7 Secret Lakes & Pine Forest Trails Around Bhimtal, Sattal & Mukteshwar

While central Nainital captivates casual tourists with its bustling waterfront promenades, the true soul of Kumaon lies in its quiet hinterlands. Dotted across the rolling pine ridges around Bhowali is an interconnected web of emerald freshwater lakes, secluded bird sanctuaries, and historic colonial bridle paths where the only sounds are mountain winds and bird calls.

1. Sattal: The Seven Sacred Interconnected Lakes

Located just 15 km from Casa De Bello, Sattal is an ecological treasure. Here, seven independent freshwater bodies—Ram Tal, Sita Tal, Laxman Tal, Panna Tal, Nal-Damyanti Tal, Sukha Tal, and Garud Tal—are linked beneath a canopy of ancient oaks and weeping willows.

Unlike motorized lakes, Sattal strictly permits only silent paddle boats and kayaks. It is universally recognized as one of India's top 5 birdwatching havens, hosting over 500 species of birds, including the blue whistling thrush, rufous sibia, and vibrant red-billed blue magpie. Early morning kayaking across mist-shrouded waters here is an unforgettable meditation.

2. Bhimtal Lake & The Island Aquarium Cafe

Larger in surface area than Nainital, Bhimtal Lake (11 km from Casa De Bello) is named after the legendary Pandava prince Bhima. At the center of this lake sits a scenic natural island housing an aquarium and charming open-air cafe accessible exclusively by wooden motor ferry. A stroll across the 17th-century Bhimeshwar Mahadev temple embankment offers postcard-perfect photography.

3. Naukuchiatal: The Mystical Nine-Cornered Lake

At 16 km from Bhowali, Naukuchiatal is the deepest lake in the Nainital district (depth exceeding 40 meters). Legend holds that anyone who can glimpse all nine corners of the lake from a single viewpoint gains divine enlightenment. Surrounded by lush hills, Naukuchiatal offers serene rowing, angling for Himalayan carp, and thrilling tandem paragliding flights that soar high over the forested valley.

4. Kamal Tal (The Lotus Lake)

Adjacent to Naukuchiatal lies a smaller, often overlooked secret water body known as Kamal Tal. During spring and monsoon months, its entire surface is blankets of vibrant pink and white water lilies. It remains one of the quietest photo spots in Kumaon, completely missed by bus tour groups.

5. The Pine Forest Walks of Kehelkwira & Ramgarh

You do not need to drive far to experience Himalayan nature. Right from the gates of Casa De Bello in Kehelkwira, unpaved village walking trails wind gently uphill through fragrant chir pine forests. These trails lead towards the heritage fruit orchards of Ramgarh—often called the "Kashmir of Kumaon"—where poet Mahadevi Varma and Rabindranath Tagore composed literary masterworks.

6. Mukteshwar & Chauli Ki Jali: The Grand Ridge Excursion

For an exhilarating half-day excursion, drive 36 km up Ramgarh Road to Mukteshwar at 2,285 meters. Visit the historic 350-year-old Mukteshwar Shiva Dham and stand atop Chauli Ki Jali—a dramatic natural cliff edge that drops vertically into the Kumaoni valleys, offering an uninterrupted 180-degree panorama of Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli peaks.