Where To Take Your Kids For Summer Vacations

Kids love summer vacations. In fact, the best part about school is summer vacations. The entire year is spent eagerly waiting for those 2 months of absolute bliss. There is no pressure of homework, exams and most importantly waking up early. What also makes these holidays exciting is going to exotic and beautiful places. Each year the question of where to go bugs parents a lot and they are transported to a state of a conundrum. If you are one of those people struggling to come up with a place to take their kids to, we’ve listed a couple of them below. Read on to know them 

Nainital 

If you live at a place like Delhi that gets really hot in Summers then heading towards the hills sure sounds like a great plan. And when the place you are heading to is Nainital, nothing gets better than that. Nainital is one of the most beautiful hill stations not just in Uttrakhand but the entire country. It is surrounded by Kumaon hills from all sides providing breathtaking views to the tourists. At the heart of the city lies the Naini Lake. Kids love to boat in it. You can also visit the Naina Devi Temple, Eco Caves, Snow view point etc. Take a Cottage in Nainital for rent to experience Nainital at your own pace. 

Munnar 

If you have explored North India and want to set foot in the wondrous land of the South, then Munnar is your place to be. The entire hill station seems like a painting frozen in time. The tea estates on the mountains provide surreal views. Matupetty Dam, Kundala Damn Lake, Rajamalai National Park, Tata Tea museums are among the few places you must give a visit. Children would love to see the tea making process.  Also, when in Munnar do not give the scrumptious food a miss. You’ll find plenty of homemade chocolate shops in Munnar. Your kids are going to absolutely love this trip. 

Treks To Take This Season Of Late Winter

The Himalayas have become much more accessible than they were 60 years ago. Their beauty is longer confined to being a figment of their imagination. People, not just from India but all over the world travel long distances to witness the Himalayan magnificence for themselves. But there are multiple treks that must be undertaken at a specific time of the year. The season right now is late winter and the long weekend is just around the corner. Going trekking at the most suitable location sounds like a deal. Let’s find out about the 2 best places to trek during this time.   

Deoriatal from March until mid-April or Kedarkantha in April

Though people who’ve seen both these places often argue that it is at its best during snow time, but there’s a big group of trekkers who refute. According to them when the first wave of spring touches the mountains and the green sprouts, the contrast created by the green of the vegetation and the white of the snow looks like a spectacle itself.  

  

Deotrial 

Timing is especially crucial when you are trekking Deoriatal. It should be exactly when the Rhododendrons are in full bloom during and between last week of March and the third week of April. When you’ll lay your eyes down from the Chopta slope or around the lake at Deoriatal, you’ll be mesmerized by the shades of fire the flowers will collectively create. One can see hues of scarlet, vermillion, red and pink and be lost. 

Kedarkantha

If you were fond of fairy tales as a kid and always wanted to witness fairyland, then your search finally ends at Kedarkantha. The trek is especially famous because of its clearings. It is hard to find a similar number of beautiful clearings as they are in Kedarkantha. The clearings are under snow during late winter but grasses around sprout and make for a surreal view.   

One thing to consider is that a trek requires a balance between all faculties and a lot of strength. Don't immediately go on a trek from your busy life. Take a day or two to replenish yourself at a Nainital Cottage and Resort if you are undertaking any of the above-mentioned treks.  

Best Places to Celebrate Holi

Ask Indians about their favourite childhood memories and be rest assured they’ll mention the time they spent playing Holi. The beautiful colours, the water and the company of friends is all what was needed to enjoy the spirit of Holi. But as the years have progressed Holi is no longer the innocent Holi we used to play. There are reports of semen flinging, water filled in condom balloons and what not! So, it is our duty that we protect our children from such dirty experiences and save their Holi from being ruined. The best way out is to take a Holi trip where your entire family can play Holi the way they want.

We’ve picked the best locations where you can celebrate Holi. Read on to know them.

