Sattal Lake in Uttarakhand – The MOST COMPLETE Travel Guide
Sattal or Sat Taal, aka Seven Lakes, Bhimtal in Uttarakhand, is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes located near Nainital district. The lakes are situated amidst dense forests of oak and cedar trees, situated at an altitude of 1,370 meters just below the lush gardens in the Mehergaon Valley. Sattal is one of the few ancient and freshwater biomes in India and serves as a true paradise for migratory birds.
Let’s quickly dive into the details:
About Sattal
A group of seven freshers mysteriously interconnected, Sattal is located in the Nainital district of the Kumaon region. Sattal emphasizes a peaceful environment that is definitely attractive which will definitely showcase your mood to get up and explore. Honeymooners, a great destination for nature lovers – especially bird watchers, groups, families and leisure tourists.
There are seven lakes including Sattal:
- Panna Tal or Garuda Tal
- Nal-Damayanti Taal
- Hanuman Taal
- Sita tal
- Ram Taal
- Laxman tal
- Sukh Taal or Bharat Taal
place
Sattal is located in the Lower Himalayan Range and has the effect of increasing tectonic activities and deposition between the Tibetan and Indo-Gangetic plains. The rocks are mainly sedimentary and quartzite. The region can be divided into lower Himalayas and terraces.
History of Sattal
The British compared the seductive splendor of Sattal with the Westmoreland of England. In fact, the British loved the region so much that during the colonial period, there was a tea garden area in Sattal that was among the four tea gardens of the Kumaon region.
mythology
Given that these beautiful interconnected lakes are located in the Himalayas – you can bet that there is a mythological story associated with this region! It is believed that in the epic of Mahabharata, during the 14 years of exile given by his brother – King Nala along with his wife Damayanti drowned in the waters of one of the seven lakes of Sattal. Therefore, the lake in particular is known as Nal Damayanti Tal.
Other lakes are Purna Tal, Laxman Tal, Sita Tal (Ramayana), Sukha Tal and Garuda Tal (named after Lord Vishnu’s chariot).
Sutle season
The Sutle Lake season is typical for the Himalayan region with the summer months of April to June enjoying a warm, temperate climate of 15–30 ° C. And the winter months of November – February can experience anything from 10 to -10 degrees Celsius. There is a lot of rainfall during the monsoon months, as there is a possibility of landslides. In addition, the spring and thin months are especially beautiful with perfect mountain weather!
Best time to visit Sattal Lake
The best time to visit Sattal is during the months of March to May and again during December to January. On the other hand, traveling in the off season is cheaper and you will face fewer tourists. It is best to avoid the monsoon season.
How to reach Sattal Lake
Sat Tal is located in the lower range of the Himalayas, Just 23 km from Nainital. Sattal is well connected to most of the important towns and cities of Uttarakhand.
By air
The nearest airport is Pantnagar, 61 km from Sattal. Buses and taxis are easily available from here to Nainital and Sattal. The entire journey will take you 2 KM away from the airport.
by Rail
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is only 33 KM from Sattal. There are two trains daily to Kathgodam from Delhi. Buses and buses are easily available from here to Sattal.
from the way
The distance from Delhi to Sattal is 310 KM and it can be easily covered in 7 hours of total driving time. Roads are good, although better in the monsoon months.
things to do
The place offers visitors to do it fully and immerse themselves in nature. Yes, there is unmatched peace in the place. However, the rugged hills of Sat Tal provide adventure seekers with opportunities to bike, take walks, mountain biking, rock climbing, night-trekking, nature trails, angling, kayaking, rafting, river-crossing, jungle-safari. , And night-. Of course, you can enjoy activities like boating and fishing in Taal Taal.
Truly a birdwatchers delight, the biodiversity of this lake is unique and includes 500 species of natural and migratory birds. Further adding to the attraction, more than 525 varieties of butterflies called the region home.
Butterfly Museum
Given the prominence of butterflies in the region’s wildlife – it is no coincidence that the main attraction here is the Butterfly Museum in Jones Estate.
nearby places
While there is much for Sattal himself, there is also a lot nearby.
Nainital
Nainital is really wrapped in thick foil of nature, drenched with the fragrance of blooming flowers blending miraculously in the crisp fresh air. Treasure of kumaon. It is one of the most visited hill stations of North India since the British period.
Situated at an altitude of 2,084 meters above sea level, the shining city of Nainital is poised to be a parent to Naini Lake, from which it has earned its status as a lake city. Nainital is not only a famous tourist destination, but is also known for its prestigious educational institutions and schools, which have been in existence since the British era.
Naukuchiatal
Nauchuktal, literally located at an altitude of 1220 meters above sea level in Uttarakhand’s Nainital district, literally means a lake with nine corners. The lake has a length of about 1 km and its depth is about 40 meters. It is the deepest lake in the greater Nainital region.
Bhimtal
Only 3 KM away from Sattal – Bhimtal Lake is a beautiful lake with an island in the center. This is an ancient unsolved mystery – although Bhimtal is considered part of the ancient silk route.
Where to stay in Sutle
Since Nainital district is quite popular, you will not face much problem in finding hotels / resorts / guesthouses near lakes. Whatever your budget, you should find something that meets your needs. Of course, trustworthy (government-owned guesthouses) are also available.
However, I would suggest you to book in advance and plan your trip accordingly – if opted for. Given the popularity of the Nainital district in general, especially during the peak months – it is appropriate to do so! KMVN’s ideas are surprising, although the services are basic. The food at the guesthouse is very good!
Food Guide for Sattal
Sutle has a large number of restaurants and dining joints. They can offer cuisines ranging from Chinese to North Indian and South Indian. In addition, you will get to eat street food such as the ever tasty (especially in the hills) momos, which are available everywhere. You should enjoy them while sipping coffee or tea comfortably on the banks of the lake. The best option is to eat at restaurants in resorts and hotels.
Sattu Tour Tips
- It is advisable to avoid this area during the monsoon season. If you are willing to enjoy the juicyness of the mountains in season, I recommend you do thorough research and keep your plans flexible. Pay attention to weather updates and road conditions with local authorities and tour operators before heading to the destination.
- Fishing permits for the day can be obtained from the Forest Department.
Polite appeal
It is my humble request that no one reading this should pass in the hills. Even if you are visiting tourist destinations and especially in far-flung, isolated villages – please make sure you clean yourself. No sanitation workers come to pick up your garbage. It breaks my heart to go to the hills and see plastic bottles, cigarette butts, paper plates, half-eaten food cans, discarded clothes and so much more dirt.
I love the hills, because I’m sure you do too! Let us do our part to ensure that the same place will be there when we come back next time. Anyone who travels through the hills is part of a very sacred community. It is our duty to ensure that the mountains are clean for our community. We should not make it difficult for the people living in these villages in already difficult conditions! With folded hands, I request you to please clean up after yourself.
The conclusion
From the natural expanses unexplored for the pleasure of seeing a glimpse of exotic bird herds, from leisurely walks to butterfly sightings, you can actually indulge in a wide range of suttle activities. The pure attraction of unattached nature makes Sattal a great getaway.
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This place is definitely the most tired rejuvenator of souls. I encourage you to explore this untouched area near Nainital and create a great memory of the place. I hope the above will provide you with enough information to plan your trip. However, if you have any questions – feel free to comment below and we’ll be happy to help!