Sattal - Getaway Jungle Camp

General Info : Located in Uttrakhand , 7 tal is a group of seven lakes which is close to Nainital, the mother of all tals (lakes). Its usually a picnic spot where folks come to have kadi-chawal and a round of boating. Beyond the lake is the jungle and once you cross the lake over boat, you move towards this lovely camp called ‘Getaway Jungle Camp’. You climb a few notches and as you stroll down towards the valley, the camp gradually unfolds, a step at a time.

Getaway Jungle Camp is in a small valley which is not accessible via motorable road, infact any road. The only way to get in is by trekking. Set amid poplar trees, this bunch of tents overlooks hills and a large flat playground. There is a dining area, a bon-fire place, lots of forest warmth and clean fresh air. What else you will ever need. There is no electricity, no cell signals (except BSNL which sort of reaches almost every where), no DJ-powered music systems and no disco lights, so if you are looking for a vacation which you only want to share with your family and friends, getaway jungle camp is the place to be in. Infact you will hardly notice any locals there since it’s a little away from the populace.

I have been three many times, at least more then 10 and every time has been equally memorable. And probably that’s the motivation behind dedicating a blog to 7tal.

How to Reach
Train : Nearest railhead is Kathgodam. More info at http://indianrailways.gov.in/ and you can book tickets at http://www.irctc.co.in

Kolkata Connection : Train No – 3019. Daily. Takes a long time to reach. Via Asansol, Barauni, Chhapra, Gonda, Lucknow.

Delhi Connection: Train No – 5013. Ranikhet Express. Daily. Overnight. Via Moradabad.

Delhi Connection: Train No – 5035. Sampark Kranti. Daily. Starts at 1605 and reaches at 2235 hrs. Fastest.

They can arrange for pick-up service, it’s a 45-60 minute hilly drive from Kathgodam.

Air

Pantnagar which is about 70 KMs away is nearest airport. Jagson airlines flies and I think Air Deccan is coming soon.

Road

More common way to reach.

From Delhi – Get on to NH24 – Ghaziabad, Hapur, Moradabad, Udhamsingh Nagar, Saat Taal.

From anywhere else, the trick is to reach Rampur or Moradabad and then get on to road which goes towards Nainital. I have driven numerous times from Delhi so I will add a special section in the end specifically on ‘Delhi to 7tal on wheels’, later.

Activities at camp

You can various activities at the camp like

Rappelling – Put a harness .....................................

Read the rest of story at http://www.ghumakkar.com/2007/05/20/sattal-getaway-jungle-camp/