If you are looking for a serene and scenic destination in the Himalayas, then Sattal is the place for you. Sattal, which means seven lakes, is a cluster of freshwater lakes situated in the lower Himalayan range near Bhimtal, a town in the Nainital district in Uttarakhand. The lakes are surrounded by dense forests of oak and pine trees and are home to hundreds of species of birds, butterflies, and insects. Sattal is a popular tourist destination for nature lovers, bird watchers, adventure seekers, and photographers.
How to Reach Sattal
Sattal is well connected by road, rail, and air to all the major cities of India. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 60 km away from Sattal. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach Sattal. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 33 km away from Sattal. You can take a cab or a bus from the station to reach Sattal. If you are traveling by road, you can drive to Sattal from Delhi (about 300 km), Dehradun (about 280 km), or Haridwar (about 240 km).
Best Time to Visit Sattal
The best time to visit Sattal is from October to June when the weather is pleasant and the lakes are full of water. The summer months (April to June) are ideal for boating, kayaking, and other water activities. The winter months (November to February) are perfect for bird watching, as many migratory birds flock to the lakes. The spring months (March to April) are beautiful for witnessing the blooming of flowers and butterflies. The monsoon months (July to September) are not recommended for visiting Sattal, as the roads may be slippery and the lakes may be cloudy.
Things to Do in Sattal
Sattal offers a variety of things to do for every kind of traveler. Here are some of the activities that you can enjoy in Sattal:
- Bird Watching: Sattal is a paradise for bird watchers, as it hosts more than 500 species of resident and migratory birds. Some of the common birds that you can spot here are kingfishers, woodpeckers, barbets, flycatchers, warblers, thrushes, babblers, orioles, and sunbirds. You can hire a local guide or join a birding tour to explore the best spots for bird watching in Sattal.
- Boating and Kayaking: One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of the lakes is by boating or kayaking on them. You can rent a boat or a kayak from one of the adventure clubs in Sattal and paddle along the calm waters. You can also try angling or fishing in the lakes if you have a permit. You can read more about our boating experience in our blog.
- Mountain Biking: If you are an adventure lover, then you can try mountain biking in Sattal. The rocky terrain and the forest trails offer a thrilling experience for bikers. You can rent a bike from one of the adventure clubs in Sattal and explore the surroundings at your own pace. You can also join a mountain biking tour that covers Nainital – Bhawali – Sattal – Bhimtal – Naukuchiyatal.
- Butterfly Museum: Another attraction in Sattal is the exotic Butterfly Museum that lies in the Jones Estate, a little uphill from the lake. The museum was set up by Federic Smetacek, who was called the butterfly man. The museum houses around 2,500 species of butterflies and around 1,100 types of insects. You can learn about the life cycle and behaviour of these fascinating creatures and admire their colours and patterns. You can also read our blog post about the Butterfly Museum in Sattal.
- Nature Walks: If you want to relax and rejuvenate in nature, then you can go for nature walks in Sattal. There are many unexplored spots and trails that you can discover through delightful nature walks. You can enjoy the views of the Himalayas, the forests, the lakes, and the wildlife along the way.
You can also check out our YouTube channel for some amazing videos.
Places to Stay
Sattal has a range of accommodation options for every budget and preference. You can choose from hotels, resorts, homestays, campsites, or cottages depending on your comfort level and taste. Some of the popular places to stay in Sattal are:
- [Sattal Forest Resort]: A luxury resort that offers spacious rooms, cottages, and tents with modern amenities and lake views. The resort also has a restaurant, a garden, a playground, and a library.
- [Sattal Birding Camp]: A budget-friendly campsite that offers tents and cottages with basic facilities and birding guides. The campsite also has a dining area, a bonfire pit, and a birding trail.
- [Sattal Eco Lodge]: A eco-friendly lodge that offers rooms and dormitories with rustic decor and natural ventilation. The lodge also has a cafe, a library, and a yoga hall.
Conclusion
Sattal is a perfect vacation option for those who are looking for solitude, nature, and adventure in the Himalayas. It is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of seven lakes, the diversity of birds and butterflies, the thrill of mountain biking and kayaking, and the charm of a butterfly museum. Sattal is a place where you can experience the best of Uttarakhand.