Bhimtal

Bhimtal
—  city  —
Bhimtal Location in Uttarakhand, India
Coordinates: 29.35°N 79.5667°E / 29.35; 79.5667
Country	India
State	Uttarakhand
District	Nainital
Population (2001)
• Total	8,875
Languages
• Official	Hindi, Kumaoni
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
Vehicle registration	UKO4(Uttrakhand) ,UA04(Uttranchal) , UP02(When Uttrakhand was with UP)
Website	https://www.facebook.com/Bheemtal

Bhimtal is a town and a nagar panchayat in Nainital district in the state of Uttarakhand, India, 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. Besides tourism, 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.

Bhimtal Climate and Weather

The climate of Bhimtal is pleasant and salubrious during summers but very cold during winters.

Summer temperatures range from 15°C to 29°C, while winter temperatures range from 4°C to 18°C.

History

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 (vanvas) period of Pandavas. The present temple was built in 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.

Places of interest

Bhim Tal Kumaon, India. July 30, 1878." Oil painting on paper, by Marianne North (1830–1890)

Temple by the Bhimtal Lake, Bhimtal, by Samuel Bourne, 1864.

Near the Bhimeshwar temple is a small hill known as Garg Parvat, which is the source of river Gargi, also known as Gola Nadi in the region.

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. Hill near the lake 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 part of Bhimtal and near around places come for worship on every Thursday. It is an example of unity in diversity as people from different religions (Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian) visit this place, apart from this the centre of attraction of this mazar is its location. You can see the whole lake, dam and the island from their and also near around places like Jhangaliyagaon, Nakuchiyatal.

Institutions

As Nainital is renowned hill station of the country and district headquarter also there is not enough space for administrative offices. Government has constructed Vikas Bhawan building in Bhimtal and most of the District Administration offices of Nainital District are shifted in Vikas Bhawan complex.

There are many government and private institutions in Bhimtal, including Tasar Regional Research Center (Ministry of Textile, Govt. of India), National Cold Water Fisheries Institute, Jan Sikshan Sansthan, Birla Institute of Applied Sciences (an Institute of Higher Technical Education), Kumoun University Campus (Faculty of Management, Pharmacy & Bio-Technology) and District Institute of Teachers |Education (DITE).

Uttarakhand Graphic Era Parvatiya Vishwavidyalaya (Under the aegis of Graphic Era Educational Society, Dehradun and notified by the Government of Uttarakhand as a private university) have started its Kumaun campus in Bhimtal at Sattal Road from the session 2011–12 with B.Tech (in 5 branches of Electronics & Communication, Computer Science, Information Technology, Mechanical and Civil Engineering), MCA and MBA programmes.

Government Model School (राजकीय आदर्श विद्यालय), Bhimtal, is the oldest school in the area, which is running for about 100 years from the British period. Lilawati Pant Inter College (popularly known as LP Inter College)and Government Girls Inter College (earlier Girls High School) are other Government educational institution in Bhimtal.

Sainik School in Ghorakhal near Bhimtal is a school where students prepare themselves to join the Indian Military. The Head of the school is a working officer from the Indian Air Force. In addition to that, Bhimtal has several other English medium schools. Hermann Gmeiner School is well known school at Bhimtal and is situated at Tallital Bhimtal, it is famous for its school and Orphanage(SOS Bhimtal). It is a co-educational school from Prep to XII standard with both boarding and day scholars. Mount Alvern Convent School, Lakes International School, Templeton Academy, Naukuchiatal are other schools in the area.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, 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.

The dam by the Bhimtal Lake and the Bhim temple at Bhimtal, 1895.

Bhimtal Excursions

Jim Corbett National Park: It is situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand state and is also India's oldest national park being established in 1936. The park was named after hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett. Jim Corbett National Park is situated 81km from Bhim Tal. The park contains 488 different species of plants and wide variety of wild life including elephant, tiger, chital, Sambar Deer, nilgai, gharial, King Cobra, muntjac, wild boar, hedgehog, common musk shrew, flying fox, Indian Pangolin, and around 600 species of birds. Jim Corbett National Park covers an area of 521 square kilometers.

Mukteshwar: It is situated at a distance of 35km from Bhim Tal set at an elevation of 2,285m above sea level. Mukteshwar got its name from a 350 year old temple Mukteshwer Dham whose presiding deity is great Lord Shiva. The top of the mountain on which Mukteshwar Dham is stood offers stupendous views of Himalayan range. Mukteshwar was developed by the Britishers as research and education institute (IVRI) in 1893.

