Nainital: The Jewel Of The Himalayas

The jewel of the Himalayan range, Nainital, is a beautiful destination in the Kumaon region. Nestled in the outer Himalayan range and enchanted with picturesque destinations, it lies at an elevation of 2084m. Known for its panoramic beauty, Nainital has become a popular choice among friends for weekend itineraries and a nostalgic visit for families. If you are planning to take a break from the daily hectic schedule, the tranquil foothill of the mighty Himalayan ranges is the quintessential destination for you.        

Visit the High Altitude Zoo

The High Altitude zoo reflects a beautiful solitary wildlife of Uttarakhand. Located in the Sher Ka Danda hills, at an elevation of 2100m, the high altitude zoo boasts a quintessential flora and fauna. Covered with rare and ornamental plants and flowers like Oak plants, Barberries, Roses, Hibiscus, Rhododendrons, Acers and Acacias, the lands look pulchritudinous. The zoo also homes the majestic Siberian Tiger, stealthy Snow Leopard, Goral, Tibetian Wolf, and many more. Besides these mighty beasts, flocks of beautiful birds can be seen in this zoo. It is a heaven for every wildlife and photography enthusiast.

Enjoy the Breath-Taking Sunset at Hanuman Garhi

Not far from the hub of Nainital Cottages and resorts, the shrine located at the top of the hill is a place where people find their inner peace. It is not just the Hanuman temple that pervades a divine purity in the air, but also the enchanting and alluring beauty of the panoramic landscape. The destination is considered as one of the most romantic spots in Nainital and attracts tourists from across the country. Coveted for the golden sunset, the destination is always filled with tourists enjoying a beautiful evening.

A Ride in a Ropeway

Enjoy the pristine nature of Nainital from a bird’s eye. Take the famous ropeway ride and catch a glimpse of the entire town melded with scenic beauty. The awe-inspiring journey of passing from peaks to peaks, overlooking the Naini Lake, is truly mesmerizing. As the sun gradually goes down and the sky bleeds out the hues of red and orange, the reflection on the quaint Naini Lake looks surreal.     

Explore Yourself in the Divine Aura of Naini Devi

Naini Devi shrine is the quintessential religious destination for the devotees to find peace. It is considered the religious epicenter of Nainital. You will feel rejuvenated every time you visit there. In addition to the divine aura, the destination is blessed with scenic beauty and pervades a comfortable serene environment.   

The Best Holiday Spots For Families In India

The summer months are here, which means summer vacation time for many families residing in India. Family vacations are an extremely popular concept in India, with many pre-booking their travel tickets and accommodation in popular hill stations and beaches well in advance. India is a massive country with a diverse geography; the country has hills, seas, mountains, deserts and plains all over providing everyone with a perfect getaway.

Some destinations, however, are always popular due to their cultural, aesthetical, and religious appeal. If you are a part of a family looking to set out on a wonderful family trip in India, the following destinations should be considered: 

1. Nainital, Uttarakhand

Easily among top travel destinations in India, Nainital is a paradise, creating an idyllic atmosphere amidst nature’s best. Stay in one of the villas in Nainital to truly experience and enjoy the hillside life to its maximum! Shopping on the famous Mall road, boating in the lake.

2. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Shimla was earlier known as the Summer Capital of the British, for it saw many officers and their families coming to this hill station to get respite from the tropical heat. In today’s time, families too flock to this town for similar joyful experiences. The town is a host to beautiful colonial architecture and religious spaces along nature’s marvels like Chadwick Waterfalls and Kufri for a fun snow adventure.

3. Munnar (Kerala)

One of the most popular hill stations in the South is Munnar. Known for its naturally beautiful sceneries, gorgeous tea farms and a tranquil environment, Munnar becomes a perfect escape for the family to relax in the best ambience the nature has to offer. Families can also indulge in popular adventure activities such as paragliding, jungle safaris, cycling and trekking. The history buffs can also go ahead with visits to the tea factory. 

4. Leh, Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir)

Ladakh is a land of tiny hamlets, beautiful Buddhist monasteries and legendary passes. This place has one of the most scenic landscapes in the country along with some daring adventures. The monasteries, too, present a wonderful visual for the visitors, providing an enchanting atmosphere for everyone to revel in peace. Jeep safari tours and Yak safaris are also extremely popular. Pangong Tso and Tso Mori Ri are two stunning lakes that you must visit; they also form the perfect backdrop for your family photos. 

5. Darjeeling (West Bengal)

The beautiful hill station in West Bengal is renowned around the world for its beautiful views of the mighty Himalayas. Darjeeling is one of the popular destinations for the summer holidays due to scenic tea gardens and round-the-year pleasant weather. Toy train rides are among the top attractions of this place; passengers take this train from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling to witness some of the most beautiful lush green landscapes the nature has to offer. 

What To Pack For Your Next Vacation In The Hills

Summers are here and so is the sun and heat. In no time will the city turn into a kiln and we wouldn't want to get out of the comfort of our air-conditioned confines. That's exactly the time when we should escape to the hills and stay till we can. But going to the hills requires a lot of things to be packed in your suitcase. Read on to know the must haves and don't forget to take them along.

