Situated in lower Himalayan Ranges, Sattal is a town in Nainital District of Kumaon region, Uttarakhand, India. The place has derived its name from a group of seven lakes (Tal) of fresh waters surrounding the town. The place is a hub for exotic migratory birds and nature’s beauty. Locals say it was one of the places visited by Ram, Sita and Laxman during their 14 years of exile which has reflected on the names of the lakes. The names of seven lakes are Purna Tal, Ram Tal, Sita Tal, Laxman Tal, Garud Tal, Nal Damyantia Tal and Sukh Tal.
1. Bird Watching
Sattal is a treat for bird lovers. The place has more than 500 species of local and migratory birds, 525 species of butterflies and over 11,000 species of moths, beetles, bugs and other insects. One can find Kingfishers, different types of Barbets, Parakeets, Eagles, Woodpeckers and plenty of other species. You can hire a local guide who can trace the birds and take you to places where you can click some of these very rare and beautiful birds. One short walk in the early morning is a must to see a lot of different kinds of birds.
2. Kayaking
One of the best experiences here is to kayak in a lake. There are number of adventure clubs who can provide kayaks. In 2,000 to 3,000 they offer different customizable packages where one can opt for different adventure activities such as lake crossing, rock climbing etc.
3. Night Swim
The local clubs offer night swim as an adventure activity. The place looks absolutely stunning in the night. The locals offer a guided swim in one of the lakes at night. Cold and still waters with a beautiful view of stars and sky is one of the prominent highlight of visit to Sattal.
4. Stay Inside A Tent
It is always better to stay in local tents than a hotel. At night the view around will make you fall in love with the place. The silence and starry night is something that would give a soothing experience to an urban soul.
5. Local Connect
The locals are very friendly and would share a lot of interesting stories. Connecting with locals on a brief chat while having a tea or coffee can leave you with memories worth to remember from Sattal.
6. See The Sunrise
Find a beautiful place in the mountains from where you would be able to see sun rising from behind the mountains. It is one of the most memorable experiences in Sattal. There is a small temple in the mountains where you would get to see a beautiful sunrise and a view of whole valley. It is exactly same as the drawing kids in school draw to depict nature.
7. Butterfly Museum
2km away from Bhim Tal is a Butterfly Museum housed in the house of Peter Smetacek , a reputed lepidopterist who discovered the butterfly, Neptis Vaishneyi. Smetacek family moved to India in 1940’s since then the members of the family are collecting and studying different types of insects. The museum is a private one with entry fees of Rs.100/- per person.
How to reach Sattal?
Nearest airport is Pantnagar airport 61km from Sattal and is very well-connected by motor able roads. Taxis are available for pick and drop. Nearest rail station is Kathgodam, 33km away from Statal. Delhi is well-connected with two trains running to and fro daily to Kathgodam. Sattal is 308km away from Delhi and is well-connected by roads. Plenty of buses leave to Sattal form ISBT, Anand Vihar. Total time by bus could be 6-7 hours.