Bhimtal

State of: Uttarakhand

Main languages: Hindi and Kumaoni 

 

History: 

 

Bhimtal is a beautiful town located and a nagar panchayat in Nainital district and it is located in the state of Uttarakhand. The ancient temple of Bhimtal has been named after the popular character 'Bhima' from the Mahabharata. The temple which is called the Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple is an old Shiva temple. It is located on the banks of Bhimtal Lake. There is legend that the temple had been built when Bhima visited the region during the banishment period of pandavas. The current temple had been built during the 17th century. Baz Bahadur the King of the Chand dynasty and the Raja of Kumaon had rebuilt the ruins. During the British reign in India, Bhimtal had been captured by the British after Anglo-Nepalese War. During this time Nainital became the summer capital of the province. But Bhimtal is much older than Nainital. It has been the stoppage for travelers of the hills. A road from here connects Bhimtal to Nepal and Tibet which is also known to be an ancient silk route.

 

Geography and demography:

 

Bhimtal is located at an altitude of 1370 meters above sea level. It is about 22 kilometers from Nainital. As per the 2001 census Bhimtal had a population of 5875 with 54% males and 46% females. The average literacy rate here is 78%.

 

Economy:

 

The town has become a mini district headquarter now with most new offices being shifted to the newly constructed Vikas Bhawan which is the building complex for district administrative offices. Local handicrafts and items are sold here. Agriculture is the main source of income along with tourism.

 

Tourism:

 

There are various places to see in Bhimtal apart from its natural splendor. These include Bhim Tal Kumaon, where oil painting on paper, by Marianne North can be seen. Then there is the famous temple by the Bhimtal Lake. A small hill known as Garg Parvat, which is the source of river Gargi is also a popular tourist spot. 2 km from the town is Nal Damyanti Tal, a small natural lake. There is legend that the palace of famous king Nala drowned into this lake. This lake is also a holy place for dwellers. The Hidimba Parvat, named after demon Hidimba of Mahabharat, is a beautiful place to visit. Vankhandi Maharaj, a monk and environmentalist, has created a sanctuary for the wild animals known as Vankhandi Ashram. The famous hills of Karkotakam, named after a mythical cobra is a tourist attraction. Thousands visit the place to worship the Nag Karkotaka Maharaj. 

 

Education:

 

There are various government and private institutions here like the Jan Sikshan Sansthan, Birla Institute of Applied Sciences Tassar Regional Research Center, National Cold Water Fisheries Institute, Kumoun University Campus and District Institute of Teachers Education. Schools like Sainik School, Herman Gminer School, Mount Alvern Convent School, Lakes International School and Central School are some well known schools in the area.

 

Transportation:

 

The town is well connected by roads from Delhi. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam which is 23 km away. The nearest airport is at Pant Nagar about 55 km away.