Shyamlatal Lake & Ashram
Place Details: Shyamlatal is a serene high-altitude lake situated at an elevation of 1500 meters, famous for its deep blue-black water which gives it its name ("Shyamla" meaning dark). The lake is surrounded by lush green hills and dense forests of oak and rhododendron, creating a secluded paradise for nature lovers. On the banks of this lake lies the Vivekananda Ashram, a branch of the Ramakrishna Mission, established in 1915. The ashram provides a spiritual retreat where monks and seekers engage in meditation and the study of Vedantic philosophy. The entire area exudes a profound sense of peace, making it a preferred destination for those seeking a break from the noise of the world. Historically, the lake has been a point of interest since the British era, but its spiritual significance grew after the establishment of the ashram by the disciples of Swami Vivekananda. The lake itself is natural and is fed by underground springs, maintaining its water level throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy quiet walks around the perimeter of the lake, which is approximately 1.5 kilometers in circumference. The reflection of the towering trees in the dark water creates a mystical atmosphere, especially during the monsoon when the mist rolls over the surface. The ashram also runs a small hospital and several social service initiatives for the local villagers, embodying the principle of "Service to Man is Service to God." Many visitors choose to stay at the ashram for a few days to experience the disciplined and spiritual lifestyle of the monks. The silence of the area is only broken by the occasional chirping of birds or the sound of the ashram bell. It is one of the few places in Uttarakhand where tourism remains secondary to spirituality and nature conservation. :
General information
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Ideal Duration:
3 to 5 HoursPlace Type:
Spiritual & NatureEntry Fees:
Lake Access: There is no entry fee to visit the lake area or the ashram premises.
Boating Charges: A nominal fee of 100 rupees is charged for a 30-minute boating session to support local maintenance.
:...Lake Access: There is no entry fee to visit the lake area or the ashram premises.
Boating Charges: A nominal fee of 100 rupees is charged for a 30-minute boating session to support local maintenance.
:Timing:
Regular Timings: The lake is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while ashram visiting hours are usually from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The afternoon hours from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM are ideal for a peaceful visit ...Regular Timings: The lake is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while ashram visiting hours are usually from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: The afternoon hours from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM are ideal for a peaceful visit when the light is golden and the ashram is open for visitors.
:Special Events:
Vivekananda Jayanti: Celebrated in January with great devotion, featuring special prayers, lectures, and cultural programs at the ashram.
Guru Purnima: A significant event where devotees from all over India visit the ashram to pay respects t...Vivekananda Jayanti: Celebrated in January with great devotion, featuring special prayers, lectures, and cultural programs at the ashram.
Guru Purnima: A significant event where devotees from all over India visit the ashram to pay respects to the spiritual lineage of the Ramakrishna Mission.
:Best Photo Spots:
Ashram Steps: The stone steps leading down to the lake from the ashram provide a classic frame for capturing the relationship between man and nature.
Lake Reflection: A wide shot from the opposite bank capturing the entire ashram reflected i...Ashram Steps: The stone steps leading down to the lake from the ashram provide a classic frame for capturing the relationship between man and nature.
Lake Reflection: A wide shot from the opposite bank capturing the entire ashram reflected in the dark water is a must-have for photographers.
Forest Canopy: The dense trees on the eastern side of the lake offer beautiful play of light and shadow during the late afternoon.
:Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Boating: Take a peaceful paddle boat ride on the dark waters of the lake to enjoy the surrounding hills from a different perspective.
Ashram Visit: Explore the library and the meditation hall of the Vivekananda Ashram to learn about the life and teachings of the Great Swami.
Nature Walks: Walk along the well-paved path around the lake, which is perfect for photography and bird watching.
Photography: Capture the stunning reflection of the ashram and the pine trees in the dark mirror-like surface of the water.
Sunset Viewing: Watch the sky change colors over the lake as the sun sets behind the western hills of Champawat.
Bird Watching: Spot the Blue Whistling Thrush and Jungle Owlet which are commo...Boating: Take a peaceful paddle boat ride on the dark waters of the lake to enjoy the surrounding hills from a different perspective.
