Cool place, hot momos, designer candles and lots of adventure -- if this is what attracts you, visit Nainital
Cool place, hot momos, designer candles and lots of adventure -- if this is what attracts you, visit Nainital
Hectic schedules and meeting deadlines had left me exhausted, so I wanted to escape somewhere for a small trip. I had heard a lot about Kausani, which is also called the Switzerland of India, so I decided to leave on a Thursday night by car. 
Religious connection: Divotees at the Golu Temple in Nainitalu00a0
pics/Kumar saurav
Unfortunately the weather was quite bad. It had rained all night and by the time we crossed Bhimtal, it was already 8 am. Our trip was going fine until we reached Bhowali, where a 10 km long jam, the result of landslides, stopped us from going any further. So we decided to head to Nainital instead.
Ready for a retreat?
The hill station has always been bustling with tourists, but that does not take away from its charms. The sporty kinds can go for a trek in the mountains or indulge in a host of adventure activities like paddling, rock climbing, horse riding, trekking and rappelling.
However, you could do what most tourists do and go boating in the placid waters of the Naini Lake. Or take your kids to Nainital zoo and the Eco cave garden. But I had to skip all that this time, simply because it was pouring. So I decided to make the most of it and get soaked in the charm of the hotel. When planning a trip, be sure to carry your umbrella and woollens as you never know when rain gods wish to bless you with the purest water and lower the temperature.
Splurge your soul
For the shopaholics, the hill resort offers several options. You must check out the renowned handloom products and Kumaon woollens for their quality and warmth and loads of candles that are locally produced. The candles are available in captivating colours and delightful designs. There is no dearth of good places to eat - be it mouth-watering north Indian, Chinese or Continental cuisines. Alcohol is served only in top-end hotels.
A must try here is the hot piping tea served in the dhabas and the local herbal chai. Don't forget to relish momos and thupka (noodles, chicken/mutton pieces in a chicken/mutton stock) from the Tibetan market. All local shops in Nainital also offer jams, squashes and juices of local fruits like buransh, plums, apples etc. And one can also pick the purest honey in Nainital.
Go the heritage way
I stayed at a 100-year-old property which was once a bungalow that was converted into a hotel. But it still retains a beautiful old word charm, and combines a tranquil antiquity with luxurious comfort. It reminded me of the bygone era.
Here the interiors are well maintained, with vintage furniture and wooden flooring. Surrounded by
hills on three sides with exotic landscapes and a view of the Naini Lake, the hotel will give you home-cooked
food, peaceful surroundings to make your stay impeccable. It was just some good, old world comfort my
city soul.
How to reach
>> BY train: Ranikhet express (Train Number 5013) departs from Old Delhi Railway Station at 11 PM daily, it reaches Kathgodam (34 km away from Nainital) at 6 AM.
>> By road: One can even drive from Delhi to Nainital (265 kms) in six to seven hours. Or opt for bus services by Haryana roadways, Rajasthan- Roadways or the DTC, UPSRT to Nainital.
Stay: At The Earls Court, Opp Balika Vidhya Mandir, Mallital Nainital
On till: December 30
Ring: 91 5942-236381
Price: Rs 6,555 to Rs 8,555 (two nights and three days)
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