We are happy to be holding our retreat
at Sattal, a very welcoming Christian ashram in the Kumaoun Hills,
surrounded by beautiful woods and lakes.
Getting to Sattal
Sattal Ashram is
located in the Nainital area, in the state of Uttaranchal. There
is a daily overnight train from Delhi (The Delhi
Kathgodam Ranikhet Express no. 5013; leaves Old
Delhi station at 22:45 and arrives at Kathgodam 6:15 am; the return
train is no. 5014, leaves Kathgodam at 20:45, arrives in Delhi
at 4:45).
Trains from other destinations should arrive at either
Kathgodam
or Haldwani. From
the station you need to take a taxi: it will first pass through
Bhimtal, the town
nearest to the ashram, continue to Mehragaon (5 km further), 3
kms farther there will be a fork in the road - turn left for Sattal
Estate. Sattal Ashram is 1.5 kms past the estate, on a gravel
road. This drive should take between 1-2 hours.
If you are already in the Nainital area, inquire about local buses
to Bhimtal, then
follow above directions.
Please make your travel arrangements
in advance: there are no travel agents in
the immediate area, so it is best to book your return tickets
before you arrive for the retreat! Also
please take care of your email/communication needs before arriving
at the ashram, as participants cannot make
or receive calls there, and there is no email facility.
In the event of an emergency, the phone number at Sattal is: 05942
247058. Please ask for one of the managers, or ask to speak to
Vijay Patni.
What
To Bring
Warm clothes, socks,
a shawl and sleeping bag if possible (it is cold at night).
A lungi
(a sarong-like cloth that is easily adaptable to many purposes).
Sattal has a beautiful lake for swimming – but it is not
appropriate for women to swim in western swimsuits on ashram grounds
or generally in India, so please bring a lungi for swimming.
Practical travel gear
such as: torch (flashlight), extra batteries, candles, matches,
mosquito repellent, alarm clock, water bottle, towel, medications,
toiletries and toilet paper (if you use it).
Meditation cushion
– please bring your own as the ashram only provides straw
mats on the hard floor of the hall.
Please note that the ashram is far from local shops
and once the retreat begins it is not possible to run out for
supplies. Do bring whatever you need with you, especially any
medications you may need.
Participants are expected to stay within the ashram grounds during
the days of silent retreat. The daily schedule begins at about
6 am, and ends at around 9 pm, with a break in the afternoon.
Accommodations are mainly dormitories and some double occupancy
rooms. Three meals a day are served in the large dining hall,
and it is also possible to take the meal outside and enjoy the
sunshine and views.
