Bhimtal Lake is the largest lake in Nainital district and a quieter alternative to Nainital Lake, set in the small town of Bhimtal. A masonry dam at one end impounds the emerald water, and at the centre lies a small island developed as a tourist spot, often reached by colourful boats. The lake is ringed by wooded slopes, homestays and small resorts, and it serves both as a scenic attraction and a source of drinking water and fishery resources, making it important for local livelihoods as well as tourism.
About this place
History & highlights
Bhimtal Lake takes its name from Bhima of the Mahabharata and is part of the historic lakes system of Kumaon. During British rule a masonry dam was built in 1883, creating the present storage reservoir, and the lake became a functional water resource as well as a picturesque spot for visitors. Over the years, the surroundings developed with terraced gardens and temple sites such as the Bhimeshwar Temple near the dam, which blends mythological associations with local devotion. In modern times Bhimtal has grown as a lakeside town with hotels, adventure activities and scientific interest in the lake’s ecology, while authorities periodically dredge and manage it to counter siltation and urban pressure.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Click “Write a Review” above to share your experience.