Ashram Visit: Explore the library and the meditation hall of the Vivekananda Ashram to learn about the life and teachings of the Great Swami.
Nature Walks: Walk along the well-paved path around the lake, which is perfect for photography and bird watching.
Photography: Capture the stunning reflection of the ashram and the pine trees in the dark mirror-like surface of the water.
Sunset Viewing: Watch the sky change colors over the lake as the sun sets behind the western hills of Champawat.
Bird Watching: Spot the Blue Whistling Thrush and Jungle Owlet which are common residents in the trees surrounding the ashram.
Meditation: Spend an hour in silence at the designated meditation spots near the lake to rejuvenate your mind.
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Information
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Why Famous:
Vivekananda Connection: Famous as a major center of the Ramakrishna Mission where Swami Vivekananda's teachings are practiced in a tranquil Himalayan setting.
Black Water Lake: Renowned for its unique dark-tinted water, which is a rare geogr...Vivekananda Connection: Famous as a major center of the Ramakrishna Mission where Swami Vivekananda's teachings are practiced in a tranquil Himalayan setting.
Black Water Lake: Renowned for its unique dark-tinted water, which is a rare geographical feature in the Kumaon region, surrounded by scenic beauty.
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Architecture:
Ashram Architecture: The Vivekananda Ashram features a colonial-style stone and wood construction with sloping tin roofs to manage heavy rainfall. The meditation hall is designed with large windows to allow natural light and views of the lake.
...Ashram Architecture: The Vivekananda Ashram features a colonial-style stone and wood construction with sloping tin roofs to manage heavy rainfall. The meditation hall is designed with large windows to allow natural light and views of the lake.
Dimensions: The main ashram building spans 30x15 meters, while the lake itself covers an area of about 1. 5 square kilometers.
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How To Reach:
By Air: Pantnagar Airport is about 130 KMS away; one can travel via Tanakpur to reach Shyamlatal by taxi.
By Train: Tanakpur Railway Station is the nearest major station, located just 30 KMS away, making it very accessible for rail traveler...By Air: Pantnagar Airport is about 130 KMS away; one can travel via Tanakpur to reach Shyamlatal by taxi.
By Train: Tanakpur Railway Station is the nearest major station, located just 30 KMS away, making it very accessible for rail travelers.
By Road: It is located off the main Tanakpur-Champawat highway; a sharp 4-KM uphill climb from the main road leads directly to the lake.
By Local Transport: Regular buses from Tanakpur to Champawat stop at the Shyamlatal turn-off, from where local taxis are available.
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Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Spring Season: March to June is excellent for boating and sightseeing, with pleasant weather and blooming flowers.
Post-Monsoon: September to November is the best time for clear views and photography as the lake is full and the air is fresh....Spring Season: March to June is excellent for boating and sightseeing, with pleasant weather and blooming flowers.
Post-Monsoon: September to November is the best time for clear views and photography as the lake is full and the air is fresh.
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Near Tourist Places:
Tanakpur (30 KMS), Purnagiri Temple (50 KMS), Champawat Town (56 KMS), Banbasa Barrage (40 KMS), Lohaghat (70 KMS), Abbott Mount (75 KMS), Ek Hathiya Ka Naula (60 KMS), Baleshwar Temple (57 KMS), Nagnath Temple (58 KMS), Krantishwar Mahadev (62 KMS)
Tourism Tips
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Connectivity: Mobile signals are weak near the lake; it is a "digital detox" zone where Wi-Fi is not available for public use.
Cash: No ATMs are present in Shyamlatal; ensure you carry cash from Tanakpur town before heading up.Connectivity: Mobile signals are weak near the lake; it is a "digital detox" zone where Wi-Fi is not available for public use.
Cash: No ATMs are present in Shyamlatal; ensure you carry cash from Tanakpur town before heading up.
Health & Safety: Maintain silence within the ashram premises to respect the meditators; swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited.
Accommodation: The ashram offers limited accommodation for serious seekers, which must be booked in advance via mail or phone.
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