Leather jacket 

Instead of piling multiple layers of woolen clothes, it's better that you carry a leather jacket for you. A single leather jacket will protect you from low temperatures and will also make you look extremely stylish and chic. 

Windcheaters 

When you go up the high mountains, it can get severely cold. The best way to enjoy high altitudes is to carry windcheaters with you. Ensure that it has a hoodie so that it protects from any downpour. 

Mufflers 

A muffler has the quality to not just keep your neck area warm but also glam up otherwise boring sweaters and cardigans. They are available in multiple colors and cloth material adding the much-required pop to your dull woolens. 

Woolen socks 

The more you have them the better it is. Pack at least 2 for each day. It'll help to keep you cost and warm. 

Umbrella 

Nothing's more unpredictable than the weather in the hills. This is mainly due to the proximity of the clouds to the hills. It suddenly starts raining at any moment. But rains should not spoil your fun. An umbrella will not only make sure that your enjoyment doesn't experience a rainy hiccup but also will keep you from getting drenched and consequently falling sick. 

Camera and extra batteries 

Mountains provide for the most beautiful landscapes. It would be a shame to go this far and not click wonderful pictures. So make sure you carry your camera extra batteries and keep charging them at your Nainital Homestay Cottage. 

Also, many times the scenic locations are more than your memory card can hold. So, carry extra storage cards so that there's nothing left uncaptured.

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.  

Planning a vacation in Uttarakhand? Choose a Homestay for a Memorable Stay

City-dwellers desperately long for a vacation to escape the chaotic urban lifestyle. A long vacation in some peaceful hill-station like Nainital or Ranikhet is required to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.     

Most of us tend to the repeat the same monotonous schedule during every vacation like visiting the popular places in the area, staying at a hotel, and going to some popular areas to eat. If you are planning to go for a vacation in coming Christmas and New Year season then make it worthwhile and unique.

Staying at a homestay instead of a hotel can give you a whole together different experience during vacations. These House cottages are increasingly become popular in hill-stations like Manali, Musoorie, and Nanital. Homestay Cottages in Nainital are typically equipped with modern amenities and dedicated staff that makes sure that your entire stay at vacation is worth remembering. 

The biggest perk of staying at a homestay is that you get to experience the local culture closely. Since you actually stay at a local residence, you get to see their culture and lifestyle. Your vacation does not remain just another regular visit to some place, you actually live and breathe the essence of that area. When you go back, you have a bag full of precious memories that you spent with the local people.

Unlike hotels, Homestays have a personal touch t. Since they are run local homeowners you get plenty of individual attention during the entire stay. For instance homestay cottages in Uttarakhand make sure that the guests get a personalized touch during the visit. Spending some quality time with local people will help you blend into the cultural ethos of the place. Some hosts and guests bond so beautifully during vacations that they keep in touch afterward as well.

Another amazing perk of staying at a homestay is the delicious home cooked local food. No matter how good a restaurant is, they can never match the level of deliciousness of the home-cooked local food. The toothsome meals will make your heart crave for it even when you will go back home.   

The advantages of staying at a homestay place are numerous. Besides being economic, it gives you a chance to escape into the simplicity of local culture. The unique sports activities and adventurous trips organized by the homeowners is another icing on the cake. So if you are planning to spend some days in peaceful surroundings, do consider a stay at local homestay cottage.   

5 Best Places to Eat In Nainital

It is no secret that the present year, 2017, is peppered with numerous long weekends. With so many mini-vacations to look forward to, the idea of setting off for the hills is never a bad one. One hill station that remains evergreen throughout the year is the City of Lakes i.e. Nainital.

If you have already made plans for the city, and have decided to relax at one of the many Himalaica luxury cottages in Nainital over the coming long weekend, then make sure to hit all the best places to eat and dine out in the city. Savour the magnificent North Indian and Tibetan cuisines, along with local delicacies such as Aloo Ke Gutke, Ras and Baadi.

Here are four great suggestions for a fine culinary experience in Nainital:

·         Sakley Restaurant

Touted to be the best place for a foodgasm in Nainital, Sakley has exquisite global offerings which form the crux of its delightful menu. From Thai curry to pepper steaks, you can experience a wide range of cuisines here. What’s more, the chocolate pastries served here are absolutely sinful.

·         Machan Restaurant

A popular joint on the Mall Road, Machan offers mouthwatering food to go with its equally mesmerizing ambience. The décor is inspired by the wild, and you can always find your favourite Rogan Josh accompanied by soft music.

·         The Lazy Leopard

Located in perfect isolation near Mallital, the Lazy Leopard is ideal for a great dining experience. You can enjoy international delicacies such as Stroganoff, Turkish wraps and fajitas seated amidst the cover of oak trees and a starry night.

·         Café Chica

Look no further than this quaint little café for a hearty breakfast! Café Chica’s sandwiches, cakes and coffee are heaven on earth!

Of course, if you are staying in a Himalaica Nainital homestay cottage, you can always get food home-delivered. However, there is no better delight than exploring the cozy streets for the perfect culinary experience in the mountain valley.