Nainital has been a perennial favorite for families and couples for over a century, consistently ranking as one of the top three hill stations in North India. The town is centered around the emerald green Naini Lake, which is shaped like an eye and believed to be one of the 51 Shakti Peeths where the eye of Goddess Sati fell. Visitors should not miss boating on the lake, visiting the sacred Naina Devi Temple on its northern shore, and taking the ropeway to Snow View Point for a panoramic glimpse of the Nanda Devi peak.
However, a major trend for the 2025 and 2026 season is the Bhimtal Spillover. As the main town of Nainital faces peak season saturation, travelers are increasingly searching for quieter alternatives like Bhimtal, Sattal, and Naukuchiatal. Bhimtal offers a more peaceful lakeside experience with less crowded nature walks and a unique aquarium located on an island in the middle of the lake, making it ideal for those seeking an intimate holiday away from the Mall Road crowds.
Naukuchiatal, known as the lake with nine corners, is another hidden gem popular for paragliding and kayaking. For nature lovers, the nearby village of Pangot serves as a tranquil sanctuary for birdwatching and forest treks. Combining these locations in a Nainital-Bhimtal combo package allows families to experience both the energy of the British-era hill station and the tranquility of the surrounding hidden lakes.
Whether you are shopping for local handicrafts at the Tibetan Market or enjoying a quiet sunrise by a mountain lake, the Lake District remains the perfect 3-day escape from the Delhi NCR region. The history of the region is equally fascinating, from the colonial establishment by P. Barron in 1841 to the catastrophic landslide of 1880 that reshaped the lake and destroyed the original Naina Devi Temple. Today, it remains a timeless destination that continues to reinvent itself for the modern traveler.
Not just a trip. A memory crafted by Kurmanchal.
