By Rashmi Goyal

Are you an India buff languishing around some hotel in Delhi secretly wishing for an awesome journey of awakening to suck you in like quick sand? Having resolved to embrace the vagaries of nature, are you  seeking to be swept away by a mystic India tour,  seeking an inner courage, confidence and silent spiritual strength while leaving behind all that was familiar. Then let your footprints map the length and breadth of India – a land that has been home to an ancient and highly advanced civilization flourishing for more than 9,000 years. At every footstep you find decent accommodation.

India is home to a colorful mixture of people speaking 18 different languages and 850 dialects. India is the envy of the world as no other country, even continent, has so many different people living and working together.  Start from your Delhi hotel to travel just 250 km to the banks of the Ganges at Haridwar and take part in the Harki Pauri Arti (Ceremony of Lamps). For thousands of years, Hindus have gathered here to pay their respects to revered river Goddess Ganga.

(left) Mansarovar Lake – 18,000 feet above seal level

Continue north to the mountain village of Sripur, famous for its grand shrine, Kamleshwar Muth.  Continue into the Himalayas to the revered Badrinath Temple at 11,300 feet. Trek through the Himalayas, home to 92 of the 94 tallest peaks in the world! Crossing a pass at 18,000 feet reach the sacred peak of Mount Kailash and the holy shores of Mansarovar, the source of four mighty Indian rivers – Indus, Brahmaputra, Karnali and Sutlej.

Negotiate the deepest gorge in the world cut by the Kali Gandki between Dhaulagiri and Nilgiri in the Annapurna Mountain range. Eventually reach Muktinath at 12,500 feet, where an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu gloriously stands to this day, encircled by 108 waterspouts. Many an enlightened soul embarked on an inner journey here, performing austerities in rare yogic postures for years, growing older and wiser.

Descend from the mountains, passing through peaceful villages, through a land adorned with grand monuments, palaces and relics of stone, exploring Indian architecture and its paradise of styles, forms and shapes.

Head through the rainforests of Assam, the jungles of Sunderbans to the shores of Jagannath Puri in Orissa, where the annual Rath Yatra (Festival of Chariots) is celebrated. Every year, for thousands of years, millions of pilgrims flock here to pull the chariot of Lord Jagannath. A conch shell blows along with boisterous clanging of plates. Hundreds pull the chariot with four massive ropes. Pilgrims cheer, sing, dance, and throw vermillion into the air. An awesome sight of thousands in a sea of colors fills your vision.

Rameshwaram Temple

Follow the eastern coastline to arrive in South India at the 12th century Rameshwaram Temple which has 1,212 pillars and a stone corridor 1.2 km long. Go through the temple towns of South India and backwaters of Kerala to end your journey at village Loj in Gujarat. It’s back to Delhi then, having covered 12,000 km in effect for the awakening – to courage, confidence, love, truth, and tolerance – the essence of Indian culture and the greatest gift India offers the world!

(on right ) Kerala backwaters

Hotels in Delhi will have an in house travel help desk that will make you  become part of any great cultural event of India, at any time, at any spot . So go ahead and get your awakening itinerary organized by the experts.

By Rashmi Goyal

Have you landed in one of those unforeseen situations where you suddenly have an ad hoc mini vacation at hand and not knowing what to do with these precious few days that have all of a sudden landed in your lap?  Kids are thrilled to bits, spouse is charmed – now question is which hotel in Delhi to suddenly land at?  Well you can have even your weekend getaway tailor made to specification.  Experts customizing itineraries to suit your interest, time and budget will do it for you. You can have the most fun filled time arranged on spot within the blink of an eye. And there are great hotels to stay at no matter what your budget.

When looking for short breaks and weekend breaks, you need to make sure the  hotel meets your requirements as there are so many different types of hotels in the city. In your search for the right one, keep in mind you should be able to view pictures and read descriptions of the room and services before you make that crucial booking. Some are stylish and luxurious, others a little less luxurious but still great places to stay in. Splashing out on your stay means rooms with flat screen televisions, king-size beds, views from the patio.

