Nainital district

Bhimtal

A quieter lake with an island heart

Altitude1,370 m

From Nainital22 km

Best timeYear-round

Larger and calmer than Nainital, Bhimtal centres on a lake with a tiny island and aquarium. Nearby Sattal — a cluster of seven interlinked lakes ringed by oak forest — is a paradise for birdwatchers and a gentle escape from the crowds.

Things to do

Bhimtal Lake & Island

Boating to the central island aquarium.

Sattal

Seven serene lakes and excellent birdwatching.

Victoria Dam

A scenic 19th-century stone dam.

Butterfly Research Centre

A small museum of Himalayan fauna.