Bhimtal is a hilly town and a nagar panchayat in Nainital district in Uttarakhand.
Location of Bhimta
Bhimtal is situated at an altitude of 1370 meters above sea level. It is about 22 kilometres from Nainital.
Climate of Bhimtal
The climate of Bhimtal is very pleasant and salubrious during summers but very cold during winters. The summer temperatures range from 15 degree Celsius to 29 degree Celsius, while the winter temperatures range from 4 degree Celsius to 18 degree Celsius.
History of Bhimtal
Bhimtal is an ancient place named after Bhima of Mahabharata. Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple, an old Shiva temple in the bank of Bhimtal Lake, is believed to have been built when Bhima visited the place during the banishment period of Pandavas. The present temple was built in the 17th century, by Baz Bahadur (1638-78 AD), a King of the Chand dynasty, and the Raja of Kumaon. Bhimtal came under British rule after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-16). Bhimtal is older than nearby Nainital as the city of Nainital is just 150-160 years old. But Bhimtal has been a stoppage for the travellers of the region from hills to plains or vice versa for a long time. The old pedesterial road is still in use here and this road connects nearby Kathgodam to all Kumaun region and even to Nepal and Tibet. It might have been the part of the famous ancient silk route.
Demography of Bhimtal
Bhimtal had a population of 5875. Males constitute 54% of the population and females 46%. Bhimtal has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 81% and female literacy of 75%. 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.
Tourism in Bhimtal
The major attraction in Bhimtal is the Bhimtal Lake, which has an island at its centre. Besides tourism sector in Bhimtal, Bhimtal has also now become a mini district headquarters since most of the district administration offices have been shifted to the newly constructed Vikas Bhawan, the building complex for district administrative offices. Near the Bhimeshwar temple is one of the source of river Gargi known as Gola Nadi in the region and originates from Garg Parvat or village Gagar in Nainital District.
About 2 km from Bhimtal is Nal Damyanti Tal, a small natural lake. It is believed that the palace of famous king Nala drowned into this lake. It is a very sacred place for the dwellers of the region. About 5 km from Bhimtal is the famous group of lakes known as Sattal, which is a place of attraction for nature lovers. Clear water of lakes surrounded by thick forest and voice of birds is a wonderful experience. The hill near the lake is known as Hidimba Parvat. It gets its name from demon Hidimba of Mahabharata. Vankhandi Maharaj, a monk and environmentalist lives on the hill now, and has created a sanctuary for the wild animals around the hill. The area is known as Vankhandi Ashram. The hill of Karkotaka is supposed to be named after Karkotaka, a mythical cobra. The hill is famous for its Nag temple in the region and on every Rishi Panchami thousands of people visit the temple and worship the Nag Karkotaka Maharaj. This is one of the famous nag temples situated in Uttarakhand region. Sayad Baba Ki Mazar is a place where people from different parts of Bhimtal and near around places comes for worship on every Thursday.