Even if you’re on a budget there is still a range of hotel rooms to choose from that will provide a comfortable bed as well tea/ coffee facilities in the morning. Your days are going to be fun-filled with plenty to do for all members of your family, young or old and whatever they want to do. If you are planning your family getaway looking for something new and exciting, unique and rewarding for everyone in the family, then a great family getaway would be at a theme park or water park.

There are numerous theme parks and water parks in and around Delhi. Some even have a hotel on their premises where a family can easily hang around on the all important family budget quite decently and get all the fun and frolic without worrying about over spending.

Theme parks, amusement parks and water parks are fairly recent in the hospitality industry which is developing faster than the pace at which computer tech evolved.  Along with the usual rides, candy floss and other yummy things to feast on, fun filled games etc, there usually are on offer different economical packages as well.  Don’t hesitate to inquire at your Delhi hotel about family packages – nearly every hotel in Delhi has a travel help desk that will organize fabulous family weekend getaway packages for you .

By Rashmi Goyal

The splendor of Agra city remains undiminished – from the massive Agra Fort to the magnificent Taj Mahal. Agra’s attractions begin and end with an extraordinary collection of Mughal monuments. The Same Day Taj Mahal Tour takes you to awesome Agra  and back the same day via train. Your well informed guide will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to New Delhi Railway Station where you board the air-conditioned Shatabdi Express at 6.10 AM. Tuck in a wholesome breakfast on the train.

Reach Agra city at 8:10 AM where our car will pick you up at the railway station. The same car will later accompany you to popular attractions in your

Same Day Taj Mahal Tour.

Your touring begins with a visit to the exquisite 16th century Agra Fort where you  witness Mughal architectural glory. The complex showcases many fascinating buildings, a myriad royal apartments, courtyards and mosques, which are a conglomeration of different cultures of the Mughal period.

Next on the agenda is a trip to the tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah, often regarded as a template for the Taj Mahal!  On the menu is a sumptuous theme lunch.

Now for the crowning glory, the wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal! The great architectural marvel has marble work with intricate carvings. The Taj Mahal has elicited awe and astonishment for four and a half centuries. However many photographs you’ve seen of it, the reality never fails to overwhelm. The Taj is most alluring in the early morning hours, shrouded in mist and bathed with a soft red glow. As its vast marble surfaces fall into shadow or reflect the sun, its color changes from soft grey and yellow to pearly cream and dazzling white.

After thoroughly enjoyable sightseeing, you will be transferred to the railway station at 8:20 PM to board the Shatabdi Express train back to Delhi. Relish dinner on board the train.

Same Day Taj Mahal Tour by Car

You can also have the Same Day Taj Mahal Tour arranged by car, including an informative guide. Our car picks you up from any required spot in Delhi and you will be chauffeur driven toAgra. The journey takes about 4-5 hours.

Upon arrival you will be introduced to your Go Heritage India Journeys guide, who will take you to all the famous tourist spots ofAgra. This includes magnificent Agra fort and tomb of Itmad-ud-Daulah.

For lunch our guide will escort to you to a lavish venue for a sumptuous meal. Later in the afternoon you reach the Taj Mahal. View the timeless beauty of the Taj at the light of dawn and dusk.

Agra is also famous for its marble tabletops, vases and trays, inlaid with semiprecious stones in ornate floral designs. Agra’s shoe industry supplies entire India and exports bags, briefcases and jackets. Carpets and durries and traditional embroidery is thriving

Finally in the evening its back to Delhi.  The Same Day Taj Mahal Tour will enthrall you with charming beauty and leave you with a solid sense of satisfaction, of value for money as well! Before embarking on the car journey back, you can also get the pleasure of a brief tour to the Tomb of Emperor Akbar at Sikandra if you wish. You will return to Delhi at about 2200 hrs.

