Places Visit In Bhimtal

Bhimtal Lake,Bhimtal

Bhimtal Lake is a lake in the town of Bhimtal, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, with a masonry dam built in 1883 creating the storage facility. It is the largest lake in Kumaon region, known as the "lake district of India".

Overview

Bhimtal Lake is a lake in the town of Bhimtal, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, with a masonry dam built in 1883 creating the storage facility.[1] It is the largest lake in Kumaon region, known as the "lake district of India".The lake provides drinking water supply and supports aquaculture with variety of fish species. There is an island at the centre of the lake which has been developed as a tourist attraction and has an aquarium.

Bhimtal is a lake city named after Bhima, the charismatic mythological character of Mahabharata. Revered for its aesthetic beauty, Bhimtal proudly sits at an altitude of 1,370 metres above sea level. This lake city is gaining popularity with each day as it is located in the vicinity of Nainital and features some of the stately hotels that are comparatively cheaper than that of Nainital.

The lake is at a scenic spot with a small island at its centre on which there is a beautiful large aquarium which was previously a restaurant. Bhimtal affords splendid views and visual vistas of nature's beauty. Bhimtal is well connected by roads and is a perfect destination to visit in any month.

History

Bhimtal is an ancient place named after Bhima of Mahabharata. 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 period of Pandavas. The present temple was built in the 17th century, by Baz Bahadur, a King of the Chand dynasty, and the Raja of Kumaon.

Bhimtal came under British rule after the Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–16).Bhimtal is older than nearby Nainital as the city of Nainital is just 150–160 years old. But Bhimtal has been a stoppage for the travellers of the region from hills to plains or vice versa for a long time. The old pedesterial road is still in use here and this road connects nearby Kathgodam to all Kumaun region and even to Nepal and Tibet. It might have been the part of the famous ancient silk route.

Aquarium on the Bhimtal Island,Bhimtal

Bhimtal Lake has an island located within it, which once had a restaurant. However, the restaurant was closed down due to pollution issues and an aquarium was created in its place by the naukuchiatal Lake Development Authority

Overview

An aquarium is a vivarium of any size having at least one transparent side in which water-dwelling plants or animals are kept and displayed. Fishkeepers use aquaria to keep fish, invertebrates, amphibians, aquatic reptiles such as turtles, and aquatic plants. The term, coined by English naturalist Philip Henry Gosse, combines the Latin root aqua, meaning water, with the suffix -arium, meaning "a place for relating to".The aquarium principle was fully developed in 1850 by the chemist Robert Warington, who explained that plants added to water in a container would give off enough oxygen to support animals, so long as their numbers do not grow too large.The aquarium craze was launched in early Victorian England by Gosse, who created and stocked the first public aquarium at the London Zoo in 1853, and published the first manual, The Aquarium: An Unveiling of the Wonders of the Deep Sea in 1854.

An aquarist owns fish or maintains an aquarium, typically constructed of glass or high-strength acrylic. Cuboid aquaria are also known as fish tanks or simply tanks, while bowl-shaped aquaria are also known as fish bowls. Size can range from a small glass bowl to immense public aquaria. Specialized equipment maintains appropriate water quality and other characteristics suitable for the aquarium's residents.

History

Bhimtal Lake has an island located within it, which once had a restaurant. However, the restaurant was closed down due to pollution issues and an aquarium was created in its place by the Nainital Lake Development Authority. The aquarium is now home to fish brought from countries like China, South Africa and Mexico.

Hanuman Garhi,Bhimtal

Hanumangarhi is a temple of Lord Hanuman in Ayodhya. More than 70 steps lead to the main Hanuman temple which is one of the most popular temples of Lord Hanuman in North India.It is a custom that before visiting lord Ram temple one should first pay visit to shri lord Hanuman temple.

Overview

Hanuman Garhi, a famous Hindu temple of Lord Hanuman, is situated to the south of Tallital, approximately 3.5 km away from the Nainital bus stop. The temple is perched at an altitude of 6,401 feet from the sea level. It was built by Neem Karoli Baba, a famous local saint, around 1950. The presiding deity of Hanuman Garhi is Hanuman, a devotee of Lord Rama, who is depicted in the image as opening his chest and revealing the images of Lord Ram and Sita Mata in his heart.

