Sattal Lake in Nainital District

The Sattal lake in Nainital is a mysterious interconnection of seven freshwater lakes straight out of a fictional serial. Sattal is one of India’s few freshwater biomes, making it all the more valuable and valuable. The lake has not been harmed by modern civilization and is home to a diverse range of aquatic life.

Sattal Lake is located at a height of 1370 meters above sea level in the lower range of the Great Himalayas. Mehragaon valley is located in the Nainital district. Sattal is surrounded by lush orchards all around the valley, and the main flora of this area consists of massive coniferous trees such as pine and oak. The dense forest surrounding the lake is home to migratory birds and mammals.

Other flora in the area includes ferns, orchids, fungi, climbing plants, medicinal herbs, and shrubs, among other things. The flora and fauna of all seven lakes differ slightly due to different Diatom indices. Birds, fish, and butterflies dominate the fauna at Sattal.

This is a haven for people who enjoy watching birds and butterflies. The rarest species of butterflies can be found here due to the unpolluted waters and ecology. Around 20 different species of mammals live in the lake. Sattal’s avifauna is quite versatile and diverse. A variety of resident and migratory birds call the lake home.

During the winter, approximately 500 bird species migrate to Sattal from the Great Himalayas. Himalayan Griffon, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Kingfisher, barbets, parakeets, flycatchers, tits, rock thrush, babblers, owlets, woodpeckers, lammergeier, pheasants, black eagle, pigeon, manila, and other species are among them.

History of Sattal Lake

Sattal is a German word that means “seven lakes” (Sat-Tal). This location is linked to a legend that dates back to the time of the Indian epic Mahabharata. According to legend, the great ruler Nala drowned in one of the lakes with his wife Damayanti during their fourteen-year exile cursed by his brother. As a result, one of the seven lakes is known as Nal-Damyanti Tal.

Lakshman Tal, Purna Tal, Sita Tal, Sukha Tal, and Garud Tal are the names of the remaining six lakes, which are named after Mahabharata characters. The Sukha Tal was originally known as Khudariya Tal, but the water from this lake drained out due to a leak at its western end, and the lake dried up. As a result, it is now known as Sukha Tal.

Sattal Lake is compared to Westmorland in England due to its divine beauty and bewitching formation. The British who had established colonies in Nainital used to visit Sattal with their families as well as on solo trips. During the colonial era, Sattal had one of the four Tea Plantations in the Kumaon region.

Things to do in Sattal Lake

Sattal attracts a large number of tourists due to its beauty and the variety of activities available at and around the lakes.

1. You can go camping by the lake, which is organized by the locals. The camp provides a glimpse into the natural habitat of the fauna there as well as an opportunity for tourists to connect with the heartfelt beauty that this place possesses. Except for the monsoon season, you can plan a camping trip at any time of year.

2. Another attraction at the lake is boating. Tourists can take a boat ride on the lake to get up close and personal with the breathtaking beauty of this location.

3. One of the most popular activities at this location is bird watching.  Sattal is home to both resident and migratory birds, which make for an impressive sight. Photographs of these birds flying in flocks and pairs are possible.

4. Butterfly watching is an added bonus. Sattal is a butterfly paradise, home to over 525 different species. This place is a beautiful vista, with vibrant colors, sweet humming, and elegance all around.

5. You can obtain a fishing permit from the local government and spend a relaxing day fishing and angling at the lake. You can take your catch home or to the hotel and cook it if you fish all day.

6. Sattal will not disappoint you if you enjoy the adventure. Rappelling, rock climbing, mountain biking, trekking, angling, boating, and other activities are popular in the Sattal lake area.

7. Visit Frederic Smetacek’s butterfly museum at Jones Estate, which houses over 2500 butterflies and 1100 insect specimens.

8. Refresh yourself at the Subhash Dhara, a natural freshwater spring located west of the Sattal forest.

Best Time to visit Sattal

Sattal is at its most beautiful during the monsoon, but getting there can be difficult because the roads and treks become slippery, and there is always the risk of landslides.

Sattal is best visited in March, April, May, and June. Winters are also popular among tourists who are obsessed with snowfall.

How to Reach Sattal

Sattal is approximately 23 kilometers from Nainital, 302 kilometers from Delhi, and 355 kilometers from Agra if traveling by road. If you drive alone from Delhi, it takes about 6 hours to get to Sattal.

Sattal by Road

Tallital Bus Stop The nearest bus station is in Nainital. Sattal does not have a dedicated bus stop. To reach Sattal by bus, you must first travel to Nainital or another major city. You can take a taxi cab from the bus stop to Sattal. You can also book a private cab from top rental companies in Nainital for a hassle-free commute to Sattal.

Sattal by Train

Sattal railway station- Sattal is one of the places in Nainital that has retained its natural beauty and thus has not seen much development. Sattal lacks its own railway station. Kathgodam Railway Station is approximately 33 kilometers away. From the railway station, you can take a bus or a private taxi to Sattal.

Sattal by Airport

Pantnagar Airport is approximately 67 kilometers away. The distance between the airport and Sattal is motorable, providing a scenic drive to the outskirts of Nainital. Sattal can be reached by private taxi from the airport. Sattal is about 2 hours away from the airport.