Aquarium Island Cafe: A Unique Dining Experience in Bhimtal

The Aquarium Island Cafe is the heart of Bhimtal Lake. This unique cafe concept offers an extraordinary dining experience surrounded by an impressive variety of marine life. Our aquarium features over 40 varieties of fish, including exotic species from South Africa, Mexico, and beyond, providing a fascinating backdrop to your meal. At Aquarium Island Cafe, we pride ourselves on blending gastronomic excellence with stunning views of Bhimtal Lake.

A Blend of Nature and Gastronomy

As you step into the Aquarium Island Cafe, you are greeted by the harmonious symphony of chirping birds and the gentle rustle of leaves. The cafe’s unique location, surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the pristine Bhimtal Lake, instantly transports you to a world of tranquility. The ambiance seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, featuring wooden furniture, earthy tones, and subtle aquatic-themed decor elements that create a soothing atmosphere, inviting patrons to unwind and savor the moment. Whether you choose to sit indoors or opt for the outdoor seating overlooking the lake, every corner of the cafe offers a breathtaking view.

Culinary Delights to Savor

At Aquarium Island Cafe, gastronomy meets artistry. The menu features a delectable selection of dishes crafted with care and precision, using locally sourced ingredients to ensure freshness and authenticity. From hearty breakfast options to savory snacks and sumptuous main courses, there’s something to please every palate.

Entry Fees- 150 Rupees

Signature Dishes

Bhimtal Special Trout: Prepared with freshly caught fish from the lake, this dish is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Garden Fresh Salad: Bursting with flavors of seasonal vegetables and herbs, this salad is a refreshing choice for a light meal.
Homemade Blueberry Cheesecake: A perfect balance of creamy indulgence and tangy sweetness, this dessert is a treat for the senses.

Beverage Menu

Complementing the culinary offerings is an extensive beverage menu featuring aromatic coffees, refreshing teas, and handcrafted mocktails. Sip on a steaming cup of Himalayan Chai as you soak in the serene ambiance, or treat yourself to a refreshing Watermelon Mojito on a sunny afternoon.

Beyond Dining: A Holistic Experience

Aquarium Island Cafe offers more than just a dining experience. It serves as a gateway to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of Bhimtal and its surroundings.

Activities and Experiences

Guided Nature Walks: Explore the lush surroundings and discover the diverse flora and fauna with our knowledgeable guides.
Birdwatching Expeditions: Observe the various bird species that inhabit the area, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Boat Rides: Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the tranquil waters of Bhimtal Lake.
Yoga and Meditation Sessions: Rejuvenate your mind and body with sessions amidst serene surroundings.

Cultural Events

The cafe hosts regular cultural events, featuring live music performances, traditional dance shows, and storytelling sessions, providing guests with a glimpse into the vibrant local culture and heritage.

Specialty of Aquarium Island Cafe

Aquarium Island Cafe stands out for several reasons, including:

Scenic Location: Situated amidst lush greenery overlooking Bhimtal Lake, the cafe offers breathtaking views and a serene ambiance, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Culinary Excellence: The cafe’s menu features a diverse array of dishes crafted with care and precision, showcasing the flavors of Uttarakhand and the Himalayas.
Cultural Immersion: Regular cultural events provide guests with a glimpse into the vibrant local culture and heritage.

Planning Your Visit

Aquarium Island Cafe is open year-round, welcoming visitors seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature’s splendor. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as part of a group, the cafe offers a warm and inviting ambiance, making it an ideal destination for relaxation, culinary exploration, and cultural immersion.

Accessibility

Located just a short drive from the bustling town center of Bhimtal, the cafe is easily accessible by road and offers ample parking facilities for guests arriving by car. For those using public transportation, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are readily available from Bhimtal town to reach the cafe.

In a world where the pace of life seems to be ever-accelerating, places like Aquarium Island Cafe offer a much-needed sanctuary – a tranquil oasis where one can pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a respite from the chaos of daily life, a visit to this hidden gem in Bhimtal promises an unforgettable experience that nourishes the body, mind, and soul.

