Bhimtal, Sattal & Naukuchiatal: Kumaon Lake Hopping Guide

Just beyond Nainital lies a cluster of quieter lakes that together make a perfect day of lake hopping. Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal each have their own distinct character, and visiting all three in one outing gives you boating, birdwatching and forest calm well away from the main tourist crush. They sit close enough together that a relaxed circuit is genuinely easy, which is why we recommend this route so often to families and couples alike.

Bhimtal

Larger than Naini Lake, Bhimtal sits at about 1,370 metres and is named after Bhima of the Mahabharata. Its standout feature is a small island with an aquarium in the middle of the lake, reachable by boat, which children love. The surrounding town is relaxed and far less hectic than Nainital, with a 17th-century Bhimeshwar Mahadev temple standing right by the water and a growing number of lakeside cafes.

• Pedal and row boating out to the island and back.
• Folk Culture Museum on the outskirts, showcasing Kumaoni heritage.
• Cafes and homestays with calm lake views, good for a long lunch.

Sattal

Sattal, meaning seven lakes, is an interconnected group of freshwater lakes ringed by oak and pine forest. It is the most natural and least commercial of the three, and one of the finest birdwatching destinations in the whole Kumaon region, drawing photographers and naturalists especially in winter and early spring.

• Garud Tal, Ram-Sita-Lakshman Tal and Nal Damayanti Tal, each with its own legend.
• Kayaking and zip-lining in season for the more active.
• Forest trails and a nearby butterfly research centre and bird-feeding hides.

Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal, the lake of nine corners, is the deepest of the group. Local lore holds that anyone who can see all nine corners in a single glance attains enlightenment, which keeps visitors craning their necks from the boats. It is excellent for boating and paragliding, and feels noticeably quieter and more spread out than Bhimtal.

• Boating, kayaking and pedal boats across the wide water.
• Paragliding from the surrounding hills with local operators.
• Quiet lakeside resorts that make a relaxing overnight stop.

Best time and how to reach

These lakes are pleasant almost year-round. March to June is the busy season; winter mornings are misty, cool and beautiful, while the monsoon makes the hills lush but can muddy the forest trails. For serious birdwatching at Sattal, November to March is ideal, when migratory species arrive. All three lakes lie close together, roughly 22 to 26 km from Nainital and about 25 to 30 km from Haldwani, with Kathgodam as the nearest railhead. You can comfortably cover all three in a single day, finishing at Naukuchiatal for sunset.

A tip from us: start at Sattal early in the morning for the birds, move to Bhimtal for lunch and the island visit, then finish at Naukuchiatal in the afternoon. The roads between the three are good and the distances short, so you spend your time at the water rather than in the car.

Arjun Travels runs lake-hopping day trips and taxis from Haldwani covering Bhimtal, Sattal and Naukuchiatal in a single comfortable itinerary, with drivers who know the quietest viewpoints. Call or WhatsApp +91 90844 04569 to book.