Things to see and do at Sattal - 2

Leave the boat rides on the lakes to daytrippers who want nothing more from Sattal than a hot plate of channa-chawal and Coke. There's plenty on offer in the hills around for more active holidayers.

Adventure Zone

If you have your boots on, then the only way to go is up the hills, rock-climbing or just trekking along the trails. Rappelling and river-crossing accompanied by experienced mountaineers are other heady choices. These, along with mountain biking, are some of the best dry experiences the Sattal camps (see Where to Stay) offer. Climb up Suicide Rock under the watchful eyes of an instructor. Experienced climbers use pinch holes - literally, fingertip-holds on the surface of the rock - to advance up the face. Then, rappel down, using a carabiner to control the pace of your descent. You will be wearing a safety harness for this and all adventure activities at Sattal. Cool off later with a swim, or go kayaking or fishing.

Water games

Locals say that one of the Sattal lakes is haunted. Don't let such old wives' tales prevent you from having the time of your life in the water. Go rafting or kayaking on the lakes. If you do not have your own equipment, the camps here will arrange it for you. There are also plenty of boatmen to take you around the lakes at a moderate price (Rs 100 per hour).

Drop a line in

Fishing permits can be had for Rs 25 per day from the Forest Department in Sattal. You can also ask the camp you are staying at to arrange the permit, fishing rods and bait. The lakes are full of carp and rohu. Fresh carp from these waters, fried and drizzled with lemon and coriander, is one of the highest gourmet points you will touch in the outdoors.

Lakeside chapel

Looking down from the tree-lined bend in the winding road to Sattal, you will espy a tiny church in deep verdure right on the banks of a tiny tal. The church is part of the Sattal Mission Estate and Methodist Ashram. Two British planters (Thomas Oldham and Richard Vicar Boyle) bought the original estate from the British government in 1867, during India's Raj days. The estate (known as the Bharatpur free Simple Estate) was to flourish and gain a name for itself for quality Hyson-grade tea. The estate changed hands again in 1924 when William Henry Jones acquired it and named it the Bhimtal Estate.

While in India in 1930, American evangelist Reverend Stanley Jones, the founder of the Christian Ashrams movement, who was searching for a method to introduce Christ to the people of India, fell in love with Kumaon and acquired 250 acres of the estate. He founded and supported the Christian Ashram at what became known as the Sattal Mission Estate and Methodist Ashram. The renowned missionary, who died in 1973, was to become a friend of Mahatma Gandhi and have a profound effect on Martin Luther King through his biography of the Indian leader.

The Sattal Christian Ashram established by Revered Jones recently celebrated its 70th anniversary.

Related Links :

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