Bhimtal Lake
Bhimtal has been known for much longer than Nainital, which was a secret holy lake known only to the hill people until 1841, when the British discovered it. Bhimtal was the best route between the Kumaon mountains and the plains of India. It was a stopping place for traders from Tibet travelling down with caravans of sheep loaded with borax, to trade for goods not to be got in the high mountains. It may well have been part of the Silk Route.
Bhimtal is in the Shivalik range — the region is known as Devbhoomi, the Land of the Gods. The Pandavas (of the Mahabharata) are believed to have visited here during their vanvas (forest exile). Local legend tells that when their wife Draupadi was thirsty, Bhima struck the ground with his mace, and water gushed out. The lake that formed was named after him.
An ancient Shiva temple, Bhimeshwara Mahadev, is said to have been built by Bhima. It has stood here for centuries; the present 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 when he came to drink at the lake his tail was still on the mountain-top! Hidimba hill at Sat Tal is supposed to be where Hidimbi lived and loved Bhima. Local lore says Nal-Damyanti Tal is where Damyanti waited in Sage Vashishtha’s ashram, for Nala to return for her. The Sat Tal lakes are individually named after the Ramayana’s chief players … the list is endless. We also have a fund of history, stories and legends about places and people connected to Bhimtal and the Estate.
Hanuman Garhi
The Hanuman Garhi temple, built by the famous saint Neem Karoli Baba during the 1950s, is located at a height of 6,401 feet above sea level near Mall road, approximately 3.5 km from the Tallital in Nainital. This temple offers a view of the Tarai Valley and also of the mesmerising sunrise and the sunset. It takes 70 steps to reach the temple located uphill.
The Hanuman Garhi temple has an idol of Lord Hanuman which is huge in size. The big statue has a golden umbrella over the deity’s head, to whom the temple is dedicated and is believed by the locals to be protecting and guarding them. Hanuman ji is also considered to be the 11 th incarnation of Shiva in the KalYug.
Inside the shrine in the main complex there is an idol of Hanuman ji with his chest open and his heart having the images of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Inside the complex, the idols of other gods and goddesses are also installed, including the holy statues of Lord Shiva, Lord Krishna, Lord Rama and Sita, and also of Baba Neem Karoli Maharaj. The shrines of Mata Sheetla and Ashram of Lila Sah Bapu are also situated on the complex itself, on the other side of the hill.
A good holy place, the very huge idol of Hanuman, surrounding scenery is mind-blowing. Great view of Bhimtal can be seen from this place. Children and senior citizens will like this place much. You can click pictures as the surroundings of this place is very beautiful. Shops of daily goods are available nearby so you can purchase as per your needs. arched at a height of 6,401 feet from sea level, this famous temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, an avid devotee of Lord Rama and Sita Mata. The temple was constructed by a famous local saint, Baba Neem Karoli, in the year 1950. Legend has it that being a devout worshipper, Lord Hanuman had once ripped open his chest to reveal the image of Lord Rama and Sita Mata reigning in his heart. The same event is illustrated in the image at this temple.
Hidimba Parvat
Located in the outskirts of the town, this is a hillock that is named after another character from the epic Mahabharata –Hidimba who was actually a demoness. According to mythology, Hidimba transformed herself as a beautiful lady to attract the Pandava brother – Bhima. Today, the hillock is known to harbor a large number of wildlife species and an environmentalist by the name of Vankhandi Maharaj has taken upon himself to preserve the area. He has established the Vankhandi Ashram which is surrounded by a wildlife sanctuary known for its rare flora and fauna. This is a great opportunity for many to view wild life in their natural habitat.
