Nainital

Known as the ‘Lake District of India’, Nainital is a tourist attraction for both adventurers and seekers. Famous for its lakes and its picturesque location, Nainital is the perfect summer retreat for those wishing to escape the unbearable summers of north India. Besides being a tourist hotspot, Nainital is also famous for its education, be it St. Joseph’s College, or Birla Vidya Mandir, or even the renowned Sherwood College, famous for giving illustrious celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Kabir Bedi, Manish Pandey, Majo Nath Sharma, and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.

The name Nainital means ‘The Lake of the Eye’, which traces its origins back to the ancient mythology when one of the charred remains of Goddess Sati had fallen down here, apparently the eye. No wonder why Nainital also houses one of the Shakti Peeths in India, i.e. Naina Devi.

Nainital offers many specialities for shopping ranging from branded goods to locally produced apparels and products. The biggest market in Nainital is the Mall Road market which is usually crowded. The street has a long chain of shops located on the bank of Naini lake. Tibetan market or Bhoti Market is another popular marketplace especially known for its scarfs, women clothing and shawls.

One of the most popular things to buy in Nainital is the wax candles which became a favourite memoir after the establishment of a flourishing wax industry in the 90s. If you want an excellent shopping experience for food and clothing, Bara Bazaar in Mallital offers you a diverse range and pocket-friendly prices. Don’t forget to try the roadside bhel puri in around the market; it’s every shopper’s favourite!

The rocky landscape of Nainital makes it a home for some of the most energised adventure sports among which trekking is a popular choice for travellers. Naina Peak is one of the most preferred treks which offers a six to seven hours of rigorous trekking experience and an achieving height of 2611 meters. The striking foot trail is surrounded by think confers and is a beloved place by birdwatchers. The location is a home for various bird species such as Sunbirds and Himalayan Griffon Vultures.

Another popular spot is the Tiffin Top Trek, a short trek with spectacular action and luxurious natural experience. It is a 3-kilometre trail that is often started early morning for the tourists so that they can enjoy the campfire on the base at dusk. The Snow View and Camel’s back trekking circuit are other popular options to indulge in the tranquil air of Nainital.

Nainital being a popular tourist spot, houses a flattering variety of cuisines from North Indian, Chinese, Continental, Italian to Thai, Tibetan and the local cuisines of Uttarakhand. Hence, you can enjoy popular Indian delicacies like Dal Makhani, Tandoori Roti, Naan, Paneer dishes as well as savour a number of continental delicacies. The local cuisine can be equally mouth-watering with preparations like Ras (a dish made with several dals), Baadi, Bhatt ki Churkani, Aloo ke Gutke (a spicy preparation of boiled potatoes, Arsa (a sweet dish), Gulgula (a sweet snack) and lots more.