40+ Variety of Fishes in Aquarium Island Cafe

African Cichlid Fish

Usually stays in rocks.
From the family Cichlidae, the cichlids have the most number of endangered species in the world.
Found in lakes of Africa – Tanganyika, Malawi, Victoria, and Edward.
Thrive in temperatures ranging from 23-28°C.
Herbivorous, feeding on aquatic algae, weeds, and aquatic plants.
Life expectancy: 8 years.

The Parrot Cichlid

Also known as the blood parrot cichlid, from the Cichlidae family.
Can grow up to 8 inches in length.
Thrive in 24°-29°C temperatures.
Omnivores, consuming flakes and pellets along with bloodworms and brine shrimp.
Life expectancy: 5-10 years.

Tiger Barb Fish

Also known as Sumatra barb, belonging to the family Cyprinidae.
Found in the Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Borneo in Indonesia.
Thrive in temperatures between 25 – 27.8°C.
Omnivorous.
Life expectancy: 7 years.

Flower Horn Fish

Aggressive in nature.
Known for vibrant colors.
Hybrid variety, developed in Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan.
Consume insects, shrimps, and bloodworms.
Thrive at 28-29°C.
Life expectancy: 10-12 years.

Angelfish (Black & White)

Originating from the Orinoco basin, Amazon basin, and Guiana shield in South America.
Colorful species with blue, black, gold, silver, and platinum being common.
Predators, preying on smaller fish, worms, and microorganisms.
Thrive at 28°C.
Life expectancy: 10 years.

Koi Pond Fish

Also known as nishikigoi, originating from Japan.
Kept as an ornamental variety in koi ponds or water gardens.
Thrive in temperatures ranging from 15°-25°C.
Omnivorous, feeding on peas, lettuce, and watermelon.
Life expectancy: 50 years (average).

Black Ghost Knifefish

From the family Apteronotidae, originating in South America.
Nocturnal predators with electric sensory organs to trace their prey.
Average size: 19 inches.
Thrive in temperatures ranging from 22°C – 27°C.
Life expectancy: 10 years.

Pacu Piranha Fish

Aggressive in nature.
A group of 35 can finish a goat in 15 minutes.
From the family Serrasalmidae, found in South America.
Omnivorous, feeding mostly on plants.
Length: 2-3 ft.
Thrive in 24° – 27°C.
Life expectancy: 15-20 years.

Eel Asian Swamp

Prefer to stay and hide in rocks.
From the family Synbranchidae, found in East and Southeast Asia.
Feed on smaller fish, shrimp, worms, and insects.
Air-breathing variety, can survive in muddy environments.
Thrive in 25°-31°C.
Life expectancy: 10 years.

Alligator Gar Fish

The largest species in the gar family, resembling the American alligator.
Found in southern portions of the US and Mexico.
Length: about 6ft, weight: over 45 kg.
Predators, preying on fishes, ducks, and small mammals.
Life expectancy: 50-70 years.

Molly Fish (Balloon & Black)

The Common Molly (Poecilia), from the family Poeciliidae, found in Mexico.
Highly adaptable, can survive in freshwater and marine waters.
Size: 8 cm to 12 cm.
Thrive in 22° – 25°C.
Life expectancy: 3-5 years.

Goldfish

From the Cyprinidae family, natively found in East Asia.
Diverse colorations: white, brown, orange, red, yellow, and black.
Size: up to 14 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on insects, worms, and smaller fish.
Thrive in 20°-23°C.
Life expectancy: 10-15 years.

Silver Knife Fish

From the family Apteronotidae, originating in South America.
Nocturnal predators with electric sensory organs.
Size: 19 inches.
Thrive in 22°C – 27°C.
Life expectancy: 10 years.

Shubunkin Fish

Hybrid variety of goldfish, native to Japan.
Size: 9-18 inches.
Thrive in 20°-23°C.
Life expectancy: 10-15 years.

Silver Arowana

From the family Osteoglossidae, native to South America.
Freshwater species, size: up to 3 ft.
Predatory, feeding on insects, smaller fish, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 24°-28°C.
Life expectancy: 10-15 years.

Golden Sucker Fish

Also known as the Chinese Algae Eater, from the family Gyrinocheilidae.
Native to China and Vietnam.
Size: 5 inches.
Thrive in 24°-28°C.
Life expectancy: 10 years.