Jaipur 

Jaipur is one of the most well-connected cities. The city is already called the Pink city. It is only fair to celebrate the festival of colours here. There are many hotels that offer special Holi offers too. Spend a day shopping for the colours and pichkaaris at the Bapu and Johari Bazaar. While you are here don’t forget to taste the world famous lassi at the Laxmi Mishtaan Bhandaar. You can even purchase gujiya from here to make your Holi deliciously festive.

Nainital

If you don’t want to celebrate your Holi in a place as urban and warm as Jaipur then one always has the option to go to the Hills. Tucked in the heart of Kumaon Hills lies the old but beautiful town of Nainital. Since Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations of North India chances are it’ll be heavily crowded. It is advised to book a Villa In Nainital and spend time with your family while you apply colours on them and drench them in coloured water.

Kovallam

Kovallam is slowly becoming one of the most preferred travel destinations. And what’s better than playing Holi by the beach. Bonus: You don’t have to worry about water wastage. Havah Beach and Lighthouse beach are relatively less crowded and you can celebrate a more intimate Holi with your loved ones. 

Homestay Resorts: Home, Away From Home

It's just February and it already feels like years have passed since this particular one began. Why so, you may ask?

In big cities, one thing flies Way too fast, and that is time. Stuck in traffic jams and our respective professions, we lose track of time and perspective. Even though it's good that we are keeping ourselves busy and productive, a lot of times this indifference to passing time can create monotony. And we must avoid it at all costs, because monotony gives birth to boredom.

The best solution to this dilemma is travelling. Everyone loves travelling. Arriving at new places, exploring new traditions, absorbing vibrant cultures, trying out new culinary delights - travelling offers all this and much more.

What is even better in today's world is the fact that one can stay away from the hustle-bustle of the city's everyday life because of independent ventures like Himalaica, which provides the best Nainital cottage and resort experiences to the guests. There are many advantages of such home resorts.

1. Privacy

Since we are always surrounded by people and work, everyone nowadays is looking for a bit of solace to think and enjoy. These ventures are perfect for such demands. They offer utmost privacy to their guests at the account of being located in hill stations and other exotic places.

2. Ideal location

Away from the traffic and the crowd of the city, they are usually present at isolated locations like the top of a hill or in the woods - only because they want to provide the most refreshing and untouched experiences to their guests. What is better is that these places usually have a great landscape to admire. Imagine not waking up to horns and screeching of cars.

3. Wildlife 

Usually present in nature's lap, it reminds us of its infinite beauty and how we are all so lucky to behold its magnificence. Nature can be very refreshing and can act like a real stress-buster for people who can't even get an inch of sunlight in the winters of the cities.

4. Homely experience 

Unlike the ostentatious display of expensive hotels and their packed atmosphere, these home resorts have a more widespread area and approach. They are a home, away from home and one finds himself/herself feeling comfortable and rejuvenated in no time.

5. Accessibility

It is very easy to know more about such places because most of them have an online presence. In today's times, when people can't function without their computers and phones, this is an essential attribute. Booking them is easy and researching about them is even easier. All you have to do is browse the website, ask the forum and click away!

So, don't be stuck in a rut. Travel and enjoy. After all, what's better than finding a second home in the middle of hills and clouds?                                                       

Some Upbeat Locations To Be Explored In Nainital

Just like last year, this year is also blessed with many long weekends. Well the irony is while we eagerly wait for these long weekends; seldom do we know what to do there. If you are facing this dilemma right now, we have a solution for you.

Book a nice homestay in Uttarakhand and delve deep within. Nainital offers a lot from nature to us. This is the perfect hill station to plan your weekend and holiday. Apart from what we already know, Nainital is a haven of beautiful places. 

Below are few places that are not mainstream and lesser known attractions in the city of lakes.

Guano Hills: These hills are located in Pangot Village of Nainital. This is a trekker’s paradise and has many trails for long walks. But if you just want close to the nature, you can always follow short trails in these hills. You will get to experience thick forests of bamboo, deodar and thick oak. Some rare animals like black-chinned babbler and grey woodpecker can also please your sight.

