Bhimtal is an ancient place named after Bhima of Mahabharata. Bhimeshwara Mahadev Temple, an old Shiva temple in the bank of Bhimtal lake, is believed to have been built when Bhima visited the place during the banishment (vanvas) period of Pandavas, now it is a town and a nagar panchayat in Nainital district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. The major attraction in Bhimtal is the Bhimtal Lake, which has an island at its centre located approx 90 Kms.