Bhimtal is a town and a nagar panchayat in Nainital district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is 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.
Some of the must visit places in Dandeli are listed below-
Bhimtal Lake, one of the most famous lakes in India, is located in the Bhimtal town of the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. An island at the centre of the Lake is a famous tourist attraction and also houses an aquarium with a variety of fish species and a temple. In the Kumaon region, which is also known as the Lake district of India, the Bhimtal lake is the largest lake and supplies drinking water to the town and supports aquaculture in the region. Today, the lake has been opened for tourists and has a variety of activities in and around the lake. Morning walks are especially recommended for those who want to avoid the tourist crowd. The tranquil atmosphere of the lake is sure to make you want to come back again and again.
The Mall Road of Nainital, which runs parallel to the Naini Lake, connecting the two ends of the hill town (Mallital and Tallital), is the prime shopping, food and cultural centre of the wonder that is Nainital. Whether it is digging into some luscious food or shopping for the cutest local woollens that are to be found, Mall Road is your go-to for it all.
Officially named as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg, the Mall Road in Nainital was built by the Britishers. Today, the road is synonymous to the town of Nainital. You can see unwary tourists taking a stroll at Mall Road at all times of the day. Entry to heavy vehicles and traffic is prohibited during the peak season of May, June and October.
Ghorakhal is a small place, perched at an altitude of 2000 meters above the sea level. It falls under Nainital district of Uttarakhand, approximately 36 km from Kathgodam Station and 4 km from Bhowali. 'Ghorakhal ' literally means ‘a pond for water to horses’.
One of the famous attractions in Ghorakhal is Golu Devta Temple, always in news for the unique rituals performed here. One such ritual is that devotees make petitions at the temple, using stamp papers, to seek desired decree in litigations. On accomplishment of their wish, the deity is shown gratitude by hanging bells or making animal sacrifice. People from all over the region consider Golu Devta, the presiding deity of the temple, to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva and ‘the God of Justice’.
Sattal or Sat Tal is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes situated in the Lower Himalayan Range near Bhimtal, a town of the Nainital district in Uttarakhand, India. During the British Raj, the area had a tea plantation, one of four in the Kumaon area at that time.
The lakes sit at an altitude of 1370 metres below lush orchards in the Mehragaon valley.
Set amongst dense forests of oak and pine trees, Sattal is one of the few unspoiled and unpolluted freshwater biomes in India. These lakes are a paradise for migratory birds. It is home to a few camps being operated mostly by local people catering to tourists looking for outdoor vacations.
Situated on the embankment of Bhimtal Lake, Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Believed to be already in existence during the visit of Pandavas while on exile, today it is often flooded with visitors. With spectacular backdrop and peaceful surroundings, this place is a must visit.
Nal Damyanti is a small natural lake which is situated at a distance of 2 km from Bhimtal. It contains shallow waters and is a perfect spot for enjoying the natural beauty around. You can also go on a nature walk and admire the fascinating surroundings of the place. Though the trek route for reaching the place is tattered, the amazing scenery around will make up for it. There are several old houses showcasing traditional Kumaoni architecture present here. As you move ahead on the trek, you will also come to a cluster of seven lakes known as Sat Tal.
Nal Damyanti Lake is a holy place which has a deep admiration of the locals. The lake has been named after the famous mythological characters namely King Nala and his wife, Damayanti. With the region offering fine cuisines and opportunities for exploring the tourist attractions across the city, the lake provides an experience which is both authentic and unique in itself.
A beautiful hill, located just 5 km from Bhimtal gets its name from the Hidimba, wife of Bhima of Mahabharata. This hill also houses a wildlife asylum called Vankhandi Ashram, a habitat developed by Vankhnadi Maharaj, an environmentalist and monk who lives there.
Karkotaka Temple is located on the top of the hill by the same name and is flocked by devotes throughout the year. Devoted to the serpent god, Nag Karkotaka Maharaja, pilgrims come here in large numbers on the occasion of Rishi Panchami.
The myth behind this temple is that the serpent god protects the villagers from the snakes.
Bhimtal is not exactly a shopping paradise but offers many souvenirs to take back home. Jewelry, wood crafts, carpets, statues, Garhwali paintings and handmade candles are some of the options to shop from.
If you really want to shop, it's best to head to Nainital.
Victoria Dam, one of the most breathtaking sights in Bhimtal is located on the bank of Bhimtal Lake. The most attractive thing about this dam is the flower gardens on its either side that makes the place look quite entrancing.
This 40 ft high dam attracts tourists in large number and one can also go for a stroll in the forest that bounds the lake.
Located on the Nainital-Haldwani route, Hanuman Garhi is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Perched atop 6,401 ft. high, the temple was built by a local saint Baba Neem Karoli in 1950 and is located close to Ashram of Bapu Lila Sah and Shitla Devi temple. The idol of Lord Hanuman is portrayed as splitting his chest, depicting that Lord Ram resides in his heart. The view of the rosy sky during sunset and sunrise is what attracts tourists to Hanuman Garhi. Since it is a Lord Hanuman Temple, there is a throng of devotees on Tuesday and Saturday.
A boat ride in Bhimtal Lake to the island in the middle of it is quite a ride. But lays ahead is even more awe-inspiring. Once a place for a restaurant, today this island houses an aquarium created by the Nainital Lake Development Authority.
Fishes from countries like Mexico, South Africa and China can be seen here with charming background.