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Explore Bhimtal: The Enchanting Hill Station in Uttarakhand, Offering Himalayan Vistas and the Serene Whispers of Untouched Nature.
Bhimtal, with its clear blue skies, sparkling lake, and serene tranquility, is a gem in Uttarakhand’s crown. Situated about 20 kilometers from Nainital, Bhimtal is a charming town perched at an altitude of 1370 meters above sea level. This picturesque destination in the Kumaon Region is steeped in mythology, with its name deriving from Bhima of the Mahabharata, who is said to have created the beautiful central lake, the town’s main attraction.
Unlike the bustling area of Nainital, Bhimtal offers a peaceful and pollution-free retreat where visitors can enjoy tranquility and recreational activities. The town is bordered by the majestic Himalayan hills to the north, with Almora and Pauri Garhwal nearby. Surrounded by dense forests of pine, oak, and other vegetation, Bhimtal appears as a gateway to a heavenly paradise. Its scenic beauty includes stunning dams, expansive water bodies, and eco-friendly conservatories, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers, families, couples, and friends alike.
In addition to its tourism appeal, Bhimtal has evolved into a mini-district headquarters, with most district administration offices now located in the recently completed Vikas Bhawan complex. This blend of natural beauty and administrative significance makes Bhimtal a unique and memorable destination for all visitors.
Travelling alone or with the whole family, Bhimtal is sure to please since the town features a variety of tourist attractions ranging from exquisite temples to beautiful lakes to adventure sports. The town also caters to both the daring and lazy sides by offering a variety of activities such as camping, kayaking, paragliding, and trekking, because the finest view comes after the most difficult ascent.
Bhimtal Lake is one of the largest lakes in Uttarakhand, known for its tranquil C-shape and surrounded by lush green mountains. Spanning an area of 47 hectares, this picturesque lake is situated at an elevation of approximately 1370 meters and is named after Bhima from the Mahabharata. The lake is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, supports aquaculture with diverse fish species, and provides drinking water to the region.
During the winter, the lake becomes a haven for migratory birds. A boat tour offers an excellent way to explore the lake’s beauty. In the center of the lake, you’ll find an island featuring a restaurant, a temple, and an aquarium showcasing various fish species. The lake’s masonry dam, built in 1883, contributes to its renown by providing significant water storage, with a catchment area of around 17.12 square kilometers.
Visitors can enjoy boating, kayaking, and zorbing on the lake, along with witnessing breathtaking sunsets. Bhimtal Lake offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and recreational activities for all who visit.
Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Victoria Dam, located at one end of Bhimtal Lake, offers a splendid view of the lake and its picturesque surroundings. The dam is flanked by beautiful terrace gardens adorned with vibrant flowers. Nearby, the historic 17th-century Bhimeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, adds to the site’s charm. Built during the British colonial era, the dam is a testament to the architectural prowess of that period and has become a popular destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and history enthusiasts alike.
Nestled amidst the stunning Himalayas in the Bhimtal Valley, Victoria Dam was named after Queen Victoria and constructed by the British government in 1883. Originally intended for agricultural water storage, it has since become a major tourist attraction. The dam is built over the Gargi River, a tributary of the Bhagirathi River, and stands 40 feet high, drawing numerous visitors.
Tourists can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the surrounding forest and find tranquility in the serene setting of the dam. While it attracts many pilgrims, especially during the Shivratri festival, the area is also favored for its calm and scenic beauty.
Timing: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Bhimeshwar Temple, which is highly rich in architecture, is another notable tourist attraction in Bhimtal. This remarkable 17th-century temple is dedicated to the divine Lord Shiva and was named after Bhima from the Mahabharata. According to the Skanda Purana, Bhima once travelled alone to the Himalayas. On his journey, a divine voice from the sky told him that if he wanted to be remembered for generations, he should build a Shiva temple with complete dedication. As an avid Shiva devotee, he built a temple for Lord Shiva from the mountain in that location. Bhima is a massive and powerful being with the strength of 100 elephants. He broke the mountain with his mace. The Ganga flows from there, and when the Ganga’s water flows, it creates Bhimtal Lake.
This classic shrine is considered sacred by locals and believers alike for its exquisite construction and is undoubtedly an important attraction. It was also thought that the Bhimeshwar Mahadev temple in Nainital district is considerably older than the town itself.