Sat Tal: Sat Tal is a cluster of mysteriously interconnected seven freshwater lakes situated 12km away from Bhim Tal. Sat Tal is set at an altitude of 1370m above sea level. The group of lakes is set amidst dense forests of oak and pine trees. These lakes are paradise for migratory birds as they stay for some time here during their migration. Sattal is one of the few unspoiled and unpolluted fresh water biomes in India. The names of the seven lakes of Sattal are Purna Tal, Ram Tal, Sita tal, Laxman Tal, Nal Damyanti Tal, Sukh Tal and Garud Tal. Sattal is often compared with Westmoreland of England by Britishers.

Naukuchia Tal: The name literally suggests Nine-Cornered Lake. It is situated 19km from Bhimtal. Naukuchia Tal is set at an altitude of 1,220mts above sea level. The lake is around 1 km in length, 0.6 km in width and approximately 40m in depth. It is the deepest of the lakes in the greater Naintal area. According to myth, if one takes a glimpse of all nine corners at once, one can disappear in a cloud of smoke. Naukuchia Tal is within an enchanting valley providing ample scope for rowing, paddling and yatching. Naukuchia Tal is also famous for angling and bird watching.

Almora: Almora is a picturesque place located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Almora is famous for its magnificent beauty, panoramic view of the Himalayas, rich cultural heritage, exquisite wildlife, unique handicrafts and delicious cuisine. It is located at a height of 5,400ft above sea level and is spread across a 5-km ridge atop Kashaya Hill. The picturesque landscape of Almora attracts hundreds of tourists each year. Almora has been developed by the Chand Rajas and then maintained and further developed by the British. Almora is situated 65km from Bhim Tal.

Ranikhet: Ranikhet is a hill station in Almora district of Uttarakhand state. Ranikhet is also the home for Kumaon regiment and Naga regiment of Indian Army. Ranikhet offers invigorating views of the snow capped peaks of the prodigious Himalayan range. Ranikhet literally means “Queens Meadow or Queens’s field”. Ranikhet hosts a vast bio-diversity of flora and fauna. Ranikhet is situated 35km from Bhim Tal set at an altitude of 1,869m above sea level.

Kausani: It is one of the most popular hill stations of Kumaon perched at an elevation of 1890mts above sea level. Situated 107km from Bhim Tal this charming hill resort set amidst several snow-capped peaks is endowed with extraordinary natural beauteousness. Mahatma Gandhi and was absolutely fascinated by the scenic grandeur of Kausani while a visit in year 1929. Sumitra Nandan Pant, a renowned Hindi poet was born in Kausani.

Haldwani: Haldwani is situated in the Nainital district of Kumaon region of Uttarakhand state at an average elevation of 425mts above sea level. Haldwani is situated in the foothills of Himalayas in the bhabhar region of the Indo-Gangetic plains. Haldwani is popularly known as the ‘gateway of kumaon’ sharing its twin township with Kathgodam. The dusk and dawn of the Haldwani are pleasant and will make you feel that you are in the lap of nature. The hills of the Kumaon region commence from this picturesque spot and the temperature decreases as you climb. Since beginning Haldwani has been an important trading hub of Kumaon as it is well connected with Delhi, Haridwar, Lucknow and many other places of northern India. Transportation facilities from Haldwani to major destinations of Kumaon are well maintained and you can easily get taxis and buses to Nainital, Almora, Bhim Tal, pithoragarh, champawat and many other places. Haldwani is situated 28km before Bhim Tal.

Nainital: It is situated at a distance of 24km from Bhim Tal at an elevation of 1,938m above sea level. Nainital is named after an eye shaped lake set amidst the mountains with thick alpine trees. Nainital is situated in the Kumaon region and is one of the 13 districts of Uttarakhand state. Nainital is given the epithet of “Lake District” because it dotted with five lakes Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Sattal.

RAMGARH: RAMGARH is 30 Km from Van Vilas. Situated at an altitude of 1789 mts. on Bhowali-Mukteshwar road Ramgarh is known for a variety of Himalayan fruits and spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges. The famous poets Rabindranath Tagore and Mahadevi Verma have praised the serenity of this place.

Kainchi Dham : On the Nainital - Almora Road, 9 Km from Bhowali and 17 km from Nainital is a modern pilgrim centre. This place has achieved recognition owing to the ashram of the famous Neem Karoli Maharaj. Kaichi is a term used for two sharp hairpin bends of the motor road in local dialect hence the name. It has no relation with scissors.

List of Bhimtal excursions and popular travel destinations near/around Bhimtal in Uttarakhand. Some famous places to visit see from Bhimtal are Corbett Park, Sattal, Naukuchiatal, Almora, Someshwar, Kausani, Binsar, Jageshwar, Ranikhet, Mukteshwar, Nainital.

See also

• Bhimtal Lake
• Pannatal Lake