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Ripples in the heart

Nainital offers plenty of opportunities for nature lovers

Serene settings Sailing in the still waters of Naini lake at night is an amazing experience, and (right) the calm waters of the lake

If the sweltering heat is getting on to your nerves and you don’t have the budget or the time to scale the heights of Manali and beyond, Nainital is a cool option. Nestled in the Kumaon hills, the place has been long known for the Naini lake an d the mall.

With concrete structures, crowds and the traffic around the kidney-shaped lake taking some of its charm away, the regular tourist gets a ‘been there, done that’ feeling. But for those who are a little innovative and want to explore nature, Nainital still has plenty to offer.

For one, the sailing boats are back on Naini Lake for the general public. One can contact the boat club and ask for a short-term membership. It costs Rs.120 per person per ride. Sailing here is a completely different experience from using a peddle boat or the ones that are rowed. Here the movement depends on the winds and this keeps you interested all the while. Do wear a lifejacket for the winds can be too strong at times.

And if the lake itself bores you, you can try the bigger ones at Bhimtal, Naukuchiyatal and Sattaal. Snuggled in sylvan surroundings within 30 km of Nainital, they are quaint, unspoilt and big enough to provide you opportunities to avoid the crowds.

For those who are not too concerned with hygiene, Saataal has plenty of dhabas famous for their karhi chawal and kheer.

Once in Bhimtal, one must-see destination is Fredy’s House.

Arguably, it houses Asia’s biggest collection of butterflies and moths.

The collector and curator Fredrick Smetacek is not in the best of health but there are people to guide you through the amazing collection, which includes rare species of peacock butterflies, owl butterflies and atlas butterflies. The entry fee is Rs.50 per person (Rs.20 for students).

Back to Nainital, there are the Raj Bhawan (Governor’s residence) and the golf course for those who appreciate art and love to have a swing on the greens. Raj Bhawan’s gates were opened to the general public when Uttarakhand became a separate State.

The place has a 106-year-old history. One of the striking things is the collection of weapons of Sultana daku. Dubbed as a rebel by the British, today he is described as a freedom fighter by the guide.

Some lessons? No time for it, for there is a wooden dance floor with springs waiting to be tested.

Once used for ball dancing, today it has been reduced to a badminton court. It is always amazing how history springs a surprise.

Embrace the lush greenery around, clasp your partner’s hand and you will discover that there’s love in the air.

The limbs forget how many steps they have taken, the words lose their sense, for here silence rules.As for the base, Shervani Hilltop resort is a ‘natural’ option. When most resorts and hotels in the region are going concrete for comfort, here the emphasis is on keeping you as close to Nature as possible.

You don’t notice when the two merge. Reminiscent of colonial structures, the place has had a complete makeover but retains the old world charm.

The property charms with its tranquil surroundings marked by landscaped terraces, lamp posts with French lanterns, stone bird baths and ample use of local material. Several cottages are spread throughout the property housing eight to 10 rooms.

Each has a private verandah where one can enjoy watching the verdant hills. Else there is an apricot tree beneath which you can sing “Let it be”! And if the kids are still not allowing it to be, indulge them in some kite flying.

ANUJ KUMAR

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