Bhimtal
essenceofkumaun
BHIMTAL ~ essenceofkumaun
Bhimtal, another lake town adjoining the popular hill-station Nainital, is an idyllic vacation spot. Blue skies, a scintillating lake and comparatively quieter, Bhimtal is another jewel adorning the crown of Uttarakhand. The Bhimtal Lake is at a scenic spot with a small island at its centre. Bhimtal Lake also provides drinking water supply and supports aquaculture with variety of fish species.
Legends say that Bhima, one of the Pandava princes from Mahabharata, created the picturesque lake and hence, its name.
Best Time to Visit Bhimtal
Bhimtal is an all-year destination but April to June and October to December are the best months to enjoy this beautiful town. Bhimtal weather details are provided below.
HOW TO REACH BHIMTAL
By Air
The nearest airport is Pantnagar (approx. 55 km), which has regular flights from New Delhi.
From airport, one can avail hire a car to Bhimtal. The journey takes about two hours.
By Road
Bhimtal can also be reached by several roads that connect it with other prominent towns and cities.
Delhi to Bhimtal distance is around 320 km. From Delhi (Anand vihar) one can reach Haldwani by bus (Volvo available) and then take bus/ taxi for Bhimtal.
Visitors can take bus or hire taxis that operate from many destinations of Kumaon region like Almora, Nainital, Kathgodam/ Haldwani.
One can also take bus for Bhimtal from Kathgodam/ Haldwani or Nainital.
By Train
The nearest rail head to Bhimtal is Kathgodam (approx. 21 km).
Hired cabs and buses from the railway station ply regularly to Bhimtal.
PLACES TO VISIT IN BHIMTAL
FOLK CULTURE MUSEUM
This museum is also known as the 'Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya'. It helps in preserving culture, artifacts and other essential forms of art.
It showcases historical and cultural significance of Uttarakhand.
BHIMTAL AQUARIUM
An island making its home within the Bhimtal lake is renowned for harboring various species of fishes who are kept in an aquarium. This aquarium is located on an island in the middle of Bhimtal lake.
One can hire a boat to reach this scenic island.
VICTORIA DAM
Victoria dam which is embellished with a garden on both side of Bhimtal lake turns the head of visitors around with the sound and aroma of rushing water. Dam offers fascinating view of lake.
17th century old Bhimeshwar Temple, dedicated to Shivji, is situated near the dam.
THINGS TO DO IN BHIMTAL
BOATING
Boating in Bhimtal lake is very popular. One can enjoy breath-taking views of surrounding hills and lush greenery around as you boat along the emerald waters of Bhimtal lake.
CAMPING
30 mins away from Bhimtal is the small village of Padampuri. Surrounded by forests, with variety of flora & fauna and with Kala river flowing by, variety of camping options are available.
PARAGLIDING
One can experience this sky adventure in company of para sailors. Most of paragliding operators are available at Pandeygoan, on Bhimtal - Jangaligaon road.
TREKKING
Bhimtal offers several trekking & hiking trails. One can go for a two-km hike to Hidimba Parvat and explore lush green landscape of surrounding areas.
PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY BHIMTAL
NAUKUCHIATAL
It is 26 Kms from Nainital and at 1220 mts above sea level. A pretty deep clean lake with its nine corner is a captivating site.
MUKTESHWAR
Mukteshwar is 2286 mts in altitude and 51 Kms. from Nainital. It is surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest. It is the celebrated scenic spot overlooking long ranges of Himalaya.
GHORAKHAL
Famous for the temple of Lord Golu and Sainik school, it is at a distance of 3 Kms from Bhowali.
SATTAL
Sattal is 22 KMs from Nainital and is at an altitude of 4495 ft. Sattal is an interconnected group of seven lakes which are among the few unpolluted fresh water bodies in India.
NAINITAL
Nainital is 20 Kms from Bhimtal and is dotted with lakes. The most prominent of the lakes is Naini lake ringed by hills.
KHURPATAL
Khurpatal is 11 kms from Nainital and is a small hamlet frequented by the tourists for its pleasant climate and a beautiful lake with crystal clear water. For angling or fishing, this is the right place.
CORBETT NATIONAL PARK
The Jim Corbett national park is 118 Kms. from Nainital (via Kaladhungi & Ramnagar) and it covers an area of 521 Sq. Kms. The park occupies portions of Kalagarh and Ramnagar forest divisions.
RAMGARH
Ramgarh is 35 KMs from Nainital, and is known as “Fruit bowl of Kumaon” for a variety of Himalayan fruits. Its famous for spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges.
WHERE TO STAY IN BHIMTAL
Select from a cottage in Bhimtal, to luxury homestay in Bhimtal, to a budget homestay in Bhimtal.
HOTELS IN BHIMTAL
BHIMTAL WEATHER
BHIMTAL MAP
BHIMTAL DISTANCE CHART
Delhi to Bhimtal, Bhimtal to Nainital and distance between Bhimtal to nearby travel destinations is provided.
Apart from Bhimtal Hotels, Bhimtal resorts, Bhimtal has many institutions. Most of the District Administration offices of Nainital District are located in Vikas Bhawan complex in Bhimtal. There are many government and private institutions in Bhimtal, including National Cold Water Fisheries Institute, Jan Sikshan Sansthan, Birla Institute of Applied Sciences, Kumaun University Campus (Faculty of Management, Pharmacy & Bio-Technology) and District Institute of Teachers Education (DITE).
Uttarakhand Graphic Era Parvatiya Vishwavidyalaya (Graphic Era Bhimtal), now known as Bhimtal campus of Graphic Era Hill University. Government Model School (राजकीय आदर्श विद्यालय), Bhimtal, Lilawati Pant Inter College (popularly known as LP Inter College) and Government Girls Inter College are other Government educational institution in Bhimtal. Sainik School in Ghorakhal near Bhimtal is a school where students prepare themselves to join the Indian Military.
