Bhimtal, the lovely town situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, is a quiet alternative to the busy tourist area of Nainital. Bhimtal, sitting at 1,370 meters above sea level, is famous for its clean lake, which is bigger and less crowded than the Naini Lake. The lake has a beautiful island in the middle where an aquarium that attracts both kids and adults is located. The green hills, pine forests, and peaceful surroundings cover Bhimtal, which is just the right mix of calm and adventure. The place, which was named after Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers of the Mahabharata, is believed to be where the Pandavas resided during their exile. Bhimtal has thus transformed into a city where tourists come on weekends to have fun with water activities and nature walks as well as to enjoy the peace. Boating, kayaking, bird-watching, and trekking will definitely be among the activities that nature lovers can indulge in here. If we consider its great climate along with the appeal of its past and its scenic nature, Bhimtal conveys the idea of a perfect vacation spot for families and couples, as well as a good place to take a break during the day. Also, the hectic markets of Nainital are totally different from Bhimtal, where one can enjoy and breathe the fresh air and also find it a great offbeat destination in the Kumaon hills.Bhimtal has been associated with a lot of history and mythology, which is directly proportional to the natural beauty it has. The town is named after Bhima, the powerhouse Pandava from the Mahabharata. It is said in the legends of the locals that the Pandavas were there for their 12 years of exile in this particular area of Bhimtal and that it was Bhima who, by hitting the ground with his mace, created the water source, which later became Bhimtal Lake. This linking has made the place a destination for religious people and devotees of the mythological world. One of the major historical landmarks of Bhimtal is the Bhimtal Temple located beside the lake. For many years, this holy temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was one of the sites for worship and spiritual journeys. It is an integral part of the spiritual ties in the town where mythology and religion are closely connected with the grandeur of nature. The trade routes that connected Kumaon with Tibet and Nepal passed through Bhimtal, and therefore, the town gained significance during the Chand dynasty ruling period in the Kumaon region (11th–18th centuries). The lake and the nearby settlements became the meeting point for the traders and the travellers. Some signs show that the region was of great strategic value due to its position in the foothills of the Himalayas.Nearby Places around BhimtalNainital: Apart from 22 km, Nainital is a lively hill station which offers Naini Lake, the Mall Road, and the magnificent views of the Himalayas.Sattal: Approximately 12 km from Bhimtal, Sattal is a cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes that has attracted visitors as a venue for birdwatching and camping.Naukuchiatal: Naukuchiatal, or the "lake of nine corners", is a quiet spot where one can have the thrill of boating, paragliding, and clicking the nature around- just 4 km from Bhimtal.Almora: The place of rich culture and history, Almora, is known its ancient temples, local bazaars, and stunning views of the Himalayas and is situated approximately 80 km from Bhimtal.Mukteshwar: Mukteshwar is the 350-year-old Shiva temple, the orchards, and the breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, all rolled into one- it is only 40 km from Bhimtal.Best Time to Visit BhimtalSummer (March to June): The summers are quite pleasant, and the highest and lowest temperatures generally lie between 15°C and 30°C. Along with boating, trekking, and sightseeing, the time is also very good for others.Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon may give anything from moderate to heavy rains that also turn the hills very green. Though the cold can discourage one from travelling, this is why it is only excellent as a destination for nature lovers.Winter (October to February): Winters can be bitter, and sometimes the dropping point is zero. The season provides for less hustle and bustling and hence is suitable for tranquil retreats, fresh air, and foggy dawns.How to Reach BhimtalBy Airport: You can take a taxi from Pantnagar Airport or the nearest destination, which is about 58 km from there to Bhimtal.By Railway Station: The nearest railway station to Bhimtal is Kathgodam, which is just 30 km away. One is free to take a bus or a taxi from there to the place they want to go.By Road: Bhimtal has road connectivity with Nainital(22 km), Haldwani (30 km), and Delhi (300 km), all of which can be reached by road. There are buses and private vehicles for the convenience of the travellers that operate between the two places throughout the year.
