Monolith Bhimtal: Spellbound Architectural beauty

Bhimtal is located in Nainital district. It is famous for its lake named as Bhimtal. We visited the location on 26th December and stayed with Monolith resorts (vResorts). Weather was not extreme cold; it was almost same as of delhi. The moment we entered the resort, we fell in love with the beauty of the architectural design. Second thing we noticed was the peaceful environment. Not even a single sound of disturbance. This resort is located very near to the lake and is at a walking distance from the main road. So, we didn’t face any trouble in reaching the location even by local transport.

We were then moved to our independent cottage. It was very cosy and beautiful cottage. Space is so intelligently used that in a small cottage we were given one single bed, one double bed, stairs to the terrace and an open and large terrace with sitting arrangements. Resort is constructed by using stones that perfectly provide the look and feel of hills. Almost everything inside the cottage is made up of wood. Wooden stairs, wooden almirah, wooden table lamps etc etc. We were bowled over the blend of wooden and stone interior of the cottage.

We had a walk through the resort in the morning. They have very nice places to sit and enjoy the scenic beauty. Almost at every corner, from where we can have spectacular scenic view, they have made sitting arrangements. Most amazing location that we found was a tall lamp post. By stairs we can reach to the top and sit there, completely isolated, just enjoying the view of lake and the hills.

After taking rest, we went for a walk to the lake. It’s a 5-10 minutes’ walk from the resort. At the lake you can enjoy activities like boating and karakeying. There is a small market also, where there are many food vendors selling fast food. It’s not very costly, that’s why it remains a bit crowded. There are two shops from where you may buy some local art and craft things for gifting purpose. We had some fast food there and sat at the lake for long.

In the evening, when lights are switched on, this location becomes more beautiful. Almost everywhere in the resort, they have put yellow lights, which give a dim light ambience to the whole. Then they called us for the dinner. Sitting arrangement for dinner is again very amazing. They serve dinner near swimming pool, under the shade of trees. They have hanged lanterns on the branches which adds to the arrangement. They put the bonfire nearby. It was a perfect arrangement to have delicious food under the shade of trees, in the light of lanterns, with the bonfire at the pool side. We thoroughly enjoyed the dinner.

Next morning, we had breakfast at the same location. This time we were having food under the bright sunshine instead of dim lights. After breakfast, we talked to the staff, about the options available to reach railway station. They told us all the options that we had. Since main road is at a walking distance, we opted for local transport. We checked out from the resort, walked to the main road, within few minutes we were in local transport bus. After half an hour, we reached Kathgodam railway station to start out returning journey.

With lot of memories of beauty of the location and resort, we moved towards our destination.

Paragliding in Bhimtal

We did paragliding in Bhimtal. It was a bright sunny day. We waited there for about one hour, after this we were moved to the flying location. Again, we waited there for one hour. This wait was worthwhile and thrilling. Seeing the people flying, was very exciting to us. Then came my turn. Just one word to it – wow. I was not at all scared in the beginning because a pilot accompanies you, who actually flies the glider. When I was standing on the edge, ready to take the flight, I was literally shaking. Once I was in air, it was so amazing that I felt no fear. I was just enjoying that feeling of flying like a free bird. That thumping of air on the face and the view from such a height is worth giving a try.Paragliding in BhimTal, would cost you around 1500 rs. If you opt for videography, you

need to pay 500 rs extra.

How to reach Bhimtal

To reach Bhimtal, you first need to reach Kathgodam, below are the options for it:

By Train: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam. Distance from delhi is about 250 kms. Shatabdi express and ranikhet express are two good options available to reach there.

By Flight: Nearest Airport is Kathgodam.

By Bus: You may reach Kathgodam by UTC buses or by private buses. Better option is to go with UTC volvo’s.

By Road: It’s an easy drive from delhi to Haldwani and Kathgodam. But, you should only opt for it if can drive in hilly areas since after this all the paths are hilly.

Reaching vResorts Monolith, Bhimtal

To reach Monolith vResorts,Bhimtal we have two options available:

By Taxi: From Kathgodam or haldwani, you can easily get a taxi. If opted for taxi, you should ask resort staff to arrange it for you. They arrange it on a reasonable price and its better and safe, rather than bargaining with local taxi drivers.

By local Transport: Monolith resort is located very near to Bhimtal lake, so it won’t be troublesome to reach there by local transport. You would easily get a local bus to the location. It’s an 800 metres walk from the main road to the resort. If you want to experience local modes of transport, this is the best place to give a try.

If you are travelling in the odd hours like very early morning, then you should opt for taxi only.

What to do in BhimTal

Below are the activities that you can do in BhimTal:

● Paragliding: must do activity● Trekking● Boating● Karakeying● Walk in the nature● Fish Aquarium●