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.

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.  

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. 

PLAN YOUR NEXT WEEKEND GETAWAY TO NAINITAL

Whenever we are blessed with a long weekend, we all wish to get some peace and respite from the scorching heat. The hills are the perfect place to go, sit back and relax. They are serene and breezy. They are also very picturesque, perfect to flood your Instagram with.

Nainital, a small hill station located in Uttarakhand is an ideal location to spend your next long weekend with family or friends. Here are a few things you can do while you are there.

• VISIT THE LAKE

Nainital is called the Lake City because it is surrounded by lakes all around the city. Naukuchiyatal (Lake with 9 corners), Bhimtal (with the small island in the middle of the lake) and Sattal (there are 7 lakes in this area), Khurpatal (the hoof-shaped lake) are must see places around Nainital. You can rent a boat on the lake or sit by the lakeside and bask in the mountain sun for hours.

• LIVE IN A COZY COTTAGE

Himalaica Nainital homestay cottages are perfect for a laid back holiday and they feel just like home. You can feel the first ray of the sun while sipping on a cup of coffee in your balcony, look out the window at snow-capped mountains and take in some fresh breeze.

• VISIT SNOW VIEW

Snow View is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nainital. This place is a small fun park which is perfect to spend some quality time with family. You can also see the snow-clad Himalayan range on a clear day.  A cable car/ropeway can be taken to reach there.

• EAT TO YOUR HEART’S CONTENT

There are many street side outlets as well as fine dine restaurants in Nainital that you can visit. If you have taken a Himalaica cottage in nainital for rent, you can also go for home delivery. Binge on some savoury momos and thukpa from the Tibetan market or satisfy your sweet tooth at Sakley’s Restaurant and Pastry Shop. With such a wide variety, you will definitely return from this vacation with a happy tummy!