Nainital Diaries: A Family Adventure in the Lap of the Himalayas

This summer vacation, my family and I hopped onto the Amritsar - Lal Kuan Junction express train from Chandigarh, embarking on an unforgettable journey to the enchanting town of Nainital. As the train chugged along, we were treated to a picturesque panorama that was nothing short of a moving painting.

Our arrival at Lal Kuan Junction marked the end of one journey and the beginning of another. A cab ride under the moonlit sky, with the silhouette of the majestic mountains for company, was nothing short of mesmerizing. Our abode for the trip was the Rio Grande hotel, where we retired for the night, eagerly awaiting the adventures the next day had in store.

Waking up to the breathtaking view of the Nainital mountains was a sight to behold. The cool climate, the light drizzle, and the subsequent clear weather set the perfect tone for our first day of exploration. From the misty Lover's Point to the scenic Maggie Point, every moment was a photo opportunity waiting to happen.

The Sariyatal was a playground of fun activities, with water rolling being the star attraction. The waterfall might have been a bit of a letdown, but the beautiful hike more than made up for 50 bucks we paid for it. The amusement park was a riot of laughter and joy, with the car ride being the unanimous favorite. There were many other activities too like go carting, ziplining etc.

The serene boat ride on Nainital lake, with the stunning mountains as the backdrop, was a moment of tranquility amidst the day's excitement. The local cuisine at a quaint restaurant on Mall Road was a gastronomic delight, followed by a leisurely stroll through the bustling streets.

Day two started on an unexpected note with a traffic jam, but we made the most of it, enjoying the pleasant weather and each other's company. Our explorations took us to the other side of Nainital, with Saat Taal being our first stop. The local crafts at the market were a shopper's paradise, offering beautiful Kani and Aari work clothes at reasonable prices.

The "Do Baati" restaurant served us a delicious Kumaoni meal that was worth every minute of the wait. We ordered Marwe ki Roti, Kumaoni Kadhi, Kumaoni Kappa and Kumaoni chhole and they all were super yum! 

The Hanumangarhi temple was a spiritual oasis, radiating peace and tranquility. The Shikara ride at Nakuchiyatal and the paddle boat ride to the Aquarium Island cafe at Bhimtal were experiences straight out of a fairy tale.

As our Nainital adventure drew to a close, we bid adieu to the beautiful town, carrying with us a treasure trove of memories. The train ride back home was a time of reflection, reliving the wonderful moments we had experienced. In the end, our Nainital trip was not just a journey, but an unforgettable adventure that will be etched in our hearts forever.