Nainital, situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is a famous tourist destination for travellers. Shining like a shining ruby on the Himalayas, this city attracts a lot of domestic and foreign tourists. Nainital, covered with lush green mountains and lakes, is an excellent example of natural beauty. But do you know, Naini Lake located in Nainital is only one lake or lake of Kumaon Valley. On the way from the plains of Haldwani or Kathgodam to Kumaon, when the hills begin, small big lakes appear one after the other.

The speciality of Sattal is that all these pools connected with each other are of sweet water. The names of these locks are taken together as if they have only one source. Seeing these locks surrounded by tall trees like oak and deodar, there is a feeling of untouched and serene nature. Various types of flowers and vines have been planted around this pool. Sattal, heaven is beautiful, above all in terms of beauty, by the beautiful arrangement for sitting and the construction of beautiful bridges.

Sattal is a group of 7 talas. These are-

Hanuman Tal and Bharat Tal ( less water, located side by side )

Ramtal, Lakshman-tal, Sita-tal ( Main three lakes )

Garud Tal

Nal Damayanti Tal ( almost dry in summer months)

Garud Tal

Garud Tal is also known as Panna Tal. Panna Tal is amongst the seven lakes of Sattal which are interrelated. The name of these seven lakes is Purna Tal, Ram Tal, Sita Tal, Lakshman Tal, Nal Damyanti Tal, Sukh Tal, and Garud Tal. Sattal is perplexingly associated with these seven freshwater lakes. Garud Tal is also known as a Rakshas Tal or Demon Lake. Garud Tal and the remaining of the connected lakes are a haven for migratory birds as they abide themself for some time here during their relocation. Sattal is one of the few untouched and unspoiled freshwater ecosystems in India. Garud Tal is located at an elevation of 4500 feet above sea level.

The best time to visit Garud Tal is in the months of January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December.

The distance from Kathgodam Railway Station to Garud Tal is approx 30.1 km.

The distance from Pantnagar Airport to Garud Tal is approx 61.3 km.

The distance from Nainital to Garud Tal is approx 21.1 km.

Nal Damyanti Tal

Nal Damyanti Tal is a tiny natural lake, this peaceful lake is surrounded by natural greenery and is considered to be consecrated by the locals. Having insubstantial waters, Nal Damyanti Tal is an ideal location to enjoy the beauty of nature. One can applaud a fascinating view of the reserved hills or even go for a nature walk from here. The minimum time you need to explore Nal Damyanti Tal is 30 minutes. The hiking route to Nal Damyanti Tal is a bit spiked and goes through across the kaccha-pakka road. The view changes with each and every step you take. You can also have a view of old houses, traditional Kumaoni architecture, and newly made flats.

The best time to visit Nal Damyanti Tal is in the months of March, April, and May.

The distance from Kathgodam Railway Station to Nal Damyanti Tal is approx 24 km.

The distance from Pantnagar Airport to Nal Damyanti Tal is approx 56 km.

The distance from Nainital to Nal Damyanti Tal is approx 20 km.

Hanuman Tal

Hanuman Tal – the most easily accessible pools. There is a walking path around both these locks on which walking is a pleasurable experience. At the time of the excursion, there was a good movement of tourists and shopkeepers on the banks of the pool. From lemonade to food, arrangements were made. Here you will get an opportunity to taste North Indian food. You must try the cold kheer available here. It is one of the most delicious and the best confectionery to enjoy on-mountain holidays.

During the tour, you can see, some of the operators were giving the tourists another unique game, where they used to hang the tourists from the rope and push them down to the pool at high speed. They were very happy to see tourists screaming with glee, taking a dip in the waters of the pool, reaching across the pool.

Bharat Tal

There is a natural spring of freshwater arising out of dense oak forest west of Sattal that leads to a waterfall beyond the Sukhatal also known as the Bharat tal. Bharat tal has many different varieties of fish. Mahseers (Tor tor and Tor Putitora) are found here in large numbers. Labeo Rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, Schizothorax richardsonii, and Catla are some of the other fish found in the lakes.

The best time to visit Bharat Tal is in the months of March, April, and May.

Ram Tal, Lakshman Tal, and Sita Tal

Ram Tal, Lakshman Tal, and Sita Tal are the most important lakes of Nainital. There is a viewpoint before descending to Sattal lake level. The main Lake consists of three lakes Ram-Tal, Lakshman-Tal, and Sita-Tal adjoining together by narrow passages clearly visible in dry seasons when less water is accessible. These lakes are a pleasure for migratory birds. All the famous markets and tourist activities of Sattal are located around these three lakes only. Adventure activities such as river crossing, jungle trekking, etc are easily accessible here. Camps are also available for night stays near the lake.

The best time to visit Ram Tal, Lakshman Tal, and Sita Tal is in the months between October to June.