Other than having religious significance, Hanuman Garhi temple is also famous for its strategic location. It is situated at such a height and at such a site, from where the sunrises and sunsets are artistically visible. People who visit Nainital do not miss the opportunity of watching the mesmerizing view of sunset that one can get from this place. Hanuman Garhi is a must visit for people with a religious bent of mind. On the other side of the hill housing the temple are Shitala Devi temple and Ashram of Lila Sah Bapu.

Hanumangarhi is a temple of Lord Hanuman in Ayodhya. More than 70 steps lead to the main Hanuman temple which is one of the most popular temples of Lord Hanuman in North India.It is a custom that before visiting lord Ram temple one should first pay visit to shri lord Hanuman temple.

History

Hanuman Garhi in Nainital is located at an altitude of 6,401 feet. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the vanara god of the Ramayana, this temple complex can be reached after a climb of 70 steps.

Here, he is portrayed tearing his chest open to reveal Ram and Sita in his heart. It is more popularly known because it was built by a local saint called Neem Karoli Baba in the year 1950. He also regularly visits the temple to take Lord Hanuman’s blessings. If you are a Hanuman devotee or just want to visit the beautiful town of Nainital, this temple must be on your to-visit list.

Apart from religious reasons to visit this temple, the location of this temple has another mind blowing reason for it to be on everyone’s travel diaries. The height at which it is located in Uttarakhand makes it one of the only places from where both the sunrise and the sunset are attractively visible.

The mesmerising view from the temple is so picturesque that you would definitely not want to miss. Located about 3.5 kilometres from the Nainital town, you can travel conveniently to and from this location by hiring taxis.

Victoria Dam,Bhimtal

Victoria dam is located at one end of Bhimtal Lake and has terraced flower gardens that are placed on either side of the dam. A 17th century historic temple located next to the dam attracts hordes of people during festival time. 

Overview

Victoria Dam is situated at one end of Bhimtal Lake and has a beautiful terraced flower garden on the either side of the dam. The dam is about 40 feet high and offers once-in- a-lifetime sights of nature that are very rare in other parts of the country.

You can walk through the huge forests that surround the Bhimtal Lake to experience the rich flora. The gorge is decorated with wild flowers which are quite alluring. The area in the vicinity of the dam is tranquil and serene, offering relaxation and peace from all kinds of stress. No wonder tourists love to come here and spend some time in nature’s lap. A temple built in the 17 th century, known as Bhimeshwar Temple is located very next to the dam. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple attracts a number of devotees during the festive season. Come here and indulge yourself in this wonderland.

Victoria dam is located at one end of Bhimtal Lake and has terraced flower gardens that are placed on either side of the dam. There is also the 17th century Bhimeshwar Temple devoted to Shiva, located very next to it. Tourists can take a walk through the huge forests that surround the lake. The dam is 40 feet high and offers sights of nature that is very rare in other parts of the country. The gorge is decorated with wild flowers that give it a beautiful look, which attracts good number of tourists every year to this place. Victoria Dam, one of the most breathtaking sights in Bhimtal is located on the bank of Bhimtal Lake. The most attractive thing about this dam is the flower gardens on its either side that makes the place look quite entrancing.

History

Victoria dam is located at one end of Bhimtal Lake and has terraced flower gardens that are placed on either side of the dam. There is also the 17th century Bhimeshwar Temple devoted to Shiva, located very next to it.

Tourists can take a walk through the huge forests that surround the lake. The dam is 40 feet high and offers sights of nature that is very rare in other parts of the country. The gorge is decorated with wild flowers that give it a beautiful look, which attracts good number of tourists every year to this place.

Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple,Bhimtal

Bhīmāshankar Temple is a Jyotirlinga shrine located 50 km northwest of Khed near Bhimtal, in India.

Overview

Named after the powerful Mahabharata character Bhim, Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple is situated at Bhimtal. According to the Skandpurana, once upon a time Bheem travelled to Himalayas all by himself.

History of Bhimtal dates back to the period of Mahabharata. There are many places in Bhimtal which were once the venues of some important events of described in Mahabharata. The name of this place itself comes from name of one of the heroes Bhima described in Mahabharata. The present day Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple an ancient temple on the banks of Bhimtal Lake was built in 17th century by Baz Bahadur, king of Kumaon region who was belonging to Chand dynasty. Bhima one of the Pandavas visited this ancient temple during his Vanavas period. The temple is visited by devotees during Shivaratri festival.

Baz Bahadur (1638-78 AD), a king of the Chand dynasty and the Raja of Kumaon, built this temple in the 17th century. This spot is believed to be the spot that Bhima visited during his vanavas. This temple is situated on the banks of the Bhimtal Lake.

