Sattal

State

Sattal, situated in the Lower Himalayan Range near Bhimtal, is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes: Panna Tal or Garud Tal, Nal-Damyanti Tal, Purna Tal, Sita Tal, Ram Tal, Laxman Tal and Sukha Tal or Khurdariya Tal. The place is one of the few unspoiled and unpolluted freshwater biomes in India and these lakes are a paradise for migratory birds. Apart from the natural serenity that it offers, the rugged mountains of Sat Tal also offer adventurers a wide range of trekking, biking, abseiling, mountain biking, rock climbing, night-trekking, nature trail, backpacking, angling, kayaking, rafting, river-crossing, boating, jungle-safari and night-camping opportunities. Recently few camps being operated mostly by local people catering to tourists looking for outdoor vacations.

Accessibility

Air: Pantnagar airport is the nearest domestic terminal. Delhi is the nearest International airport, which is 320 km away from Sattal. Delhi airport is well connected with major cities within the country and abroad. Taxis are available from Delhi and the fare is about Rs 6500.

Rail: Kathgodam Railway station, about 36 km away from Sattal, is the nearest railhead. Pre-paid taxi services are available from Kathgodam to Sattal which costs about Rs 750. Regular train services are available from Kathgodam to Delhi and also to other cities in India.

Road: Sattal is well connected with nearby cities like Nainital and Ramgarh in the state. Tourist and State owned bus services are available from Delhi to Sattal, covering the distance of 320 km. Bus fare is nearly about Rs 1100.

Things to do

Boating: As the name Sattal suggests, this scenic place boast of some of the most pictorial biomes whose mere glance would enthrall each visitor. Being nestled in the lap of thick lovely woods and the towering peaks of Himalayas, these lakes have managed to survive all sorts of commercialization. A haven of exotic and migratory birds, these lakes present most memorable and fantastic vistas of nature to the onlooker.

A nice ride through the placid waters of these lakes offers you some of the unforgettable moments in your entire lifetime. Though the lakes set a beautiful ambiance all through the year, boat rides on a full moon night is really mesmerizing. While boating through the placid waters of the lovely lakes, you can feel the real charisma of an unspoiled wildlife along with the pure reflection of the all around foliage in the greenish waters.

Camping: After a lovely ride through the placid lakes, you can venture a pleasure trip in to the wilderness of the jungle where you and the enchanting nature would be alone. You can have two options in enjoying the loveliness of the jungle life. You yoursself can carry tent equipments and set it by the lake side or you can avail the service of organized camp sites, which are located at the foothills of the Kumaon Regions.

Camping in the organized campsite lasts for 3 to 4 days and accommodates fifteen families. A cluster of man-made tents set in the midst of thick woods on the background of lofty mountain peaks provides you with a wonderful feeling and you can experience the warmth of fresh air that surrounds the entire area. Camping encompass so many merriments that ranges from river crossing, rappelling, nature walks, obstacle course and lots of funny games.

Most alluring attraction would be the overnight stay in the tents where there is no distraction from the outside world. You may not be able to live even a single day with out electricity in your home, but in the camp site you would not even think of that since your are in the lap of the mother nature. Though you have to survive there with the help of lanterns, you would be provided with all other modern facilities and all varieties of foods according to your choice.

Mountain Biking: The sports of riding bicycles through the rough terrains have become a popular sporting event in recent times. Roughly categorized in to four major categories such as cross country, downhill, freeride, and trials or street riding, this event demands much courage and vigor from the participants. If the visitor is dare enough to take the risks he can opt this dangerous but enjoyable pass time.

Mountain biking is more pleasurable and enjoyable in Sattal since it is naturally bestowed with rocky and rough terrains. Riding through the lofty areas of Sattal would obviously make your trip a pleasurable and delightful one as you would sense the merriment in every notch.

Rafting and Kayaking: Water sporting has now a days gained momentum around the globe and the most alluring sites of these adventurous activities are the Himalayan rivers. Sattal in the lap of the Himalayan mountain peaks boast of the most picturesque water bodies, which are quite famous for its challenging expeditions. An excellent tourism spot where one can go for Kayaking and Rafting, audacious drive through the fresh water lakes simply leaves you enthralling.

Rafting through the water bodies of Sattal is as thrilling as it is through the swirling rapids of a mountain river. It offers some of the best rafting paths and rafting through the glittering waters while the greenish woods and the lofty peaks flash by is a memorable moment that should be experienced at least for once in a life time.

Rock Climbing / Rappelling: An exclusive place that unsurprisingly favours risky ventures and excursions, Sattal offers a myriad of options to those visitors who are fond of adventures. People with a desire of having an arduous excursion would never find an exciting place like Sattal. This lovely place in the Lower Himalayan ranges is a hub of Challenging activities, and among them rock climbing dominates pretty well among the others.

Rock climbing in Sattal entails the participants the opportunity to climb up the lofty rock formations that are scattered in around the region. Though dangerous, climbing through the pre-determined paths to reach the summits of the peaks is really thrilling and the daring visitors seldom spare this rare chance of exploring the rough nature. If you take a trip to Sattal, never miss to take a rock climb if you are keen in trying something new and adventurous.

Trekking: A place where the snowy peaks and the placid lakes intertwined in the luxury of a deep jungle, Sattal leaves before you an amazing time in haunting activities. A haven of adventurous activities this delightful place welcomes both hard trekkers and toddlers alike. Those who are not much interested in arduous treks can go for a stroll from Bhimtal and reach the waterfall to feel the real touch and stroke of the forests.

Sattal peaks offers a two hour trek to the challenge lovers and by that time the trekker would come across with the vibrant and captivating sceneries in Sattal. Sattal bears a classy scenic look with exquisite and outstanding vistas that would mesmerise the picnicker. Travelers can also take a 7 kilometer trek from Himalayas to Sattal. It would be advisable to get the service of a tourist guide during the trek, as the path of the forest would fade away every so often. If you are part of an organized trekking unit, they would provide you with several other attractions and entertainments, which make your trekking more pleasurable.

District
Nainital
STD Code
05942
Termperature
Summer 15-30°C, Winter 0-24°C
Best time to visit
March to June; September to December