Bhim Pakora
Pauri, Uttarakhand · monument
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Bhim Pakora is one of the Garhwal hills' most delightful natural oddities — two enormous boulders stacked one directly atop the other in the reserved pine forest a short, steep walk (about 2 km) below the cantonment town of Lansdowne. The marvel is a matter of physics rather than masonry: the massive upper stone is so finely poised on the lower one that a single fingertip sets it gently rocking, yet it will not slide off even when pushed with both hands. The name itself is a local joke on the pose — the upper rock sits like a pakora (fritter) that Bhima, the mighty Pandava, is said to have set out to cool. The formation is listed among India's quirky natural attractions and has become a favourite forest detour for visitors to Lansdowne.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Gandhi Chowk market eateries, Lansdowne (~2 km) - several simple pure-vegetarian kitchens serving North Indian thalis, aloo paratha, Maggi and chai; confirm the kitchen is fully vegetarian before ordering.
- ✦Cafes near Bhulla Tal lake, Lansdowne - vegetarian snacks, sandwiches, pakoras and coffee by the boating lake; seasonal hours, so check timings locally.
- ✦Tip-in-Top (Tiffin Top) viewpoint kiosk, Lansdowne - basic vegetarian Maggi, pakoras and hot chai with a valley view; open in fair weather only.
- ✦Hotel and guesthouse dining rooms around Lansdowne town - most serve dependable pure-vegetarian Garhwali and North Indian fare; verify the menu on arrival.
About
Bhim Pakora is one of the Garhwal hills' most delightful natural oddities — two enormous boulders stacked one directly atop the other in the reserved pine forest a short, steep walk (about 2 km) below the cantonment town of Lansdowne.
- The marvel is a matter of physics rather than masonry: the massive upper stone is so finely poised on the lower one that a single fingertip sets it gently rocking, yet it will not slide off even when pushed with both hands.
- The name itself is a local joke on the pose — the upper rock sits like a pakora (fritter) that Bhima, the mighty Pandava, is said to have set out to cool.
- The formation is listed among India's quirky natural attractions and has become a favourite forest detour for visitors to Lansdowne.
- Geologically the balancing act is the work of deep time: differential weathering of the Himalayan foothill rock left a broad, stable lower boulder and a rounded cap stone whose contact point is small enough to pivot but geometrically seated so its centre of gravity stays put.
- Such 'balancing rocks' occur in several parts of India, but Bhim Pakora's forest setting — cool deodar and chir-pine shade, birdsong, and dappled light — gives it a particular charm.
- The folk legend belongs to the Mahabharata.
- During the Pandavas' long exile, the brothers are said to have sheltered in these hills, and Bhima — proverbial for superhuman strength — is credited with lifting and setting the upper rock in a poise that no ordinary force could ever dislodge.
- Villagers have passed the story down for generations, and it lends the boulders a gentle sanctity beyond their geological interest.
- Reaching Bhim Pakora is a walk, not a drive: a rough forest path descends from near Lansdowne town, so wear grippy shoes and carry water, and avoid the trail in heavy monsoon rain when it turns slippery.
- There is no ticket counter, no shop and no food at the site — carry out every scrap of litter to keep the forest pristine.
- For meals, return to Lansdowne, an easy-going hill town well supplied with simple pure-vegetarian kitchens around Gandhi Chowk and the Bhulla Tal lake, where thalis, aloo paratha, pakoras and hot chai are the reliable staples.
- Pair the boulders with Bhulla Tal, the Tip-in-Top viewpoint and the Garhwal Rifles heritage sites for a relaxed Lansdowne day.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Reserved pine forest below Lansdowne town, off the Bhulla Tal road, Lansdowne (Pauri Garhwal), Pauri, Uttarakhand, 246155
How to Reach: Bhim Pakora lies about 2 km from Lansdowne town centre and is reached only on foot — a rough downhill forest path (no vehicle access); allow 20-30 minutes each way and wear proper walking shoes. Lansdowne itself is about 40-42 km uphill from Kotdwar (the nearest railhead) by taxi or bus (roughly 1.5-2 hours of hairpin bends), and around 149 km from Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. Ask locally at Gandhi Chowk for the current trailhead, as the forest path is unsigned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bhim Pakora near Lansdowne?
Bhim Pakora is a natural rock formation in the pine forest about 2 km below Lansdowne town, where one gigantic boulder balances on top of another. The upper stone is so finely poised that it rocks at the touch of a single finger, yet it never topples even when pushed hard. It is listed among India's quirky natural attractions and is tied to a Mahabharata folk legend about the Pandava Bhima.
Is there an entry fee for Bhim Pakora?
No. Bhim Pakora is an open forest site with no gate and no ticket, so entry is free. There is also no shop or food stall at the boulders, so carry your own water and take all litter back with you.
How do you reach Bhim Pakora?
It is reached only on foot. A rough downhill forest path leads from near Lansdowne town centre to the boulders — about 2 km, or 20-30 minutes each way, with no vehicle access. Wear grippy walking shoes and carry water. Lansdowne is about 40-42 km uphill from Kotdwar railway station by taxi or bus. The trail is unsigned, so ask for directions at Gandhi Chowk before setting out.
Why is it called Bhim Pakora and what is the legend?
The name links to Bhima, the immensely strong Pandava prince of the Mahabharata. Local lore says the Pandavas sheltered in these hills during their exile, and Bhima set the upper boulder on the lower one in a poise no ordinary force could dislodge. 'Pakora' (fritter) is a playful nod to the way the top rock sits, as if left out to cool.
When is the best time to visit Bhim Pakora?
March to June and September to November offer the most pleasant walking weather, with early morning giving lovely forest light. Avoid heavy-monsoon days in July and August, when the descent turns slippery, and dress warmly in winter. Always return before dusk, as the forest path is unlit.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Bhim Pakora?
There is no food at the boulders, so plan to eat back in Lansdowne, an easy 2 km away. Simple pure-vegetarian kitchens around Gandhi Chowk serve thalis, aloo paratha, pakoras and chai, and there are vegetarian cafes near Bhulla Tal lake and a snack kiosk at the Tip-in-Top viewpoint. As this is a mixed hill district, confirm a kitchen is fully vegetarian before ordering.
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