Nainital, India's lake district, is a favourite among honeymooners. Tunali Mukherjee helps you discover this magical hill station, with itsu00a0 lakes, himalayan views and jungle escapes

Dubbed the Lake District of India, Nainital is a hill station with romance floating in the air. At an altitude of 6,358 feet above sea level, Nainital is nestled in the Kumaon mountain ranges of the Himalayas.



This vantage location ensures Nanital commands magnificent views from its surrounding peaks. Set in a valley and defined by the pear-shaped Naini Lake, picturesque, sights and sounds are for the taking at every road bend and corner.

Lack side love
The Naini Lake is flanked by hills on all sides. During the day, you can opt for yachting, boating and paddling, which are offered by the many local operators around the Lake. Cottages and resorts on its banks make for a perfect evening to relax and enjoy the delicacies rolled out by its master chefs, as the sun goes down. At night, the Naini Lake dons a character of its own, as it creates the perfect setting to celebrate and unwind by the calm waters, under the moonlight. The other lakes in the district including Sat Tal (seven lakes) and Bhim Tal, are unique in their own way. Similar in setting, each offer a luxurious experience make for a heady combination of nature and romance.

Outdoors appeal
Those who enjoy trekking through forests will soon realise why Nainital was the undisputed favourite summer resort for the British. Lush green forests entice the nature lover with the lure of a rendezvous with exotic birds and animals, under the shade of thick foliage of teak trees. The Jim Corbett National Park (63km south-west of Nainital) named of the world-famous missionary of wildlife, is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, including the Indian mongoose, black buck, leopards, eagles and if lucky, a tiger.

Book a personalised package that include excursions through the National Park to you enjoy the spectacular sanctuary at your leisure. Better still; hitch a ride atop an elephant to take the experience a notch higher.
If you've had enough of Nainital and wish to explore its surroundings even further, you won't be disappointed.

The Kalagarh Dam (23km) is famous among bird watching enthusiasts, Ranikhet (54km), a hill station provides for a breathtaking view of the Indian Himalayas while the Garjia Temple hosts an annual fair during Karthik Poornima. Mukteshwar (35km) houses an old Shiva temple surrounded by coniferous forests and orchards.

Kausani, often called the Switzerland of India, lies around 120km from Nainital and is a quieter option, with fewer crowds and less of a commercial character. Known for its verdant snowy landscape, a trip to Kasauni is sure to be etched in your memory.

How to reach
>> Nainital is in the heart of Uttaranchal and is about 310km from Delhi. It is accessible by road and train. The nearest railhead, at Kathgodam, is 34km from Nainital.

Where to stay
>> Indulge in the luxuries of nature by booking a room with a view along the lakes of Nainital. Thanks to the number of lakes, tourists are spoilt for choice when it comes to rooms with a serene lake-facing view or other scenic locales at a distance.

>> Arif Castle, The Pavilion, Evelyn Hotel, Hotel City Heart, Palace Belvedere are some of the varied options you could check out, depending on your budget.