Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Chopta is a quaint hamlet in the Indian state of Uttarakhand that has earned its reputation as a trekkers’ paradise. Often referred to as “Mini Switzerland”, Chopta offers a captivating blend of lush green meadows, dense forests, and stunning vistas of the surrounding peaks. In this article, we will explore the human way of experiencing Chopta Trek and its enchanted pathways while connecting with nature’s wonders and rejuvenating the soul.
The Allure of Chopta
Chopta, at an altitude of around 8,790 feet above the sea level, is a gem in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Its natural beauty is undeniable, drawing trekkers and nature enthusiasts from across the globe. This region, part of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, is rich in biodiversity, making it a hotspot for ecotourism. One of the most captivating features of Chopta is the presence of the Tungnath Temple, one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva, situated at a height of 12,073 feet, making it the highest Shiva temple in the world.
Chopta – The Trekker’s Haven
Chopta offers a range of trekking opportunities, catering to trekkers of various skill levels. Here, we’ll delve into a few of the most popular treks, each offering a unique perspective on this natural wonderland.
Tungnath-Chandrashila Trek: The Spiritual Ascent
The Tungnath-Chandrashila trek is one of the most iconic treks in the Chopta region. It takes trekkers through dense rhododendron forests and offers awe-inspiring views of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Chaukhamba peaks. The trek concludes at Chandrashila, a summit known for its breathtaking sunrise and sunset views. The highlight of this trek is the Tungnath Temple, which holds a special place in the hearts of pilgrims and trekkers alike.
Deoria Tal Trek: The Mirror Lake Trek
Deoria Tal is a pristine high-altitude lake that mirrors the surrounding Chaukhamba range. The trek to Deoria Tal is relatively easy, making it suitable for beginners and families. As you ascend to the lake, you’ll witness a change in the landscape, from dense forests to open meadows. Camping by the lake under the starry sky is an experience you won’t soon forget.
Roopkund Trek: The Mysterious Lake Expedition
For the more adventurous trekkers, the Roopkund Trek offers an exciting challenge. This trek leads to the mysterious Roopkund Lake, also known as Skeleton Lake, due to the ancient human remains found here. The journey takes you through dense forests, remote villages, and high-altitude meadows, presenting a diverse range of landscapes and cultures.
Conservation and Responsible Trekking
As the popularity of Chopta as a trekking destination has grown, so needs responsible tourism. To ensure the preservation of this natural wonderland, trekkers are encouraged to follow ecologically sustainable practices. Leave no trace, avoid single-use plastics, and support local communities by using local guides and homestays. Additionally, adhering to the rules and regulations of the Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary is vital to protect the fragile ecosystem.
The Soulful Connection
Trekking in Chopta offers more than just picturesque landscapes and physical challenges; it provides a profound connection with nature. The serenity of the mountains, the melodies of chirping birds, and the rustling of leaves in the wind create an atmosphere that allows trekkers to disconnect from the chaos of the modern world and reconnect with their inner selves. The solitude and simplicity of life in Chopta offer a chance to find solace and balance.
Chopta, with its enchanting pathways and serene landscapes, is an invitation to connect with nature profoundly. The trekking experiences in this Himalayan haven offer not only physical adventure but also a spiritual journey, allowing trekkers to rejuvenate their spirits amidst the wonders of the natural world. As you plan your next adventure, consider Chopta, where the mountains whisper tales of enchantment and the trails beckon you to embark on a human way of experiencing nature’s wonders.
This is a guest post by Abhishek:
Abhishek is an intrepid explorer of both the written word and the great outdoors. With a passion for trekking and a talent for storytelling, Abhishek has successfully merged these two worlds to create captivating narratives that transport readers to the far-flung corners of the world.
Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, the land where spirituality meets the pristine natural Himalayan beauty. Replete not only with a sense of devotional aura the place is home to some of the most impeccable collection of flora and fauna. The biodiversity of Uttarakhand is so magical that the national parks here are well preserved and maintained to save the habitat. It is also a safe refuge for a number of endangered and rare wildlife species which make this state even more stunning. If you wish to discover the treasures that are housed here then you can visit the following national parks:
Valley of Flowers National Park
This UNESCO world heritage site is nestled peacefully on the lap of the western Himalayan region on an elevation of 3,668 metres above sea level. In order to maintain the sanctity and beauty of this place, it remains open to a limited number of visitor for a very brief period of time each year from June to October. This is the time when the valley blooms to life with colourful flowers, plants and bushes lining every path and till as far as the eyes can see. Once in the Valley of flower, you can view around 300 different species of alpine and high altitude fauna collection like rhododendrons, Himalayan marsh orchid, poppies, sipper orchid, daisies, marigolds and so on. walking through the stunning landscape from your starting point at Ghangaria village to the park will also allow you to have a refreshing experience.
