Our travel goals diary this year led us to Nainital, far away from this scorching heat where winter still had a residual presence. We suggest flying in; to save on the tiresome seven hours road journey and you could do a lot more fun things with that time you save in transit.
So, here’s what we did and what you can do too, on your next trip to the eccentric city of gorgeous mountain peaks.
We didn’t have to go through the hustle of looking for a cab as we already had one waiting for us at the airport {thanks to our booking at the Shervani Hilltop}. In two hours, we reached the resort from Pantnagar, unloaded our bags and checked into one of the premium rooms. The lush green surrounding, cool breeze and the beautiful view of the mountain, had a very calming influence. And even though, the property is flowing with modern amenities, somehow, structurally at least, it resonates of the old-world charm. This, by the way, is Kumaon region’s first garden boutique resort, which means that you can sip on a glass of cold one, at the courtyard bar, feeling small underneath the daunting peaks.
#LBBTip: Air India operates one flight from Wednesday to Sunday to Pantnagar and the transit from the airport to Shervani Hilltop will already be taken care off because they have a free pick and drop service.
We were about to raid our mini-bars, but better sense prevailed, and we chose to indulge in some local sight-seeing. We booked ourselves a visit to the Corbett National Park {from the hotel} and spent the day overlooking our shoulders in the forest {hehe}. And as much as we want to say that we patted a tiger, the magnificent creature eluded us all day. That’s not to say it wasn’t a good chase. We came back to our hotels around 7pm and went straight to bed.
We started early the next day and headed to Raj Bhawan {only on request} where a green expanse welcomed us. This, we think, should be on your to-do list when in Nainital.
Coming back we had an epiphany as to why people in hills are always smiling because we were too and it had to do something with the mountain air. We spent the next few hours at the resort, playing Xbox {sad, we know}, table tennis and badminton. The short Nature walk we took is something we still miss the most. Then we headed to Nainital and got off at the Mall road.
#LBBTip: If you don’t feel like stepping out early morning, then you can sign up for yoga classes between 6am to 8am with Shervani’s concierge.
Do what everyone else is doing, its super fun. Walk the length of Mall road, take a boat ride in the Naini lake, visit the temple, shop at the Bhutia market, eat momo at Sonam {inside the Bhutia market, towards the end}, sate the sweet cravings at the Sakley’s Mountain café {they are in Delhi now as well} and take the ropeway to the Snow View {for a magnificent sight of the Trishul range}
If you are looking for more adventure, head to Naukuchiatal for paragliding.
Yes, like all good things, this vacation did come to an end. But not before we had a long chat with the mini bar. Our last evening at the resort was pretty special as it included live music and barbecue with bonfire. We sang our hearts out and we are pretty sure our voices are still echoing in the valley.
Did we put Nainital back on your bucket list? Book your stay here.