Bhimtal, located in the stunning Uttarakhand’s Kumaon area, provides all the nature lovers and those looking for peace & quiet with a calm and picturesque retreat opportunity. Bhimtal, with its glistening crystal clear lake, verdant forests, and majestic and rich hills, is a paradise for people looking for a break from the bustle and chaos of city life and traffic. Our these top 15 best places to visit in Bhimtal are enchanting getaway that offers the ideal balance of elegance, convenience, and natural beauty, adds to the appeal of this magical location.
We’ll go through the best places in Bhimtal. These the perfect spot to visit in summer. Bhima from the Mahabharata is claimed to have constructed the lovely lake in the centre of this small but opulent town in the Nainital District, which is the main attraction spot.
Bhimtal won’t let you down whether you’re travelling alone or alongside your family because the town offers a variety of tourist attractions lined up just for you, including beautiful lakes, clean temples, and adventure sports.
The crowning glory of Bhimtal is its stunning lake that provides visitors with breathtaking views. Compared to Naini lake, the lake is bigger. Visitors take pleasure in lake boating here. You’ll find an island with a lovely aquarium in the middle of a lake. Visitors arrive here in boats.
The island lies 91 metres away from the lake shore. Alongside the 40 feet tall dam, there is a complex of Bhimeshwar temples from the 17th century. It is close to the local taxi stand and bus stop. One route from Bhimtal departs for Naukuchiatal as well as Janglia Gaon, and another one travels 21 km to Kathgodam. Bhimtal has been widely known for a lot older than Nainital, which the British first learned about in 1841 after it had been a secret holy lake recognised exclusively to the hill people.
The best way to get from India’s lowlands to the Kumaon highlands was via Bhimtal. It served as a rest station for merchants from Tibet who were travelling south with flocks of sheep hauling borax in exchange for commodities that couldn’t be found in the high highlands.
Here is the list of 15 best places to visit in Bhimtal
1. Bhimtal Lake
The primary tourist attraction of the area, Bhimtal Lake is a tranquil and beautiful location surrounded by rich vegetation. Enjoy a relaxing walk alongside the lakeshore or go boating or kayaking. The lake is always glistening and shining under the sun and it looks mesmerising from every angle. It’s also considered to be a holy lake by many locals. It happens to be the largest lake in the Kumaon region, also referred to by the designation “Lake district of India,” and the Nainital district.
2. Hidimba Parvat
From this peak, you can see Bhimtal & the neighbouring valleys in all their splendour. It is the perfect location for hiking and picnicking because it lets you get close to nature. The views are to die for and the feeling one feels at the top of the parvat is divine and down to earth.
3. Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temples
This ancient temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva, is highly significant both historically and religiously. It is a place that spiritual searchers must visit because of its architecture and peaceful ambience. The Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple, which is located in Bhimtal, bears the name of the mighty Mahabharata figure Bhim. The Skandpurana claims that Bheem once travelled to the Himalayas by himself.
4. Victoria Dam
A magnificent building with an unobstructed view of the lakes and the hills in the area, Victoria Dam was built during the British era. A lover of photography will love it here. Bhimtal Lake is home to Victoria Dam. With motorable highways linking the state’s major cities and towns, Bhimtal is well linked. From Delhi, buses towards Kathgodam and Nainital is conveniently available Bhimtal is located 30 kilometres from Kathgodam, which is the closest railway station. Kathgodam is 276 kilometres from Delhi.
5. Butterfly Research Centre
At this research facility, immerse yourself in the colourful world of butterflies. It offers a special chance to discover various species of butterflies and their habitats. A knowledgeable tour of the exhibit highlights themes of general interest, such as mimicry, survival techniques, and other topics, in order to spread information about these insects. For groups, half-day courses are provided that include an overview of the museum and a nature walk. Homemade breakfast and lunch items are available at the Fundraiser Café.
6. Choco-House Chocolatiers
Since 2005, the only producer of BELGIAN CHOCOLATES within Uttarakhand is CHOCOHOUSE. Owners went through training at the Belgian Supplier Academy. It was once situated at the privately owned Mountain Trail Resort in Mukteshwar. It most recently moved to Bhimtal. Additionally, it produces BROWNIE, FUDGE, MUFFINS, and TEA CAKES of excellent quality and using import fundamentals and also pure butter, Vegetable oils or hydrogenated fats are never used in any of the products. Also available are vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free chocolates.
7. Karkotaka Temple
This ancient shrine to the serpent god Karkotaka is perched atop a hill and gives amazing panoramas of the valley. The serene settings enhance the spiritual encounter. A big number of devotees gather together to offer prayers and see the Lord on the occasion of Rishi Panchami. According to folklore, this deity guards followers against snake bites. On the festival of Rishi Panchami, a great number of pilgrims gather to offer sacrifices to the serpent deity Nag Karkoka Maharaj. The serpents’ mother, according to mythology, cursed them for breaching her vow that they would all perish in Janamejaya’s Nag Yagya. Sheshnag, Kambal Nag, Shankhchud, Kaliya, Dhritarashtra, Elapatra, and other penitents travelled to Kurukshetra, the Himalayas, Brahmaji’s world, Prayag, and the Yamuna, respectively, to perform penance. “Lord!” Brahma Ji was addressed by Elapatra
8. Folk Culture Museum
This museum features traditional artefacts, clothes, and musical instruments. Learn about Kumaon’s rich cultural legacy here. It gives information about the traditions and history of the area. The museum is a must-see attraction in Bhimtal. This private museum, also known as the “Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya,” was established by Dr. Yashodhar Mathpal around 1983 & houses priceless artefacts as well as a treasure trove of antiquated pictures. This museum also showcases numerous artefacts from archaeology and rock engravings that reflect Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage. Historical writings, folk paintings, statues of gods and goddesses, and wooden artefacts are among the many items on display here.
