Bhimtal – The Serene Lake Town of Uttarakhand

Known for its shimmering lake, ancient temples, and scenic landscapes, it’s a quieter alternative to Nainital

Pratap Shahu

9/20/20253 min read

a couple people parachuting over a town by a lake

✨ Story of Bhimtal – A Lake Town Wrapped in Legends

🏞️ Introduction

English:
Welcome to Bhimtal, a quiet jewel of Kumaon, named after Bhima from the Mahabharata. Here, the emerald lake reflects the sky, the temples tell stories from the epics, and the hills whisper legends of saints and warriors. Unlike crowded hill stations, Bhimtal gives you calmness, history, and nature – all together.

Hinglish:
Swagat hai aapka Bhimtal mein, Kumaon ka ek chhupa khazana jo Mahabharata ke Bhim ke naam par hai. Yahan ki jheel aasmaan ko apni godh mein rakhti hai, mandir purani kahaniyaan sunate hain aur pahaad apne raaz phusphusate hain. Nainital ki bheed se door, yeh jagah aapko shaanti aur kahani dono degi.

🌟 Iconic Attractions of Bhimtal

1. Bhimtal Lake

English:
Our journey begins at Bhimtal Lake – the soul of the town. Imagine the Pandavas stopping here during their exile, Bhima quenching his thirst from this very water. Today, boats glide across its surface, and the reflections of green hills make it a painter’s dream.

Hinglish:
Safar ki shuruaat hoti hai Bhimtal Lake se – jo is sheher ki jaan hai. Kehte hain yahan Pandav apne vanvaas ke dauraan rukke the aur Bhim ne isi jheel se paani piya tha. Aaj yahan ki boats aur pahaadon ki parchaiyan jheel par ek tasveer jaise banti hain.

2. Aquarium Island Café

English:
Right in the middle of the lake, an island hosts a tiny aquarium café. A boat takes you there, and suddenly you’re in a world where fishes swirl around you while you sip coffee with the lake all around.

Hinglish:
Jheel ke beech ek chhota sa island hai jahan ek aquarium café hai. Boat se pohonchte hi lagta hai jaise ek alag duniya mein aa gaye ho – chaaro taraf paani aur beech mein rang-birangi machhliyaan aur coffee ka maza.

3. Hanuman Garhi

English:
Up on the hill, Hanuman Garhi stands tall, blessing the town. From here, the panoramic view of Bhimtal Lake looks like nature’s postcard. Devotees come for faith, travelers for peace.

Hinglish:
Upar pahaadi par Hanuman Garhi hai – jo shahar ko apne aashirvaad se dhak leti hai. Yahan se Bhimtal Lake ka nazara postcard jaise lagta hai. Yatra karne wale bhakton ko vishwas aur musafiron ko shaanti milti hai.

4. Victoria Dam & Flower Gardens

English:
At the edge of the lake stands Victoria Dam, with colorful terraced gardens. In monsoon, when the dam overflows, the sound of gushing water feels like music of the mountains.

Hinglish:
Jheel ke kinare Victoria Dam bana hai, jiske aas-paas rang-birange phoolon ke bagiche hain. Barsaat ke mausam mein jab dam se paani girta hai toh awaaz ek surili dhun lagti hai.

5. Hidimba Parvat & Vankhandi Ashram

English:
Named after Hidimba of Mahabharata, this hill is covered with dense forests. On top, a monk runs Vankhandi Ashram, dedicated to protecting wildlife. It feels like stepping into a sanctuary of peace.

Hinglish:
Mahabharata ki Hidimba ke naam par yeh pahaad hai, jahan ghana jungle hai. Upar ek sadhu ka Vankhandi Ashram hai jo jungle aur jaanwaron ki raksha karta hai. Yahan jaake aisa lagta hai jaise prakriti ke godh mein aa gaye ho.

6. Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple

English:
Legends say Bhima built this Shiva temple during exile. Nestled on the lake’s banks, the temple still echoes with ancient chants, connecting you to the times of epics.

Hinglish:
Kehte hain Bhim ne apne vanvaas ke dauraan yeh Shiv Mandir banwaya tha. Jheel ke kinare bana yeh mandir aaj bhi un purani kathaaon ki goonj sunata hai.

7. Naukuchiatal – The Lake of Nine Corners

English:
A short drive away lies Naukuchiatal, the lake with nine corners. Locals believe that seeing all nine corners at once grants nirvana. The serenity here feels otherworldly.

Hinglish:
Thodi door hai Naukuchiatal – jisme nau konay hain. Log maante hain ki agar ek saath sabhi nau konay dekh lo toh moksha mil jaata hai. Is jheel ki shaanti ek alag hi duniya ka ehsaas deti hai

8. Starscapes Observatory

English:
As the sun sets, head to Starscapes Observatory. Under the Himalayan sky, telescopes open up galaxies and constellations. Stargazing here feels like touching the universe.

Hinglish:
Shaam hote hi Starscapes Observatory chalo. Yahan Himalaya ke aasmaan ke neeche telescope se tare aur galaxy dekhte hi aisa lagta hai jaise aap khud brahmand ko choo rahe ho.

🌍 Travel Tips

English:

Visit between March–June or September–November for best weather.
Carry warm clothes; nights get chilly.
Don’t miss local Kumaoni food – bhatt ki churkani, aloo ke gutke.
Add nearby lakes – Sattal and Nainital – to your trip.

Hinglish:

Bhimtal ghoomne ka best season hai March–June aur September–November.
Shaam thodi thandi hoti hai, garam kapde zaroor le aana.
Kumaoni food ka maza lena na bhoolo – jaise bhatt ki churkani aur aloo ke gutke.
Trip mein Sattal aur Nainital ko bhi include karna best rahega.

✨ Bhimtal is not just a destination, it’s a living story of mythology, nature, and peace. Har mod pe ek kahani hai, har nazare mein ek tasveer hai.