Bhimtal Travel Guide — Everything You Need to Know
Bhimtal is the quieter lake town of the Nainital district, about 22 km from Nainital at roughly 1,400 m. Its lake is larger than Naini Lake and far less crowded, with an island in the middle, a dam at one end and wooded hills around it. People come for a calmer stay than Nainital, a day on the water, and the cluster of small lakes nearby. Pulp Hotels does not list a stay in Bhimtal yet.
Things to do in Bhimtal
- Bhimtal lake — boating out to the island in the middle of the lake, the town's best-known sight.
- Bhimeshwar Mahadev temple — an old Shiva temple beside the dam, linked by legend to Bhima of the Mahabharata, after whom the lake is named.
- Naukuchiatal — the "lake of nine corners", a few kilometres away, quieter still, with paragliding in season.
- Sattal — a group of small connected lakes in oak and pine forest, good for birdwatching and walks.
- The butterfly museum — a private collection of butterflies and moths in the hills near the lake.
- Nainital and Kainchi Dham — both within an hour, for a day trip.
Best time to visit Bhimtal
March to June is the main season, with mild days by the lake; it is busy on weekends but calmer than Nainital. October and November are clear and quiet. Winters are cold, though lower and milder than Nainital. The monsoon, July to September, is wet, with landslide risk on the hill roads.
Getting to Bhimtal
Kathgodam railway station is about 22 km away, under an hour by road, with direct trains from Delhi — closer than Nainital. The nearest airport is Pantnagar, around an hour and a half away. From Bhimtal the road continues to Nainital, Sattal, Naukuchiatal and Bhowali.
Bhimtal or Nainital?
Choose Bhimtal for a quieter lake, easier parking and a shorter drive from Kathgodam, and visit Nainital for a day. Choose Nainital to be in the middle of the Mall Road and the viewpoints. Many travellers stay in Bhimtal or Naukuchiatal and see the whole lake district from there.