This temple welcomes visitors throughout the year, attracting devotees and travellers seeking its quiet ambiance and spiritual significance. The temple becomes a hive of activity, especially during the major festival of Mahashivratri. It is ideally positioned near Bhimtal Lake and is easily accessible by road.
Timing : 04:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M
Padmashree awardee Dr Yashodhar Mathpal is the man behind this one-man institution. Dr Yashodhar Mathpal built this elegant museum, also known as ‘Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya,’ to preserve culture, artefacts, and other fundamental kinds of art. The museum contains some rare collections of wood antiquities as well as valuable exhibits like paintings and other artefacts such as folk artwork, wooden artefacts, old manuscripts, god and goddess idols, brass and copper utensils, clothing, and agricultural equipment.
This museum, built in 1983, highlights Uttarakhand’s historical and cultural value. Dr Yashodhar Mathpal worked in Madhya Pradesh caves for 30 years, creating thousands of cave paintings. Padmashree honoured him for his dedication and excellence.
The Folk Museum is organised into three distinct galleries. The first is a cultural gallery that exhibits nature and heritage paintings. The second gallery is a cave art gallery, which is quite distinctive and different. The art gallery has a collection of about 300 hundred paintings. The museum displays an extraordinary collection of pictures and copies of rock art. The third gallery is dedicated to Tibetan, Folk, and Tribal Arts. This museum is situated close to Bhimtal Lake.
Timing : 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Hidimba Parvat is about 5 kilometres away from Bhimtal. This mountain on the outskirts of town is named after another character from the epic Mahabharata, Hidimba, who was actually a demoness. Hidimba, according to legend, dressed herself as a lovely lady to attract the attention of the Pandava brother, Bhima.
Today, the hilltop is known to be home to a variety of wildlife species, and an environmentalist named Vankhandi Maharaj has taken it upon himself to protect the region. He founded the Vankhandi Ashram, which is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary with unique flora and fauna. Many people can enjoy the opportunity to see wildlife in their natural habitat. There is a 2 km long simple hiking trail to this site for those looking for a thrill.
Nal Damyanti, a small natural lake about 2 kilometres from Bhimtal, is regarded as a spiritual spot. The lake is surrounded by woods and has shallow water as well as great natural walking pathways. The natural lake is filled with natural beauty that will take the breath away. The lake is a good place to relax and rejuvenate away from the hustle and bustle of cities, and to take in the breathtaking beauty of nature. Numerous old houses in the area showcase the typical Kumaoni building style.
Nal Damyanti Tal is also regarded as a sacred site by the people. A few steps further, one could see the Sattal cluster of seven lakes. So it’s an ideal location for individuals seeking solitude and tranquillity.
A classic story from the Indian epic Mahabharata mentions this location. Locals say this is where King Nala, a powerful and kind king, and Damyanti, a beautiful queen, lived blissfully. Many demi-gods and superhumans attempted to court her hand in marriage. She denied them all and married King Nala because she loved him. This enraged the demigods, and this wonderful pair eventually received the consequences of their faith. His entire palace was submerged in water. During that moment, his wife Damyanti was frying the fish, and the burn marks on the fish in the lake can still be seen.
While on the boat, visitors can come across an island in the middle of the lake that holds another Bhimtal attraction in the form of an aquarium. Developed by the Lake Development Authority of Bhimtal as this aquarium, located near Bhimtal Lake, is a magnificent escape for all nature lovers.
There’s a cafe inside the island which is a unique concept in the middle of the lake with an aquarium inside, which is home to fish from countries such as South Africa, Mexico, and many more. Tourists can visit this beautiful island by hiring a boat and can enjoy the stunning beauty of the lake while dining on some fantastic cuisine with a beautiful view.
Timing : 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Best Time to Visit Bhimtal
Bhimtal offers a moderate and pleasant environment all year, with an average yearly temperature of roughly 15 degrees Celsius. The weather at Bhimtal is mild and pleasant throughout the entire year. Summer weather is a mix of warmth and cold winds after sunset. However, the ideal time to visit these best places in Bhimtal is from March to June and September to December as the weather remains perfect for participating in outdoor and adventure activities.