Bhimtal is a triangular lake. It is located in the district of Nainital in the state of Uttarakhand. The length of this lake is 1674 meters, width is 447 meters and depth is 15-50 meters. Lake Bhimtal is greater than Lake Nainital. Similar to Nainital Lake, Bhimtal lake has also two corners, which are known as Tallital and Mallital. It is also interconnected with the road itself in both corners. Nainital is about 22 km away from Bhimtal. There is also an island in the midst of that lake. Which is now better known as the Fish Aquarium and visitors who come here are more attracted to see it. Boat is also arranged to reach this island.
Tourist destinations in Bhimtal:-
1.Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple:- Based on Mythological beliefs, it is said that the Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple was built by the Pandavas. On the other hand, some historians also believed that this temple devoted to Bholenath was built by only with his devotion.
According to the belief, it is said that the Bhimeshwar temple of Mahabharata period in Nainital district belongs to Lord Shiva and its fame is so much that devotees from other states also reach here for Rudrabhishek. Devotees reach here in large numbers every Monday to see this temple of Bhimeshwar Mahadev in Bhimtal and anoint the Shivaling located here with water, milk, ghee and honey. This temple of Bhimtal is very old, there is a beautiful Shivaling in this temple which is believed to be about 5000 years old. This temple is located in the Tallital area of Bhimtal. Local people tell that this temple was done by the Pandavas. Bhima also did penance here, it is said that Bhima got water from here by hitting him hard with his mace and with the same water, the Shivaling was worshipped. Many mythological sculptures are also seen here.
2.Butterfly Research Centre:- Butterfly Research Center is located in Bhimtal. If you come to Bhimtal, you must visit this museum. You can explore the world of butterflies here. In this museum, tourists come not just from India, but also from abroad to see colourful butterflies. You can also find foreign butterfly samples in this museum.
3.Karkotak Temple:- Karkotak Parvat is called the crown of Bhimtal. The temple is devoted to the serpent godhead, Karkotak Maharaja. Here one also gets freedom from Kalpadosh. Every year a fair is organized in the Karkotak temple on the day of Rishi Panchami. It is believed that Karkotak Nagraj was born on the day of Rishi Panchami. This temple is about 22 km away from Tallital/Mallital, Karkotak temple is situated on the highest peak of Bhimtal. While going to the temple, one has to follow the path of the forest. A beautiful view of Bhimtal lake can be seen from here. According to the priest of Karkotak temple, there is a deep relation between Karkotak Nagraj and Nal Damayanti. Nagraj used to go there only to drink water.
Karkotak snake has also been described in Shivpuran.
4.Nal Damyanti Taal:-
Damayanti, daughter of King Bheem of Vidarbha country and Nal, son of King Virasena of Nishad, both were very beautiful. Nal Damayanti Taal is located in the Bhimtal area of Nainital district in the state of Uttarakhand. The shape of this pool is Pentagon
In earlier times the village was irrigated from this pond. Nal Damayanti Taal is one of the seven pools of Bhimtal. The description of Nal Damayanti Taal is also seen in Skanda Purana. It is believed that when Nal’s brother Pushkar defeated him and took away his kingdom, King Nal had to go into exile with Damayanti. At that time both of them had spent their life near this lake.
A Shiva temple is also established on the banks of Nal Damayanti Taal. The priest of this temple also says that even his ancestors do not know when this temple was established. Worship in this temple has been going on for centuries.
5.Naukuchiyatal:- Naukuchiyatal Tourism is a small picturesque lake village which is a paradise for nature lovers. Those who want to spend some moments of happiness and peace under the shade of nature, they must visit Naukuchiyatal. Naukuchiyatal is located in Bhimtal region of Nainital District in the state of Uttarakhand. Naukuchiyatal is mainly known by the name of its 9 cornered lake. The length of this pool is 1 km. And has a depth of 40 meters. You must visit Bhimtal.
6. Sattal:- Sattal is situated at a distance of about 23 km from Nainital. Sattal is at an altitude of 1370 meters above sea level. Surrounded by dense forest, sterile trees and many trees, this place has a group of seven lakes.
Names of Seven Lakes of Sattal:-
- Nal Damyanti Taal
- Garur Taal
- Raam Taal
- Lakshman Taal
- Seeta Taal
- Poorn Taal
- Sukha Taal
Some of these Lakes have been disappeared now.
7.Hidimba Parvat:- Hidimba Parvat is located at a distance of 3 km from Bhimtal. Hidimba mountain comes in Sattal region of Bhimtal in Nainital district of Uttarakhand state. Hidimba Parvat is also known as Hidimba Dham. It is said that Vankhandi Maharaj ji had come here many years ago and it is said that he had established this temple.
It is believed that the soil of all the states of the country is found on Hidimba mountain. Hidimba was the name of Bheem’s wife.
It is believed that Hidimba used to live on this mountain with her brother Hidimb. When the Pandavas were living in Bhimtal in their exile, at the same time Hidimba saw Bheem and she was fascinated by Bheem. After defeating Hidimba in the war, Bheem married Hidimba with the permission of Kunti. His son’s name was Ghatotkachha.
8.Kainchula Devi Mandir:-
Entire Uttarakhand is known as Devbhoomi. Temples of innumerable deities are established here. Most of these temples are related to different forms of Shiva-Shakti. In Uttarakhand, most of the temples are established in mountains and peaks, while in Bhimtal this temple of Mother Goddess is immersed in water.
This temple is located in Bhimtal of Nainital district in the state of Uttarakhand. It is believed that Nagraj Karkotak used to come here everyday to drink mother’s milk. It is believed that Kainchula Devi is mother of Naagraj. Even today two water streams emerge from the Kainchula Devi temple and meet in the lake. The water of Kainchula temple is considered to be similar to Mansarovar. It is believed that by taking a bath in the holy water of the lake, all diseases and dilemmas go away.
In 2012, after many years, the temple which is submerged in water was seen.
9. Lok Sanskrati Sangrahlaya (Folk Cultural Museum) :-
This is a personal museum which was established in 1983 by Dr. Yashodhar Mathpal. This museum is situated in the lap of Kumaon Shivalik hills. This museum is situated at an altitude of 1400 meters above the picturesque valley of Bhimtal block of Nainital district.
Tourists can come here and see the huge collection of photographs as well as precious artifacts. This museum also has a fine collection of various antiquities and rock art depicting the rich culture of Uttarakhand. There are a lot of pictures to be seen in the sky, lacquer paintings, ancient manuscripts, wishes of gods and goddesses, farmers’ tools and costumes.
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