Credit: Alisha Edwards
Sattal Lake is a cluster of seven freshwater lakes that are located at an altitude of 1370 meters above sea level in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand.
The group of seven lakes is named after various Hindu mythological characters. It includes the Purana Tal, Ram Tal, Sita Tal, Laxman Tal, Nal Damyanti Tal, Sukh Tal, and Garud Tal. Garud Tal is a solitary lake that is not interconnected with the other lake. On the other hand, the Ram, Sita, and Lakshman Tak together form the Saatal main lake.
If you are a bird lover, then Sattal is a paradise for birds. It’s home to 500 species of migratory birds that migrate in winter to escape the harsh, cold winters of the Himalayan region. Sattal Lake is a perfect habitat for these birds and an ideal bird-watching location. The common birds spotted around the lake include red-billed blue magpies, kingfishers, and blue-throated and brown-headed barbets.
Apart from birds, Sattal is home to 20 species of mammals and over 525 species of butterflies. To attract tourists, there is a butterfly museum that is established to create awareness about butterflies. You can enjoy the Subhash Dhara, a freshwater spring that comes from the forest of Sattal.
Sattal Lake is a center of market and tourist activities. Formed from the confluence of Ram, Sita, and Laksan Tal lakes, it is dotted with various eateries and souvenir shops. Visitors indulge in various activities like boating and fishing in the lake. They enjoy the picturesque surroundings, birdwatching, and activities like trekking, rock climbing, etc.
How to Reach Sattal Lake
By Road:
Sattal is well-connected by road and can be easily accessed from major cities in North India. The nearest city is Nainital, which is around 22 kilometers from Sattal. One can hire a taxi or take a bus from Nainital to Sattal. The journey from Delhi to Sattal by road takes around 7-8 hours.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Sattal is Kathgodam, which is around 30 km away. Kathgodam is well-connected to major cities in India. One can hire a taxi or take a bus from the railway station to Sattal.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Sattal is Pantnagar Airport, which is around 71 km away. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India, such as Delhi and Dehradun. One can hire a taxi or take a bus from the airport to Sattal.