History of Bhimtal
Bhimtal is a small town situated in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is an ancient place named after Bhima of Mahabharata. Bhimtal is also famous for the Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple, an old Shiva Temple in the bank of Bhimtal Lake, is believed to have been built when Bhima visited the place during the banishment (vanvas) period of pandavas. Bhima, one of the five Pandavas struck the earth to drain off water to quench the thirst of his brothers.It is said that Bhimconstructed the temple in the ancient times. However the temple was reconstructed in the 17th century, by Baz Bahadur, a king of Chand dynasty.
About 5 km from Bhimtal is a small hill, known as “Hidimba Parvat”, named after Bhim’s demon wife ‘Hidimba’. Today, the hill houses a beautiful wildlife sanctuary, known as ‘Vankhandi Ashram’.The Nal Damayanti Tal is a small beautiful lake about 2 km from Bhimtal; this lake is considered sacred and holy by the locals. Due to its historical links and various interesting tourist spots located within its vicinity, Bhimtal forms one of the famous tourist destinations in Uttarakhand. It is situated about 22 km away from Nainital and 11 km away from Bhowali at an altitude of 1370 meters.
