Festival · UTTARAKHAND
July 16-21 · Bhimtal
Traditional Kumaoni harvest festival marking the onset of monsoon and the sowing season. Held at Ramleela Ground in Bhimtal, participants plant barley seeds in small pots (symbolising prosperity and good harvest). The festival celebrates agricultural cycles and spiritual renewal rooted in Himalayan traditions.
Why it mattersHarela Mela is deeply embedded in Kumaoni culture and agrarian heritage, representing the community's connection to seasonal cycles and land stewardship.
July is full monsoon territory — 250-350mm of rain, leeches on forest trails, and occasional road closures. The lake swells and sometimes floods its banks near Tallital. Almost no tourists. Bhimtal's waterfalls come alive though, and the forests are the greenest you'll ever see them. Only for monsoon lovers who don't mind getting soaked.
Live in Bhimtal
Signaturewood-fired pizza with Blue Tokai pour-over
24-hour minimum booking — they don't take walk-ins. Drive to Sattal road, follow the Naveen's Glen sign; last 500m is rough but manageable in a hatchback.
Signaturekumaoni thali
Order the Kumaoni thali — bhatt ki churkani, gahat dal, jhangora kheer — even if the rest of the table is on pizza. It's the version of Kumaoni cooking the local farms here actually eat.
Signaturefish fingers with greek salad
Order coffee + fish fingers and stay for sunset; the western light hits the lake from this elevation around 5:30pm in winter, 6:45pm in summer.
Signaturelake-view coffee with the aquarium walk
Boat ride from the Mall Road jetty is the cost of admission — entry to the aquarium itself is around ₹150 per head. Order coffee, not a full meal; the kitchen is small.
Largest lake in Nainital district with an island aquarium in the center. Boating and kayaking available.
Unique island-based freshwater aquarium in the middle of Bhimtal Lake.
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