Nanda Devi National Park
Another remarkable UNESCO world heritage site Nanda Devi national park has was established in the year 1982 and is also a wonderful biosphere reserve. The park is surrounded on all sides by big lofty Himalayan peaks, glaciers, and gushing streams which forms the perfect haven for a rich and thriving wildlife. The park is lined with a number of moderate to challenging trekking expeditions and of course all the while you will be accompanied with majestic snow-capped mountain peaks. It is every nature lover’s paradise due to the presence of around more than 312 floral species along with 17 rarely occurring plants and trees of juniper, fir and birch. If lucky you will even get to witness mammals like Himalayan musk deer, Himalayan tahr, brown bear and more. Truly a memorable place to be.
Govind Pashuvihar National Park and Sanctuary
Established in the year 1955 in the district of Uttarkashi this national park is located on the upper reaches of the Garhwal Himalayan region. The terrain here is very diverse here which serves as the perfect home for a variety of wildlife like Sikkim mountain vole, snow leopard, Himalayan tahr, crested porcupine, etc. apart from the rich animal kingdom here, one can also find some of the most stunning and breathtaking landscape of green meadows and snow-capped peaks. It is also home for some amazing collection of high altitude birds like golden eagle, warbler, Himalayan snowcock and even the state bird of Uttarakhand known as monal. Trekking here on the Har Ki Dun valley is an adventurous experience here which is filled with wildflowers.
Gangotri National Park
Located in the district of Uttarkashi and panning out on an area of 2,390 sq. km. this place is famous for being the third largest national park in the world. The entire park allows you to witness the real meaning of majestic coniferous forest cover and lush rolling green meadows. The park offers a treat for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. It is an oasis for witnessing some remarkable wildlife culture here like – ibex, tahr, partridges, pheasants, Himalayan Monal, etc. Staying near one of the several budget hotels around the park allows you to have a closer look at the natural beauty here. Camping here and sleeping under the wide-open skies amongst the blessing of nature is something that can only be experienced there.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated at a distance of around 30 km from the magnificently spiritual town of Almora, Binsar wildlife sanctuary is a paradise for nature lovers and explorers. The sanctuary is nestled in between the pristine beauty of the Kumaon Himalayas and the entire region boasts of enigmatic greenery. You can stay the night in one of the several government houses available here which can be also used as a camp for you to stay and explore the flora and fauna collection here. Established in the year 1988 this protected region is the perfect place to go with your family and loved ones if it is a peaceful adventure time you are looking for.
Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary
This stunning deer sanctuary is located at a distance of 54 km from the off-beat location of Pithoragarh. The rare species here are extremely rare but well protected and some of the mammals found here include Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, Himalayan jungle cat, barking deer, etc. Perched on an elevation of 1,600 metres above sea level and panning over an area of 600 sq. km., this place is truly a hamlet for nature lovers and peace seekers as well apart from being a true delight for bird watchers. This is probably one of the most untouched and pristine wildlife sanctuaries here.
This is a guest post by Sakshi:
Sakshi is an avid travel writer, explorer and overall a creative individual. She loves writing about offbeat places and hidden jewels along with capturing beautiful landscapes.
Hum jo chalne lage chalne lage hain yeh raaste/ aa ha… manjil se behtar lagne lage hai yeh raaste/ Aao kho jaaye hum Ho jaaye hum yun lapata /Aao milon chale jaana kahan na ho pata…
(Meaning: The road also keeps going as we continue our journey/It feels the journey is better than the destination/ Let’s get lost /Let’s travel with the road not knowing where to go)
The song from my favorite Hindi movie Jab We Met was buzzing in my ears. With winding hilly road as far as eyes can see, pines and cedars lining the road and sunshine on my shoulder (especially after two days of incessant rain) what else I could think of! It was a pleasant, sunny morning. We were headed for Almora after spending the last night in Choukori. Luckily, I could manage the front seat right in the driver’s cabin to enjoy the journey to the fullest.