St. John in the Wilderness Church: This church is dedicated to St. John and was built in 1844 even during the earthquake in 1905 this structure was unharmed and it still survives in the original form. Built in a neo-gothic fashion the architecture of the church exudes old world nostalgia. This church is popular among the locals and it is one place you need to check out while you are in Nainital.

Sariyatal: While most people know about Naini lake, very few know about the beautiful sariyatal, located almost 5 Km away from the main city. The water of the stream is very cold, so the best thing to do is to enjoy some quiet and tranquil time here. Not much tourists venture out to this spectacular place and it is one of the popular spots among the locals.

These are few sights that you might have not known in Nainital. Apart from these, Nainital’s Homestay cottages are also something that you should try to stay at. One of such places is Himalaica. They have luxurious range of cottages that will give you a different experience while your visit to the City of Lakes.

Nainital—a Place To Relax And Rejoice

Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations of India and a very unique one in all sense. It is a valley located in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas and is famous for the lake located right in the center of the city.

There are small hills all around but the highest peak in the surrounding areas in the Naina Peak after which the town has been named. There are several places to visit while you are in Nainital but visiting all of  them and getting a good hang of the place will require some time.

The best thing to do before visiting the hill station is to book a homestay in Nainital  for the estimated time you are going to spend there.

Jim Corbett National Park is one of the largest tiger reserves in India and a beautiful place to visit. Named after jim Corbett, the park is one of the favorite destinations of people from all over the world who like to see Asian tigers in a safari.

The project -tiger started from this national park and has been the part of Indian heritage, more importantly because tiger also happens to be the national animal of India.  This is one of the most likely places to visit in Nainital and considering how vast it is, there are chances you may have to stay for a little while in Nainital to explore the complete glory of the reserve.

While staying in the town you can always have a cottage in Nainital for rent. This will always suit your expeditions in the town. The area is not only known for the tiger sanctuary but also for its beautiful weather and lush green pine mountains.

One always enjoys a good trek in these areas. Nainital used to be a British hill station which means you will find several heritage spots from empirical times. If you are remotely interested in history of India, this place is amalgamation of both nature and architecture.

Apart from these there is a famous temple of  Naina Devi on the highest peak in Nainital. This is a very popular shrine for Hindus and thousands of pilgrims visit the city every year because of this. Makes your stay in Nainital more memorable and keep time in hand while you visit.

Hill Stations To Visit During New Year’s Eve

2017 was the year of long weekends and it’s no surprise that it is ending with the same.  The idea of spending the NYE in an overcrowded club or cars stuck in traffic jams is not the most exciting. Use the long holiday to your benefit and make way to the hills.

Spend the New Year with your cherished friends and family amidst picturesque mountains.  Read on to know the best places you can go to if you are near the National capital region.

Nainital

A beautiful hill town centered around the Naini lake, Nainital is one of the most popular vacation spots in North India. It surrounded by the surreal Kumaon hill that gives you the most picturesque scenery. Spend your days by visiting the innumerable sightseeing options here like the Himalaya Darshan, snow valley, Tiff and top, Land’s  end etc. Romantic evenings can be spent strolling on mall road and shopping. Our recommendation is to look for Cottage In Nainital For Rent and experience the hills to the fullest.

Manali

A little farther from Delhi as compared to Nainital, this location is nothing short of heaven. Since the new Manali is usually the place where the crowds descend, we recommend staying at Old Manali for a more quaint and peaceful sojourn.

Vashistha bath, Kullu factory, Hadimba Temple, Rohtang pass are a few must-visit places once you are here.  Accomodatio options resembling the Homestays In Uttarakhand are very popular here.You can opt for one if you don’t want to stay at a hotel.

Shimla

Another beautiful and extremely popular hill station is the Himachal Pradesh capital –Shimla. It is also referred as the queen of hills and why wouldn't it be.  Located in the majestic Lesser Himalayas you can’t give this destination a miss. Once here do visit Kufri, Tata Paani, and  Chail’s sanctuary. Mall Road is favorite of anyone visiting this place.

Start packing your bags already. If you are lucky it might even snow. Happy New Year in advance.