Kayaking in Bhimtal is among the most popular must-do activities on the Uttarakhand itinerary. The major attraction in Bhimtal is the Bhimtal Lake, which has an island at its centre. Besides tourism, Bhimtal has become a mini district headquarters since most of the district administration offices have shifted to the newly constructed Vikas Bhawan, the building complex for district administrative offices. The climate of Bhimtal is pleasant and salubrious during summers but very cold during winters. Summer temperatures range from 15 °C to 29 °C, while winter temperatures range from 4 °C to 18 °C. Let’s dive into the details of kayaking in Bhimtal!
About Bhimtal
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Bhimtal has been known for much longer than Nainital, a secret holy lake known only to the hill people until the British discovered it in 1841. Bhimtal was the best route between the Kumaon mountains and the plains of India.
An ancient Shiva temple, Bhimeshwara Mahadev, is said to have been built by Bhima. It has stood here for centuries; the temple was built in the 17th century by the King of Kumaon, Baz Bahadur of the Chand dynasty. Bhimtal is at the foot of Karkotaka mountain, named after the great mythical cobra. Local legend says his tail was still on the mountain-top when he came to drink at the lake! Hidimba Hill at Sat Tal is supposed to be where Hidimbi lived and loved Bhima.
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Kayaking In Bhimtal
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Kayaking in Bhimtal is an experience that blends serene natural beauty with a sense of adventure. Located in the picturesque Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Bhimtal Lake offers a tranquil escape for kayakers seeking to explore its crystal-clear waters. As you glide across the lake’s surface, you’ll be surrounded by the majestic Himalayas, their snow-capped peaks reflecting in the water like a mirror. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker or a newcomer, Bhimtal’s serene waters provide an ideal setting to hone your skills or simply enjoy the therapeutic rhythm of paddling.
As you navigate the lake, you’ll witness the region’s rich biodiversity, with various species of birds and aquatic life calling this pristine ecosystem home. With plenty of rental options and experienced guides, Bhimtal welcomes kayakers of all skill levels, ensuring a safe and memorable experience in the heart of nature’s embrace. So pack your sense of adventure and prepare to be captivated by the tranquil beauty of Bhimtal Lake, where each stroke of your paddle unveils a new layer of serenity.
How To Reach Bhimtal
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We’ve made a list of the various ways through which you can reach Bhimtal
By Air –
Pantnagar Airport is the nearest Airport to the town, 58 km from Bhimtal. This Airport is connected to Delhi via regular flights and easily acis e by Bhimtal via road. Taxis are also available outside the Airport for a comfortable ride of 2 hours to Bhimtal. Alternatively, the better-connected Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, is 285 km away
By Rail –
Kathgodam railway station is just 21 km from Bhimtal and the nearest Railway Station. It is the entrance to the Kumaon region, which is connected via two trains that run daily between Delhi and Kathgodam. Taxis and other options are easily available outside the station to reach Bhimtal.
By Road –
The Road network in Uttarakhand has become very good and maintains a connection between the main cities and Bhimtal. The well-maintained road network connects Bhimtal to the major cities in the neighbouring states. Travelling to Bhimtal via road and using state-owned and private buses that run regularly to Nainital, Haldwani, and Kathgodam are an excellent option. Once reached in these cities, taxis can be hired to reach Bhimtal.
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Essential Tips To Keep In Mind While Kayaking
These five tips can help you while doing this activity:
- Kayak in the morning: Always book your spot in the morning session where you can enjoy kayaking hassle-free, as people start coming and there is a lot of congestion in and around the lake.
- Awareness while training: Listen to what your kayak trainer is suggesting to you. Always be alert while kayaking.
- Dress for the water: Regardless of whether it’s a cold near-winter morning or a hot mid-summer afternoon if you’d normally wear a wetsuit in those waters, wear one kayaking, a well-fitting swimsuit will suffice. Always carry an extra pair of clothing along with you.
- Always watch out for your expensive gadget: Things that can ruin your kayaking adventure more than coming back to find your expensive smartphone is now water-damaged. While a press-and-seal storage container will work just fine for your food and wallet, we’d recommend investing in something sturdy to store your electronics and clothing.
- Learn rapid safety measures: touch-up on rapid safety practices, a quick flip of your kayak can suddenly put you in a life-or-death situation. And every decision counts.
Further Read: Places Near Kedarnath
Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind for your next vacation to see the beautiful city of Bhimtal, make sure you plan your trip to Uttarakhand to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kayaking In Bhimtal
How to reach Uttarakhand?
One can reach Uttarakhand by air, train, and road. Uttarakhand has two airports, one of them is The Jolly Grant Airport, which is located near Dehradun. The other airport is Pantnagar AirportAirport is located near Nainital. For budget-friendly travellers, Uttarakhand also has railway stations that provide rail connectivity with all the major cities and towns in India. The state also has approximately 1,328 km of national highways, thus making it easily accessible via road transport such as buses and private cars.
What is the cost of kayaking in Bhimtal?
The price for kayaking varies depending on the season. But it starts from approximately INR 300 per person.
What is Bhimtal famous for?
Bhimtal is famous for its mythological lake Bhimtal, which is believed to be created by Bhima, the mythological character of Mahabharata.
Which is more beautiful, Nainital or Bhimtal?
Both of them offer pristine lakes and stunning landscape views. However, Bhimtal is less crowded and offers a more peaceful retreat to its tourists.
Can you swim in Bhimtal Lake?
No, swimming is not allowed at Bhimtal lake as it has mythological value related to Hinduism.
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