You must have heard about the beautiful hill station, Nainital which is one of the few great lakes of the Kumaon Valley but today, let’s talk about the lesser known ones. Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal are the some of the other mystical lakes of the valley. One of the most beautiful places in India, the mountainous division of Kumaon Valley consists of a large Himalayan tract along with two submontane parts known as the Terai and the Bhabhar.
Uttarakhand, popularly called ‘Land of Gods’, is a place that consists of many tourist attractions. From places of worship to exotic sceneries and exciting adventures, it has everything for travellers from near and afar. Some of the lakes of Kumaon Valley have riveting legends behind their origins. If their natural beauty is not tempting enough, the history and a few connecting legends are sure to inspire you to plan a vacation to these lakes.
Bhimtal Lake
Named after Bhima, the mythological character of Mahabharata, the Bhimtal lake is much revered for its exquisite beauty. Perched at an altitude of 1370 m above sea level, the lake is located in proximity to Nainital and is quickly becoming a favourite among tourists. Bhimtal is the ideal weekend getaway as it is far from chaotic city crowds. There is an island situated in the middle of the lake, that consists of an aquarium, which is a must-visit. Natural beauty reigns all around the year at Bhimtal. There is a multitude of options for adventure lovers, as they can enjoy trekking and partake in other water sports. The place is well-connected by roads, so one can easily embark on a road trip from Delhi, Chandigarh, Rishikesh and other nearby areas. For people in far-away cities, there are many flights to Delhi or Chandigarh available, so they can book the one that is more convenient to their travel plans. If you want to stay a night or two in Delhi before departing to Nainital, you can find cheap hotels in delhi near the airport for a comfortable stay.
Sattal Lake
Sattal, or Sat Tal, is a collection of seven interconnected freshwater lakes in the Nainital area of Kumaon Valley. Also, located at an altitude of 1370 m, the Sattal lakes are surrounded by dense forests of oak and pine trees. One of the few unspoiled lakes, the names of the 7 lakes are Purna Tal, Sukh Tal, Garud Tal, Laxman Tal, Sita Tal, Ram Tal and Nal Damyanti Tal. According to the legend, King Nala drowned in the tone of the seven lakes of Sattal with his wife Damayanti, during his 14 years long exile given by his brother. Hence, one of the lakes came to be known as Nal Damyanti Tal. These seven lakes are the mainstay of migratory birds escaping the cold weather conditions of the Himalayas. Bird watching and photography are quite popular in the region.
Naukuchiatal Lake
Naukuchiatal literally translates to nine-cornered lakes. It is the deepest lake of the Nainital region and is situated in a beautiful valley at an elevation of 1220 m. According to a myth, if someone takes one look at all the 9 corners of the lake at one time with their feet on the ground, they attain nirvana by disappearing in smoke. But seeing the 9 corners with feet on earth is an impossible task. Visit the lake to rejuvenate your mind and soul in the salubrious climate of the place.
Have you visited these lakes yet? If not, then this is the right time to set off for a holiday to the hills!
