The ancient Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple mentioned by Atkinson above, on the banks of Bhimtal was built by Bhima during the exile period of the pandavas. The present temple was renovated by Baz Bahadur of Chand Dynasty in the 17th century. Bhimtal is older than the Nainital city as it was once the part of the ancient silk route. The island amidst Bhim Tal is 91 m from the shore of the Bhim Tal.
There is a masonry dam built on the lake in 1883 creating the storage facility. It is claimed to be the largest lake in Kumaon region. It provides drinking water supply and supports aquaculture with variety of fish species. The lake and the dam are at an elevation of 1,375 meters with the lake draining a catchment area of 17.12 square kilometers. The catchment area of the lake, particularly the hills have dense forest cover; the type of forest vegetation consists of Chir Pine, Ban Oak and mixed deciduous forests. A peripheral road on the banks of the lake provides clear views of fish life in the lake. The lake has steep banks covered with shingle at lower elevations and bushes and grass at higher elevations.
The expanse of the Bhimtal Lake is larger than that of the Nainital Lake and is visited by thousands of tourists throughout the year who arrive here to enjoy the serene and pristine beauty of this place. Old-fashioned boating can be enjoyed in the lake besides the modern-day paddle-boats. Boating is a memorable and pleasant experience in Bhimtal.
The gentle balmy aroma of lush pine forests attracts you to the surrounding woods and with a rekindled spirit of adventure you can explore the pristine nature. You would unmistakably come across brooks, and rocks and villages and of course the gentle village folk on such.
Bhimtal is a wonderful retreat far from the maddening crowd of the cities. No wonder that in the recent years many enlightened souls from all over India have chosen Bhimtal and its surroundings as their post-retirement home.
Bhimtal has a proper market that has grown extensively and one easily finds everything one needs during a relaxed holiday. In the last few decades a number of hotels and resorts have come up in and around Bhimtal, not to speak of the several eateries and stores selling local produce like rhododendron juice and organic Himalayan products.
