The land of India is one of great history and wonder. This nation of South Asia is one of the most densely populated in the entire world. Beyond being just one of the most inhabited nations of the world, India is also a country in possession of significant natural beauty. It is a type of beauty that is unique to this wondrous land, and it has captivated and allured millions upon millions of tourists over the years. Several sites all over India are wildly popular for their natural beauty, but tucked away into the hills of Uttarakhand is one place that warrants at least one visit from the tourist population. Nainital tour packages are designed to introduce people to this remarkably lovable locale.

Leading the list of notable tourist destination in Nainital is the lake it takes its very own name from. Nainital Lake is found right in the middle of the city. Along the banks of this beautiful lake is a collection of spectacular and natural attractions. Nainital tour packages can provide people with access to this beautiful lake. The sights surrounding the lake can be enjoyed either through a casual promenade or even while sailing around in a small boat. Also found within the confines of the lake is a bridge that joins together the north and south banks. Several shops can be found along the bridge, and they are just some of the noteworthy sites people can visit with their Nainital tour packages.

Also found within Nainital is a sacred site for Hindus. The Naini Devi Temple is rumored to be one of the 64 Shaktipeeths. Located within the temple is the Shrine of Naini Devi, and this is the site in particular that people visit when they head to this destination. For people looking for a spiritual experience while on vacation, Nainital tour packages are going to certainly help them with their intentions. There is another religious site of note that is found within Nainital. St. John in the Wilderness is a church that was opened way back in 1844. The religious site also features a brass plaque on its altar that commemorates the victims of the tragic landslide of 1880.

Nainital is also home to a number of beautiful structures. First on the list is the famous Governor's House. Nainital tour packages provide people with a unique opportunity to see this site up close and personal. The once government-only structure has transformed into a tourist destination of sorts. With its many features and spectacular design, it is of no surprise that the home evolved into one of the more destinations in the region. Nainital tour packages also enable people to visit another gorgeous example of architecture within this city. The Gurney House is famous for being the former place of residence of the famed hunter turned conservationist Jim Corbett. The Gurney House is located Ayarpatta Hill. The former place of private residence now serves as a museum of sorts for all the belongings Corbett left behind.

An Experience of a Lifetime: Holidaying at Homestays at Ranikhet
When we first decided to have a holiday in the hills this autumn, we had a dozen –odd options to choose from. Mussourie- Dehradun had become too crowded, Shimla-Kasauli seemed too routine Kulu-Manali didn’t sound exciting and Nainital-Corbett was nothing new. Then what- where to go? By chance while contemplating options around Nainital, I glanced upon a site NAINITALCOTTAGES.com and was enchanted by the choices of home stay cottages in and around Nainital. Since everyone has seen or done Nainital at least once, we wanted this holiday to be differently unique, yet not very off-beat –so we decided to try out the home stays option –and hence chose RANIKHET- the website made our choice of habitation easier- since it offered only one cottage-`Home stays at Ranikhet’- at this location-and were we not glad for the choice!
Being a new location and sited slightly off the main Ranikhet town, we were skeptical about `how to reach and `what to do’? Whatever doubts we had and couldn’t be clarified by the booking partner, Mr. Praveen, were put to rest by the owners- Ruchika & Bhasker –who I later learnt have made it a habit to personally speak to each before they embark upon the journey- so as to clarify all their queries and put the guests at ease- in fact we were even given details of what temperatures to expect and not to carry any extras as almost everything would be available at the cottage to make one’s stay comfortable!

Starting early morning from Delhi was a huge advantage as we crossed all the heavy traffic areas without a hitch and were soon having an early lunch at Kathgodam, by noontime. This being the railhead and last point in plains, the progress thereafter was slow and winding laboriously through the picturesque hillside, which one enjoyed as we kept passing. Taking the Nainital bye-pass, we arrived at the lake town of Bhimtal, within an hour’s drive from Kathgodam. The emerald shaped lake offered boating and swimming pleasures, which we enjoyed, besides listening to the legend of Bhim –the Pandava- after whom it’s named, from the boatman. Numerous options for stay alongside the lake are also available, but we didn’t even consider them and moved on!
Crossing Bhowali Junction next was an effort in traffic management skills, as this small predominantly market town is the gateway to four major destinations- hence is perennially crowded. Frankly its narrow roads and gullies are not made for today’s big trucks and SUVs and one wrong parking can create huge jams on all the four axes.  Kainchi Dham comes next- known for the ashram of Neeb Karauli Baba –a 20th century saint- but more popular among tourists as a halting point for the refreshing tea and pakoras- indeed the taste and warmth was truly rejuvenating- especially for our driver, who thereafter covered the kilometers faster! A beautiful nursery with thousands of colorful blooms we cross, and are tempted to buy, but realize that flowers are not going to last long in the warm climate of the plains. Khairna is the next point- which is actually a bifurcation point for roads leading to Almora and Ranikhet. It also has options of angling and swimming, while for others it’s a halting point for light refreshments.

