Nainital is one of the most popular hill stations in India, attracting thousands of tourists every year. But do you know how to experience Nainital like a local? In this blog post, I will share some insider tips and tricks on how to enjoy Nainital from a local’s perspective. You will discover the best places to eat, shop, and explore, as well as the hidden gems and offbeat attractions that most tourists miss. You will also hear some stories and anecdotes from my own experience or from the locals I met. So, let’s get started!
Eat like a local in Nainital
Nainital is famous for its lake, but it is also a foodie’s paradise. The town offers a variety of cuisines, from North Indian to Tibetan to Continental. But if you want to taste the authentic flavours of Nainital, you have to try the local delicacies. Here are some of the dishes you should not miss:
Momos
These are steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables. They are a popular snack in Nainital, especially from the Tibetan Market near the Naina Devi Temple. You can enjoy them with spicy red chutney or soup. They are cheap and delicious, and you can find them at almost every street corner or restaurant in Nainital.
Kumaoni food
This is the traditional cuisine of the Kumaon region, which includes Nainital and its surroundings. It is made with local ingredients and spices and has a distinct flavour and aroma. Some of the dishes you should try are:
- Bhatt ki Churkani: This is a dish made with black soybeans and spices. It is usually served with rice or roti. It has a rich and tangy taste that will warm you up in the cold weather. You can find this dish at most of the local restaurants or dhabas in Nainital.
- Ras: This is a dish that is similar to dal, but made with different types of lentils and spices. It is cooked in an iron pot over a wood fire, giving it a smoky flavour. It is often accompanied by bhang ki chutney, which is made with hemp seeds and green chillies. You can try this dish at Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop, which is one of the oldest and most famous eateries in Nainital.
Sweets
Nainital has a sweet tooth, and you will find many shops selling various kinds of sweets and desserts. But if you want to try something unique and special, you have to try these sweets:
- Bal Mithai: This is a sweet treat that is unique to Nainital and its neighbouring regions. It is made with roasted khoya (milk solids) and coated with sugar balls. It has a fudge-like texture and a caramel-like taste. It is a must-have souvenir for anyone visiting Nainital. You can buy this delicacy from any of the sweet shops in Nainital, but the best ones are at Mamu’s Chocolates and Khim Singh Mohan Singh Rautela.
- Singhori: This is another sweet that is exclusive to Nainital and its surroundings. It is made with khoya and coconut, and wrapped in a leaf called singhori or malu. It has a soft and moist texture and a nutty flavour. It is usually eaten as a snack or after a meal. You can find this sweet at most of the sweet shops in Nainital, but the best ones are at Chandni Chowk and Brijwasi Sweets.
Shop like a local in Nainital
Nainital is not only a place for sightseeing but also for shopping. The town has a vibrant market that sells everything from handicrafts to woollens to candles. But if you want to avoid the tourist traps and bargain like a pro, you have to know where to go. Here are some of the places you should check out:
Mall Road
This is the main street of Nainital that runs along the lake. It is lined with shops, cafes, hotels, and restaurants. It is the best place to buy souvenirs, such as wooden carvings, paintings, jewellery, shawls, scarves, and hats. You can also find some branded stores, such as Fabindia and Woodland if you are looking for quality products. The Mall Road is usually crowded and noisy, but it is also lively and colourful. You can enjoy the views of the lake while shopping or take a break at one of the many eateries along the way.
Tibetan Market
This is a small market near the Naina Devi Temple that sells Tibetan products, such as clothes, bags, shoes, carpets, and accessories. It is a good place to buy some unique and cheap items, such as prayer flags, Buddha statues, singing bowls, and thangkas (Tibetan paintings). You can also find some delicious Tibetan food here, such as momos (dumplings), thukpa (noodle soup), and laphing (spicy cold noodles). The Tibetan Market is open from 10 am to 9 pm every day.
Know more about the Tibetan or Bhotia market Here
Bara Bazaar
This is an old market near the Mallital area that sells local products, such as candles, honey, jam, pickles, herbs, and spices. It is a good place to buy some organic and natural products that are made by the locals. You can also find some quirky items here, such as bamboo flutes, musical instruments, and masks. The Bara Bazaar is open from 9 am to 8 pm every day.
Explore like a local in Nainital
Nainital is known for its scenic beauty and natural attractions. The town has many places to visit, such as the Naini Lake, the Naina Devi Temple, the Snow View Point, the Tiffin Top, and the Eco Cave Gardens. But if you want to go beyond the usual tourist spots and discover some hidden gems and offbeat attractions, you have to venture out of the town. Here are some of the places you should explore:
Kilbury
This is a forested area about 12 km from Nainital that offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas. It is a perfect place for birdwatching, as it is home to more than 200 species of birds, such as woodpeckers, thrushes, warblers, and flycatchers. You can also spot some wildlife here, such as deer, leopards, and bears. You can reach Kilbury by car or by trekking from Nainital. There is a forest rest house here, where you can stay overnight or have a picnic.
Khurpatal
This is a small lake about 10 km from Nainital that is surrounded by pine and cedar trees. It is a serene and peaceful place that is ideal for fishing, boating, and photography. You can also visit the nearby village of Khurpatal, which is known for its organic farming and horticulture. You can reach Khurpatal by car or by trekking from Nainital. There are some hotels and resorts here, where you can stay or have a meal.
Sattal
This is a cluster of seven lakes about 23 km from Nainital that is set in a valley. It is a pristine and untouched place that is rich in biodiversity. Here, You can enjoy various activities here, such as boating, kayaking, camping, and hiking. You can also visit the nearby Sattal Christian Ashram, which is a spiritual retreat that offers meditation, yoga, and Bible study. You can reach Sattal by car or by bus from Nainital. There are some cottages and campsites here, where you can stay or have a bonfire.
Stories and anecdotes
Nainital is not only a place of beauty but also of history and culture. The town has many stories and anecdotes that reveal its past and present. Here are some of the stories and anecdotes that I heard from the locals or experienced myself:
The origin of Nainital
According to legend, Nainital was created when the eyes of goddess Sati fell here while her body was being carried by Lord Shiva after her death. The word Nainital means ‘lake of the eye’ in Sanskrit. The lake is also considered to be one of the 64 Shakti Peethas, where the body parts of Sati fell. The Naina Devi Temple on the shore of the lake is dedicated to the goddess and is visited by many pilgrims every year.
The discovery of Nainital
According to history, Nainital was discovered by a British sugar merchant named P. Barron in 1839. He was so mesmerized by the beauty of the lake that he decided to build a house here and named it Pilgrim’s Cottage. He also wrote an article about Nainital in the Agra Gazette, which attracted many other Britishers to visit and settle here. Soon, Nainital became a popular summer resort for the British Raj and was made the summer capital of the United Provinces (now Uttar Pradesh).
The haunted house of Nainital
According to folklore, there is a haunted house in Nainital that belongs to an English lady named Dorothy who died in a car accident in 1936. Her spirit is said to roam around the house and the road where she died. Many people have reported seeing her ghost or hearing her screams at night. The house is located near the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and is known as GB Pant High Altitude Zoo. The road where she died is called Thandi Sadak (Cold Road) and is avoided by many locals after dark.
Conclusion
Nainital is a town that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for nature, adventure, culture, or relaxation, you will find it here. But if you want to experience Nainital like a local, you have to follow this guide and explore the places that most tourists miss. You will not only see the beauty of Nainital but also feel its soul.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and found it useful. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave them in the comments section below. And if you liked this post, please share it with your friends and family who are planning to visit Nainital.
Thank you for reading!