Shyamlatal

Resting in a tranquil mountain valley at an altitude of 1,500 meters (4,920 feet) in Champawat district, Shyamlatal (Shyamla Tal) is a scenic natural freshwater lake situated roughly 30 kilometers from Tanakpur and 56 kilometers from Champawat in Uttarakhand. Covering a surface area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers, the lake gets its name from the distinctive deep dark blue and emerald green tint (Shyamal) of its crystal clear waters.

On the peaceful northern bank of the lake stands the historic Vivekananda Ashram, founded in 1914 by Swami Virajananda, a direct disciple of Swami Vivekananda. The hermitage features a serene prayer hall, a public library, and a charitable hospital serving nearby Kumaoni tribal villages.

Bordered by dense virgin forests of pine, oak, and blooming blue water lilies, Shyamlatal offers a meditative retreat away from busy pilgrimage corridors. Day visitors and spiritual seekers enjoy quiet walking trails along the water embankment and striking views across the Sharda valley toward western Nepal.