Nainital, the way we chose to spend the New Year! ♥️💫
- Binge Living
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
We wanted to celebrate the New Year in the mountains with family — nothing fancy, just time together in a place that feels calm and familiar. Nainital felt like the right choice: easy to reach, beautiful, and perfect for a slow holiday where food, views, and conversations matter more than packed itineraries.
The Road Trip
The journey itself was a big part of the experience. A road trip to the hills always feels better when you don’t rush it, and our first memorable stop was at Mama Yadav. The pyaar parathas were hot and comforting, paired with refreshing lassi. What stood out most was the curd set in terracotta bowls — thick, naturally sweet, and pure, with an old-world taste that felt wholesome and grounding.
Breaking the Journey at Jeolikote
Instead of heading straight to Nainital, we chose to slow down with a night at Nature’s Harmony Resort, Jeolikote. The homestay-style setup, surrounded by greenery, made it an easy place to relax and break the long drive. This pause helped us arrive in Nainital rested and ready to enjoy the stay rather than recover from the journey.
Staying at Naini Retreat
Our base in Nainital was Naini Retreat, a property that offers warmth, comfort, and a relaxed pace—ideal for a family holiday.
The food was one of the highlights. Breakfasts and dinners included comforting pahadi-style dishes along with a wide variety of cuisines such as dosa, noodles, and khowsuey, making it easy for everyone to find something they enjoyed. Meals felt well thought out and satisfying, adding to the overall comfort of the stay.
Evenings were equally pleasant, with the property arranging bonfires and folk nights. These experiences created a nice atmosphere to unwind, sit together, and enjoy the mountain evenings without needing to step out.
One thing to note: the property has long stairways, which can be challenging and did affect our stay. Because of this, it may not be suitable for senior citizens or anyone with mobility issues.
Things to Do in Nainital:
Boat Ride on Naini Lake: A boat ride on Naini Lake is a must. The views from the water are peaceful, and it’s one of those simple experiences that works for all age groups.
Visit to Naina Devi Temple: Located right by the lake, the Naina Devi Temple is a quiet and calming place to visit and naturally becomes part of any Nainital itinerary.
Brunch at Café Lake View: We enjoyed a relaxed brunch at Café Lake View, where good food and uninterrupted lake views made it a great spot to slow down and take in the surroundings.
Must Visit: Sakley’s: A visit to Sakley’s is a must when in Nainital. It’s a cozy café known for its amazing desserts, and everything we tried was honestly super yum. The banana bread, hot chocolate, and especially the brownie stood out — dense, rich, and perfect for the cold weather. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger in, even if it means ordering dessert first.
The weather during our trip was chilly but comfortable, perfect for warm meals, light layers, and slow days. By breaking the journey, choosing one main stay to fully enjoy, and keeping plans flexible, the trip felt relaxed and meaningful.
Nainital worked for us because it allowed space for togetherness — long meals, quiet walks, and unhurried conversations. It was a simple New Year celebration, exactly the way we wanted it.