By Rashmi Goyal

So many travel articles seem to focus on the tourist experience of coming to India. Few focus on the Indian travel experience . Here’s my bit about my Delhi visit and stay in this great city.

(left) – A budget hotel room in Delhi

Have you ever stayed at a hotel in Delhi? It can be quite an experience. There are excellent hotels in the city, which as per statistics number thousands now, These have, over the last decade acquired a reputation of providing regal hospitality making your stay in the city a delight. Here luxury and budget go hand in hand. The moment I stepped into the lobby of my pre-booked hotel in Delhi this was totally verified.

(right image ) – a budget hotel room in New York City

Some years ago I had stayed at a couple of hotels in New York. Looking back I can honestly say that the service and facilities of the hotels I stayed there at, were the same as those of the Delhi hotels I have stayed at – efficient, elegant and quite comfortable. The hotel staff were equally courteous, I stayed at both a budget hotel in New York as well as a mid-range slightly on the higher side hotel.

(left) – a motel in concord, california i stayed at

I have stayed at a luxury hotel in Delhi for one night after a long flight from San Francisco to Delhi – and I’ve stayed at a cheap motel in the San Francisco bay area as well -  which is the equivalent of a 2 or 3 star hotel in Delhi.  I found no difference in the services and facilities really in term of quality, courteousness – even pricing was comparable between each of their equivalents in both cities.

(right) – a luxury budget hotel in new york city

And this was nearly two decades ago when the travel & tours and hospitality industry had not yet witnessed the unprecedented boom of the last decade, not just in India but the world over.

(left) – my room at a luxury budget Delhi hotel

Coming back to the last hotel in Delhi I stayed at, which I managed to reach in spite of earnest cajoling on part of the taxi-driver that he will take me to “the best hotel in Delhi instead “ –  but I made it to mine! Arriving at 2 a.m in the morning I was greeted with some heavenly piping hot complimentary coffee. Super quick check-in, an even quicker luggage deposit at my room – I blinked to realize its all over, coffee sipped in sleepy bliss, I slept like a baby – no satanic knocking for room service or house-keeping till I woke up a good 9 hours later. A courteous call and half an hour later – breakfast the way I like it. And so it went on the remainder of my stay.

Though I had come for a crucial business meet – the car rental arranged by the hotel was SO convenient. I also managed a sneak visit to Agra to fulfill my long standing dream to swoon at the Glory of the Taj Mahal. Again the hotel staff arranged a neat one day sojourn – I was amazed at how quickly and efficiently it was all over. So next time you head for Delhi, make sure to book a room, whether a luxury or economy hotel in Delhi, well in advance to get the most out of your stay in this great city.

By Rashmi Goyal

Hospitality is witnessing a spurt in tourists seeking a Spa in Delhi hotels, even at luxury budget hotels. After a tedious journey like a long flight or train ride, or after an exhilarating whirlwind tour, soothing massage of tired muscles and tender nourishing skin care is a great stress reliever. If you’ve been working too hard or partying too hard or are in the grips of jet lag after a long flight, go ahead and exult in some de-tox and pampering at a spa in Delhi hotels. Or get that perfect cosmetic makeover for the great evening out. And who doesn’t indulge in lazy, sensual lolling around to chill out once in a while just fro the pleasure of it. Enjoy a body massage, facial, manicure, pedicure, sauna, steam room and work outs at the gym. Spa in Delhi hotels offer popular weekend vacation packages and bridal packages as icing on the cake.

The ever popular massages range from Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Swedish to Thai massage techniques. Reflexology or zone therapy is popular. This involves stimulating points on the hands and feet believed to be beneficial to body and mind. Design contour using anti-ageing body treatments to generate heat and circulation is also becoming fashionable. Men and women alike love the peace and tranquility of a few hours spent at a spa in Delhi hotels .

