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📍 Bhimtal, Uttarakhand
🏛️ Sightseeing Attraction

Butterfly Research Centre

Butterfly Research Centre in Bhimtal houses one of India's largest and most comprehensive private entomological collections. Established at the historic Jo...

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About Attraction

About Butterfly Research Centre

Butterfly Research Centre in Bhimtal houses one of India's largest and most comprehensive private entomological collections. Established at the historic Jones Estate bungalow, the center preserves over 2,500 species of butterflies, moths, beetles, and other fascinating insects.

The collection was painstakingly built over decades by Frederick Smetacek, widely known as the Butterfly Man of India, who settled in Kumaon after fleeing Europe during World War II. Today, his family continues his scientific legacy by maintaining the museum and hosting educational workshops.

Butterfly Research Centre Bhimtal Uttarakhand

Rare Specimens and Forest Nature Walks

Inside the museum rooms, glass cases display rare species such as the Attacus Atlas moth (one of the world's largest moths), leaf butterflies with remarkable camouflage, and iridescent swallowtails native to the Himalayas.

Visitors can take guided tours with resident naturalists who share insights into insect metamorphosis, environmental adaptations, and ecological conservation. The surrounding estate gardens provide excellent opportunities for live butterfly spotting among blooming mountain flora.

Located near the forested heights of Bhimtal, this research center is an absolute highlight for nature lovers and students traveling through Uttarakhand.

How to Reach Butterfly Research Centre

Travelers can easily reach Butterfly Research Centre via road connections from Bhimtal:

  • By Road: The center is situated at Jones Estate, about 2.5 km from Bhimtal Lake and 20 km from Nainital. Taxis and autos provide direct access.
  • Local Route: Follow the uphill road from Bhimtal towards Pines / Jones Estate to reach the heritage colonial property.
  • By Train: Kathgodam Railway Station (22 km) offers regular express train connections to Delhi, Dehradun, and Lucknow.
  • By Air: Pantnagar Airport sits 56 km away, operating scheduled regional flights connecting with New Delhi.

Best Time to Visit Butterfly Research Centre

Seasonal Guide for Visiting Butterfly Research Centre

The museum remains accessible throughout the year, with specific peak seasons for live butterfly observation:

  • Post Monsoon (September to November): The best season for live butterfly watching in the surrounding gardens as dozens of species flutter around nectar flowers.
  • Spring & Summer (March to June): Pleasant mountain weather with temperatures between 18°C and 28°C. Ideal for museum tours and estate walks.
  • Monsoon (July to August): Lush forest growth brings high insect activity, though outdoor walks depend on weather breaks.
  • Winter (December to February): Museum exhibits remain open daily with cool sunny afternoons (8°C to 16°C).
Tour Packages

Tour Packages for Bhimtal

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Accommodation

Hotels Near Butterfly Research Centre

7 Heaven Resort ★★★ Hotel

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Hotel Royal Rosette ★★★ Hotel

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Akansha Resort ★★★ Hotel

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Shikha Inn Resort ★★★ Hotel

Shikha Inn Resort

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Van Vilas Resort ★★ Hotel

Van Vilas Resort

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Hotel Maya Regency ★★★ Hotel

Hotel Maya Regency

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📸 Photo Gallery

Butterfly Research Centre & Bhimtal Photo Gallery

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Explore high-resolution photographs of iconic landmarks, temples, and scenic spots in Bhimtal.

Helpful Information

Frequently Asked Questions about Butterfly Research Centre

Essential visitor information regarding timings, entry tickets, location, nearby attractions, and travel guide in Bhimtal.

The research centre and museum are open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Guided tours are conducted during morning and afternoon sessions.

A nominal entry fee (typically ?100 to ?150 per person) is charged, which includes an informative guided tour by expert naturalists.

It was founded by Frederick Smetacek Senior, an entomologist from the Czech Republic who made Kumaon his home and spent decades studying Himalayan insects.

The collection holds over 2,500 species of butterflies and moths, alongside more than 1,100 species of beetles and other insects.

Yes, the center regularly organizes interactive nature walks and educational insect workshops tailored for school and college groups.

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