Bhimtal is a beautiful, peaceful town in Uttarakhand, just 22 kilometers from Nainital. While Nainital is busy and crowded, Bhimtal is calm with a big lake, green hills, and exciting activities. If you’re planning to visit Bhimtal from Nainital, here are 10 secret tricks to make your trip awesome. These tips will help you enjoy Bhimtal’s beauty and adventure in a special way.
Why Visit Bhimtal from Nainital?
The Mahabharata character Bhima is the inspiration behind the name Bhimtal. It offers entertaining activities, a large lake, and peaceful surroundings. You can come for a day or stay longer because it’s so close to Nainital. There are breathtaking vistas of the hills during the 45-minute drive from Nainital to Bhimtal. Let’s examine the best ways to make your trip to Bhimtal from Nainital truly remarkable!
Trick #1: Go Early in the Morning
Early in the morning, about 7 AM, is the ideal time to visit Bhimtal. You’ll have the lake to yourself because most people arrive later. With birdsong and mist on the water, the morning is serene. You don’t have to wait to enjoy sailing or other hobbies. Additionally, when it’s less crowded and the weather is pleasant, try going in the spring (March–May) or fall (September–October).
Trick #2: Try Kayaking Instead of Boating
Kayaking is considerably more enjoyable than boating on Bhimtal Lake! It enables you to paddle independently and discover the peaceful areas of the lake. The small island in the center of the lake is accessible. Beginners can easily learn to kayak, and the cost is approximately INR 300–500. You get the kayak and instruction from local stores close to the lake. For anyone traveling from Nainital to Bhimtal, this is a fun activity.
Trick #3: Go Paragliding Near Naukuchiatal
Try paragliding in Naukuchiatal, which is only 4 km from Bhimtal, if you enjoy adventure. As you soar into the skies, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the lakes and hills. This location is mysterious since not many people are aware of it! A certified guide is included in the INR 1200–1500 cost of a paragliding ride. It gets busy, so make your reservation early. Your excursion to Bhimtal from Nainital would be really thrilling as a result.
Trick #4: Visit the Bhimtal Island Aquarium
A cool aquarium may be found on a little island in Bhimtal Lake. A quick boat ride (INR 350 round trip) will get you there. More than 40 species of fish from various locations can be found in the aquarium. Get a coffee at the island’s café early to beat the throng. When traveling from Nainital to Bhimtal, many people overlook this serene, charming location.
Trick #5: Trek to Hidimba Parvat
There are some excellent, uncrowded walking trails in Bhimtal. Hidimba Parvat, a hill with fantastic views of the lake and mountains, is one hidden location. The one-hour hike begins close to the Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple. The path might be tough, so bring drink and appropriate shoes. For those who enjoy the outdoors and want to explore Bhimtal from Nainital, this hike is ideal.
Trick #6: Stargazing at Stargate Bhimtal
At night, visit Stargate Bhimtal, a place 3 km from the lake where you can see stars. The sky is super clear, and you can use telescopes to look at stars, planets, and more. They have fun sessions for beginners, and it costs INR 200-300. Book ahead to get a spot. Stargazing is a magical activity for your Bhimtal from Nainital trip.
Trick #7: Eat Local Kumaoni Food
Bhimtal has wonderful local dishes you should try. Seek out tiny restaurants that provide Kumaoni cuisine, such as aloo ke gutke (spicy potatoes) or bhaatt ki churkani (black bean curry), close to the Bhimtal market. These dishes are delicious and range in price from INR 100 to 200. For something unique, try buransh juice, which is created from scarlet flowers. One of the best ways to experience Bhimtal from Nainital is to eat local cuisine.
Trick #8: Visit Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple
A serene Shiva temple near Bhimtal Lake is the Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple. It’s ideal for some peaceful time because it’s not as crowded as the temples in Nainital. See the aarti (prayer ceremony) early in the morning, and then take a stroll by the lake. The serene atmosphere of the temple makes it a pleasant place to stop while traveling from Nainital to Bhimtal.
Trick #9: Add Sattal to Your Trip
Visiting Sattal, which is only fifteen minutes from Bhimtal, is a clever move. Sattal is encircled by trees and features seven tiny lakes. It’s excellent for kayaking, walking, and bird watching. It feels like a hidden gem because it isn’t as crowded as Bhimtal. To enhance your trip to Bhimtal from Nainital, spend a few hours here with some food.
Trick #10: Rent a Bike for Fun
Before traveling to Bhimtal, rent a bike or scooter in Nainital to experience the local way of life. For a day, it costs between INR 500 and 800. Along the trip, you can make stops at charming locations, tiny towns, or food stands. With breathtaking vistas of the highlands, the routes are enjoyable to ride. This increases the freedom and adventure of your tour from Bhimtal to Nainital.
Helpful Tips for Your Bhimtal Trip
To get there, use a shared cab from Tallital (INR 50–100 per person) or a taxi from Nainital (INR 800-1200 one way). Nainital Bus Stand is another bus stop.
March to June or September to October are the best times for favorable weather. Steer clear of July and August due to the rain and slick roads.
Where to Stay: If you’d want to stay, choose budget homestays close to Bhimtal Lake or hotels like Rosefinch Sarovar Portico.
Safety tips include checking the weather for trekking or paragliding and scheduling adventure activities with reliable individuals.
With its serene lake, verdant hills, and enjoyable activities, Bhimtal is a great destination to explore from Nainital. Kayaking, paragliding, trekking, stargazing, and more hidden gems will make your vacation from Bhimtal to Nainital very remarkable. Bhimtal has something for everyone, regardless of your interests in nature, adventure, or simply unwinding. Prepare yourself, make the quick trip from Nainital, and have an amazing time in this stunning region of Uttarakhand!