Sometimes the journey seems better than the destination.
Earlier that morning… we got up at 6:30 and rushed to the balcony of the hotel to get a glimpse of sunrise. It is something you must experience in Choukori, a secluded hill station in Almora District of Uttarakhand. But ‘thanks’ to the ‘Weather God’ we were again deprived of this natural phenomenon, just as we were in Kausani and Ranikhet. When the sun finally peeped out from behind the thick cover of clouds it was already 7:30. 😦
When the sun finally peeped out it was already 7:30
Nevertheless, Angan Resort in Choukori was a beautiful place to stay. There were groves and bushes all around. The garden was in full bloom with cosmos, marigolds and dahlias. The green slopes dotted with cottages created wonderful vista in the soft sunlight.
That’s our resort in Choukori
But the ultimate joy was yet to come. As the morning grew older the mist dissolved and the sky became clearer. The Himalayan peaks – Nandakot, Panchulli, Trishul – all were shining bright in the daylight. It seemed that the pastures, the hills and the resort – the entire place was surrounded by an array of snow-capped peaks. It was AMAZING!
Just one day ago it was really difficult to imagine a sunny day like this. Weather changes so fast!
Snow white Himalayan peaks were shining bright in the sunlight
The previous day, Kausani to Choukori has been a long journey via Gandhi Ashram, Baijnath Temple and Bageshwar where the rivers Gomati and Sarayu meet.
Gandhi Ashram also called Anasakti Ashram (‘Anasakti’ refers to the spiritual state of selflessness and non-attachment from materialistic pleasure) where Mahatma Gandhi wrote ‘Anasakti Yoga’ (The Gospel of Selfless Action). The ashram has a museum displaying some of the rare photographs of the Mahatma in various stages of his personal and political life.
Gandhi Ashram in Kausani – Image: Jean Pierre Chanudaud (Flickr)
Baijnath Temple is a millennia old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (Vaidyanath, hence the name Baijnath). It is now an archeological site. Built in 1204 A.D. this temple is one of the oldest continuously worshipped temples in the country.
Baijnath Temple
Still standing strong the temple is a silent witness of the River Gomati’s journey for over thousands of years.
Gomati River in front of Baijnath Temple
Coming back to where we started … we left Choukori for Almora at 9:30 in the morning.
I think the best thing about the journey from Choukori to Almora (Town) is that you can enjoy the view of snow-white Himalayas all along the way. Our route included Patal Bhubaneswar in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Patal Bhubaneswar is a natural wonder – an ancient limestone cave with numerous mythological stories hidden in its womb. Descending into the grotto through a narrow opening in the rocks is a thrilling experience which will soon turn into a pleasant surprise as you reach the chamber at the bottom. Camera isn’t allowed inside. And I am in no mood to describe what is inside the cavern. This is for you to discover because some things are better to be discovered than found. 🙂
Hotel Shikhar was our immediate destination in Almora. Our stay in this moderate budget hotel was really enjoyable. Its strategic location allows easy access to the bustling town center and market. You can also spend hours sitting on the terrace watching at the Himalayas and soak in the scenic beauty of Kumaon hills.
View from the hotel’s terrace in Almora
The next morning was scheduled for Almora sightseeing.
Our first stop was Ramkrishna Kutir, a small monastery operated by the Belur Math. The monastery, nestled in the lap of the mountain, offers a peaceful resort for prayer and meditation for everyone in search of peace and salvation.
the mountain offers a peaceful resort for prayer and meditation
The star attraction of Almora Zoo is definitely leopards. These leopards are found in the jungles of Kumaon Himalayas and they are the protagonist of the book Man-Eaters of Kumaon by the famous naturalist-hunter Edward James Corbett, popularly known as Jim Corbett in Northern India.