The Ayurvedic Spa at Hotel Clark Heights is among the well known Spa in Delhi hotels. A sensual massage or any other spa treatment has become an ‘in’ thing nowadays. And Ayurveda, like yoga, is now a household word and needs no introduction. At Hotel Clark Heights we blend holistic self-healing therapies practiced in Ayurveda as well as oriental therapies with the rejuvenating qualities of water, a hallmark of our spa in Delhi hotels. Besides natural rejuvenation and authentic beauty enhancement therapies at the treatment room and couples suite, a healthy dose of yoga, meditation, lobby massages, wraps, scrubs, body polishing, face treatment and hydrotherapy are available. And if you think a spa in Delhi hotels may be out of your reach, think again. Our Services range from $25 – $200.

Our Special Packages comprise spa cum accommodation packages ranging from $300 -$600. These include a variety of spa massages and Ayurvedic treatments as well as special finger licking foods.
You can also enjoy relaxing and rejuvenating spa and ayurvedic Spa therapies  in North India, on your tour to Taj Mahal Hotel New Delhi, booked by Spa Ayurveda India.

“The Spa at Hotel Clark Heights is waiting to give you pleasure”  Wellness symbolizes a healthy body and relaxed mind.  We have exclusive wellness packages available to all our guests and visitors alike, along with state of the art equipment. Come soothe your mind and tired muscles within a cozy cocoon of personalized service in privacy and exclusivity. Our working hours are Monday through Sunday from 6:30a.m to 10:30p.m. (Take advantage of our traditional, luxurious and affordable day spa (* spa membership only)

By Rashmi Goyal

The old cliché that to see the ‘real’ India one has to hop onto the rails contains an element of truth. Since a sizeable portion of the population lives in villages and small towns, whatever tour you opt for once at a Delhi hotel of your choice, whether rural or mystic India or heritage or any other, the cliché is reinforced.

Railways in India a way of life . A staggering 18 million people travel by train every day. Religious pilgrimages alone account for hundreds of thousands of journeys every year. The Indian Railways has 9000 trains running on roughly 65,000 km of track along side 7,083 stations. And with hotels dotting the entire stretch, the daily flow of human traffic on and off its tracks is mind boggling.

India’s railway network is extensive, prices are reasonable with accommodations suiting every pocket, AC and non AC seating/sleepers of all classes. Apart from the normal trains connecting all parts of the country there are also special faster trains like the Rajdhani Express and Shatabdi Express; the fully AC Garib Rath Express , Duronto Express , Janshatabdi Express and Super fast Trains along with the Mail Express Trains & Local Trains for local travel. Like our Clark Hotels, most luxury budget hotels in Delhi are not far from the major railway stations .

IR has also introduced Bharat Darshan, a special pilgrimage train taking tourists through religious and pilgrim centers in North India (in 14 days) including  sacred Shirdi, Varanasi, Gaya, Allahabad, Haridwar, Mathura and Agra.

Then there are the Royal Trains of India, a favorite luxury travel option  - The Palace on Wheels, Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, Deccan Odyssey, Maharaja Express all  have fabulous, beautifully adorned coaches, well stocked bar/ restaurants, lounge, library, gym, even spa on board.

India’s most expensive train, the Maharajas’ Express is one of the six luxury trains that offer the best in travel, traditional food and hospitality. Its Classical India tour (7 days/6 nights) starts from Delhi and passes through Agra , Gwalior , Khajuraho, Bandhavgarh, Varanasi , and Lucknow , before returning to Delhi . Its Princely India trip (8 days/7 nights) starts from Mumbai and passes through Vadodara, Udaipur , Jodhpur , Bikaner , Jaipur, Ranthambore, Agra and finally lands you back to your hotel in Delhi thrilled and fulfilled.

The train crisscrosses the beautiful locales offering panoramic views of India’s countryside, chugging along majestic ghats, deserts, lush green fields, scenic villages and rivers .
The Maharaja Express is akin to a five-star hotel on wheels . Every cabin has large panoramic windows, individual temperature controls, LCD/TV, DVD players, direct dial phones, electronic safe deposit and internet facilities. It has two fine dining restaurants, a bar with the choicest collection of wines, a lounge cum bar and high-end boutique.