9. Hanuman Garhi
A well-known pilgrimage place honouring Lord Hanuman, Hanuman Garhi provides a stunning panorama of the setting sun and distant Himalayan peaks. Moreover, the temple complex also consists of Shrines. India’s Uttar Pradesh and Bhimtal is home to the Hanuman Garhi, a temple built in the 10th century. Along with different temples like Nageshwar Nath, it constitutes one among the most important sites in the city of Ayodhya. Anjani, Hanuman’s mother, lives at the temple, and a young Hanuman is seated on her lap.
10. Nainital
A well-known hill resort noted for its stunning scenery & the Naini Lake, Nainital is only a short drive from Bhimtal. Discover the crowded marketplaces, take boat tours, or go through the Naina Devi Temple. Today, Nainital has everything needed for the ideal vacation. Numerous hotels and resorts are located on the hilltop; the Mall Road is a bustling commercial area; cafes and restaurants offer both local and international food; and there are several woodland trails that provide stunning views of the surroundings. You can go canoeing on the lake or you can try horseback riding in the centre of town. Mountaineering and hot-air ballooning are some popular activities in Nainital.
11. Naukuchiatal
This serene lake, encircled by verdant trees, is ideal for boating and birdwatching. It has a peaceful atmosphere and is a great place for people who love the outdoors. With dimensions of 983 metres in length, 693 metres in width, and a depth of roughly 40.3 metres, Nakuchiatal is one of Nainital’s deepest lakes. The lake is enveloped by beautiful plants and animals, giving it a sight to enjoy.
12. Sattal
A collection of seven interlinked lakes of freshwater adjacent to Bhimtal. It is a haven for birdwatchers and provides many chances for picnics and natural walks. Purna Tal, Ram Tal, Sita Tal, Laxman Tal, Nal Damyanti Tal, Sukh Tal, and Garud Tal are the seven lakes of Sattal. British people frequently compare Sattal to England’s Westmoreland. Since migratory birds spend a while here during their journeys, these lakes are a haven for them.
13. Ghorakhal
Temple: Devoted to Lord Golu, a manifestation of Lord Ganesha, Ghorakhal Temple is perched atop a hill. A full perspective of the area is provided by the temple. The unique Ghorakhal Golu Devta Temple is a site where devotees gather to offer prayers along with their devotion and a tangible piece of paper. The Ghorakhal Golu Devta temple still has these. The plain papers, legal bond papers, gorgeous coloured sheets, and even several job application forms are displayed for visitors to see.
14. Kainchi Dham
A renowned ashram established by Neem Karoli, Kainchi Dham is a spiritual retreat set amidst scenic environment. Due to the presence of the ashram of the illustrious Shri Neem Karoli Baba Maharajji, this location has gained renown. In season, several hundreds of people every day visit these temples.
15. Aquarium Island Cafe
Sounds like a lovely, serene location to visit! The lake amid the mountains’ tiny island The ideal place to unwind while taking in the peaceful surroundings is in Bhimtal, that features an aquarium open to the public and a cafe. Visitors can view a variety of aquatic life at the aquarium, which is habitat to 40 different species of fish. The cafe provides the ideal place to relax and have a meal when taking in the incredible views of the lake and the surrounding mountain landscape thanks to its patio and garden seats
Frequently Asked Questions
These are the list of top 15 best places to visit in Bhimtal
Bhimtal Lake
Hidimba Parvat
Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temples
Victoria Dam
Butterfly Research Centre
Choco-House Chocolatiers
Karkotaka Temple
Folk Culture Museum
Hanuman Garhi
Nainital
Naukuchiatal
Sattal
Ghorakhal
Kainchi Dham
Aquarium Island Café
Bhimtal serves as a year-round vacation spot, although May through June and the end of the year are the busiest times, therefore hotel rates are higher than usual. You can get a good hotel at a reduced rate if you travel during the monsoon because it is off-season and the remaining time is considered mid-season.
As there are many sites within and surrounding Bhimtal, it will take at least two to three days to leisurely tour Bhimtal and its surrounds. Garg Parvat, Nal Damyanti Tal, the Bhimtal Lake, the Bhimtal Aquarium, and Karkotaka Temple are a few of the must-see locations. In addition, there are several lakes nearby, including Khurpatal, Nainital, Naukuchiatal, and Sattal.
Aaroham resort is ranked top amongst one of the most preferred and best places to stay on your vacation to Bhimtal.
Bhimtal ranks among the safest places in Uttarakhand to travel, thus visitors shouldn’t encounter any issues going there alone. It is simple to locate AC buses that travel as far as Bhimtal. You essentially travel without fuss. The simple locals of Bhimtal even ensure the security of all the visitors. Last but not least, using common sense will always help one avoid problems.
Kathgodam is located on the route from Haldwani to Bhimtal, which is 20.4 kilometres from Kathgodam & 27.6 km from Haldwani. One can choose between taking a local or government-owned bus to Bhimtal after disembarking in Kathgodam. Taxis are also accessible in Haldwani and Kathgodam on a private and shared basis.
Conclusion:
These are our top picks for the 15 best places to visit in Bhimtal. In conclusion, anyone seeking some peace and quiet and a getaway from the daily grind of city life must visit these paradise.