Nainital Lake Retreat

Cradled in a valley at 1,938 metres above sea level, Nainital is built around the emerald-green Naini Lake, a natural crescent-shaped body of water surrounded by seven forested hills. This classic Kumaon hill station has been a favourite family retreat for generations, offering a delightful mix of natural beauty, colonial heritage, and lakeside charm.

A paddle-boat ride across Naini Lake is the quintessential Nainital experience — the still waters reflect the surrounding hills like a mirror, and the colourful boats bobbing at the Tallital end make for a perfect photograph. Take the aerial ropeway to Snow View Point for a jaw-dropping panorama of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and the greater Himalayan range stretching across the horizon.

The bustling Mall Road offers everything from handmade candles at the famous Nainital Candle House to steaming plates of bal mithai and singodi from Kumaoni sweet shops. For a quieter afternoon, wander through the Eco Cave Garden or hike up to Tiffin Top for a bird's-eye view of the lake and the town below.