Credit: Ranjan gupta
Uttarakhand is home to several natural freshwater lakes. Bhimtal, in the surrounding Kumaon hills, is one of several lakes that is an ideal destination for nature lovers who seek a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Bhimtal Lake is the largest lake in the region and was formed due to a landslide. Bhimtal is much cleaner and less crowded than the more famous Nainital Lake. One of the features of Bhimtal Lake is a small island located at its center. It’s a popular tourist spot that is home to an aquarium that has different species of fish, including those from China, South Africa, and Mexico.
In addition to this, there was a restaurant on the island that was closed due to population concerns.
It is located at an altitude of 1,370 meters above sea level, which is 20 km from Nainital and 11 km from Sattal. The lake is approximately 1.7 km long, 451 meters wide, and has a depth of 18 meters. It covers an area of 63.25 acres and supports rich aquatic life, with several species of fish inhabiting the lake.
During the British Raj period, a Victoria Dam was built on the Bhimtal Lake in 1873 to regulate the water supply to the nearby town of Haldwani, which was an important center of trade and commerce.
According to local legends, the lake is named after Bhima, one of the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata. He was in exile when he visited the place. Bhimtal was believed to be part of the ancient silk route that connects India with China.
Famous places nearby Bhimatal
Credit: GAURAV SHARMA
Bhimeshwara Mahadev temple
Bhimtal is known for its ancient temple and natural beauty. Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple, a beautiful temple on the banks of a lake, is an ancient temple that was renovated in the 17th century by the Chand Dynasty.
Garg Parvat
Close to the Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple lies a small hill that is the source of the river Gargi, which locals also call its Gola Nadi. It’s a popular destination for tourists to enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding area.
Nag Temple
A famous temple, Nag Temple, is located at a distance of 2.5 km from the Bhimtal and is visited by thousands of pilgrims on the occasion of Rishi Panchami.
Hidimba Parvat
Located at a distance of 5 km from Bhimtal is another popular tourist attraction that is named after the demon wife of Bhima in the Indian epic Mahabharata. It’s a perfect place for visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the forest and explore local flora and fauna.
Vankhandi Ashram
This place was started by a monk named Vankhadi Maharaj, who developed a huge refuge for wild animals in the area. The natural beauty and tranquility of the place attract a lot of visitors from around the world.
How to reach Bhimtal
By Road: Bhimtal is easily accessible by road, and there are regular bus services from nearby cities like Delhi, Nainital, and Kathgodam. Private taxis and cars are also available for hire.
By Air: The nearest airport to Bhimtal is Pantnagar Airport, which is located about 58 km away. There are regular flights to Pantnagar from major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bhimtal.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Bhimtal is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is located about 20 km away. There are regular trains from major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow to Kathgodam. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Bhimtal.