Bhimtal (भीमताल) is a town and a nagar panchayat in Nainital district in the state of Uttarakhand, India, situated at an altitude of 1370 meters above sea level and is about 22 kilometers from Nainital. The major attraction in Bhimtal is the Bhimtal Lake, which has an island at its centre. Besides tourism, Bhimtal has also now become a mini district headquarters since most of the district administration. offices have been shifted to the newly constructed Vikas Bhawan, the building complex for district administrative offices.
Bhimtal is just 22 kilometers from Nainital, a famous hill station and tourists destination of India. Tourist can enjoy here boating in the lake, horse riding, mountain biking, hang gliding. There are many mid-budget HOTELS, resorts and guest houses are available for tourists. The BIAS ( Birla Institute of Applied Science) is also there. Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd. an Uttarakhand Government undertaking, Government organization provides budgetary accommodation at Bhimtal and near by places.
Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple, an old Shiva temple in the bank of Bhimtal lake, is believed to have been built when Bhima visited the place during the banishment (vanvas) period of Pandavas. The present temple was built in the 17th century, by Baz Bahadur (1638-78 AD), a King of the Chand dynasty, and the Raja of Kumaon. Bhimtal came under British rule after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-16).
Bhimtal is older than nearby Nainital as the city of Nainital is just 150-160 years old. But Bhimtal has been a stoppage for the travellers of the region from hills to plains or vice versa for a long time. The old pedestrian road is still in use here and this road connects nearby Kathgodam to all Kumaun region and even to Nepal and Tibet. It might have been the part of the famous ancient silk route.
The nearest airport for Nainital is Pantnagar (71 kms)
Nearest rail head is Kathgodam (22 kms) connected to Lucknow, Agra, Delhi & Howrah.
Nainital is well connected by road. (20 kms)
According to the geologist the Lake was created by the series of faults caused by the movements in the Earth’s crust. Surface drainage was somehow blocked which resulted in the formation of the Bhimtal lake. The lake has rich flora and fauna around it. Thick forests of pine and oak cover the hill slopes around the lake. The lake supports the large variety of aquatic life and is the home to the number of migratory birds in the winter months. Some of the famous species found in the area includes bulbul, wall creeper, Emerald Dove, Black Eagle, and Tawny fish owl. Tourists can also explore the area by foot. Make a visit to the 40 feet high Victorian Dam at the end of the lake and the terraced flower gardens on its both sides. The lake provides the excellent opportunity for boating in its water. You can also engage in fishing/angling around the lake
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