A female leopard at the zoo
Our next destination was Golu Devata ka Mandir – the temple of Lord Golu, a deity seen as an incarnation of Lord Shiva and is widely worshipped in the villages of Kumaon. It was a small but beautiful temple boasting hundreds of thousands of wishing bells. They say if you write down your wishes on a paper and tie it with a bell in this temple your wish will come true. The existence of uncountable bells and letters is perhaps the proof if it! 🙂
the temple having millions of wishing bells
However, here are a few more glimpses of Almora’s scenic beauty for your eyes only 😉
Soak in the beauty of the Himalayas
Almora Town
After completing our sightseeing in Almora we returned to the hotel. We had to pack our bags for the next leg of our trip which was from Almora to Lucknow by 13020 Bagh Express which departs from Kathgodam at 9:55 at night.
Finally, the day came… we were about to leave Nainital for Kausani. I woke up very early, at 5:30 that morning. Put on my hoodie and got out of the hotel room to take a look at the lake, and the promenade, and the buildings all around for one last time. The sky was still dark; the lake was still plunged into darkness; the streetlights were still on and some fitness freaks were seen jogging up and down the Mall Road.
The lake was still plunged into darkness
Suddenly, the temple bell (Naina Devi Temple) started ringing – ting-ling-ting-ling – piercing the silence of the dawn. That moment, standing alone on the balcony, I felt a pang in my heart. The pang of separation from my beloved Nainital.
We started for Kausani at around 8:30 that morning. The sky was dull and gloomy and the drizzle started. It seemed that Nature reflected my mood at that moment! As we proceeded with our journey the drizzle continued giving a hint of the inevitable downpour later. After two sunny days in Nainital the rain was a sheer disappointment. A thin layer of fog limited our vision. We sat inside the bus with all windows tightly shut, and cursed the unexpected rain silently.
I was vaguely looking at the rain-washed road and trees along the slopes of the hills when I suddenly realized that the view outside was quite interesting. It was different but beautiful. This realization wiped away all the bitterness and filled my mind with joy and hope, once again. “Nature never did betray The heart that loved her”… She always compensates one way or the other.
I caught a few glimpses of the hills and towns bathed in late monsoon rain.
“Nature never did betray The heart that loved her”
Colors of monsoon at Ranikhet, Almora
On our way to Kausani via Ranikhet our first stop was Kalika Mandir, an old temple nestled on top of the hill overlooking the green slopes. Then we halted at Ranikhet Golf Course in the Army Cantonment area and spent some time there. Rain could no longer spoil my spirit neither the excitement of stepping on a golf ground for the first time in my life.
Unfortunately, I didn’t see any golfer on the ground. After all it’s raining out there…who’s gonna come out for a practice!… But as I looked around I found them grazing at their own pace. 🙂
No golfers on a rainy day, only cattle grazing on the fields…
The Army Golf Course at Ranikhet is a wide-open space soaked in quietness. I think the combination of rain and fog made the atmosphere even more dramatic.
Ranikhet Army Golf Course
The sprawling green field with varying elevations and towering pines lining the boundary is altogether a treat to the eye.
The sprawling green field has varying elevations and towering pines lining the boundary
The pitch-black highway runs through the green field and finally disappears into the mist.
The highway runs through the green field and finally disappears into the mist.
I wanted to run like a kid but didn’t dare, as the ground had already turned slippery from continuous rain since morning.
After roaming around amidst the greenery of the golf course for nearly two hours we were back on the road. It was cold and my hands and feet got completely wet from the rain. What I badly needed at that moment was a cup of brewing coffee which I got only after reaching the hotel. Poor me…
I have been on the hills in monsoon when we made our trip to Namchi, Sikkim. So, I have seen it raining on the hills. But in Ranikhet and all the way to Kausani it was more pleasant an experience than it was in Namchi.
It was almost 5 pm when we reached our hotel in Kausani. I switched on the TV in my room while leisurely sipping my coffee. The news report said that this untimely downpour was the side effect of cyclone Hudhudthat left my favorite port city Vizag in utter destruction. My heart sank at the scenes of devastations that were showing on the news channel. My memories are still fresh with beautiful pictures of from our trip to Vizag back in 2010.
We stayed at Himalayan Mount View Resort in Kausani from where you can expect breathtaking views of snow-clad Panchchulipeaks of the Himalayas. Since it rained all night I gave up all hope of any scenic view next morning. When I got up at 6:30 next morning rain had stopped but there was no sign of the sun god. A veil of mist covered the hills and blotted out the peaks from our vision. As the morning grew older (it seemed) the mist got heavier and hovered down the slopes of the mountain offering an obscure view of the surrounding.