When coming to India, its important to plan ahead and inquire before acting, especially when it comes to booking a hotel, tour and especially luxury train tours which are booked fully months in advance.

By Rashmi Goyal

Massage is an age old activity as old as eating or making out! Humans have always snuggled and a delicate massage on the neck or head of a loved one to relax a tired mind cum muscles is an age old instinct. Today an array of professional massage is available in every nook and cranny of the world. It’s routine for tourists at the thousands of Delhi Hotels to seek a heady massage. As for Ayurveda – like yoga, it is now a household word across the globe. An avidly sought out bliss, highly recommended by most, is the Delhi Hotel Ayurvedic Massage. Conventionally in India, mention of a Delhi Hotel Ayurvedic Massage used to conjure up images of a shady joint with all kinds of ”loads of stuff” on offer! However today, a sensual massage or any other ayurveda spa treatment is considered a classy ‘in’ thing by the traditional local and domestic travel crowd as well. In fact Delhi Hotel Ayurvedic Massage along with some meditative breathing are in high demand these days. Hotels from three to five star will provide massage services by professional masseuse called in but on their payroll, or, many at their in house exotic spa centers – ranging from Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Swedish and Thai massage techniques.
Reflexology or zone therapy is also popular, involving stimulating points on the feet and hands beneficial to the body and body design contouring using anti-ageing body treatments is also fashionable. Both accompanied by a before-or-after Delhi Hotel Ayurvedic Massage, replete with ayurvedic creams and lotions. There is no dearth of all kinds of Delhi Hotel Ayurvedic Massage, baths and treatments in which to swoon in bliss accompanied by an assortment of facials, manicure, pedicure, yummy health lunch plus leisure facilities like swimming pool, sauna, steam room and gym at any decent luxury hotel. Delhi Hotel Ayurvedic Massage can also be accompanied by skilled ayurvedic consultancy. The stress of career and work load, hustle and bustle of holidays, parties, shopping and late-night outs all take a toll on your body, mind and soul leaving you overworked and tired. Yoga, Meditation and Ayurveda are time tested and wonderful ways to rejuvenate yourself mentally and physically. There was a time when tourists seeking some skilled Yoga-Ayurveda headed straight for towns like Haridwar and Rishikesh that emerged as major destinations. It’s no longer necessary to head out of town to get the best finishing ‘touches’ to your India tour, with emergence of a wide range of Delhi Hotel Ayurvedic Massage now available, to suit all tastes and pockets. So go ahead and exult in a Delhi Hotel Ayurvedic Massage. It will go a long way in improving circulation, that also cleanses the body of toxins, and provides muscle toning as well .

A Delhi Hotel Ayurvedic Massage is no doubt the greatest stress reliever and pleasurable holiday experience you can think of.

By Rashmi Goyal

Transport in Delhi has undergone significant development in recent years. Visitors can look forward to air conditioned trains and buses, computerized tickets, dial-a-cab services along with the usual taxis, auto-rickshaws, the substantial Delhi bus network, cycle rickshaws.

The fairly new Metro train network in Delhi is modern, speedy and convenient.  Delhi Metro is a rapid transit system built and operated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC). The network consists of six lines with a total length of 156 km (97 miles) along side 132 stations. It has both elevated ground level and underground lines.

Running from and to the Metro are the Metro RTV feeder buses which bear the same silver color as Metro trains and have the Metro logo on them. In fact, the DMRC was the first railway project in the world to be registered at the UN under the clean development mechanism (CDM) scheme, enabling it to earn carbon credits.

