Sattal

Sattal (Seven Lakes) a tiny hillstation in Uttarakhand State, is located in the lower Himalayan Range near Bhimtal. Situated just 20 km from Nainital District, it gets its name from the seven interconnected freshwater lakes. Two of the 7 lakes have already dried up. Of these lakes, four are named after the main characters of the Ramayana - Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Hanuman (legend has it that Rama, Lakshmana, Sita had lived here for a spell during their exile from Ayodhya), hence the names of the seven lakes and the fifth lake is named after Panna or Garuda. The sixth and the seventh were named after the character in Hindu Mytholgy, Nala and his wife Damyanti.

Perched at an altitude of 1370 metres above sea level, it is one of the most stunning hamlets in Uttarkhand Region with serene, pristine and divine beauty. During the British rule in India, Sattal was a famous tea plantation in the Kumaon region.

Surrounded by dense green forests with oak, pine and fir trees, Sattal is an important stopover for migratory birds. It is also a paradise for ornithologists and naturalists with 11,000 species of moths, 525 species of butterflies, beetles, bugs, insects, birds and about 20 species of mammals. Sattal also has a natural growth of medicinal plants, shrubs, orchids and uncommon creepers.

There are several places of interests for the tourists to see in Sattal which are listed below:

Sattal Mission Estate and Methodist Ashram

One of the most popular sightseeing in Sattal, the Ashram was established to introduce Christianity into the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. The Ashram was built in 1930 by E. Stanley Jones (1884-1973), the evangelist, missionary and a friend of Mahatma Gandhi. It is situatedon the banks of Garud Tal. The famous 'St. John’s Church' a part of this ashram is situated within the premises of the ashram. The Church showcases a mixed colonial architecture. There is also a Sattal Christian Ashram chapel situated nearby. Spread on a vast area, one can find numerous insects species that found in the region. Located in the green, peaceful and serene surroundings, the Ashram offers lots of interactive activities, games, holy prayers etc making the stay stimulating and cherished.

Contact Ph: 05942-247058
Entry Timings: 9 am-5 pm
In Summer months Sunday are open (Time 5-6 pm) .

For stay in Ashram Contact Ph: 05942-247029. Price ranges from Rs 150-300. No catering facilities.

Butterfly Museum

Built by Frederic Smetacek (also known as 'the butterfly man'), it has over 2,500 butterfly and moth specimens and 1,100 species of insects that are inhabitants of this area. It is situated at Jones Estate.
For more details contact; Ph: 05942- 247043
Entry Timings: 9 am to 5 pm; Monday-Friday.

Subhash Dhara

It is a gorgeous freshwater spring that comes from the dense forest of Sattal, towards the western part. It also offers picturesque views of the surrounding valleys of Mehragaon.

Bhim Tal

Bhimtal just 3 km from Sattal, is a place, separated by a small forest. It is situated at an elevation of 1375 mts above sea level. It has a small lake, which is believed to be created by Bhim (One of the Pandava Brother in the epic Mahabharata). It is believed that Pandvas had spent some time here during their exile, and Bhim had hit the ground with his gada to create this lake. There is an island in the centre of the lake that used to have a restaurant, which fascinated a lot of tourists. Bhimtal Lake is home to a large variety of aquatic species. There is an ancient Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple on the banks of this lake (Timings: 5 am-7 pm).

The other tourist attractions, which can be covered are Golu Devata Temple, Naukuchaital and Ghorakhal.

Things to Do in Sattal

Apart from scenic splendors, it also offers exhilarating nature walks, trekking trails, , kayaking, night camping, river rafting, jungle safari, and rock climbing. One can also enjoy boating and angling carps and mahaseer in these lakes. A boat ride in one of these lakes can truly be a mesmerising experience.