Now the hillside properly descends on you- what with step farms, thatched hut villages, steep hills and flowing rivulets dotting the landscape. Beyond, in the far distance the high peaks of the majestic Garwhal Himalayas beckon every visitor-and we’re told that on a clear day-if one’s lucky-even Mt Kailash, the abode of Lord Shiva can be sited from here! Finally, after a 30 km drive from Khairna we see the board of Ranikhet Cantonment welcoming us, along with a majestic entrance and a small memorial to the braves that enchants you on arrival. The toll tax of Rs 20 is promptly paid and we climb the winding Cantt road, till Mall Road, cross the Military Hospital and pass- by the Kumaon Regimental Centre and its various edifices-the museum, the stadium, the War Memorial, Drill Ground, Canteen Complex etc, etc till we cross Upat and reach the Golf Course -a nine hole marvel at 6000 feet, through which the main highway passes and passersby have to be careful of flying golf balls while crossing. We learn that membership is controlled by the local army authorities and with a little bit off influence and nominal deposit one can tee-off to your delight- off course managing a foursome should not be a problem for the enterprising!

Kalika Village comes next- famous for it’s `Kali Mata Temple’ and a forest nursery. We give it the skip as our destination is approaching- and we get the first view of the Vimoksha Valley Complex –as we site the pink roofs of the cottage complex- just across from the main road. As the signboards announce that you’re to slow down as one is approaching Majkhali market- were flagged down by the caretaker of `Ranikhet Home stays’- who is standing beside their notice board on the turning to Digoti Village- which is the actual location of this holiday resort complex. The steep descent as we enter the complex is a bit scary, but since Shankar is there to guide the driver, we overcome the fear- as it gives way to exhilaration at the marvelous view –the beautiful countryside with the snow capped Himalayas in the yonder is indeed a treat to watch. The complex is so well sited that its open on three sides- with the front giving the best view, its rose garden enhancing the aura ,as do the lush green pathways and fruit laded tress and verdant greenery all around you- it’s truly a divine experience !

We enter `Home stays’ through its imposing entrance, the pathway leading through the well kept garden, with creepers and climbers dotting its surrounding wall and the wrought iron poles of the extending lobby at the entrance .On entering the cottage- aptly named- la Casavv- Italian for my Castle- we cannot but admire the aesthetic sense of the owner, which reflects in each if its item-be it décor, furnishings, pure sheesham furniture or the imposing French style windows. As Shankar serves us fresh Buransh Juice,which is a local delicacy- we explore the cottage further and climb up the wooden staircase that leads to the first floor, which has two tastefully done up bedrooms, interconnected by a lobby and leading out to a common balcony, which easily accommodates six seats-and we immediately roll out the folded chairs to enjoy the view-now  from an elevated posture !

What to do is no more the worrying question once we learn that there are numerous walks/ treks from this location to various exciting locales- sightseeing options too are a plenty- ranging from Chaubathia Gardens to Kasauni considered the Switzerland of India – which is just a 2 hour drive away, along with its pre-historic Baijnath Temples; Tarikhet- Shitlakhet among the closer ones and Binsar-Bageshwar- Someshwar- being the slightly far-off options. But for now- one doesn’t feel like going anywhere- so we just let the cottage and its heavenly surroundings steep into our system first- other sights and excursions we leave it for another day!

 The sight of the setting sun from this location is just breathtaking- Shankar tells us that we’re lucky yet again as only on a clear day could we get such a view. As evening descends, we notice the flocks of birds returning to their nests, one woodpeckers  is busy plucking away at the bark of a nearby tree- while another bunch of blue- birds is in the cottage garden –with butterflies and moths for company! As the light fades away and the evening descends, the weather too changes and with the night moths emerging- the chill too surfaces, and we scamper to get our woolens on.

Then Shankar offers to light up a bonfire and we immediately consent and carry the warm cuppa tea-into the garden- to be savored alongside the fire which starts to light up. Others in the group look for enterprising ways and other spirits to warm themselves up- especially once Shankar has informed that there’s a licensed permit shop in Majkhali market- which closes at 7 pm!

