Understanding how land is measured in Uttarakhand is essential before buying, selling, or verifying property.
Here, traditional hill units like Nali, Bigha, and Biswa still exist alongside modern metric units such as acre, hectare, and square metre.
But their values vary slightly between Kumaon and Garhwal regions — which often leads to confusion.
Let’s simplify it with clear explanations, accurate conversion tables, and a quick regional comparison.
🌿 Land Measurement in Uttarakhand – Overview
Unlike the plains, where standard metric systems are used, Uttarakhand’s hilly regions still follow local measurement traditions.
These traditional systems evolved from agricultural practices — land was measured by how much area a pair of bullocks could plough in a day, not by fixed units.
Today, for property transactions, both local units and metric units are used. You’ll often see a mix — like “10 Nali (approx. 0.5 acre)” — in sale deeds or land listings.
📏 Traditional Units: Nali, Biswa, and Bigha Explained
In the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, these are the most common traditional units:
| Unit | Equivalent Area (Approx.) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Nali | 2,160 sq ft (about 0.05 acre) | Basic land unit used for residential & agricultural land. |
| 1 Bigha | ~3 Nali = ~6804 sq ft (approx. ) | Standard larger land unit, especially in plains & valleys. |
| 1 Biswa | 1/20 of a Bigha (approx. 340 sq ft) | Used in some parts of Garhwal. |
| 1 Khet | Varies by area | Local term meaning “field,” not a fixed measurement. |
💡 Note: These values can slightly differ from district to district. Always verify through the Tehsil office or land records (Khasra–Khatauni).
📐 Modern Units: Acre, Hectare, and Square Metre
Uttarakhand’s revenue and registration departments record land in hectares and square metres for all legal documents.
| Metric Unit | Equivalent | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Acre | 43,560 sq ft | Widely used for both rural and urban land |
| 1 Hectare | 2.47 acres = 107,639 sq ft (~49 Nali) | Used officially in land records |
| 1 Square Metre | 10.76 sq ft or 1.19599 Gaj | Used in city plots and registry documents |
When dealing with mixed data (like Nali and hectare), conversion becomes key — let’s make that easier below.
📊 Conversion Table – Nali ↔ Bigha ↔ Acre ↔ Sq ft
| Unit | To Square Feet | To Nali | To Acre | To Hectare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Nali | 2,160 sq ft | 1 | 0.0496 | 0.0201 |
| 1 Bigha | 6804 sq ft | 3 | 0.99 | 0.40 |
| 1 Acre | 43,560 sq ft | 20.15 | 1 | 0.405 |
| 1 Hectare | 107,639 sq ft | 49.85 | 2.47 | 1 |
⚠️ Always double-check conversions in your local Tehsil, especially if the property lies near a regional boundary.
🏔️ Why Measurements Vary Across Kumaon & Garhwal
The difference mainly comes from terrain and tradition:
- In Kumaon, 1 Nali is generally taken as 2,160 sq ft.
- In Garhwal, 1 Nali may range from 2,025 to 2,250 sq ft, depending on district.
This means two plots labeled “1 Nali” may not be the same size — a critical detail for buyers comparing properties in Nainital vs. Tehri, for example.
Example:
A 10-Nali plot in Kumaon = 21,600 sq ft
A 10-Nali plot in Garhwal (if 2,025 sq ft per Nali) = 20,250 sq ft
→ Difference: 1,350 sq ft
This variance becomes significant in pricing and valuation.
🧮 Common Land Size Conversions in Uttarakhand
Here are the most searched and practical conversions for buyers and investors:
| Query | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1 Nali = how many sq ft? | 2,160 sq ft |
| 1 Bigha = how many Nali? | ~03 Nali |
| 1 Bigha = how many sq ft? | 43,200 sq ft |
| 1 Hectare = how many Nali? | About 49 Nali |
| 1 Acre = how many Nali? | Around 20 Nali |
| 1 Hectare = how many Bigha? | Roughly 16.5 Bigha |
💡 Use these conversions to estimate property area before visiting or verifying land records.
🧾 Verify Land Measurement on Official Records
You can cross-check all details through the Uttarakhand Revenue Department (Bhulekh) portal.
It shows the exact recorded area, unit, and category (residential, agricultural, etc.) for any plot.
Official link: https://bhulekh.uk.gov.in
Also refer to:
- Uttarakhand Registration Department for stamp duty details
- Uttarakhand Land Laws for Outsiders for eligibility and legal limits
🛡️ How Kumaon Planner Helps You
At Kumaon Planner, we simplify every step of your property journey — from understanding land units and verifying documents to ensuring full legal compliance.
Our Property Verification Service includes:
- Checking revenue records and area conversions
- Matching registry size with actual plot
- Identifying restricted or disputed categories
- Providing a verified conversion chart for your property documents
Whether you’re buying in Kumaon or Garhwal, we ensure your investment is safe, transparent, and compliant with Uttarakhand’s local laws.
✅ Conclusion: Measure Smart, Invest Safe
Land measurement in Uttarakhand connects tradition with modern systems — Nali and Bigha still carry meaning, but legal precision now depends on metric units.
Before buying or verifying any plot:
- Confirm the local conversion standard.
- Use official portals for accuracy.
- Get documents verified professionally.
A few extra checks now can save you from confusion and costly errors later — and help you enjoy the serenity of the hills with peace of mind.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In most districts, 1 Nali = 2,160 sq ft. However, it can vary slightly — between 2,025 and 2,250 sq ft — depending on local Tehsil measurement standards.
There are 03 Nali in 1 Bigha, which equals about 6804 sq ft (approximately 1 acre).
1 Hectare = roughly 49 Nali or 16.3 Bigha (107,639 sq ft).
Visit the Bhulekh Uttarakhand portal and check your land’s recorded area under “Khasra–Khatauni.” You can also contact your local Tehsil office for certified records.