21st century Delhi is a bustling ultra modern metropolis with swanky Malls, huge department stores, chic boutiques, endless bazaars and classy up markets to satisfy the unending appetite of shopping buffs. Most of the important and popular shopping centers of Delhi like Karol Bagh, Connaught Place, Janpath, Chandni Chowk and Nai Sarak, Lajpatnagar, South Extension , Sarojini Nagar, Munirka, Vasant Kunj  are either located just outside a metro station or have one nearby, usually within walking distance.

Delhi has been rightly denoted as Mini India- where the ancient and modern coexist in perfect synthesis. The city is known for its rich heritage of medieval Mughal monuments. Some of the most famous spots of Delhi are: the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar, Humayuns Tomb, Purana Quila, Humayun’s Tomb and Raj Ghat. Modern structures are the Rashtrapati Bhavan and its Mughal Gardens, Rajpath Avenue down to India Gate, the wondrous Lotus Temple and the grand Akshardham Temple. Most of these sites are off a Delhi metro station or very nearby. There are any number of food joints and restaurants serving both Indian and foreign cuisines. Delhi also has vibrant nightlife with discos, pubs and clubs spread across the city.

Hotels in Delhi are known for world class service and facilities. There are thousands of hotels to chose from – a majority are located on the Karol Bagh -  Connaught Place axis which has about a dozen metro stations on it.  An interesting tit bit – can a pillar be your address? Looks like that is what is happening for so many people residing close to the elevated Metro tracks who have started using the Metro pillar numbers as a landmark to find their house or office and even on the hotel visiting cards!

By Rashmi Goyal

“The story of the Ganges, from her source to the sea, from old times to new, is the story of India’s civilization and culture, of the rise and fall of empires, of great and proud cities, of adventures of man.”

Many tourists come to India seeking what they call ‘the real India’ . If you are at your hotel in Delhi, wondering where to get some authentic ”real India”, then a unique, mind blowing tour would be to head down the mighty Ganges river from its start to finish. The tour will also take you to major holy hotspots along its entire stretch – a unique tour itinerary.

The mighty Ganges River (Ganga) rises in the Himalayas and flows 2,510 km eastward through the vast plains to the Bay of Bengal. In Bangladesh, it is joined by the Brahmaputra River and Meghna rivers; and empties into the Bay of Bengal forming a delta 354 km wide, the largest in the world, shared by both countries.

In the Uttarakhand Himalayas, where glacial waters flow from a cave at Gaumukh, is the origin of the Ganga river at a height of 13,000 feet. The river reaches Gangotri, the first town on its path, 23 km from Gaumukh.

Thousands of visitors come to Gangotri annually, which is at 10,000 feet . Nearly four hundred thousand tourists visited the shrine in 2010. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Ganga.

The river joins the Alaknanda river at Devaprayag, in the Uttarakhand Himalayas, to form the Ganges which then flows through Himalayan valleys to emerge at holy Haridwar. The Ganga is revered as the Goddess by a billion Hindus. The evening ‘Aarti’(prayers) on its holy river banks has the entire riverside lit up with offerings of thousands of floating lamps accompanied by devotional singing and tinkling bells.

The Ganges then courses through Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, and Kolkata. The Ganges drains an area of over a million sq km. The nearest point from your Delhi hotel to the sacred Ganges is at Haridwar just 250 km away.

The Yamuna originates less than 100 miles east of the Bhagirathi(Ganga), flows mostly parallel to it and merging with it at Allahabad, known as holy ‘Triveni Sangam’. New Delhi and Agra are on the Yamuna river. So you can have a breather at your Delhi hotel before moving further down the Ganges heading straight from your hotel in Delhi to either Rishikesh or Haridwar. Ganga near Rishikesh is now a world famous locale for river rafting. The river rafting stretch of 36 Km between Kaudiyala and Rishikesh, has 12 major rapids.

Around 70 million Hindus gathered at the last Kumbh Mela (fair) on the Ganges riverbanks in Allahabad ! Below Allahabad the Ganges becomes a slow, meandering stream with shifting channels passing Mirzapur, Varanasi, Patna and Bhagalpur. Varanasi is the most holy place for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains alike. More than 1,000,000 pilgrims and tourists alike visit the city each year.

