Things to Do in Bhimtal

Bhimtal Lake, one of the most famous lakes in India, is located in the Bhimtal town of the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. An island at the centre of the Lake is a famous tourist attraction and also houses an aquarium with a variety of fish species and a temple.

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.

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.

Located on the Nainital-Haldwani route, Hanuman Garhi is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Perched atop 6,401 ft. high, the temple was built by a local saint Baba Neem Karoli in 1950 and is located close to Ashram of Bapu Lila Sah and Shitla Devi temple.

A beautiful hill, located just 5 km 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.

Nal Damyanti is a small natural lake which is situated at a distance of 2 km from Bhimtal. It contains shallow waters and is a perfect spot for enjoying the natural beauty around. You can also go on a nature walk and admire the fascinating surroundings of the place.

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.

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.

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.

The Mall Road of Nainital, which runs parallel to the Naini Lake, connecting the two ends of the hill town (Mallital and Tallital), is the prime shopping, food and cultural centre of the wonder that is Nainital. Whether it is digging into some luscious food or shopping, Mall Road is your go-to for it all.

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 archeological importance.