Places to Visit in Bhimtal: Explore the Hidden Gems of Uttarakhand

Places to Visit in Bhimtal

Bhimtal, a small town located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, is a perfect blend of natural beauty and serenity. It is one of the hidden gems of Uttarakhand, known for its tranquil lakes, picturesque landscapes, and scenic views. If you're planning to visit Bhimtal and want to make the most of your trip, then you're in the right place. In this article, we'll take you through some of the best places to visit in Bhimtal that will leave you mesmerized.

1. Bhimtal Lake

The Bhimtal Lake, located in the heart of the town, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bhimtal. The lake is named after the legendary character of Mahabharata, Bhima. It is surrounded by lush green hills, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. You can enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities on the lake. Bhimtal Lake is a beautiful lake located in the town of Bhimtal, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is a natural freshwater lake, surrounded by lush green hills and dense forests. The lake is named after Bhima, one of the Pandavas brothers from the Indian epic Mahabharata. It is situated at an altitude of 1,370 meters above sea level and has a surface area of about 47 hectares. The lake is fed by several streams and springs and is known for its crystal-clear blue water. Bhimtal Lake is a popular tourist destination and offers a range of water-based activities such as boating, kayaking, and fishing. The lake is also a paradise for bird watchers as it is home to a variety of migratory birds, including ducks, geese, and cranes. One of the main attractions of Bhimtal Lake is the Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple, which is situated on the banks of the lake. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to be over 400 years old. It is surrounded by a dense forest and offers a picturesque view of the lake. Bhimtal Lake is an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts, and its tranquil surroundings make it a perfect place to relax and unwind.

2. Victoria Dam

The Victoria Dam, located near the Bhimtal Lake, is another popular tourist spot. The dam was built during the British era and is named after Queen Victoria. It is a perfect spot for a picnic with your family and friends. You can also enjoy fishing and boating here. Victoria Dam, also known as the Victoria Reservoir, is a large man-made lake located in Sri Lanka's Central Province. The reservoir was constructed in the 1980s, by building a dam across the Mahaweli River, which is one of the longest rivers in Sri Lanka.

The Victoria Dam is an impressive feat of engineering, standing at a height of 122 meters and spanning a length of 550 meters. The reservoir has a capacity of over 770 million cubic meters of water and provides irrigation to thousands of hectares of agricultural land in the region. Apart from its utilitarian purposes, Victoria Dam is also a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush green forests. Visitors can take a boat ride on the reservoir, go fishing, or simply relax on its scenic banks. The area around the Victoria Dam is rich in wildlife and is home to a variety of animals, including elephants, leopards, and deer. It is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 100 species of birds, including migratory birds, making it their home.

3. Hidimba Parvat

Hidimba Parvat, also known as Hidimba Hill, is a beautiful hill located near Bhimtal. It is named after Hidimba, the demoness from the epic Mahabharata. You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the town and the surrounding hills from the top of the hill. The place is also famous for trekking and camping. Hidimba Parvat, also known as Hidimba Devi Temple, is a sacred temple located in the town of Manali in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. It is situated on a hill, surrounded by dense cedar forests and towering mountains.

The temple is dedicated to Hidimba Devi, a character from the Indian epic Mahabharata, who was the wife of Bhima, one of the Pandavas brothers. According to legend, Hidimba was a demoness who fell in love with Bhima and married him. The temple is believed to have been built around the location where Hidimba used to meditate. Hidimba Parvat is a popular tourist destination and attracts thousands of visitors every year. The temple's unique architecture, which is a blend of Indian and Tibetan styles, is a major attraction. The temple is built using wood and stone and has intricate carvings and designs on its walls and pillars. The surrounding cedar forest adds to the temple's mystical ambiance and provides a serene and peaceful environment for visitors. There are also several small shrines and temples dedicated to other deities in the temple complex Hidimba Parvat is also known for its annual festival, which takes place during the month of May. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and includes traditional dance and music performances.

4. Karkotak Temple

Karkotak Temple, located on the banks of the Bhimtal Lake, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the temple was built during the medieval period. The temple has a beautiful architecture and is surrounded by lush green forests. Karkotak Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Khajuraho, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to the serpent god, Karkotak, who is believed to be one of the rulers of the netherworld. The temple is situated on the banks of the Karna River and is surrounded by lush green forests. It is built in the traditional North Indian style of architecture, with intricate carvings and designs on its walls and pillars. Karkotak Temple is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts devotees from all over India. It is believed that worshipping Karkotak at the temple can cure diseases caused by the negative effects of the serpent planet, Rahu, in one's horoscope. The temple also has a sacred pond, known as the Karkotak Kund, which is believed to have healing properties. It is said that taking a dip in the pond can cure skin diseases and other ailments. Karkotak Temple is also known for its annual festival, which takes place during the month of July. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm and includes traditional dance and music performances.

5. Butterfly Research Centre

The Butterfly Research Centre, located near the Bhimtal Lake, is a must-visit place for nature lovers. The centre is home to a wide variety of butterflies and moths. You can also learn about the lifecycle of butterflies and their importance in the ecosystem. The Butterfly Research Centre is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study and conservation of butterflies and their habitats. It is located in the city of Bhimtal, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The center was founded in 2005 by Peter Smetacek, an entomologist and conservationist, who has spent over 40 years studying butterflies in India. The center's primary goal is to raise awareness about the importance of butterflies and their role in the ecosystem.

