Bhimtal Lake
The marvel of mother nature-Bhimtal Lake
Bhimtal is a city located on the shore of the lake known as Bhimtal Lake in the Nainital district, Uttrakhand. Named after the Indian mythological character ‘ Bhima’, it is located at an altitude of around 1200 meters. Bhimtal Lake is one of the most popular tourist spots in Bhimtal. The lake covers an enormous area and is home to various species of aquatic flora and fauna. During winters various species of birds increase the grace and beauty of the lake by migrating from far places to here. The scenic beauty of the lake can be best enjoyed by exploring it on a boat. An island is located in the center of the lake which has a beautiful aquarium. The Lake is a well-accessible area by roads and is beautiful each month of the year. The natural beauty of the lake surely going to leave you spellbound as only a few places can match the beauty of this place.
Things to do at Bhimtal Lake;
Boating
Boating in Bhimtal Lake is absolutely a marvellous experience for visitors. The calmness and unscaled natural beauty of the lake impart positive and happy vibes to the tourists. The months of March to June and then from September to December are the best time to visit the lake. Each boat has a capacity of 4 people and is operated by a well-trained oarsman. Some of the breathtaking views of the lake and the island can only be experienced on a boat. The picturesque landscape surely warrants you to carry a camera along to capture all the unforgettable moments of the trip. After boating, you will be taken to the island right in the centre of the lake. The aquarium present on the island is must visit for them all.
Aquarium
The Bhimtal lake island once contained a restaurant which was shut down and is now replaced by the aquarium. The aquarium has a good variety of fish bought from China, South Africa, and Mexico. It is one of the main attractions of Bhimtal lake. The beauty of the lake is increased four-fold by the presence of the aquarium. Kids absolutely love coming here with their families during vacations.
Places to explore
1. Bhimtal Island:
Bhimtal Island is a small island located in the middle of Bhimtal Lake. It is a popular tourist attraction, known for its temple and aquarium. Visitors can reach the island by taking a boat ride from the shore. The temple on the island is dedicated to Lord Bhimeshwar and is considered to be one of the ancient temples in the region. The aquarium on the island is home to a variety of local and exotic fish species, making it a popular destination for families and nature lovers.
2. Nal Damyanti Tal:
Nal Damyanti Tal is a serene and less crowded lake located near Bhimtal. It is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can take a walk around the lake or enjoy boating and fishing. The lake is also a popular destination for bird watching, with a variety of local and migratory bird species being sighted here.
3. Sattal:
Sattal is a group of seven interconnected freshwater lakes located near Bhimtal. It is considered to be one of the most scenic and pristine lakes in the region, surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities here, such as boating, fishing, camping, and trekking. Sattal is also a popular destination for bird watching, with over 500 species of birds being sighted here.
4. Naukuchiatal:
Naukuchiatal is another lake located near Bhimtal, known for its picturesque surroundings and adventure sports. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, paragliding, and trekking in the surrounding forests and hills. The lake is also a popular destination for picnics, with several restaurants and cafes providing scenic views of the lake and the surrounding hills.
5. Mukteshwar Temple:
Mukteshwar Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on a hilltop near Bhimtal. The temple offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests and is considered to be one of the most peaceful and serene destinations in the region. Visitors can take a short hike to reach the temple or drive to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
6. Nainital:
Nainital is a hill station located just a few kilometers from Bhimtal, famous for its scenic beauty and colonial architecture. Visitors can take a stroll along Mall Road, a shopping and dining area with colonial-era buildings and stunning views of the Himalayas. Nainital also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as boating, trekking, and wildlife spotting, making it a popular destination for families and nature lovers.
7. Corbett National Park:
Corbett National Park is a wildlife reserve located near Bhimtal, known for its tiger population and diverse wildlife. Visitors can take a jungle safari to spot tigers, elephants, and other wildlife in their natural habitats. The park also offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as camping, trekking, and fishing, making it a popular destination for adventure and nature enthusiasts.
8. The Mall Road:
The Mall Road is a shopping and dining area in Nainital, known for its colonial-era buildings and stunning views of the Himalayas. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the road, stopping to shop for souvenirs or grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants and cafes. The Mall Road is also a popular destination for evening walks, with stunning views of the sunset over the Himalayas.
How to reach
Bhimtal Lake can be reached by different modes of transportation depending on one’s location:
- By Air: The nearest airport to Bhimtal is Pantnagar Airport, located approximately 60 km away. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Bhimtal.
- By Train: The nearest railway station to Bhimtal is Kathgodam Railway Station, located approximately 35 km away. From there, one can take a taxi or a bus to reach Bhimtal.
- By Bus: Bhimtal is well-connected by road and there are several state-run and private buses that operate regularly from major cities such as Delhi, Haldwani, and Nainital.
- By Car: Bhimtal can also be easily reached by road. It is located on the Nainital-Bhowali-Ramgarh road and is well-connected by a network of roads. Visitors can rent a car or drive their own vehicle to reach Bhimtal.
Note: The best time to visit Bhimtal is between March and June, and between September and November, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Bhimtal Lake is between March and June and between September and November. During these months, the weather is pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and trekking. The temperature ranges between 20°C to 30°C, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the surrounding areas.
In the summer months of April to June, the weather is warm and perfect for a swim in the lake. The monsoon season, which occurs between July and September, brings heavy rainfall to the region and can make some outdoor activities difficult.
In the winter months of December to February, the temperature can drop to below 10°C and the lake can become chilly, making it less suitable for boating and other water activities. However, it is still a good time to visit for bird watching and nature walks in the surrounding forests.
Overall, the best time to visit Bhimtal Lake is from March to June and from September to November, when the weather is pleasant and suitable for a range of outdoor activities.
Other fun activities to do near Bhimtal Lake
Camping in the open is one of the fun activities in Bhimtal because of the pleasant weather and the salubrious environment and travelers would love to star gaze while camping at night. The Bhimtal Lake is surrounded by lush green hills and forests, adventure seekers would love taking hikes in the surrounding hills. Rappelling and rock climbing are some of the other adventure activities to do in Bhimtal.
