Places To Visit in Bhimtal

FAQs- Bhimtal

Q1. What is Bhimtal famous for and why is it called Bhimtal?

Bhimtal is a scenic hill station in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, named after the legendary Pandava warrior Bhima from the Mahabharata, who is believed to have visited this region during the Pandavas' period of exile. The town is most famous for Bhimtal Lake, a natural freshwater lake that is notably larger than the renowned Naini Lake in Nainital, making it the biggest lake in the Kumaon lakes circuit. The lake's most distinctive feature is its island at the centre, which houses a popular aquarium showcasing local aquatic life — a unique attraction not found at any other Kumaon lake. Bhimtal is also celebrated for its tranquil, unhurried atmosphere, lush pine and oak forest surroundings, pleasant cool climate, and its ideal position as a base for exploring the broader Kumaon lakes region including Sattal, Naukuchiatal, and Khurpatal.

Q2. How far is Bhimtal from Nainital and Delhi, and how do you reach it?

Bhimtal is located approximately 22 kilometres from Nainital and about 300 kilometres from Delhi. The drive from Nainital to Bhimtal takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes by road through scenic mountain terrain. From Delhi, the journey takes approximately 7 to 8 hours by road via NH9 through Moradabad and Haldwani. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 25 kilometres from Bhimtal, with frequent train services from Delhi, Lucknow, and other major cities. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 55 kilometres away. Taxis and shared cabs are readily available from Kathgodam to Bhimtal. Delhi to Bhimtal tour packages start from ₹15,999 per person for a 2-night and 3-day itinerary, and the Bhimtal Long Weekend Package is available from ₹22,999 per person.

Q3. What are the best things to do in Bhimtal?

The best things to do in Bhimtal centre around its beautiful lake and natural surroundings. Visitors can enjoy boating on Bhimtal Lake, which is the largest lake in the Kumaon region; visit the island aquarium at the centre of the lake to see local freshwater fish and aquatic species; go fishing along the lake shores; take nature walks and photography trails through the surrounding pine and oak forests; explore the local markets for fresh fruits, Kumaoni snacks, and handicrafts; and make day excursions to nearby Sattal for birdwatching and multi-lake exploration, Naukuchiatal for paragliding and adventure sports, and Nainital for shopping and the famous Naini Lake boat rides. Bhimtal is also a popular destination for destination weddings set against the scenic lake backdrop, and New Year celebration packages with resort stays are widely available.

Q4. Is Bhimtal better than Nainital for a family holiday?

Bhimtal offers several advantages over Nainital for families seeking a relaxed and comfortable holiday experience in the Kumaon hills. While Nainital is India's most famous Kumaon hill station and offers bustling markets and cable car rides, it also draws extremely heavy tourist traffic, particularly in peak summer months from April to June and during school holidays, which can make sightseeing, accommodation, and parking stressful for families with children. Bhimtal, by contrast, offers a calmer and more spacious lakeside environment, a larger lake with easy boating access, the unique island aquarium that children find particularly enjoyable, and a wider selection of family-friendly lake resorts and nature properties at more accessible price points. Families can explore Nainital easily as a day trip from Bhimtal, while using the quieter and more comfortable Bhimtal as their primary base for the entire Kumaon circuit.

Q5. What is the best time to visit Bhimtal in Uttarakhand?

The best time to visit Bhimtal is from March to June and from September to November. The spring and early summer months of March to June offer pleasant temperatures ranging from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for lake boating, nature walks, and exploring nearby destinations. This is also the most popular family holiday season as it coincides with school vacations. The post-monsoon period from September to November brings crisp mountain air, clear blue skies, and stunning valley views, with the forests around the lake appearing particularly lush and vibrant after the rains. Winters from December to February are cold but peaceful, and occasional light snowfall in the surrounding hills adds to Bhimtal's scenic beauty during this time. The monsoon season from July to August brings heavy rainfall that can cause landslides on mountain roads and is generally less suitable for travel to Bhimtal.