Overview
Sattal (Seven Lakes), a tiny hillstation in Uttarakhand State, is located near Bhimtal in the lower Himalayan Range. It gets its name from the seven interconnected freshwater lakes and is only 20 kilometres from Nainital District. Two of the seven lakes are already dry. Four of these lakes are named after Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, and Hanuman from the Ramayana (legend has it that Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita lived here for a spell during their exile from Ayodhya), thus the names of the seven lakes, and the fifth lake is named after Panna or Garuda. The sixth and seventh were named after the Hindu mythological characters Nala and Damyanti. Sattal, which is surrounded by dense green forests of oak, pine, and fir trees, is an important stopover for migratory birds. With 11,000 species of moths, 500+ species of butterflies, beetles, bugs, insects, birds, and about 20 species of mammals, it is also a haven for ornithologists and naturalists. Sattal is also known for its natural growth of medicinal plants, shrubs, orchids, and unusual creepers. It offers exhilarating nature walks, trekking trails, kayaking, night camping, river rafting, jungle safari, and rock climbing, in addition to scenic splendours. Boating and angling for carps and mahaseer are also popular activities in these lakes. A boat ride on one of these lakes can be truly mesmerising.
Just 2 km from the centre, Sunset Point is one of the most popular tourist places to visit.
Best time to visit: October to June Places to see: The 7 lakes or ponds Things to do: Boating, bird-watching, trekking trails, , kayaking, night camping, river rafting, jungle safari, and rock climbing.
