SATTAL

Verdant oak forests, hill slopes covered with wild flowers, valleys with gushing rivers, high altitude lakes and waterfalls, countless number of birds and wild animals including the elusive leopards and cool climes is what comes to mind when you think of the Himalayas. A perfect mix of this heady concoction is a small place called Sattal. Located in the lake district of Kumaon, Sattal is situated at about 4000 feet in the lower Himalayan range. Seven fresh water lakes give it its name and make it the perfect paradise for birds. The dense pine and oak forests are home to over 500 species of resident and local migratory birds. Crimson sunbirds, Khalij Pheasants, Ashy throated warblers, White Browed Scimitar babblers, Tits, Brown Wood owl, little forktail, Brown dipper, Russet sparrows, Blue throated barbets, jungle owlets, common Green Magpies it’s an exhaustive list that is hard to keep up with if you are new to birding. The combination of the perfect altitude and habitat makes Sattal unique for its rich avian fauna and the diversity of bird species is awe inspiring.
Bird watching is best done on foot through the forests. Multiple routes for day treks either down to the lakes or up the slopes to the saddle between the mountains brings one face to face with birds both rare and common and the forests are rife with bird calls any time of the year. A walk always throws up a bonus view of the upper Himalayas that is breath taking.
If Birding is not your thing Sattal has a little bit of everything to offer. So near to the plains and yet at a safe distance from the hustle of crowded Nainital and Bhimtal. Sattal has retained its charm. While the obvious would be to go on a boat ride in the lakes, venture off the beaten path and explore on a set of two wheels or your feet as you trek through the forests. Mountain biking is a great way to give yourself the much needed adrenaline rush on near vertical limits. If you want to push up the adrenaline a notch further try some rock climbing and rappelling at Suicide rock under the watchful eye of an instructor as you advance up the face of a sheer cliff or rappel down in a harness at a slow pace. The essence of Sattal is in the outdoors and staying in a camp by the lake shore gives you a great taste of wild life and adventure. The area abounds in Sambhar deer, leopards, fox, and yellow throated martins and if you are lucky you may even spot the elusive Sarao a big awkward looking antelope. There are many organized camps at Sattal or you can pitch your own tents near the forests around the lakes. A quaint Chapel stands at the edge of one of the lakes. It is the Methodist ashram surrounded by a large estate, one that was originally bought by two British planters and gained a name for itself for its high-grade Tea. The surrounding dense Oak forest is a fine example of the marvel of nature away from the interfering hand of man.
The lure of Sattal has caught up with many birders and multiple hides are put up every season to observe the birds from a safe distance without spooking them. For the true joy of exploring the mountains and seeing your favoured birds all you need is a pair of binoculars and your good old walking shoes and you can be on your way to an experience of a life time.