Overview of the destinationBhimtal is a quaint and charming town in Uttaranchal. I visited Bhimtal in December 2006. The magnificient lake which enjoys pride of place in Bhimtal and the lovely walks in and around Bhimtal made it a holiday never to be forgotten. If you want a quiet, peaceful vacation with no blaring horns or the stress of running helter skelter bhimtal is the place to visit!
Food, sight-seeing and shopping
A must at Bhimtal is taking a boat ride around the lake. There are day trips that one can take to Nainital, Saattal and Mukhteshwar. Though one can also drive down to Naukuchiatal [4 Kms away] I would recommend walking! One can see the most breathtaking views along the way!
Where shopping is concerned, Bhimtal has the loveliest handmade candles and wood carvings. If one is into organic products, Bhini store in Bhimtal has organic rajma, green tea, sherbets.
The Monolith resort in bhimtal is a must visit for a lovely meal. However, the smaller restraunts in bhimtal serve excellent zeera aloo, rajma rice and yellow dal.
Activities & things to do
As already mentioned, boating on the Bhimtal lake is a must. There are also gorgeous walks in and around Bhimtal...just follow the road! A visit to the close by Naukuchiatal [with its own stunning lake] and saattal [with seven gorgesous pristine blue lakes] is a must!
If one can drag themselves out of bed early morning watch the sun rise over the bhimtal valley. Or better yet drive down to Mukhteshwar and watch the sunrise over the snow capped mountains.
Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
One can travel by road to Bhimtal or [and this is my favourite mode of travel!] take the overnight train, Ranikhet Express till Kathgodam and then take a cab till bhimtal [drive of about 45 minutes]. Negotiate a good rate with the cab person..they are agreeable to charing on a per head basis also and one can share a cab with other people!