There is no answer to the beauty of Bhimtal! Here it seems as if you are roaming inside a mountain painting. There are lush green mountains all around and a calm lake in the middle, as if heaven has descended on earth.
I love the mornings of Bhimtal. When the first rays of the sun touch the mountain peaks, the lake takes on a golden glow. If you go out for paddle boating at that time, only the echo of the mountains and the sweet sound of the cuckoo can be heard all around. Traveling in such a peaceful environment, away from the noise of the city, has its own unique pleasure.
A walk along the lake shore in the evening is no less special. The cool breeze, the market shining with colorful lights and the stream of mist coming from the mountains, all together create a magical scene. Visiting Bhimtal means getting lost in the beauty of nature and rejuvenating yourself.
Table of Contents
Bhimtal Lake
- Overview
- Activities
- Nearby Attractions
Beauty of Bhimtal, heaven situated in the lap of mountains
Bhimtal is a delightful lake located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is the largest lake in Nainital district and is also called the “Crown of Kumaon”. The beauty of Bhimtal touches the heart. Surrounded by lush green mountains on all sides, this lake seems like a piece of heaven on earth.
Activities in Bhimtal
You can enjoy a variety of activities in Bhimtal:
Paddle Boating: Enjoy paddle boating in Bhimtal Lake. Gliding on the calm waters and admiring the picturesque views of the mountains is an unforgettable experience.
Bhimtal Lake Paddle Boating
Island Visit: There is a small island in the middle of the lake. You can go to this island by boat and see different types of fish in the aquarium located there.
Bhimtal Lake Island
Trekking: There are many beautiful trekking routes around Bhimtal. You can trek to the top of the surrounding hills and enjoy panoramic views from there.
Paragliding and Hot Air Ballooning: If you like adventure, then you can also enjoy adventure activities like paragliding and hot air ballooning in Bhimtal.
Attractions near Bhimtal
Along with visiting Bhimtal, you can also see these nearby attractive places:
Victoria (Victoria College)-Victoria College, located at a short distance from Bhimtal, is a historical educational institution. Its beautiful building and peaceful environment is worth seeing.
Bhartnakund Lake: A short distance from Bhimtal is another beautiful lake called Bhartnakund. This lake is known for its tranquil environment and surrounding forests.
Nag Temple: Nag Temple is a famous Hindu temple located near Nachiki Tal, about 17 kilometers from Bhimtal.
A trip to Bhimtal will give you an unforgettable experience amid the natural beauty of the mountains.
Hidimba Parvat
- Overview
- Hidimba Devi Temple
- Trekking Trails
A blend of the legend of Hidimba Devi and an exciting trek – Hidimba Parvat
Situated at a distance of about 5 kilometers from the charming Manali of Himachal Pradesh, the beauty of Hidimba Mountain is as captivating as its history. According to mythology, during the exile of the Pandavas, Bhima fought the demon Hidimba and accepted her as his wife. This temple dedicated to Goddess Hidimba brings alive the same mythological story.
Hidimba Devi Temple
Hidimba Devi Temple is famous for its unique architecture. This temple is made of wood and has a multi-layered roof. There are many beautiful wooden carvings on the walls outside the temple. A grand statue of Hidimba Devi is installed in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. In the courtyard of the temple you can also see a statue of Ghatotkacha, son of Bhima and Hidimba.
The road to the temple passes through dense deodar forests. This path is a bit difficult, but the beauty of the forest and the view of the foothills of the mountains will mesmerize you.
An interesting thing here is that a natural rock located near the temple is also worshiped as the bent thigh of Hidimba. Local people believe that touching this rock fulfills your wishes.
Exciting Trekking Trails
If you like adventure, then you can go trekking till Hidimba Devi Temple. This track is about 2 kilometers and on the way you will get to see dense forests, small waterfalls and picturesque views of the mountains. During the trek you can also enjoy delicious local food available at some local shops.
Apart from trekking, you can also enjoy horse riding around Hidimba Mountains. Traveling through the mountains on horseback will be a memorable experience.
A trip to Hidimba Mountain will provide you with a unique blend of history, mythology, natural beauty and adventure. So next time you visit Manali, do not forget to visit Hidimba Mountain!
Bhimtal Aquarium
- Overview
- Marine Life Exhibits
- Visitor Information
Bhimtal Aquarium: A world of colorful fishes in the heart of the lake
There is a small island in the middle of Bhimtal Lake, and situated on this island – Bhimtal Aquarium. This aquarium not only adds to the beauty of the lake, but also brings before us a colorful world hidden under water.