By Rashmi Goyal

Nainital, a prime hill station of India, has traditionally been one of the most popular destinations in India, with thousands from just Delhi alone flocking here in summers. Famous for its lakes and snow capped mountains, it draws numerous international tourists as well, as its landscapes take ones breath away. Nainital is at a height of 6360 feet above sea level and famous for its large number of serene lakes. Due to the unpolluted atmosphere, they reflect the majestic mountains during the day and the innumerable stars at night, a beauty to behold. Cool, pleasant weather prevails throughout the year.

Nainital is dotted with villas, cottages and bungalows. Our Nainital Tour Package incorporates numerous historical spots. Major attractions are the Naina Devi Temple, Naini Lake, Mall Road, the Flatts, The Zoo, Aerial Ropeway, Snow View Point, Cave Garden, Hanuman Garhi, Naina Peak, Tiffin Top, Land’s end, Gurney house, St. Johns Church.

The scenic beauty is enchanting, particularly if you rent a paddle boat and spend an hour floating along Naini Lake. You can take a cable car ride to get a better view of Naina Devi Peak or schedule a horseback ride along one of the many wilderness trails.

Naina Devi Temple : Nainital got its name from the Naina Devi temple. One of the most revered Hindu temples in India, it is situated in the middle of the 1567 yard long, 167 yard wide and 93 feet deep Naini Lake. The presiding deity is Maa Naini Devi or Mata Sati, revered as extremely sacred and pristine by devotees. The current temple replaces the original 15th century temple which got destroyed in an 1880 landslide and was reconstructed in1883.

The Flats : At the northern side of Naini Lake is a rendezvous spot where people from all walks of life enjoy. There is a statue of Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant, a beautiful fountain, a band stand and a playing ground used for sports, games and cultural activities during festivals. The area also has Chat Bazaar, a Mosque, Gurudwara, the Bhotia Market for shopping for knick knacks, Capitol cinema and the Rink theatre used for roller skating . The New club, Boat House club and Masonic Hall are recreational spaces.

Aerial Ropeway : is a major attraction here, running from Mallital right through to Snow view point, at an elevation of 2270 meters above sea level. You get a panoramic view of the spectacular Himalayas including the entire town below. There are two trolleys taking a few minutes each way and hold up to 10+1 persons or 825 kg total weight, running seven days a week from 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs. The Lake looks like a small emerald eye amidst the great mountains and lush green surroundings. It gives you the feeling you are floating in air.

Snow View Point is a fantastic view point on top of the Sher-ka-danda ridge, at a height of 2270 meters and offers breathtaking views of the town. The Naina Peak, also called China peak, is the highest peak at 2611 meters. Tiffin Top is another well visited peak at height 2290 meters, also known as Dorothy Seat.

Lands End : Nainital’s most adventurous spot is situated at 2114 meters, providing majestic views of Kupra Tal Lake and the plains.

Saria Tal is a small lake that also houses a waterfall and is a fun spot for the family. Other must visit spots are Hanuman Garhi temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Nainital Observatory and Nainital Zoo which houses some very rare Himalayan species of animals.

It’s best to reserve an entire day for your trekking expeditions. It’s great to save the last day of your stay in Nainital to just unwind, relax and chill out in the splendid weather Nainital has to offer. Shopping in Nainital can be described in one word – ethnic. There are plenty of top quality woolen clothes, natural wooden structures, artistic and beautiful candles, herbal items and lots of other products.

Nainital has first class facilities for sail boating, yachting and paddle boating as well as challenging and delightful trekking routes. The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam, which is 34 km away and well connected to Delhi, Calcutta and Lucknow. For any harried international arrival just entering the Delhi heat oven and looking to chill out before starting hectic touring over the subcontinent or looking for a reprieve – a sojourn in Nainital comes with full recommendations.