A veil of mist covered the mountains.
And that’s when I spotted this beautiful visitor who got herself perched on top of a tree and posed for me. 🙂
A beautiful bird perched on top of a tree and posed for me…
I always have a penchant for hill stations. The Himalayan Mountains with their magnificent snow-capped peaks and green pastures, standing tall in silence always attract me. So… when I got the proposal for a trip to Nainital I readily accepted it. The magical charm of lakes was bonus with the beauty of mountains. And now, when I am writing this post I feel happy about the decision I made in haste.
Nainital, the City of Lakes at the heart of Kumaon Himalayas in Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful hill stations in India. The scenic landscapes dotted with emerald-green lakes surrounded by mountains and pleasant weather almost year-round attracts tourists from all across the country.
Nainital – the ‘Lake District’ of India
Nainital district, also popularly called as the ‘Lake District of India’, consists of several naturally created freshwater lakes and mountains. Tal means ‘lake’ in local language. They say there were more than 50 such lakes most of which now have disappeared. The effect of human civilization!
Sometimes the thought of ‘how fast we are losing our forests and natural resources’ dreads me.
Where to Stay
At the hotel in Nainital
We stayed in Hotel Shalimar, a budget hotel with a strategic location ensuring quick access to the town’s mall as well as spacious rooms overlooking the Naini Lake. The boat pier was visible right from the hotel’s veranda.
But if you are looking for a luxurious accommodation there is Grand Hotel on the Mall Road to offer you magnificent view along with high-quality service. . However, these are examples only. Hotels are aplenty in Nainital.
We reached the hotel at around 1 pm and took a much-needed shower and had lunch. After that we set out to explore the town.
Things to do
In my opinion there are five must-dos in Nainital District which are –
#1 Boating
You will find two types of boats in Nainital for recreational purposes – paddleboats and rowing boats. The view of white swan-shaped paddleboats lining up the wharf at Naini Lake was simply inviting.
The boat pier at Naini Lake
However, we finally went for a rowing boat since it can accommodate up to four people at a time excluding the boatman. Charge is Rs 210 per boat for a 30-minute ride. As we were enjoying the ride on the pristine water I looked at the promenade along the lake. It was lined with maple trees. There yellowing leaves were looking fiery in golden streaks of afternoon sun.
A boat ride in the lake and soak in the beauty of the place
On my asking the boatman said that the depth of the lake in 128 feet which, I thought, is formidable! Fishing is allowed but you need special permission from the concerned authority. As we returned to the dock a wonderful sight caught my attention. A gaggle of geese gathered along the bank where some tourists were standing and throwing foods at them. It seemed like the ducks were asking – Hey! What do you have for us? 🙂
A gaggle of geese at Naini Lake
#2 Ropeway
From my experience I think this is the first and foremost thing to do when you are in Nainital town. The ropeway or the cable car takes you to the Snow-View Point situated at a height 2270 meter from where you’ll not only get a panoramic view of Naini Lake but also a breathtaking view of the snow-capped peaks far away. One ride (to and from) costs Rs 150 per head for adults and Rs 100 for kids.
Ropeway at Nainital – Image: journeymart.com
The board on the counter says the timing to buy tickets is from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. But when we reached there by 4 p.m. the counter was already closed. The ropeway is operated by the government. As we inquired we were told that there is a quota for daily tickets. As soon as the quota for the day is full the authority closes the booking counter. Unfortunately, that was the thing happened with us. We had to return disappointed because we did not have the time to go back the next day.
#3 Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Nainital mainly includes visits to Bhimtal, Sattal, Naukuchia Tal, Nainital Zoo, Waterfall, Sunset point and Khurpatal.
Bhimtal is situated at a lower altitude than Naini Lake. The aqua blue water beckons onlooker to have a boat ride or at least spend some time by the waterfront. Fish lovers may like to see the aquarium situated in the middle of the lake. Although the tickets for boating and aquarium are separate you have to collect them together from the waterfront office in case you wish to find out what’s in store at the aquarium.
Lake Bhimtal
It was a bright sunny day and we thoroughly enjoyed boating under the sun. The smell of fresh water brought by the cool breeze rejuvenated my soul. It was the serenity of the place that I liked the most.
