Sattal
Create A Trip
About
A group of seven freshwater lakes, prominently known as Sattal, is situated in the Nainital district. Nestled amidst lush green forests, the lake offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. Tourists visiting Nainital often come here, as Sattal Lake is less crowded and provides a majestic view of the Himalayas. Being home to a myriad of bird species, it attracts several bird lovers. In its serenity, when the sun is about to set, enjoying a boat ride with your loved ones creates an unforgettable memory.
Hidden Gem
Situated at an elevation of above 4,500 feet, Sattal Lake is just 9 km away from Bhimtal Lake. Its emerald green water looks stunning, particularly in the morning and evening light. Surrounded by oak trees, the lake is nothing less than a hidden gem in Nainital. Unlike other popular tourist spots, Sattal remains less crowded, providing visitors a great opportunity to experience peace and natural beauty. Its unique charm and immense natural views attract tourists from far and wide.
Besides boating and kayaking, visitors can also enjoy fishing and angling here. However, the real beauty of Sattal can be best experienced while staying in the camp, as several local providers provide such services.
Clusters of Seven Lakes- Sattal
Sattal or Sat Tal (meaning Seven Lake) is a group of seven freshwater lakes which are interconnected with each other. It is one of the few unspoiled freshwater lakes in India, and is home to many migratory bird species. The cluster of seven lakes, which collectively form Sattal, is: -
- Naldamyanti Tal.
- Panna or Garud Tal.
- Ram Tal.
- Laxman Tal.
- Sita Lake.
- Purna Tal
- Sukh Tal.
Things To Do In
Visitors can engage in various things to make the most of their Sattal trip. Here are some suggested things you can take part in: -
| Bird Watching | Since the lake is home to several migratory and indigenous Himalayan birds, it is truly a haven for bird watchers. |
|---|---|
| Boating | In this exciting lake, visitors can enjoy boating and kayaking, which offer a thrilling experience along with a stunning view of the surroundings. |
| Fishing | Sattal Lake also offer fishing activity. However, visitors must first seek permission from the authority. It will be an excellent way to spend leisurely time by the lakeside. |
| Nature Walks | Sattal Lake is surrounded by lush green forest, which is perfect for a nature walk. It will be an exciting and refreshing activity, providing a chance to connect with nature closely. |
| Butterfly Museum | After exploring the lake, visitors can visit the Butterfly Museum, which houses more than 2,500 species of butterflies and above 1,100 types of insects. The museum was founded by Frederic Smetacek, who is fondly known as the Butterfly Man. |
| Mountain biking | Adventure and fitness seekers shouldn't miss this opportunity, as Sattal is the perfect place to experience mountain biking. Its Nainital-Bhowali-Sattal-Bhimtal-Naukuchiyatal biking route is filled with scenic beauty and provides a thrilling experience for riders. |
Accommodation
Limited homestays and hotels are available in Sattal, offering visitors a perfect and comfortable overnight stay. You can book your stay either online or offline. Some stays which are available in and around are given as: -
- KMVN Tourist Rest House.
- Country Inn Sattal.
- YMCA Lake View Inn.
- Forest Barn House.
- Nakshville Homestay.
- Damyanti Hotel and Resort.
- Tarana cottage by NamastExplorer.
Important Tips for Travellers
- Book your accommodation in advance to avoid a last-minute rush.
- A paid parking facility is available near the lake.
- Confirm the fare twice before taking any action.
- The lake is enjoyed best in the evening.
- Shared taxi and private cab are available near the lake.
- Although the site offers ATM facilities, it is still advisable to carry some cash.
- Visiting during the monsoon may cause various issues.
- Fishing permission is required from the forest department.
Nearby Attraction
The lake is surrounded by some other popular sites which you should not miss during your visit. Some of them are listed below: -
- Subhash Dhara
- Methodist Ashram
- Naukuchiatal
- Khurpatal
- Bhimtal Lake
- Garud Tal
- Nainital
- Golu Devta Temple.
How to Reach
By Road: - Sattal Lake is located around 22 km from the Nainital bus stand. Various local transportation, such as shared taxis, are available to reach the lake. Since Nainital is well-connected to nearby towns and major cities, it can be easily reached by bus and private cab. The Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, along with private operators, runs daily bus services from Dehradun and Delhi. Nainital is situated approximately 291 km from Dehradun and 315 km from the national capital, Delhi.
By Rail: Nainital's Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest one, situated just 29 km from the lake. It is well-connected to Delhi and Haridwar Railway Station, with various trains operating daily and weekly. From the station, visitors can take shared taxi services to reach the destination.
By Air: -The nearest airport to the Sattal lake is Pantnagar Airport, situated approximately 62 km away. It is connected with limited direct flights, mainly from Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport. From Pantnagar, visitors can take a bus or a shared taxi to reach the lake.
Best Time to Visit
Sattal Lake can be visited throughout the year, though the ideal time to visit is between September and May.
Height from Sea Level
The Sattal Lake is situated at an elevation of 1,370 metres, approximately 4,495 feet above sea level.
