Bhimtal is famous for its Bhimtal Lake, which is bigger than Naini Lake and offers good boating facilities. Plus, there is an island in the middle with an aquarium located on it. The island is only 91 metres from the lake shore and there is also a Bhimeshwar Temple along with a 40 feet high dam beside the lake that belongs to the 17th century.Bhimtal supports a wide variety of aquatic life and some Trans Himalayan birds during the winter. Lying at an altitude of 4500 ft, 22 km from Nainital, the lake is surrounded by the Kumaon hills all around. It received its name from Bhima, one of the Pandavas from the epic of Mahabharata.Geologists believe that the lake was formed by the chain of faults caused by the movements in the earth's crust. According to geologists, the blockade of surface drainage water led to the formation of Bhimtal Lake. The area around the lake supports a wide variety of animal species like black eagle, wall creeper, tawny fish owl, bulbul and emerald dove.