Sattal Lake
Sattal is a combination of three lakes joined together naturally. Apart from boating facility there is one more attraction. It offers a 15-minute trek to the church on top of the hill on the other side of the lake.
I enjoyed trekking along the narrow, steep walking trail with giant pines and other coniferous trees creating a canopy over my head. The trail ends in front of a Church. I sat down in front of the closed door of the church and tried to feel the silence and sanctity of the place amidst the constant chirping of crickets.
The trek ends in front of the church by the lake Sattal
The lake Naukuchia tal is comparatively smaller than the previous two and to me the most beautiful one. The place was much quieter than the other two spots…probably because of lack of crowd. The boat wharf here is built with floating buoys. I stood at the end of the ramp facing the lake and felt like I was floating away – it was amazing! 🙂
Naukuchia tal
On our way back we halted at the temple of Hanuman ji – Hanumangarhi Temple. The huge statue of the ape god standing like the guardian of the hills inspires awe and admiration.
Hanumangarhi Temple
Your Nainital sightseeing is not complete if you don’t visit the Waterfall; take a bird’s eye view of Khurpatal and watch the sunset from the sunset point there. We rented a small car for Rs 500 that will take us to the waterfall and return to the mall from where we started. The waterfall is about 15-20 minutes drive from the town center. It was nice sitting by the waterfall under the towering pines and listen to the sound of rippling stream.
On our way back we were to see Khurpatal and sunset point.
Khurpatal
The sun was nearing the horizon. So, we left the waterfall behind and arrived at the Sunset Point, which awaited us with a grand surprise. I peeped down the cliff to discover the scenery that swept me off my feet! The sun was about to hide behind the mountain and I could capture only the following image in poor light. 😦
“It’s almost impossible to watch a sunset and not DREAM” – I read this quote somewhere. When we were watching the sunset at Khurpatal these lines occurred to my mind … so true!
Sunset at Nainital
Nainital Zoo, official name Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant Zoo, is one of India’s few high-altitude zoos. Here you will get a hint of Kumaon’s rich flora and fauna. Be prepared for a face-to-face meeting with some of Himalaya’s rare animal species such as snow leopard and black bear. In addition, there is leopard, Siberian tiger, wolf and wide variety of birds.
A leopard at the zoo
Paragliding – Image: skybirdadventures.com
#4 Paragliding
This one is for adventure lovers. If you have a strong heart and feel the urge to fly like a bird go for paragliding at Bhimtal. The cost for a single trip is Rs 1500 per person. I thought I need some more time to gather the courage to take up the flight. However, here is a glimpse of the Bhimtal paragliding site for your perusal … 😉
Paragliding site near Bhimtal
#5 Shopping
Even if you are travelling on a budget, shopping is UNAVOIDABLE.
To me, shopping is a part of travelling, especially in a place like Nainital where you’ll find so many things worth buying. The mall road is lined with stores offering woolens, candles, woodcrafts and ornaments. There were trendy woolen caps, scarves, stoles, ponchos, cardigans and jackets for kids, women and men. Price for women’s caps range from Rs 100 to 500 depending on the knit quality and design of the items.
However, I could not resist buying a few sets of woolen cap and neck-scarf for my sister and me.
My new woolen cap and neck-scarf
Well… how do you like my new accessories?
The Mall Road leads to the main chowk (‘market’ in vernacular term), flanked by a Gurdwara and Nayna Devi Temple at one side and a Mosque and a Church on the other. The chowk is the recreational center of Nainital town. There were Tibetan and Cashmere stores as well in the main market.
Nainital is also famous for candles. You’ll find a variety of candles at the stores. In fact, candle making is an art here. Diwali was round the corner and I bought some colorful pieces of candles as a souvenir to take back home.
Eating in Nainital
After shopping we had some snacks (Aloo Tikki) and a cup of hot chocolate from a street-side eatery. There is no dearth of food outlets in Nainital – from full-service multi-cuisine restaurants to small street-side food stalls there is something for every budget. You’ll get a list of eateries in Nainital here. If you want to relish a cup of coffee in the afternoon while enjoying the view of Naini Lake Café Coffee Day on the Mall Road would be the right place for you.
Just like every good thing has an end, our Nainital exploration came to an end and we left for Kausani the next morning. But deep inside my heart I felt an urge to coming back in the city of lakes someday.
Footloose Forever 