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.