8 October 2026 · Destinations · 6 min read · By Excel Hotels & Resorts
Both Nainital and Bhimtal are beautiful locations to explore in Uttarakhand, offering unique vacation experiences. Nainital is vibrant, convenient and is ideal for sightseeing while Bhimtal is peaceful, spacious and is an ideal place for a relaxed getaway.
If you are planning a family holiday, a romantic getaway or a weekend or longer trip to Kumaon then you will be able to refer to this guide to help you determine where you would like to go next.
Pick Nainital as a Place to Visit.
The town of Nainital is a popular hill resort with its beautiful Naini lake. Great for people who want to boat, shop, visit cafés, viewpoints and have a great holiday time.
If you prefer to go out for a stroll, opt for Nainital:
Close by Naini Lake and Mall Road.
A lively town atmosphere.
There are lots of cafés, restaurants and stores.
Popular local tourist sites.
A convenient location for a short trip.
A holiday of activities and exploration.
This Excel Hotels & Resorts Nainital hotel is ideal for those who wish to stay within the vicinity of the town's prime attractions. Convenience is provided to explore the city from the hotel with access to Naini Lake, Mall Road, Library and Tallital areas.
Nainital Is a Glorious Town With Many Activities to Enjoy
While you're there you can:
Enjoy a boat ride on Naini Lake.
Take a walk along Mall Road.
Explore local markets.
Visit popular viewpoints.
Enjoy cafés and restaurants.
Discover nearby attractions.
Take a photo of the lake and the hills nearby.
Nainital is a suitable destination for an active, social and exciting holiday with plenty of sightseeing opportunities.
Adopt Bhimtal for Peace
Unlike Nainital, Bhimtal is a more laidback place. It is nestled in the Kumaon Hills, with Bhimtal Lake in the middle, and is a great place for people who like to spend more time in the nature.
If you wish to go to Bhimtal then select it:
A quiet Lake holiday.
Additional space and reduced crowding.
Moderate speed of travel.
Family-friendly resort activities.
Beautiful views and fresh mountain air.
A good base from which to explore Kumaon.
The Excel Hotels & Resorts Bhimtal is situated near the Bhimtal lake and provides comfortable rooms, family cottages, multi cuisine restaurant, swimming pool, conference rooms and recreation.
Must see places in Bhimtal
While enjoying a holiday in Bhimtal, you can experience:
Sailing on Bhimtal Lake.
Going to an island aquarium.
Visiting Sattal and Naukuchiatal.
Enjoying nature walks.
Experiments with kayaking and other outdoor activities.
A woman sitting by the pool.
Playing indoor and outdoor games.
Having an Evening Bonfire
The resort offers activities such as an indoor pool, kids’ play area, cricket, football, badminton, volleyball, trampoline, carrom, table tennis, chess and Ludo. Season, weather, and operating conditions may also affect and limit the type of adventure activities that are available.
Which Is Best for Families
Nainital and Bhimtal both provide families with a great vacation, albeit in different ways.
Better if family loves to go shopping, sightseeing or boating or going to cafés or popular attractions, Nainital is better. Ideal for those who enjoy a full itinerary of activities and experiences each day with their family.
Bhimtal is ideal for those who seek a peaceful environment, greenery and resort activities, making it a perfect choice for families. Children enjoy themselves in the pool, parents can unwind in the lovely surroundings whilst children play and enjoy activities in the games area.
Bhimtal may be more suitable for a family holiday with less travelling from one activity to another. Nainital is a convenient option for a sightseeing tour.
What's Better for Adventure
The resort leisure and outdoor adventure of Bhimtal is a good combination. You can go kayaking, have a family boat ride, go water zorbing, ziplining over the river and nature trekking (as available).
Nainital has more to offer for the local activities, sightseeing, shopping, viewpoints and boating, which are traditional activities of hill-stations.
For the adventurous and nature lovers, Bhimtal is an ideal place to stay. Nainital is more ideal if you are looking for sightseeing and town experiences.
For a Weekend Trip, Which Is Better
Opt for Nainital for a hectic weekend with boating experience, a walk on the Mall Road, shopping and cafes with local sightseeing. It is perfect for those who wish to visit a number of popular sites in a single brief time.
If you want to have a relaxed weekend with a view on the lake, activities at the resort, time by the pool, strolls in nature and firing off bonfires, then you should go to Bhimtal. It's ideal for tourists who wish to rest and enjoy nature.
Nearby Places to Visit
Bhimtal is an excellent base for tours to the following destinations in Kumaon:
Sattal.
Naukuchiatal.
Nainital.
Kainchi Dham.
Pangot and Kilbury.
Viewpoints around Bhimtal Lake.
These are great locations for guests to see while staying at Excel Hotels & Resorts Bhimtal.
If you are looking for a place to stay close to the major attractions and explore Nainital easily, then it is advisable to stay in Nainital. Bhimtal would be more appropriate for a day trip from the hills of Kumaon en route to a tranquil lakeside retreat.
Determine the Best Place to Camp
If you wish to choose:
The ease of being close to Naini lake.
Mall Road, Library and Tallital are easily accessible.
An easy-to-sleep-on platform for touring the area.
A vibrant hill station experience.
Choose Excel Hotels & Resorts Bhimtal if you want:
A peaceful lake destination.
Rooms and family cottages which are comfortable.
Swimming, recreational activities.
A multi-cuisine restaurant.
Games for indoors and outdoors.
Bonfire evenings.
A comfortable bed for your stay in Kumaon.
This route can also be combined in a Uttarakhand tour package. Start in Nainital, the more popular area with its sightseeing, shopping and lively ambience, and then move on to Bhimtal, which is more tranquil with a few hills and the views of the lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more family-friendly: Nainital vs Bhimtal?
Nainital is good for families that prefer sightseeing, shopping and activity. Bhimtal is more suitable for families that like open spaces, boating, activities at resorts and a quieter environment.
Which place is less than crowded Bhimtal or Nainital?
The town of Bhimtal is a more relaxed and serene place than Nainital, which is in the center, although on weekends, holidays and during peak travel seasons, it can get busy.
For couples, which is more suitable?
Nainital is ideal for couples who enjoy sightseeing and cafés. Bhimtal is more geared towards couples who want a peaceful environment and beautiful scenery, along with leisure time.
Do I need to go to both Nainital & Bhimtal?
Yes. Both can be visited as part of the same Kumaon holiday and offer a blend of the bustling attractions of Nainital and the tranquil atmosphere of a lake in Bhimtal.
New York's Finest Lakes and Their Perfect Vacation Homes
For sight seeing, shopping, boating and a lively life in the hill-station, opt for Nainital.
If you are looking for a tranquil place, lake views, family leisure, outdoor fun, relaxation and a more relaxed vacation then choose Bhimtal.
One can travel around Uttarakhand as per one's travel style with the presence of Excel Hotels & Resorts in both the places.