Coming here, it seems as if we have entered a colorful palace under water. Various types of beautiful fish are swimming here and there all around. Some are so calm that they are hovering at one place, while some are so playful that it seems as if they are playing hide and seek with each other.
Special fishes of Bhimtal Aquarium
You will get to see countless species of fish in the aquarium. There will be some that you have never seen before. Here are some special fish:
Mahshir: This golden colored fish is an indigenous species of Bhimtal Lake. This fish is known for its fighting attitude.
Arowana: The specialty of this unique fish is that it can breathe air by taking its mouth out of the water.
Oscar: These big red colored fish may look a little scary, but are quite peaceful by nature.
Piranha: Yes, Bhimtal Aquarium also has piranha fish, although they are kept separately in special (khaas) tanks. You will be stunned to see the ferocious teeth of these fish.
Apart from these, there are many interesting fishes like sunfish, catfish, and archerfish present in the aquarium. Children will enjoy coming here a lot.
visitor information
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM (All days of the week)
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults and ₹20 for children (approximately)
How to reach: You can take a taxi or rickshaw to reach Bhimtal Lake. From there the island and aquarium can be reached by boat.
Bhimtal Aquarium is not only a place to see fishes, but it also gives a message of environmental protection. By coming here you can not only see the beauty of fishes, but can also understand the importance of conservation of aquatic animals.
Victoria Dam
- Overview
- Scenic Beauty
- Boating Facilities
Victoria Dam: A combination of calm water and exciting boating
Another thing that enhances the beauty of Bhimtal is Victoria Dam. This dam is situated at the northern end of Bhimtal Lake and gives a different dimension to the surrounding environment. If you are looking for a calm and relaxing place, then Victoria Dam is the perfect place for you.
As soon as you come here, the breath of fresh air and the view of the calm water body will fascinate you. This dam surrounded by mountains seems as if it has come out of a painting. In the morning, when the fog slowly clears and the sun’s rays shine on the water, it is a sight to behold.
Beauty of Victoria Dam
Another way to enjoy the beauty of Victoria Dam is boating. Here you can rent a paddle boat or motorboat and roam around in the lake. Gliding on the water and admiring the height of the mountains and the surrounding lush green trees is an unforgettable experience. If you are in the mood for a little adventure, you can also enjoy riding a water scooter.
I once saw the view of Victoria Dam during monsoon season. There was greenery all around and waterfalls were falling down from the mountains. The water of the dam was filled to a height and boats were floating in it. The atmosphere was so pleasant that I did not even want to leave from there.
things to remember
Morning is the best time to go boating on Victoria Dam, because at that time the air is calm and the view of the water is also clear.
If you want to ride a water scooter, be sure to listen to the safety instructions first.
There are many small restaurants around the dam, where you can enjoy food.
So if you are going to visit Bhimtal, then definitely visit Victoria Dam. You will always remember the calm waters and exciting boating experience here.
Butterfly Research Centre
- Overview
- Conservation Efforts
- Guided Tours
Butterfly Museum of Bhimtal: Get lost in the world of colorful feathers!
There are many wonderful places to visit in Bhimtal, the beautiful hill station of Uttarakhand, one of which is the unique place – Butterfly Museum (Butterfly Research Centre). This museum is not just a place to see butterflies, but it also teaches us a lot about these colorful winged creatures.
As soon as you come here, it feels as if you have entered a colorful fairy world. There are hundreds of show cases on the walls, in which thousands of species of butterflies are safely displayed. Some butterflies are so small that it seems as if you have fixed a colorful button on the wall, while some are so big that you can keep looking at them with their beautiful wings spread.
conservation of butterflies
The main objective of the museum is not only to display butterflies, but it also plays an important role in the conservation of these beautiful creatures. The scientists here keep doing research on the life cycle of butterflies, their different species and their living environment. On the basis of information obtained from this research, various programs are run for the conservation of butterflies.
I remember when I was in school, we had an educational trip to this butterfly museum. The guide there gave us very interesting information about different species of butterflies. He had told that butterflies are also indicators of the environment. If the number of butterflies is decreasing in an area, it means that the environment of that area is getting polluted.
Enjoy a guided tour
If you are also going to visit the Butterfly Museum of Bhimtal, then definitely take a guided tour there. The guide will tell you not only about the museum, but also many secrets of the world of butterflies. You will learn how butterflies change their color, what they eat, and how flowers grow with the help of trees and plants. This guided tour is even more fun for children.
So next time you visit Bhimtal, do visit this unique museum. By coming here you will be able to see the beauty of butterflies, learn about their conservation and understand this beautiful cooperation going on with nature.