History

Bhimtal is named after Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers of Mahabharata. Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple is an old Shiva temple, located on the embankment of Bhimtal Lake. It is believed that a temple was already there during the time of Bhima, when he had come to this place during the exile period of the Pandavas.

However, the present temple was built by Baz Bahadur - a king of the Chand Dynasty along with the Raja of Kumaon. The 17th century temple is located by the 40 feet high Victoria dam.

Hidimba Parvat,Bhimtal

Hidimba Parvat is a lush green terrain located at a favorable distance of 5 km from Bhimtal. The hillock has been named after a demon called Hidimba, the wife of Bheema one of the Pandava brothers from the famous mythological tale called Mahabharata.

Overview

This hillock is located at a distance of just five km from the town and is named after the demoness named Hidimba described in Mahabharata. She was an ugly looking demoness who transformed herself into a beautiful lady, when she was impressed by the physical beauty of Bhima the powerful son of Kunti. An environmentalist called Vankhandi Maharaj has selected this region for protecting wildlife of this region. He resides on this hill and he has made a sanctuary for preserving the splendid wild life of the region. This area along with wildlife sanctuary is popular by the name Vankhandi Ashram.

About 5 km from Bhimtal is a hill known as Hidimba Parvat. It gets its name from demon Hidimba of Mahabharata. Hidimba Parvat also boasts of having another attraction in form of Vankhandi Ashram housing an array of wild animals in the lap of hills. This sanctuary is constructed and maintained by Vankhandi Maharaj, who is a monk and also a great environmentalist.

History

Hidimba Parvat of Hidimba Hill is located some 5 km from Bhimtal and is named after the demon wife of Bheema – Hidimba of the Mahabharata. Vankhandi Maharaj, an environmentalist and monk lives there and he has developed a refuge for wild animals. The wildlife asylum is known as Vankhandi Ashram.

Nal Damyanti,Bhimtal

Nal Damyanti Tal is a small natural lake located about 2 km from Bhimtal. This placid lake is besieged with natural foliage and is considered to be sacred by the locals.

Overview

Having shallow waters, Nal Damyanti Tal is a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of nature. One can admire a stunning view of the distant hills or go for a nature walk from here.

Nal Damyanti Tal is a small natural lake located about 2 km from Bhimtal. This placid lake is besieged with natural foliage and is considered to be sacred by the locals.

Damayanti is a character in a love story found in the Vana Parva book of the Mahabharata.She was a princess of the Vidarbha Kingdom, who married king Nala of the Nishadha Kingdom. The character is also found in other Hindu texts by many authors in numerous Indian languages.

This is a very beautiful small lake, place is used for cremation of bodies by the local residence. It is a Historic Place related to famous love story of Prince Nal and Damyanti. You can see big fishes in this lake playing carelessly with you if you sit on the corner of the lake.

History

The story of Nal and Damayanti from the Mahabharata is a very popular and frequently told story. It has been interpreted in many languages which also includes Persian and Braj. This page describes the interpretations of the story conducted by Todar Mal, the Hindu finance minister of Mughal emperor Akbar and Abu al-Faiz, Akbar's poet laureate. Both the interpretations include the central theme of love. In Todar Mal's version, the story of Nal (or Nala) and Damayanti has themes such as love, deceit and war between Hindu deities and Nal. On the other hand, Faizi talks about three oppositions which also play a role as themes. The first opposition is love and intellect (aql), the second opposition is between love and beauty (husn) and the third opposition is between Ishq and junnun (frenzy). However, one account is related to Bhakti which includes a lot of Hindu deities and connections between the supreme power and human beings. The other account is related to Sufism which includes a passionate connection between love and humans.

A general statement related to Bhakti states that it is a devotional worship for one supreme deity, by whose blessings a person can achieve salvation. A Bhakti rendition of Nala-Damayanti: Todarmal’s ‘Nector of Nal’s life’ describes the famous story of Nal and Damayanti. The story is described from a Hindu traditional perspective keeping in mind the Hindu culture. The story includes themes of love, deceit and war. 'Nector of Nal's Life' is closely related to Bhakti of a Hindu deity called Hari. It starts off with Damayanti's life. Damayanti is a young princess whose beauty is beyond perfection. Due to this her mother insists on marrying her daughter to a God instead of marrying her to a mere human. They consider Lord Indra to be the perfect match for Damayanti. However, the goose that had been sent to Indra holding the invitation to the marriage was hit by a storm and lands in the kingdom of a handsome king named Nal. Nal takes cares of the goose and instead of continuing its journey the goose decides to choose Nal as the rightful husband of Damayanti. Lord Indra finds out that Nal is in love with Damayanti and demands him not to marry her or else he will have to pay for his actions. However, Indra realises that he must deceit to win Damayanti and so he decides to take the form of Nal. Damayanti is presented with two Nals and so she must choose the one she loves. "Anguished, she calls upon Hari who guides her actions and enables her to know which is truly Nal. Only when she looks into the eyes of both does she know her true love and garlands the real Nal" (Wadley 1999, 33). This is the first instance in the story in which the power of Bhakti is displayed.