The night then just passes by- the warmth is added by Shnakars exotic cooking- pakoras and French fries are quickly mustered up- with Kebabs and Tikkas to follow. The fire by now is glistening and warms up even the souls – in the meanwhile the kids get busy watching their favorite TV program- Shankar gets busy rustling up some Indian delicacies as the main course and the spirits(of all likes) take over our memories thereafter. The 3 day holiday had to be extended by another day on popular demand-what sights we saw will be another story in itself- but the experience of staying at a `home away from home’, reasonably priced, excellently located and tastefully made up to add to everyone’s comfort- is what we’ll  remember for a lifetime !  The piece–de –resistance is the visitor’s book, which the owners have kept for guests to pen their views and feedback and suggestions- a novel idea- which seemed to have caught on the fancy of guests .Scanning through others visitors ’comments, we realized that in a short span of little under tow years, this home stay cottage had become so popular that it had started getting repeat guests and everyone had praises and acknowledgements for its lovely upkeep.

Need we say more- only long to come back again- this time for an even longer duration- and probably with friends and relatives in tow- even the pet dog- who we’re told is allowed here- unlike at most similar places- as long as the guests look after its food and cleaning responsibilities!

Wow- it was indeed a lifetime’s experience!!

Nainital Hotel Packages - Nainital Tour Packages - Nainital Luxury Hotels

One of the best hotels in Nainital for most travelers, The Earl's Court offers classy accommodation and services par excellence. A natural calm pervades the surroundings of this Nainital hill resort. Elegantly furnished rooms with all the modern amenities, a multi-cuisine restaurant, exotic landscapes, and a breathtaking view of the Naini Lake contribute to the creation of a fascinating experience.

This Himalayan resort re-awakens the pleasures of living- with a trek into the mountains, a golfing date at the regal hundred year old Raj Bhawan Golf Course, boating and fishing in the placid waters of the lake, a special cultural evening featuring performances by traditional Kumaoni artists or a yacht ride at the highest sailing club in the world!Apart from the basic amenities offered, The Earl's Court also provides the following supplementary services:

Laundry Service, Housekeeping, Doctor on cal, Safety vaul, Car parking, Car rental, Baggage storage

So get ready for an enthralling experience in the midst of the Himalayan landscape and the pristine beauty of this Uttarakhand hill station.

Accommodation facilities at The Earl’s Court are undoubtedly value for money. This Nainital resort houses a total of 8 rooms with cable TV, Intercom, and parking facilities. Each room is scrupulously designed and elegantly furnished. Besides, this Nainital hill resort has earned a good name for its cordial and warm hospitality. .

The hotel facilities include:

Attached washrooms, Hot and cold water, Telephone, Televisio, Room heating

Category of Rooms
Total number of rooms 08
Deluxe Rooms 3
Superior Rooms 5

Elegance, warmth, and luxury closely sum up the experience of this prestigious Nainital heritage hotel. The natural settings, in conjunction with modern amenities, coordinate to make your Nainital tour a truly memorable one!

Known as the best retreat in the summers for all the nature lovers, long been the refuge for the sun scorched souls, Nainital is the blessing in disguise for everyone coming from any walk of life. Strolling along the lake, soaking the cool breeze watching the sunset is just next to nothing. Clubbed with this is heritage walk , birding walk and in the evening Sumptuous cuisine at the restaurant and value for money packages makes it a perfect summer holiday.

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Emily Lodge was built in 1864 by a gun toting, whiskey guzzling Englishman by the name of Dr. Stevens, we know this for sure as it was bought by the present owner Mr. C.K.Singh in 1969 and along with the house came all the antiques and an even more antiquated and grizzled old codger named Dan Singh. Dan Singh was the gardener and had served under Dr. Stevens as a young man, he had fantastic tales to tell of ?the good old days?.

He spoke of fabulous hunting trips with the then middle aged doctor who if Dan Singh is to be believed shot up more of the flora than the fauna proving the saying ? gun powder and alcohol do not mix? right. Dr. Stevens also happened to be a friend of the famous hunter of man eating tigers and leopards Jim Corbett as they were neighbours and shared their love of the outdoors.

Jim Corbett?s house called Gurney House is just below Emily Lodge and can be seen clearly from the garden. Some of the trophies that adorn Emily Lodge were given to the doc by Jim himself and the others he must have shot by accident !

The best part though about this place is that it is cradled in a dense oak thicket, pristine oak trees that have never been cut and thick jungles surround the house and you would never know that town was just ten minutes away. Beautiful paths cut across the forest and you can to this day see barking deer known as ? kakar? scampering about, the sudden flutter of wings as a bunch of ?kaleej? pheasant take flight and the shuffling of the ?peora? partridge now living without fear of an old doc with bloodshot eyes and whiskey on his breath trying to make life miserable for them with his twelve gauge shotgun.

