Best Resorts in Bhimtal: The Complete Guide to Where to Stay, What to See, and When to Go

Tucked into the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand, Bhimtal is the quieter, less crowded cousin of Nainital — a crescent-shaped lake town ringed by oak and pine forests, just 20 km from Nainital and a comfortable drive from Delhi. If you're searching for resorts in Bhimtal, chances are you're weighing a few things at once: which property has the best location, what there is to actually do once you're there, and when to time your trip. This guide covers all three.

Why Bhimtal, and Not Just Nainital?

Most first-time visitors to Kumaon default to Nainital — and then find themselves stuck in Mall Road traffic. Bhimtal offers the same lake-and-hills setting with a fraction of the crowd. According to Kumaon's local lore, the lake itself is named after Bhima of the Mahabharata, and its centrepiece island — home to a small aquarium — is one of the few of its kind in the country. For travellers who want mountain views, forest walks, and a slower pace without giving up proximity to Nainital's attractions,Bhimtal resorts are increasingly the smarter base to book from.

What to Look for in a Bhimtal Resort

Not every resort in the area delivers the same experience. Before you book, it's worth checking for:

• Elevation and view — resorts set higher in the Kumaon hills get uninterrupted valley and forest views, while lake-adjacent properties put you closer to boating and the town centre.

• Room size and privacy — Bhimtal has everything from compact homestays to spacious suites with private balconies; if you're travelling as a family or for a getaway, look for rooms with a sit-out or balcony facing the valley.

• On-site nature access — the better resorts back directly onto oak/pine forest trails, so you don't have to drive out for a walk.

• Distance from the lake and key attractions — most people want to be a short drive (not a long one) from Bhimtal Lake, Kainchi Dham, and Naukuchiatal.

Resorts By The Baagh, Bhimtal checks each of these boxes — the property sits amid the Kumaon hills with private-balcony Sunbird and Magpie rooms, direct access to woodland trails, and a short drive from Bhimtal Lake, Kainchi Dham, Naukuchiatal, and Hidimba Parvat, making it one of the better-positioned luxury resorts in the area for travellers who want nature and comfort together.

Best Time to Visit Bhimtal

Bhimtal is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different experience:

Summer (March–June) — The most popular window. Daytime temperatures sit in a comfortable range, skies are clear, and it's ideal for boating, trekking, and sightseeing. Book resorts in advance during this peak season.

Monsoon (July–September) — The hills turn deep green and the crowds thin out considerably. It's atmospheric and quiet, though occasional heavy rain can affect road travel, so shorter local outings are the better plan.

Autumn (October–November) — A short but arguably the most scenic window: clear post-monsoon skies, cool air, and fewer tourists than summer.

Winter (December–February) — Cold and crisp, with the appeal of bonfires, mist-covered mornings, and a genuinely peaceful, low-crowd version of Bhimtal. Great for travellers who prefer cosy stays over outdoor activity.

If your priority is outdoor activities and pleasant weather, aim for March–June or October–November. If you want Bhimtal at its quietest, winter is worth considering.

How to Reach Bhimtal

• By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar (Pantnagar Airport), roughly 55–60 km away, connected to Delhi by short domestic flights.

• By Rail: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, about 22–25 km from Bhimtal, well connected to Delhi and other major cities.

• By Road: Bhimtal is roughly 300–320 km from Delhi (approximately 7–8 hours by car via Rudrapur–Haldwani), and just 20 km from Nainital, making it an easy add-on to a Nainital trip or a standalone weekend drive from the NCR.

Top Things to Do in and Around Bhimtal

1. Bhimtal Lake — Boating, paddleboating, and a visit to the island aquarium at the centre of the lake. Less crowded than Naini Lake, with a genuinely peaceful atmosphere.

2. Kainchi Dham — One of Uttarakhand's most visited spiritual sites, the ashram established by Neem Karoli Baba draws visitors from across the world.

3. Naukuchiatal — The "Lake of Nine Corners," a short drive away, popular for kayaking, birdwatching, and paragliding.

4. Hidimba Parvat — A forested hill with an easy trekking trail and panoramic views across the Bhimtal valley.

5. Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple — An ancient Shiva temple on the banks of the lake, worth a quiet half-hour visit.

6. Local food trail — Try Kumaoni staples like Bhatt ki Churkani, Aloo ke Gutke, and Mandua roti, along with Bal Mithai for dessert.

7. Nature walks and birdwatching — The oak and pine forests around Bhimtal are rich in Himalayan bird species — most resorts, including Resorts By The Baagh, have trails accessible directly from the property.

Where to Stay: Choosing the Right Resort in Bhimtal

Broadly, Bhimtal accommodation falls into three categories:

• Budget homestays and guesthouses — simple, family-run, good for solo or backpacking travellers.

• Boutique lakeside hotels — closer to the lake and town, better for travellers who want to walk to boating points.

• Luxury hill resorts — set slightly higher in the Kumaon hills, offering privacy, valley views, curated dining, and full-service hospitality — the better fit for couples, families, and travellers extending a longer Kumaon itinerary.

If you're in the third category, Resorts By The Baagh's Bhimtal property is worth shortlisting — spacious Sunbird and Magpie rooms with private balconies, valley and forest views, and a location that puts you minutes from Bhimtal Lake while keeping the resort itself immersed in the Kumaon hills. It's also a convenient base if you're planning to extend your trip toward Jim Corbett for a wildlife leg of the same holiday.

FAQs About Bhimtal Resorts

1. Is Bhimtal better than Nainital for a peaceful getaway?

Yes — Bhimtal offers the same lake-and-hills setting as Nainital with significantly fewer crowds, and it's only about 20 km away, so you can easily visit Nainital for a day while staying in Bhimtal.

2. What is the ideal trip length for Bhimtal?

2–3 nights is enough to cover Bhimtal Lake, Kainchi Dham, Naukuchiatal, and a couple of nature trails without rushing.

3. Are Bhimtal resorts good for families and couples?

Yes — the area has options across budget homestays, boutique lakeside hotels, and full-service luxury resorts, so it suits both family trips and quieter couple getaways.

4. What should I pack for Bhimtal?

Light layers for the day and warmer clothing for evenings, even in summer, since temperatures drop noticeably after sunset in the hills.

5. Can Bhimtal be combined with a Jim Corbett trip?

Yes — Bhimtal and Jim Corbett are both in the Kumaon region and can be combined into a single itinerary, pairing a lakeside/hill stay with a wildlife safari leg.