Bhimtal at a glance

Rested at a height of 1370 m above the sea level, Bhimtal is spotted with temples lying amid the verdant mountains and a pristine blue lake. This pristine location is calm and has an enduring effect on the beholder. This is a perfect location to visit over a weekend, for those looking to spend some quality and calm time amidst nature.

Things to do in Bhimtal

Aquarium on the Bhimtal Island

A boat ride in Bhimtal Lake to the island in the middle of it is quite a ride. But lays ahead is even more awe-inspiring. Once a place for a restaurant, today this island houses an aquarium created by the Nainital Lake Development Authority.

Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple

Situated on the embankment of Bhimtal Lake, Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Believed to be already in existence during the visit of Pandavas while on exile, today it is often flooded with visitors. The present temple was renovated in 17th century AD.

Bhimtal Lake

Away from the screeching noise of the city and crowded hills stations, Bhimtal Lake is a spot of solitude, tranquility and beauty. The pristine lake much bigger in size than Nainital Lake, it offers its visitors boating and also has a small island in it. Boating in this lake during early winter mornings is an experience of a lifetime.

Folk Culture Museum

It is an amazing place to explore the traditions, culture and past of the state. Also referred to as the Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya, this place displays interesting artifacts, information on traditional customs and rituals and stone implements and other items of archaeological importance.

Hidimba Parvat

A beautiful hill, located just 5 kms from Bhimtal gets its name from the Hidimba, wife of Bhima of Mahabharata. This hill also houses a wildlife asylum called Vankhandi Ashram, a habitat developed by Vankhnadi Maharaj, an environmentalist and monk who lives there.

Karkotaka Temple

Karkotaka Temple is located on the top of the hill by the same name and is flocked by devotes throughout the year. Devoted to the serpent god, Nag Karkotaka Maharaja, pilgrims come here in large numbers on the occasion of Rishi Panchami.

Mall Road

Nainital It is a cluster of many small shops offers varied products and plethora of handicrafts items, candles, paintings, statues and shawls to buy. It is often thronged with tourists and is busy throughout the day.

Nal Damyanti

Considered to be a very sacred place by the inhabitant of the area, Nal Damyanti is a small natural lake near Bhimtal Lake. Situated almost 2 kms from Bhimtal lake, it is believed that famous king Nala’s palace drowned in this water body.

Shopping in Bhimtal

Bhimtal is not exactly a shopping paradise but offers many souvenirs to take back home. Jewelry, wood crafts, carpets, statues, Garhwali paintings and handmade candles are some of the options to shop from.

Victoria Dam

Victoria Dam, one of the most breathtaking sights in Bhimtal is located on the bank of Bhimtal Lake. The most attractive thing about this dam is the flower gardens on its either side that makes the place look quite entrancing. This 40 feet dam is surrounded by beautiful forest and offers a breathtaking sight of the panorama.

What to eat in Bhimtal : Local Food and Cuisine

The restaurants and eating joints in Bhimtal offer food in multi-cuisines from Chinese, Mexican and continental to everybody?s favourite Indian cuisine. Momos are also among the top of the list of the food menu almost everywhere and food served is quite good.