Emily Lodge is a home away from home giving the feeling of British taste and style. The furniture ,dinning hall, house design, guns etc are all from the Colonial Era. Situated in lush green dense Oak forests of Ayarpatta Nainital. The present owner has tried to maintain Emily Lodge which is among the oldest British houses, just as the doctor left it changing only what could not be salvaged and of course constructing modern bathrooms as the British only had wooden commodes which were cleaned each day. All five bedrooms have antique beds and accompanying furniture all dating back to the 1860's.

There is a large drawing room with a fireplace that still works and a dining room with a grand carved rosewood dining table. In Emily Lodge we provide :

24 Hour Hot and Cold water
24 Hour Cable TV.
Veg & Non Veg Meals.
In House Doctor.
Lush green Garden with a large variety of flowers
Bonfire on request.
Children's Park.
Ample Car parking space.
24 hour Taxi Service (All Of India)On prior notice.

Nainital Travel Agents - Nainital Packages - Nainital Tours,

An old Wood & Stone Construction which has been restored to perfection is located at an altitude of 5000 ft which makes it an ideal all season vacation paradise. The resorts picturesque http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifand abundant pine & oak forests with a stream running through its 6 acres is the best hideaway from the closest major city or thttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifown. Centrally Located: 15 km from Nainital, 300km from Delhi, less than 15 km from Bhimtal, Nakuchiatal, Nainital etc. 2 hrs from Corbett National Park, 2.5 km before the famous Kaichi Mandir, 16 km from Sattal & approx. 35km from Ranikhet.

Luxury Accommodation in Wilderness: 2 Lavish & Luxurious Suites ( Whole cottage floor), 1 Independent cottage/ Suite plus 2 Deluxe Rooms with 24 hr running Hot & Cold Water, Cable TV a variety of gardens such as a Humming Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden and several more gives the resort plenty of character.

At present, Garden Valley Resort ( Nighlaat Village) has a 5 Room Accommodation. 5 more are due by next year.

There are 3 categories of rooms .. Deluxe, Independent Cottage & Suites.
2 Suites, ( One whole Floor of a cottage) with each suite along with an adjoining smaller bedroom which is attached to the bathrooms. The accommodation is wood & stone with the most modern facilities with hot and cold running water; a very large living room is located just outside the suites; a large dining room on the ground floor, along with a most modern kitchen.

1 There is a separate independent cottage with all the facilities like a fireplace, cable,24 hour running hot water heaters and the rest.

2 Deluxe Rooms are a little smaller with their common lounge area above them on the deck adjoining an open deck with a fireplace and Cable TV.

For different prices for the Suites, Independent Cottage and Deluxe Rooms please go to Tariffs.

Rs.2800.00 per person inclusive Breakfast & Dinner ( Suite)
Rs.5600.00 per couple inclusive Breakfast & Dinner ( Suite)

Nainital Travel Agents - Nainital Tour Operators

Historically referred to as the residence of the Maharaja of Pilibhit, The Naini Retreat is one of the most prestigious of the heritage hotels in Nainital. This palatial building not only exudes an old world charm but also imbibes every imaginable marks of modern luxury. Tasteful bedrooms, an intimate dining room overlooking the valley, lush landscapes, a huge conference hall and a view of the Himalayas contribute to the creation of a fascinating experience.

 Just a kilometer from the mall, The Naini Retreat is situated on the picturesque Ayarpatta Slopes providing a breathtaking view of the Naini Lake at an altitude of 1995 meters.The Himalayan resort re-awakens the pleasures of living- with a trek into the mountains, a golfing date at the regal hundred year old Raj Bhawan Golf Course, a special cultural evening featuring performances by traditional Kumaoni artists or a yacht ride at the highest sailing club in the world.

With more and more people all over the world preferring the time tested technique of Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical science to de-stress and revitalize, the Nainital hotel spa at The Naini Retreat is the perfect place to optimize your well being. Discover happiness and self contentment while holidaying. The Spa is dedicated to providing guests with a total immersion towards discovering a holistic lifestyle.


The Naini Retreat, with its recent face lift and refurbishment, offers its guests the magic of the old world charm, redefined with new age grandeur and hospitality. The newly appointed spacious rooms and designer suites beckon you to indulge in a breathtaking experience. The enchanting ambience, the exquisite selection of furnishings and personalized services are a treat that most travelers will cherish.