Honeymoon in Nainital

If marriages are made in heaven, honeymoons deserve to be spent as close to heaven as is permissible. And what better place than where the skies reach out to the earth, pines and deodars taper to dizzying heights, grassy meadows running alongside streams, crisp, clean air that rejuvenates? Welcome to Nainital-a quaint hill-town that exhibits the ability to blend its pristine beauty with the hustle of civilisation.

Nainital, at 1939 metres from sea level and nestled in the bosom of Kumaon Hills, owes its name to the idyllic Naini Lake around which it is built. Stretching to a length of 1,434m., this sylvan lake reflects the verdant surroundings when the sun's rays skim through the waters. In the days of yore, it was called the City of 60 lakes or 'chakta', most of which have now succumbed to time and civilisation. Legend has it that Parvati's eyes fell into the lake as Shiva carried her half-charred corpse when she threw herself into the flames of a yagna and ever since the lake or tal as it is known in Hindi, has been called Nainital, naini meaning eye. Modern times might never have seen Nainital, but for Lord Barron who was captivated by the sheer beauty of this place and eventually turned it into the summer capital of the United Province.

The nearest railway station Kathgodam, the gateway of Kumaon, is connected by trains from Delhi and elsewhere. Regular taxi and bus services ply from Kathgodam to Nainital. Nainital is also well connected by buses to Delhi, rest of the state and other states.

At Nainital, honeymooners will find quiet pathways to tread, a lake to sail into the sunset, snow -capped peaks to wake up to at dawn, ropeways to carry them to heights and the singular ambience that's found only at hillstations. They will also find ample shopping opportunities at the Mall, a broad road that runs around the lake, Tastefully decorated candles in every possible shape and colour make exotic gifts. Gel candles made of gel wax poured out into glass goblets to take the prize for art in wax, if ever there was one. Besides candles and the usual merchandise that characterise tourists spots, one will find rare artefacts in wood and objects d'art using pine and deodar cones. The lake-side is dotted by well-furnished showrooms, hotels and residential buildings besides the Boat House Club, National Club and a huge playground called the Flats. Nainital offers pleasant weather to her visitors for most of the year except in winter when it snows. The lake contributes immensely in regulating the ambient temperature that one finds here. The best times to be here is April to June or September to October. There are several attractions to visit at Nainital. The Snow-view point(2270m ASL)offers an unparalleled view of the snow-clad Himalayas. Naina Peak, better known as China peak, is the highest point in Nainital prompted the government to set up one of the most advanced telescopes in India. Nainital is also home to the Zoo Gardens(2075m ASL), which in turn is home to several animals that are native to high altitudes. Dorothy's Seat (2292 m.), is a memorial to an English lady believed to have been killed in an air crash here. The Khurpatal lake is a dreamcome-true for anglers.

Newly weds bitten by the adventure bug can spice up their honeymoon by simply hiking down the picturesque trekking paths. Some treks trace the tough path to breathtakingly beautiful spots like Betalghat, Kainchi, Snow View and Kilbury.

In September, honeymooners will get a capacious view of the religious and cultural lives of the Kumaonis. The Nanda Devi Mela is held annually to commemorate the memory of goddesses, Nanda and Sunanda. This fair brings Kumaonis from all over the district and Nainital takes on brilliant hues reminiscent of the dynamism that characterises this vivacious town. Nainital with its ethereal charm is one place where newly weds would love to have some of their memorable moments. And why not, it is undoubtedly a place that will add its unique flavour to a honeymoon.