Situated 22 km from Nainital at an elevation of 1,370 m above the sea level, Bhimtal is a town in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. The town’s name has been adopted from the Mahabharata’s Bhima. Furthermore, it was governed by the British as a consequence of the Anglo-Nepalese conflict. Bound by lush oak forests and beautiful lakes, it is a magical destination. The renowned Bhimtal Lake and island, has been the star attraction of the town. The best time to visit is during the summertime (March – June). Read below to find out more on the best things to do in Bhimtal.

This is one of the premier activities for visitors to take up in Bhimtal. The Bhimtal district is home to 3 gorgeous lakes – Bhimtal, Sat Tal, and Naukuchiatal. All of these are frequented every year by thousands of local and international tourists. Additionally, the journey by boat to the Bhimtal Island in the centre of the lake of the same name is a truly unique experience. There is also an aquarium on the island, which is an extra surprise! The peaceful boat rides and fishing experiences make for a perfect outdoor activity that is not to be missed.

Camping in Bhimtal is an ideal activity due to the pleasant climate and the lush natural backdrop. To create an even more special experience, star-gazing is also possible in Bhimtal. There are a variety of campsites for visitors to choose from and the joy of camping outdoors amongst the awe-inspiring mountains and lakes of Bhimtal makes for a memorable activity.

The shorelines of the Naukuchiatal and Sat Tal lakes are frequently occupied by tourists and locals alike. A lakeside picnic is an ideal way to spend the day in Bhimtal and is one of the best things to do when visiting. Spending a serene day by the water is perfect for majority of visitors to unwind after a hectic day of sightseeing. The best period for picnics is from March to June when the weather is well balanced.

Hiking and trekking are also perfect activities for visitors travelling to Bhimtal. The climate is made for trekkers in addition to lush foliage and migrant birds that can be spotted here. Bhimtal is also a photographer’s paradise. There are a variety of easy, intermediate and professional treks for visitors to choose from. This is a highly recommended group activity.

Envision observing the breathtakingly emerald from the sky! This is exactly the sentiment shared by visitors lucky enough to go paragliding in Bhimtal, an adventure sports lover’s paradise. Naukuchiatal is situated 4 km away, which is perfect for dirt biking and paragliding. Off-road biking is just what adrenaline-junkies need and visitors looking to indulge in these activities won’t be disappointed.

Sightseeing here is rich and varied, including visits to well-known places of worship, lagoons, and other natural marvels of the area. These include the Bhimtal Lake and Island, Victoria Dam, Hidimba Parvat, Bhimeshwar Mahadev, Hanuman Garhi and Nag Temples, and the Folk Arts Gallery. All these places in Bhimtal will make your visit meaningful and are adequately tempting to make visitors come back again.

Street shopping is a favourite activity of majority of the tourists that visit Bhimtal. The town roads of and the Mall Road in Nainital (22 km away) are filled with small stores selling jewels, Garhwali images, handmade nightlights and organic produce. These serve as fantastic memoirs for visitors and shopping is a highly recommended activity.

The Hareli Festival is one the must-do seasonal activities on offer in Bhimtal. Occurring in July, it is the harvest jubilee of Bhimtal. The festival contains funfairs with ethnic acts and motorbike events as the key attractions. This festival is an excellent way to embrace the traditional and ancient importance of the township and is ideal for visitors to interact with the locals, making them feel more at home.