Sattal Travel Guide

Craving a break from the monotonous city grind? Yearning for fresh mountain air and breathtaking scenery? Look no further than Sattal, a hidden gem nestled amidst the lower Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Outdoorkeeda, your trusted partner in crafting unforgettable outdoor adventures, invites you to embark on a captivating trekking journey to this land of seven serene lakes.

Sattal: A Symphony of Nature’s Beauty

Sattal, translating to “seven lakes” in Hindi (Sat – seven, Tal – lake), lives up to its name. This picturesque hill station, perched at 1219 meters above sea level near Bhimtal, boasts a captivating landscape adorned with seven interconnected freshwater lakes. While two of these lakes have succumbed to the passage of time, the remaining five Panna, Nal Damyanti, Purna, Sita, and Laxman continue to reflect the pristine beauty of the surrounding mountains. Dense oak and pine forests envelop the region, providing a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

Land of Seven Lakes: Sattal

This majestic hill station is situated in the lap of lower Himalayas at a height of 1219 meters above sea level near Bhimtal. The paradisical town comes under Nainital district in Kumaon region of Himalayas. The place has been named Sattal because of seven interconnected freshwater lakes adorning the mesmerizing town.

Unfortunately, two of these seven lakes have already dried up. The place is still isolated from the outside world. The dense Oak and Pine forest of the region houses rare flora and fauna endemic to the Himalayan region. If you are an admirer of nature’s beauty, a photographer, a bird watcher or a butterfly aficionado, then Sattal is a must visit for you.

The Tale of Sattal

Sattal, when translated into English, means Seven Lakes (sat- seven, tal-lakes). These lakes have a deep connection to the Hindu mythology. It is believed that during the exile of Lord Rama from Ayodhya; he along with his wife and brother stayed near these lakes. Hence these lakes are named – Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Garuda or Panna. The other two lakes which have dried up were named Nala Damayantital (characters from Mahabharata) and Sukhtal.

Climate of Sattal

Sattal being a hill station experiences below average temperature. During summers, the temperature here lies between 15-30°C while in winters; the temperature is always between 0-24°C.

A Glimpse into History and Mythology

Legends weave their magic around Sattal. Hindu mythology whispers tales of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman seeking refuge near these lakes during their exile from Ayodhya. The remaining lakes bear names like Nala Damayanti (Mahabharata characters) and Sukhtal, adding another layer of cultural significance to this captivating region.

Embrace the Mountain Majesty: Trekking in Sattal

Outdoorkeeda curates a special trekking experience that allows you to truly immerse yourself in the magic of Sattal. Imagine crisp mountain air filling your lungs as you embark on a scenic trek through the verdant embrace of the forest. The gentle murmur of streams and the vibrant tapestry of wildflowers will accompany your footsteps as you ascend towards the majestic lakes. Our experienced guides will navigate the trails with ease, ensuring your safety and enriching your journey with local folklore and insights into the region’s unique ecosystem.

• By air – The nearest airport to Sattal is Pantnagar Airport about 50 km away.
• By rail – Sattal does not have its own railway station and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam Railway Station which is 26 km away.
• By road – The place is well connected by beautiful and scenic roads to all the major cities. But Sattal doesn’t have its own bus stand and the nearest one is in Nainital about 26km away. Taxi services ply from airport and railway station to Sattal.

Places to visit in Sattal

If you want to unravel the unexplored natural vistas where endemic butterfly and exotic birds reside then Sattal is your ultimate destination. Let us explore a few majestic destinations here.

1) SubhashDhara

Located amidst the dense Oak forest is the amazing freshwater spring of SubhashDhara. This intriguing destination is located just a few kilometres away from the picturesque hamlet. The water from the spring emanates from an unknown source below the ground making it mysterious and a perfect relaxation ground. Reach SubashDhara after trekking for a few kilometres and relish your time while watching the vibrant butterflies and delving into the glittering water.

2) The Seven Tal

The seven lakes of Sattal are perched at captivating heights and amidst most beautiful settings. These lakes have unknown underground sources and are interconnected. Visit this place to experience and feel the beliefs of locals who have great faith in their gods.

3) Butterfly Museum

Now we come to a place which fascinates budding lepidopterist. The museum houses about 5000 different varieties of butterflies and moths. Located at Jones Estate, the museum was founded by Frederic Smetacek, “The butterfly man of India”.

These are just a few destinations to explore. Catch up with many astounding destinations and thrilling activities like trekking, fishing, kayaking, boating, and bird and butterfly watching in Sattal. Experience the eternal peace of the valley.