So, you have heard about Bhimtal, the serene town nestled in the Kumaon Hills. Now, you have decided to visit the sleepy yet interesting town. But, that query still remains – “How do I actually get there?”
Whether you’re planning a weekend escape from Delhi, a longer trip from Mumbai or Bangalore, or even flying in from elsewhere, this guide is crafted just for you. We’re walking you through every travel option (without the boring bits), so your journey is as breezy as the hills themselves.
Why Bhimtal?
Obvious question – for those who have not heard about the city. Of all those well-known places, why should Bhimtal be on your radar?
Well, the place is surrounded by lush green hills and a charming island café. There are birds chirping (incidentally, our resort resonates with that feeling – Chirping Hills Resort in Bhimtal), paddle boats gliding and no hustle and bustle of city life.
That’s Bhimtal for you. It’s the quieter cousin of Nainital, and we mean that in the best way possible. No mad crowds, just tranquil vibes. You can check out several temples here, like Bhimeshwar Mahadev Temple or Nanda Devi Temple. In fact, it also offers you several ways to enjoy the best adventure spots around it.
How to reach Bhimtal?
Well, we will take up a few cities and find the best ways to reach Bhimtal. Bhimtal isn’t directly connected by air or train, but it’s close enough to key transit points that you won’t be pulling your hair out. Let’s break it down city by city.
From Delhi – The Most Popular Starting Point
There are three different options that you can check.
Road Trip
If you love long drives, this should be the best option to explore. It is around 300 km from Delhi and should take around 7 to 8 hours.
The best route we suggest would be
Delhi → Hapur → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Bhimtal
We found the road to be generally smooth. You can enjoy a very scenic route as soon as you enter Uttarakhand.
Pro Tip – Starting early in the morning should help you avoid city traffic. You should be able to make it at Bhimtal for lunch.
Train trip
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam. The station is just around 22 km from Bhimtal.
A few best train option you can check out include
- Shatabdi Express: Fast, clean, and you’ll reach in around 5.5 hours.
- Ranikhet Express: Overnight sleeper option.
From Kathgodam, just hop into a shared taxi or book a private cab, and you’re in Bhimtal in under an hour.
Bus journey
In case you are checking out the best budget-friendly options, a bus should be the perfect choice to go with. Of course, the journey would be a bit hectic.
You can also take a Volvo or deluxe bus from Delhi to Haldwani or Nainital.
From there, grab a shared cab to Bhimtal. Buses typically take 8 to 9 hours.
Tip: Book through Uttarakhand Transport or private apps like RedBus for smoother travel.
From Mumbai – Flights Make It Easy
Well, Mumbai is a city of dreams. How about travelling to Bhimtal from Mumbai?
Air trip
From Mumbai, flights should be the best option to go with.
You can complete your journey in two steps –
- Mumbai to Delhi by flight – around 2.5 hours.
- From Delhi, you can follow the above journey itinerary.
You can even take a flight to Pantnagar airport. This is the closest airport to Bhimtal.
If you decide to take a flight to Pantnagar, you can take a cab from there to Bhimtal. The airport is around 55 k from Bhimtal.
Note – If you have more time and a spirit for adventure, take a train from Mumbai to Kathgodam—but brace yourself for 30+ hours on the rails.
From Bangalore – Long Distance? No Problem
Bangalore is quite far from Bhimtal. But, it can indeed be a valuable and enjoyable journey!
Option 1 – By Flight
Fly from Bangalore to Delhi or Pantnagar.
Bangalore to Delhi should take around 2.5 to 3 Hours.
Once in Delhi or Pantnagar, you can follow the same route as above – take a train to Kathgodam or a cab from Pantnagar.
Tip – You may also choose the cheaper flights to Bareilly or Lucknow.
Option 2 – Train
If you want to be adventurous or are looking for some budget travel options, the train should be the right choice for you.
Take a train from Bangalore to Delhi nd then follow from Delhi. You can choose a bus or train route to Bhimtal. However, you should be ready for a trip of around 40 hours.
Coming from other cities?
Well, if you are coming from other cities, you can follow the table here below –
| City | Best Option | Approx Travel Time |
| Chennai | Fly to Delhi → Train to Kathgodam/Cab | 7–8 hours total |
| Kolkata | Fly to Delhi/Lucknow → Train/Cab | 6–8 hours |
| Jaipur | Train/Drive to Delhi → Connect onward | 8–9 hours |
| Chandigarh | Drive to Delhi or Train to Kathgodam | 7–8 hours |
How to Get Around in Bhimtal?
Once you are in Bhimtal, you can move around through several means.
- Taxis: Best for day trips to nearby lakes or towns
- Shared jeeps: For budget travelers moving between Bhimtal, Nainital, and Sattal.
- Walking: The lake area is very walkable, and you’ll love the views
Where to Stay in Bhimtal?
Bhimtal is home to a good range of accommodations. Bhimtal caters to almost every budget that you may have –
- Budget stays: ₹500–₹1,000
- Mid-range hotels: ₹1,200–₹2,500
- Luxury resorts: ₹3,000+
If you are looking to stay in the lap of nature, in Nature Nests or Home Stays, check us out at Chirping Hills Resort in Bhimtal.
Chirping Hills Resort is a popular resort in the midst of lush green mountains, around the chirping of birds. A well-organised luxury hotel in Bhimtal, it is the perfect destination for solo travellers, couples, families, or those looking to spend time surrounded by nature.
We offer several options like Nature’s Nests, Home stays, and Farm stay options. We offer an ideal destination for enjoying a calming atmosphere with breathtaking mountain views.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you’re taking a last-minute trip from Delhi or flying in from the south, Bhimtal is closer than you think—and a whole lot more peaceful than you expect.
It’s not just about reaching a destination, it’s about finding a spot that lets you breathe, reconnect with nature, and sip chai on a floating café.
So go ahead—plan that trip. And if you’re stuck deciding between train or flight, or whether to add Sattal to your itinerary, feel free to ask in the comments. Happy to help you plan your perfect Bhimtal getaway!