Methodist Ashram

Situated on a tranquil forested promontory overlooking the emerald waters of Garud Tal lake in Nainital district roughly 3 kilometers from Sattal and 23 kilometers from Nainital, the Methodist Ashram (Sattal Christian Ashram) is a historic interfaith spiritual retreat in Uttarakhand. Established in 1930 by the renowned American Christian missionary, author, and close friend of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. E. Stanley Jones, the ashram was created to blend Christian contemplative prayer with classical Indian ashram traditions.

Set amidst a former nineteenth century colonial tea estate, the stone cottages, bell tower, and simple woodland chapel operate without dogmatic rituals, welcoming seekers of all faiths and backgrounds for silent meditation, group fellowship, and nature walks. Prominent leaders of India's independence movement and international scholars have stayed in its rustic stone lodgings.

The ashram grounds are carpeted by wild alpine wildflowers, pine needles, and dense oak trees where over a hundred species of Himalayan birds nest. A gentle paved pathway connects the ashram to the secluded shores of the seven interconnected lakes of Sattal.