Ruchira takes us on a tour of the hill station, Nainital. A Different Truths exclusive.

I was thrilled. Five months into our married life, my husband broke the news: we were going to Nainital for our delayed honeymoon. I was more elated when he divulged that we would be in Nainital for my birthday. I was literally over the moon: Oh, to spend an entire week away from a joint family set up, garrulous, cackling women and imperious men folk; to spend a few blissful days amidst natural surroundings. My eagerness knew no bounds!

On a blistering evening in May we took a night bus to Nainital and arrived in the famous hill town early next morning. I was mesmerised by the panorama that was unfolding before me:  rows and rows of verdant hills, draped in mantles of coniferous trees, one could also see pretty edifices with colourful, thatched, tin roofs, church spires and belfries, piercing the green cover at places.

The jewel in the crown, the star attraction of this hill resort – the elliptically shaped lake – lay down below, with sunbeams shimmering on its dark waters.

The town built at several levels appeared well-connected by serpentine macadamized roads, streets, and lanes; some parts looked crowded and dingy – with hundreds of hotels and lodges jostling with each other for space as well as customers. The jewel in the crown, the star attraction of this hill resort – the elliptically shaped lake – lay down below, with sunbeams shimmering on its dark waters.  A feast to the eyes!

Nainital was a favourite haunt of the Britishers during the Raj. No wonder that

several prestigious residential schools and educational institutions flourished here. Some parts of the town still retain the aura of the Raj, though its grandeur has slightly diminished with the passage of time. The picturesque bungalows set amidst sprawling gardens, buildings with colonial architecture, and numerous majestic churches transport visitors to a bygone era.

Those who are interested in trekking may go up to the Naina Peak.

Nainital caters to all categories of travellers: the leisurely and laidback as well as the bold and adventurous. Those who are interested in trekking may go up to the Naina Peak (aka Cheena Peak). Located 2615 metres above sea level is perpetually thronged by trekking enthusiasts. The peak affords some breathtaking views of the entire valley.

 We visited another landmark of Nainital: Tiffin Top also known as Dorothy’s Seat). The spot offers a magnificent 360-degree view of the entire town and the nearby mountains. The place is named after a British painter (local resident) Dorothy Kellet, who loved to paint here, enthralled by the ethereal beauty, which she saw all around her – the place must have been prettier in the days long ago. It is a veritable paradise for shutterbugs and amateurs as well. We rode ponies up to Dorothy’s Seat. It was interesting to watch the docile creatures nimbly making their way up – negotiating curves and bends, occasionally munching on the greens growing on the hillsides bordering our paths – without a care in the world!

The ropeway (cable car) ride to Snow View turned memorable for us. Through the glass panes, we caught a diagonal view of the entire region, lolling beneath, like a supine creature.

A visit to Snow View was next on the agenda. Towering above the city, it provides yet another enchanting spectacle of the lovely lake hemmed in by the rows upon rows of houses. The ropeway (cable car) ride to Snow View turned memorable for us. Through the glass panes, we caught a diagonal view of the entire region, lolling beneath, like a supine creature. For the fraction of a moment, it was as if we were close to Heaven!  Bemused, in a trance-like state, we sat quietly and gazed; not a single word escaped our lips.

Land’s End was another spot we didn’t want to miss. Like all other elevated locations, it too provides wondrous views of this jewel of Kumaon. Ample scope for capturing charming views with your camera.

The placid Naini lake is the crowning glory of Nainital. Quiet in its beauty, it appears enveloped by a pall of an enigma. What secrets lie hidden within its depths? Nobody will ever know. We find copious references to beautiful Nainital (read the lake) in short stories, novels, and flicks. Tagore’s Shesher Kobita (the last poem) and the Rajesh Khanna starrer Kati Patang are two good examples.

For those who wish to have an off-beat holiday here,  there are plenty of hiking trails nearby; ambling through meadows and glades, the azure sky above, sunbeams filtering down through towering conifers…

For those who wish to have an off-beat holiday here,  there are plenty of hiking trails nearby; ambling through meadows and glades, the azure sky above, sunbeams filtering down through towering conifers, crunch of dried fallen leaves, while  you walk over them, and above all the tranquility that pervades all – an out-of-this-world experience for sure!

Photos from the Internet