Tired of the city’s hustle? Let the tranquil beauty of Bhimtal, nestled in the heart of Uttarakhand, work its magic.

1. A Star-Studded Welcome
2. Legend of Bhimtal
3. Exploring Emerald Glories  
4. Ancient Temple
5. Sattal and Pannatal
6. Rediscovering Simple Joys
7. Places to Explore in Bhimtal
8. How to Reach Bhimtal
9. Best Time to Visit

Way back in 2008, when I reached Bhimtal on assignment for Swagat (Air India’s inflight magazine), my eyes soaked in the shades of green. The silence of the hills, the serenity of the town smoothed out frowns and stole my breath away. It was another era, another world, maybe Bhimtal today isn’t as silent, but its captivating charm remains strong in my memory.

Nestled in Uttarakhand at 4,450 feet above sea level, Bhimtal was then an enchanting alternative to the bustling Nainital, just 22 km away. The town is built around the breathtaking Bhimtal Lake, a water body that changes colours from vibrant green to deep blue, reflecting the shifting moods of nature.  

A Star-Studded Welcome

My journey began under a canopy of a million, perhaps a zillion stars. Speechless, I gazed at the clear night sky, a spectacular canvas of shining stars illuminating the dark road as our small group ventured towards the village of Jungalia from Bhimtal. The hills stood silent, punctuated by the gentle twinkle of distant lights.

My guide and host softly pointed out celestial wonders – a blazing star, the iconic Orion, and the moon’s crystal edge. This untouched haven, a mere 8km from the lodge where I enjoyed a pampered stay, held the promise of pristine nature.

My host shared tales of elusive foxes and leopards that occasionally graced the path, though luck wasn’t on our side that night. A little further down lay the turn to Naukuchiatal, the famed lake with nine corners, a destination best explored under the sun’s golden rays.

Legend of Bhimtal

As the car gently wound down the hills, our host recounted the three-year journey of planning and establishing the Lodge. Its prime location, directly overlooking the famous Bhimtal (named after the mighty Pandava brother Bhima, with “tal” meaning lake), offered tranquility.

The placid waters of Bhimtal Lake were a mesmerizing spectacle, shifting through every imaginable shade of green and blue with each passing moment. A charming island sat at its centre with a restaurant.

Local legend speaks of Bhima’s enchantment with Hidimba, a demoness, and the ensuing conflict with her angry brother. Weary from the fight, Bhima sought water to cleanse himself, and a spring miraculously spouted forth –the very lake we admired. It took me back to childhood, when I had read the tale in Amar Chitra Katha.

The hills remained hushed as we embarked on an hour-long boat ride, circling the lake with friendly ducks paddling alongside, creating a truly green mood.

Exploring Emerald Glories  

Later in the evening, another hour-long boat ride offered a different perspective of the lake, with ducks still curiously waddling by, hoping for a treat. The fish remained hidden in the cool evening waters, but my host informed me that fishing was permitted with government approval.

For those with a keen eye, the area reveals itself as a birdwatcher’s paradise, teeming with diverse avian life. With me not being a birdwatcher in those days, I didn’t put my heart into this, which I so regret today.

The flower-adorned deck of the lodge overlooked the lake and the meals there were heavenly. 

Ancient Temple

A leisurely five-minute walk from the lodge led to the revered Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple, situated along the impressive 40-feet high dam. This sacred site is where Bhima is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva during the Pandavas’ banishment. The present temple, a beautiful structure, was built in the 17th century by Baz Bahadur (1638-78 AD), a king of the Chand dynasty and the Raja of Kumaon. A peaceful terraced garden graced its rear.

Bhimtal itself, a town with roots older than Nainital, was likely a significant point along the ancient Silk Route, and remnants of the old pedestrian road were said to exist. Later, Bhimtal came under British rule following the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814-16).

Sattal and Pannatal

The next day, an enchanting drive through pine and oak forests led us to Sattal, a captivating cluster of seven interconnected lakes. Interestingly, the area has been home to a ‘Christian Ashram’ since 1937, as indicated by the signboards. We paused at a forest clearing and embarked on a walk to witness the emerald beauties we had glimpsed during our mountain drive – Pannatal (meaning emerald lake).

Majestic, magical, magnificent – I was captivated by the sheer existence of such a place, something akin to a fairytale brought to life. Silence enveloped us, broken only by the gentle rustling of leaves beneath our feet as we approached the shimmering green water.

Though Sattal has now been under a lot of flack by environmentalists, as government put up multiple concrete structures to facilitate tourism. The destruction of habitat is to be lamented for sure.

Rediscovering Simple Joys

High above, where the mountains stood tall and proud, a solitary white cross marked the landscape. On the opposite side, simple concrete pews invited quiet contemplation and prayer. A sign requested this space be used solely for meditation and prayer, and awed by the sheer beauty, I felt a sense of paradise.

We continued our walk along a narrow path, the dry leaves crunching softly underfoot, eventually reaching the buildings where missionaries reside, offering a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the other lakes – Nal Damyanti, Ram Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman.

 Our journey then led us back to the awesome emerald waters of Pannatal, where we sat, revelling in a mystical communion with nature. The simple pleasures of childhood were rediscovered as we cycled through a sun-dappled forest clearing. Returning with dreams in my eyes and magical moments etched in my heart, I was utterly floored by this Himalayan haven.

Places to Explore in Bhimtal

• Garg Parvat – The sacred source of the Gargi River.
• Hidimba Parvat – A lush wildlife sanctuary, also known as Vankhandi Ashram.
• Karkotaka Hill – Home to a revered snake temple, perfect for spiritual seekers.

How to Reach Bhimtal

• By Air: The nearest airport is in Delhi (340 km away).
• By Train: The closest railway station is Kathgodam (22 km away).
• By Road: Bhimtal is well-connected via road from major cities.

Best Time to Visit

• Summer (March–June): Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing.
• Winter (November–February): Cold but magical, especially for snow lovers.

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