The Butterfly Research Centre houses a collection of over 2,500 butterfly species, making it one of the largest butterfly collections in India. The center also conducts research on butterfly behavior, migration patterns, and their interactions with plants and other organisms. Apart from its research activities, the center also provides educational programs for students and visitors, including guided tours of the butterfly house and outdoor butterfly garden. The butterfly garden is home to a variety of plants that attract butterflies, making it an ideal location for studying their behavior and ecology.

The center also works closely with local communities to promote sustainable agriculture practices that are beneficial to butterflies and other pollinators. They provide training and support to farmers and gardeners to help them create butterfly-friendly habitats and reduce the use of harmful pesticides.

6. Folk Culture Museum

The Folk Culture Museum, located near the Bhimtal Lake, is a unique museum that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. The museum has a collection of ancient artifacts, musical instruments, and traditional costumes. You can also learn about the folk tales and customs of Uttarakhand. The Folk Culture Museum is a museum located in the city of Bhimtal, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

It is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of the Kumaon region, which is known for its rich folk traditions and customs. The museum was established in 2015 and is spread over an area of 1700 square meters. It houses a collection of over 2000 artifacts, including traditional costumes, jewelry, utensils, musical instruments, and household items, that are representative of the Kumauni way of life. The exhibits in the museum are arranged thematically, providing visitors with an insight into the region's history, social structure, and religious practices. There are also interactive displays that allow visitors to experience traditional Kumauni activities such as weaving, pottery, and cooking. Apart from its exhibits, the Folk Culture Museum also hosts regular cultural events and performances, showcasing traditional Kumauni music, dance, and theater. These events provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and promote the region's cultural heritage. The museum also offers educational programs for students, aimed at raising awareness about the importance of preserving and promoting folk culture. These programs include guided tours, workshops, and hands-on activities that allow students to learn about traditional Kumauni crafts and skills.

7. Hanuman Garhi

Hanuman Garhi, located on a hill near Bhimtal, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a panoramic view of the town and the surrounding hills.

8. Naukuchiatal

Naukuchiatal, located a few kilometers away from Bhimtal, is a beautiful lake known for its nine corners. The lake is surrounded by lush green hills and is a perfect spot for boating and fishing. You can also enjoy camping and trekking here.

9. Sattal

Sattal, located a few kilometers away from Bhimtal, is a cluster of seven interconnected freshwater lakes. The place is a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. You can also enjoy boating, fishing, and camping here.

10. Golu Devta Temple

Golu Devta Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in the district of Champawat in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Golu, who is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

The temple is situated on a hilltop in the small town of Ghorakhal, and can be reached by climbing a flight of stairs. It is believed that if a devotee offers prayers to Lord Golu with a pure heart and a clear mind, their wishes will be fulfilled.

The temple is known for its unique tradition of offering bells to the deity as a way of seeking blessings. Thousands of bells of different sizes and shapes can be seen hanging in the temple complex, which creates a mesmerizing sound when the wind blows.

The Golu Devta Temple is visited by a large number of devotees throughout the year, especially during the Navratri festival. The temple's serene and peaceful environment, combined with its beautiful surroundings, makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking spiritual solace.

10. Golu Devta Temple (cont.)

to Lord Golu, a local deity worshipped in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The temple is known for its unique architecture and intricate wood carvings. It is believed that the deity fulfills the wishes of his devotees.

11. Sariyatal

Sariyatal, located a few kilometers away from Bhimtal, is a lesser-known lake that offers a serene and peaceful environment. The lake is surrounded by lush green forests and is a perfect spot for bird watching and nature photography.

12. Kainchi Dham

Kainchi Dham, located on the banks of the Kosi River, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is known for its peaceful environment and is visited by many spiritual seekers. The place also has a beautiful garden and a meditation hall.

13. Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum

The Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, located in Ranikhet, is a must-visit place for history buffs. The museum showcases the history of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army and has a collection of weapons, uniforms, and other artifacts used by the regiment.

14. Mukteshwar

Mukteshwar, located a few kilometers away from Bhimtal, is a small town known for its scenic beauty and peaceful environment. The place is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges.

15. Bhalu Gaad Waterfall

Bhalu Gaad Waterfall, located near the Sattal Lake, is a beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush green forests. The place is a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. You can also enjoy a picnic here with your family and friends.

Bhimtal, with its natural beauty and serene environment, offers a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. The above-mentioned places are some of the must-visit places in Bhimtal that will leave you mesmerized. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the hidden gems of Uttarakhand.

Conclusion

Bhimtal, located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The town is known for its tranquil lakes, picturesque landscapes, and scenic views. The above-mentioned places are some of the best places to visit in Bhimtal that you shouldn't miss.

FAQs

• What is Bhimtal known for?

Bhimtal is known for its tranquil lakes, picturesque landscapes, and scenic views.

• What are the best places to visit in Bhimtal?

Some of the best places to visit in Bhimtal are Bhimtal Lake, Hidimba Parvat, Victoria Dam, Karkotak Temple, and Naukuchiatal.

• Is Bhimtal a good destination for nature lovers?

Yes, Bhimtal is a perfect destination for nature lovers. The town is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a serene and peaceful environment.

• Are there any adventure activities in Bhimtal?

Yes, Bhimtal offers a wide range of adventure activities like trekking, camping, boating, and fishing.

• What is the best time to visit Bhimtal?

The best time to visit Bhimtal is from March to June and from September to November.

Bhimtal map