Karkotaka Temple,Bhimtal

Named after a mythical cobra, Karkotaka hills are quite well known for the Nag Temple and are visited by thousands of pilgrims who come here to worship the serpent god, Nag Karkotaka Maharaja on the event of Rishi Panchami.

Overview

Karkotaka Temple is located on the top of the hill by the same name and is flocked by devotes throughout the year. Devoted to the serpent god, Nag Karkotaka Maharaja, pilgrims come here in large numbers on the occasion of Rishi Panchami.The myth behind this temple is that the serpent god protects the villagers from the snakes.

The hill of Karkotaka is quite well known for the Nag Temple and is visited by thousands of pilgrims who come here to worship the serpent god, Nag Karkotaka Maharaja on the event of Rishi Panchami. Karkotaka hill is named after a mythical cobra Karkotaka. It is believed that the temple with the serpent god protects the villagers from snake bites.

We visited Karkotak Temple (Temple of the Snake God and said to be the younger brother of Sheshnag). The temple is atop a hill (the highest in Bhimtal nearly 6000 Ft). It was a steady climb (doable for all as we had a 12 year kid with us who infact did excellent) of nearly 3 KMs from a point on.

History

The hill of Karkotaka is quite well known for the Nag Temple and is visited by thousands of pilgrims who come here to worship the serpent god, Nag Karkotaka Maharaja on the event of Rishi Panchami. Karkotaka hill is named after a mythical cobra named Karkotaka. It is believed that the temple with the serpent god protects the villagers from snake bites.

Folk Culture Museum,Bhimtal

This museum is a must visit place of Bhimtal. Popularly known as ‘Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya’, this private museum was founded by Dr. Yashodhar Mathpal in 1983 and presents valuable artifacts and a treasure of old photographs.

Overview

This is the must visit place of Bhimtal popularly called Lok Sanskriti Sangrahalaya, presenting valuable artifacts and a treasure of old photographs, This museum also displays various archaeological items and rock arts representing rich culture of Uttarakhand. Other things to be viewed here are ancient manuscripts, folk paintings, images of gods, goddesses, and wooden artifacts.

A folk museum is a museum that deals with folk culture and heritage. Such museums cover local life in rural communities. A folk museum typically displays historical objects that were used as part of the people's everyday lives.Examples of such objects include clothes and tools. Many folk museums are also open-air museums and some cover rural history.

A museum is an institution that cares for (conserves) a collection of artifacts and other objects of artistic, cultural, historical, or scientific importance. Many public museums make these items available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary.The largest museums are located in major cities throughout the world, while thousands of local museums exist in smaller cities, towns and rural areas. Museums have varying aims, ranging from serving researchers and specialists to serving the general public. The goal of serving researchers is increasingly shifting to serving the general public.

History

Early museums began as the private collections of wealthy individuals, families or institutions of art and rare or curious natural objects and artifacts. These were often displayed in so-called wonder rooms or cabinets of curiosities. The oldest such museum in evidence was Ennigaldi-Nanna's museum, dating from c. 530 BC and devoted to Mesopotamian antiquities; it apparently had sufficient traffic as to warrant labels for the ordered collection, although there is no source for this information.

Public access to these museums was often possible for the "respectable", especially to private art collections, but at the whim of the owner and his staff. One way that elite men during this time period gained a higher social status in the world of elites was by becoming a collector of these curious objects and displaying them. Many of the items in these collections were new discoveries and these collectors or naturalists, since many of these people held interest in natural sciences, were eager to obtain them. By putting their collections in a museum and on display, they not only got to show their fantastic finds but they also used the museum as a way to sort and "manage the empirical explosion of materials that wider dissemination of ancient texts, increased travel, voyages of discovery, and more systematic forms of communication and exchange had produced."