Gem of the Himalayas: Nainital
Nainital Lake, resplendently known as Naini Lake which is the major attraction of Naini town as well of the Uttarakhand. And also Surrounded by sweeping seven hills i.e., Ayarpata, Devpata, Hanibani, China, Alma, Ladiya-kanta & Sher-ka-danda. There are many lakes like, Bhimtal Lake, Kamal Lake, Garud Lake, Sattal Lake, Sariyata Lake, Khurpatal Lake, Naukuchiatal Lake, but Nainital Lake is a favorite spot among romantic travelers around the world. It is one of the most sought lakes in India.
I always have a love for hill stations. The lofty Himalayan Mountains range, with their magnificent snow-capped peaks and green croft, standing tall in silence always attracts me. When I got the opportunity for a trip to Nainital, I readily accepted it. The magical charm of lakes was a bonus with the beauty of mountains.
Nainital, the City of Lakes at the heart of Kumaon Himalayas in Uttarakhand which is popularly known as one of the most gorgeous hill stations in India. The scenic landscapes with emerald-green lakes surrounded by mountains and pleasant weather throughout the year-round attract tourists from all across the country. Nainital District is also popularly called the ‘Lake District of India’, as it consists of several naturally created freshwater lakes and mountains. Tal means ‘lake’ in the local language.
We stayed in Dhanuli, a budget resort with a strategic location ensuring quick access to the town’s mall as well as spacious rooms overlooking the Naini Lake. The boat pier was clearly visible on the right side from the hotel’s open-air gallery. We reached the hotel, needed a shower, and then lunch. After that, we set out to explore Naini.
Naini Lake
While traveling to a hill station, it is obvious that you want to enjoy some privacy with your family. Surrounded by seven lusty hills, this lake has a stunning view. This pear-shaped lake attracts lots of tourists throughout the year. People come here to enjoy the serenity, to go boating, yachting, and even paddling in the lake. While you are here, do not miss the deadly combo of paddling and engrossing sunset view.
Sattal Lake
Nainital, the city of lakes has a cluster of some attractive lakes. Sattal Lake is one of them, it is an interconnected group of seven freshwater lakes stumbling in the lower Himalayan range. The view of this beautiful lake surrounded by the Himalayan peaks, pine, and oak trees, having eye-catching bungalows at its extreme ends along with artistic churches is quite a magnetizing sight.
Corbett falls
The waterfall is one of the most pretty as a picture of nature and in Nainital, you can experience this at Corbett fall. Corbett falls is a charming natural beauty in the midst of the wild. It is a perfect place for a picnic, a habitation where you can enjoy nature’s wilderness, exotic wildlife, and waterfall view while munching on food for a couple of goals.
With luxuriant mountains all around and the cool mountain breeze kissing your neck every now and then, this hill town offers the perfect setting to unwind and relax your senses as you float top to the boat in the scenic lake.
Well-liked locations for boating in and around Nainital:
- Naini Lake
- Bhimtal Lake
- Sattal Lake
Camp Kyari — Live Inside the Natural Beauty
Staying in the jungle unspoiled the natural beauty at Camp Kyari. Located in Kumaon Village, Camp Kyari is an elaborate camping ground at advancement of 2,800 ft. It is the perfect spot for camping in Nainital to discover Uttarakhand’s natural wildlife in their natural habitat. There, you get to stay in luxurious tents, savor the taste of fresh, handmade food, and enjoy well-guided ventures like swimming, rappelling, rock climbing, mountain biking, trekking, and more.
Facilities:
Proper & comfortable bedding, speedy room service, garden dining, generator backup, car stop, well-furnished restaurant, professional activity instructors & trekking consultant, first aid attendance & Doctor on call, the camp vehicle for an emergency, jungle trekking, bird watching, sightseeing, night safari, horse riding, bonfire & music.
What are the best adventurous things to do in Nainital?
- Camping
- Paragliding
- Rock Climbing
- Trekking
- Mountain biking & many more
Shopping
Although you are traveling on a budget, shopping is INESCAPABLE.
For me, shopping is a part of traveling, particularly in a place like Nainital where you’ll find so many things which are worth buying.
The mall road is lined with stores offering woolens, candles, handcrafts, and ornaments. There were trendy woolen caps, scarves, ponchos, and jackets for kids, women, and men. Prices for women’s caps range from ₹100 to ₹500 depending on the knit quality and design of the items.
Eatery
After shopping, we had some snacks (Aloo Tikki with khulce) and a cup of hot chocolate from a street food corner. There is no inadequacy of food conduits in Nainital — from full-service multi-cuisine restaurants to small street-side food stalls there is something for every budget.
If you want to savor a cup of coffee and with some light snack in the afternoon while enjoying the view of Naini Lake, Café Coffee Day(CCD), which is one of my favorites on the Mall Road would be the right place.
The over-all experience was good enough, it was a safe trip for me and my family, we enjoy it a lot there and now I can say that this trip is memorable and full of adventurous, dream-like experiences. Just like every good thing has an end, our Nainital exploration came to an end and we left the very next morning.
I would like to propound that Nainital is the best place for a family vacation trip or for honeymoons, as what I experienced there. So, guys don’t simply misspend your vacation trip by going anywhere else, come here for once and explore yourself.
