Uttarakhand ·
Bhimtal
Bhimtal is a small town in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, India. Its main attraction is Bhimtal Lake, surrounded by wooded hills.
Bhimtal at a Glance
Why Bhimtal?
The highlights, landmarks and experiences that make this destination worth visiting.
- Bhimtal Lake
- Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Bhimtal Lake Dam
Bhimtal at a Glance
Essential travel information to understand Bhimtal before planning your visit.
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Explore Bhimtal
Places to Visit
- Bhimtal Lake: Bhimtal is a lake in the town of Bhimtal, near Nainital city in Nainital district of Kumaon, India with a masonry dam built in 1883 creating the storage facility. It is the largest lake of Nainital district, as well as Kumaon, which is known as the "Lake district of India".
- Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple: A Shiva temple on the eastern side of Bhimtal Lake. The present temple is associated with the 17th century.
- Bhimtal Lake Dam: The dam at the southern end of Bhimtal Lake.
Sightseeing Places
- Bhimtal Lake: Bhimtal is a lake in the town of Bhimtal, near Nainital city in Nainital district of Kumaon, India with a masonry dam built in 1883 creating the storage facility. It is the largest lake of Nainital district, as well as Kumaon, which is known as the "Lake district of India".
- Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple: A Shiva temple on the eastern side of Bhimtal Lake. The present temple is associated with the 17th century.
- Bhimtal Lake Dam: The dam at the southern end of Bhimtal Lake.
Temples
- Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple: A Shiva temple on the eastern side of Bhimtal Lake. The present temple is associated with the 17th century.
Places That Define Bhimtal
Explore the most iconic landmarks and sacred sites.
Bhimtal Lake
Bhimtal is a lake in the town of Bhimtal, near Nainital city in Nainital district of Kumaon, India with a masonry dam built in 1883 creating the storage facility. It is the largest lake of Nainital district, as well as Kumaon, which is known as the "Lake district of India".
Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple
A Shiva temple on the eastern side of Bhimtal Lake. The present temple is associated with the 17th century.
Bhimtal Lake Dam
The dam at the southern end of Bhimtal Lake.
Explore Destination on Map
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Explore Bhimtal on Map
Open the destination map to discover attractions and routes.
Plan Your Trip
Plan Your Way
- When to Visit: Climate-based guidance for choosing your dates.
- Getting Around: How to reach and move around.
- Budget & Practical Tips: Costs and safety notes from local guidebook sources.
How to Reach
- By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), about 36 km from Bhimtal.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam railway station, about 9 km from central Bhimtal.
- By Road: Buses and shared vehicles connect Bhimtal with Haldwani, Kathgodam, Bhowali and Nainital.
Best Time to Visit
- Summer: Summer in Bhimtal (Apr, May, Jun) averages 15–24°C with about 116 mm of rain per month.
- Monsoon: Monsoon in Bhimtal (Jul, Aug, Sep) averages 18–24°C with about 329 mm of rain per month.
- Post-monsoon: Post-monsoon in Bhimtal (Oct, Nov) averages 11–20°C with about 21 mm of rain per month.
- Winter: Winter in Bhimtal (Dec, Jan, Feb) averages 6–16°C with about 26 mm of rain per month.
Weather
- Summer: Average highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C.
- Monsoon: Average highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C.
- Post-monsoon: Average highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C.
- Winter: Average highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C.
Travel Tips
- Staying safe: Hill roads can be narrow and winding. During the monsoon, rain can cause slippery roads and occasional landslides.
- Getting around: The lake area can be explored on foot. Auto-rickshaws, shared vehicles and taxis are useful for longer distances.
- Climate: Bhimtal experiences a temperate subtropical highland climate. The climate is strongly influenced by altitude, topographic aspect, and the seasonal rhythm of the Indian Summer Monsoon.
- Heat: Daytime highs reach about 25°C in June; carry water and plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning.
- Rain: The wettest months are March, May, June, July, August and September; check road and site conditions before travelling.
Suggested Itinerary
Choose the perfect duration for your Bhimtal trip.
Spiritual & Religious
Architecture Guide
- Summary: Bhimtal is a small town in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, India. Its main attraction is Bhimtal Lake, surrounded by wooded hills.
- Overview: Bhimtal is a small town in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, India. Its main attraction is Bhimtal Lake, surrounded by wooded hills. The town is also a useful base for visiting Sattal, Naukuchiatal and other places in the Kumaon region.
Planning Guide
- Overview: Bhimtal is a small town in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, India. Its main attraction is Bhimtal Lake, surrounded by wooded hills. The town is also a useful base for visiting Sattal, Naukuchiatal and other places in the Kumaon region.
- Accommodation: Bhimtal has hotels, guesthouses, homestays and resorts. There are options around the lake as well as in the surrounding hills.
- Best Way To Explore: The lake area can be explored on foot. Auto-rickshaws, shared vehicles and taxis are useful for longer distances.
The Sacred Heart of Bhimtal
A timeless journey of faith and devotion.
Significance
Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya (Folk Culture Museum) Situated at Geeta Dham in Khutani, Bhimtal, established in 1983 by archaeologist, painter, and Padma Shri recipient Dr. Yashodhar Mathpal.
Natural Significance
Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya (Folk Culture Museum) Situated at Geeta Dham in Khutani, Bhimtal, established in 1983 by archaeologist, painter, and Padma Shri recipient Dr. Yashodhar Mathpal.
Ecological Importance
Bhimtal is quieter than Nainital and is spread around the lake. Most visitors come for the lake, the surrounding countryside and the nearby temples and lakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhimtal is most comfortable in January, February, April, October and November, when average daytime highs stay at or below 32°C and rainfall is low. The hottest month is June (average high 25°C) and the wettest months are March, May, June, July, August and September.
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), about 36 km away. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam railway station, about 9 km away. See the How to Reach page for road, rail and air details.
Main attractions include Bhimtal Lake, Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple and Bhimtal Lake Dam.
A stay of 1 day covers the main sights. Ready-made 1-day and 2-day itineraries are linked on this page.
Average highs range from 14°C to 25°C over the year, with about 1568 mm of rain in total.
Tour Packages for Bhimtal
Your Bhimtal Journey Starts Here
Explore top attractions, local culture, and the experiences that make this destination worth visiting.