows IHCL’s Pathya initiative, with local sourcing, water conservation, energy-efficient design, and low-impact guest experiences.5. When is the best time to visit Naukuchia House?March to June and September to November offer the most comfortable weather and outdoor-friendly conditions.What To Pick-Up A Shoppers Guide To Nainital