How to make the best out of Bhimtal?

One of the nearest weekend getaway option from Delhi is Bhimtal. Why I chose to stay at this place over Nainital because Nainital is one of the most busiest hill stations and last thing any traveller would want is "CROWD".

How to reach? Best option to beat traffic on UP/Delhi highway is to board a Shatabadi train and get down at last station Kathgodam, from where Bhimtal is 40 mins away. Bargain hard with cab drivers they would ask any insane amount from Rs 800 to 1500 to 2000.

I know many people wouldn't be very excited from the thought of visiting Bhimtal, but here I would tell you how to make the most of this place.

Points to remember:

Accommodation- Stay in a property with good lake view, little away from a place where all hotels are cluttered

Recommendation- Hotel Harshikhar. This hotel offers great view to the lake & hills and is little away from the hustle & bustle of activities around the lake.

In case you want a homestay with a cosy feel, then Fredy's Bungalow is a good option.

If possible avoid visiting this place during kids summer vacation.

What to Do?

Sit at one serene corner on the lake & relax, sip tea & enjoy maggi, momos.

Do some activities like Kayaking, Zorbing, Zipline, Paragliding instead of regular boating.

Some Other options are:

Day 1

Visit Sattal, eat famous Rajma Chawal & kheer

Trek towards the waterfall. Enroute stop for bird watching. Get your best camera & capture the different species of birds. Yes Sattal is indeed home to various kind of species of birds & this attracts lot of photograph enthusiasts to this place.

Once sun sets visit iHeart Cafe Himalayas. A place you definitely can's miss. The vibe, the live music, the food, the coffee everything is perfect at this place. You would be amazed to find such place in the middle of nowhere.

Day 2

Visit Naukuchiatal, Nature walk is what I would highly recommend here. Your visit cant be complete unless you walk through the green path, be mesmerized by hills on one side & beautiful lake on the other.

Gaze at the sun light & rays falling on the lake water..making it sparkle. Enjoy sunset here.

Day 3

If you still have some time, you may explore some of the view points @ Nainital which will give you good views of the snow capped peaks, explore the place on a horse back, you can avoid visiting cave garden. You can also avoid walking on the mall road if you hate crowd. Try momos at the tibetan market.