Tiger Shovelnose Catfish

From the family Pimelodidae, native to South America.
Size: 5ft.
Predatory, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans.
Thrive in 23°-27°C.
Life expectancy: 18-25 years.

Red Devil Cichlid

From the family Cichlidae, native to Central America.
Size: 15 inches.
Predatory, feeding on smaller fish, worms, and insects.
Thrive in 22°-26°C.
Life expectancy: 10-12 years.

African Jewelfish

From the family Cichlidae, native to Africa.
Size: 6 inches.
Predatory, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans.
Thrive in 24°-28°C.
Life expectancy: 5-7 years.

Ghost Catfish

From the family Siluridae, native to Southeast Asia.
Size: 8 inches.
Predatory, feeding on smaller fish and insects.
Thrive in 22°-28°C.
Life expectancy: 7-8 years.

Green Spotted Puffer Fish

From the family Tetraodontidae, native to Southeast Asia.
Size: 6 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on algae, worms, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 24°-28°C.
Life expectancy: 10 years.

Oscar Fish

From the family Cichlidae, native to South America.
Size: 12-14 inches.
Predatory, feeding on smaller fish and crustaceans.
Thrive in 22°-26°C.
Life expectancy: 10-20 years.

Bala Shark Fish

From the family Cyprinidae, native to Southeast Asia.
Size: 14 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 22°-28°C.
Life expectancy: 10 years.

Swordtail Fish

From the family Poeciliidae, native to Central America.
Size: 5 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on algae, smaller fish, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 22°-28°C.
Life expectancy: 5 years.

Red Tailed Black Shark

From the family Cyprinidae, native to Thailand.
Size: 6 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on algae, smaller fish, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 24°-28°C.
Life expectancy: 6-10 years.

Clown Loach

From the family Cobitidae, native to Indonesia.
Size: 12 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 24°-30°C.
Life expectancy: 10 years.

Piranha

From the family Serrasalmidae, native to South America.
Size: 12 inches.
Predatory, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 24°-27°C.
Life expectancy: 10 years.

Black Moor Fish

From the family Cyprinidae, native to China.
Size: 10 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 20°-23°C.
Life expectancy: 10-15 years.

Lionhead Goldfish

From the family Cyprinidae, native to China.
Size: 10 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 20°-23°C.
Life expectancy: 10-15 years.

Butterfly Koi Fish

From the family Cyprinidae, native to Japan.
Size: 24 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 15°-25°C.
Life expectancy: 25-35 years.

Black Ghost Knife Fish

From the family Apteronotidae, native to South America.
Size: 19 inches.
Predatory, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 22°-27°C.
Life expectancy: 10 years.

Blue Gourami

From the family Osphronemidae, native to Southeast Asia.
Size: 6 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 24°-28°C.
Life expectancy: 4-6 years.

Boesemani Rainbow Fish

From the family Melanotaeniidae, native to Indonesia.
Size: 4 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 24°-30°C.
Life expectancy: 5-8 years.

Celestial Pearl Danio

From the family Cyprinidae, native to Myanmar.
Size: 1 inch.
Omnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 22°-26°C.
Life expectancy: 3-5 years.

Zebra Pleco

From the family Loricariidae, native to Brazil.
Size: 3 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 26°-30°C.
Life expectancy: 10-15 years.

Bluefin Notho

From the family Nothobranchiidae, native to Africa.
Size: 2 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 22°-26°C.
Life expectancy: 1 year.

Purple Tetra

From the family Characidae, native to South America.
Size: 2 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 24°-28°C.
Life expectancy: 5-10 years.

Black Neon Tetra

From the family Characidae, native to South America.
Size: 1.5 inches.
Omnivorous, feeding on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans.
Thrive in 24°-28°C.
Life expectancy: 5-10 years.

Conclusion

The Aquarium Island Cafe in Bhimtal offers an unparalleled dining experience that beautifully marries the wonders of aquatic life with culinary excellence. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking a unique escape, the cafe promises a memorable experience that will linger long after your visit.

Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Bhimtal, the delightful flavors of our menu, and the captivating charm of our aquarium.