Bhimtal is a small Nagar Panchayat situated in the northern part of the kumaon region, Nainital District in Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand. Named after the strongest pandava Bhima in Mahabharata, Bhimtal stands at an altitude of 1370 meters above the sea level. Located in the Lake District Of India, this small town is famous for Bhimtal Tourism, Bhimtal Lake of which an island stands in the centre and many more splendid views of the nature. The town is an older city than the famous hill station Nainital and is also driving attention of a lot of tourists who visit Nainital for leisure and peace because of being less crowded. The weather of the place is pleasant, that is not so hot during the summers but very cold in the winters.
10 Points Of Interest In Bhimtal
Bhimtal is now emerging as a tourist spot and it draws the attention on nature and peace lovers. Like the famous Bhimtal Lake there are many more attractions that are a must visit in Bhimtal.
Bhimtal Lake
Kumaon region is the Lake District of India and the Bhimtal Lake is the largest lake of the region. The lake has an elevation of 4511 ft and spread in an area of 47 hectares. It is a ‘C’ shaped lake that consists of an island with a museum in the centre. The lakeside destination is a treat from where one can enjoy splendid vie of nature and experience serenity of the spot. The lake provides a shelter to a variety of species of fishes. The lake is surrounded by the forest area with the cottages on the west and terraced fields on the opposite side, shopping centre on the southern shore and a small sanatorium in the northern. The main attraction of the lake however remains the island in the centre consisting of the Bhimtal Lake Aquarium and a sight of the Victoria Dam and The famous Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple. The area at the shore of the lake is an all in all treat, a peaceful spot for the lovers and a picnic spot for the families.
The Bhimtal Lake Aquarium
The aquarium is located at the island that stands at the centre of the Bhimtal Lake. This place war earlier a restaurant which was reconstructed as an Aquarium that stands today. One can reach the place with the help of boats. The aquarium is a shelter for a variety of fishes from different countries like Mexico, South Africa and China. The main attraction of the place remains the location and the variety of fishes that are displayed with a charming background.
Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple
Situated at the banks of the Bhimtal Lake, The Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to be built by Bhima, after whom the town of Bhimtal is named. It is a saying that a voice from the sky told Bhim to erect a temple during his banishment period and being a devotee of Lord Shiva he made the temple but the present day Temple is said to be made by Baz Bahadur, the then king of the kumaon region. The main attraction of the temple is the location, the sacred importance and the complex architecture of the temple.
Victoria Dam
Located at the banks of the Bhimtal Lake this 40 ft high dam was built in 1883. What becomes an eye candy is the Flower Garden on the either sides of the dam. The views of the dam are charismatic and generally is seen as a good background for clicking the pictures.
Hidimba Parvat
The beautiful mountain can be seen standing at the shore of the Lake and is named after Hidimba who was Bhima’s wife. The place offers charismatic views and is the shelter for a number of species.
Vankhandi Ashram
The ashram rests at the Hidimba Parvat and is actually a sanctuary for wild animals. It is named after its founder Vankhandi Maharaj who was a monk and an environmentalist.
Nal Damyanti Tal
The taal or lake is situated around 2kms from Bhimtal and is a natural lake. It is believed that the palace of the famous king Nala drowned in the lake. The place has a sacred importance for the dwellers.
Nag Karkotaka Temple
The temple is named after a mythological cobra, karkotaka and is one of the famous Nag Temples in Uttarakahand. Large number of people head their way to the temple on the occasion of Rishi Panchami. It is a belief f the local people that the serpent god protects the village from snakes.
Sayad Baba Ki Mazar
This is a famous mazar which attract a large number of devotees every Thursday. The mazar is a perfect example of unity in diversity as people from all the religions make their way to the mazar to worship. The main attraction of the mazar is however its location, from the mazar one can see the whole view of the lake and also of the nearby situated lake, Naukuchiyatal.
Lok Sanskriti Sangralaya
The Folk Culture Museum popularly named as Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya is situated in Bhimtal, Nainital district and was founded by Dr Yashodhar Mathpal in 1983.The museum has a rare collection of fossilized ammonities, stone age tools, cave paintings, hero memorial stones, ancient manuscripts, bricks and pottery, wooden carved objects, utensils, musical instruments, local cultural articles, glimpse and tribal Tibetan cultures, diorar, huge art gallery with eye catching and water colour paintings. One can purchase Original Water Colour Paintings, Blow Ups and New Year Cards, Books on Art and Archaeology.
Activities and Sports
There are many other activities that one can enjoy in Bhimtal. The activities include Boating, Mount Biking, Hang Gliding, Paragliding and the peaceful nature walks.
Places Near Bhimtal
There are many more places that one can visit near Bhimtal such as Ghorakhal Temple, Hanuman Temple, Naukuchiyatal, Sattal, Kainchi Temple, Garudtal and Nainital. One can visit these places by a taxi.
Hill Taxi provides you with a lake tour that would include all these places. The lake tour fills your heart with peace and joy and all these places prove to be a perfect picnic spot.
Reasons to visit Bhimtal
- Bhimtal is a perfect tourists spot for nature lovers.
- Bhimtal is less crowded.
- Less crowd makes it more peaceful.
- Less Pollution.
- Cheaper Hotels.
- The places of attraction are nearby.
Good To Know – Nearest Railway Station, Kathgodam is 23kms away and is well connected by buses and cabs.
Nearest Airport, Pantnagar is just 55kms away and is also well connected by buses and cabs.
