So finally we started at 12 in the night from Sahibabad and drive through NH24 via Ghaziabad, Hapur bypass, Moradabad, Rampur then on NH87 to Rudrapur, Haldwani, Nanital and finally Sattal. Total drive was around 320 km. Nanital to Bhimtal road takes a right diversion to Sattal, which has the best view of entire route.
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| Beautiful skyline of Sattal |
We reached here by 7 in the morning. Nestled by small hills this is actually one lake which has total seven corners that is why it is known as Sattal.
Staying option also included YMCA lake side camps which charges 2500 Rs. including complementary breakfast for four bedded camp, however in off-season it was available at 1800. But we liked the KMVN room much. There are no houses and most of the people came here for day trip from Nanital.
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| YMCA camps |
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| Deluxe cottage of KMVN |
After taking some rest we started with boating. Although one hour time is not adequate for boating but we enjoyed every moment of it. Boating facility is also available in moon night if somebody like to.
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| Boating experience is just superb |
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| In these pics camera is mounted on binocular lens |
After that we purchased two small torches available at nearby shop and trek till YMCA hill side cottage.
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| YMCA hill cottage |
It was all vacant and we stayed there till dark, enjoying our little adventure and complete darkness and calmness which is no ways to feel in cities.
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| Finally we can’t resist to set timer |
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| Complete calmness and listening the voice of forest |
Back to hotel we asked for bonfire. There we learn how to use the Pine tree flowers, its leafs and Pine wood to lit the fire.
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| Ravinder is very good in these kind of stuff |
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| There is no reason that everybody should do work |
Dinner was served in room on request which was very good. We stayed till 12 to enjoy the complete silence and our privacy with nature.
It was constant drizzling but still we managed by taking dining table plastic sheets from hotel staff.
Next day by 7 AM we started from there and this time took the route of Sattal, Bhimtal, Haldwani then same as earlier. This way Haldwani is just 32 km and one will get to drive along Bhimtal which is quite pleasant experience. We reached Delhi by 2 PM to attend the office, thanks to media job if we don’t get leave easily then at least can manage our shifts.
No regrets we are completely rejuvenated and ready to take the world for another week.
Few Statistics:
On CNG we run till Haldwani i.e. 240 km
Total Petrol Cost was 1500 Rs.
Driving time 7 hours approx. considering the traffic jam due to few uncompleted flyover on NH24.
Deluxe cottage costs 1425 Rs (Off season is till 30th April).
Boat rides 190 Rs for one hour.
And finally on 30th of April 2011 I am going to Ranthambor. So wait for more.