Wanderlust & Woes: A Family’s Wild Ride Through Uttarakhand.- Part-1

MADATvista July 15, 2025

 


Departure & Nainital—Where It All Begins: Departure Drama and a Long Haul to Nainital

It was 4:15 AM when I yawned my way to our Scorpio, dragging the last of the luggage down the stairs. The stars were still out, as if waving us goodbye from Ghaziabad. That’s when it happened—Chintu, our 9-year-old dynamo, dropped his heavy steel water bottle squarely on my foot.

“Papa, I’m ready!” He grinned.

I limped toward the driver’s seat, while Ritu—my ever-efficient wife, also known as The Commander—was back inside double-checking the gas knobs, locking every latch twice, and ensuring our homemade theplas, digestive pills, and “emergency” wet wipes were packed.

Tia, our 14-year-old daughter and reigning queen of sarcasm, slid into the back seat, her face lit not by excitement but by the glow of her phone screen. “Does Mussoorie even have 4G?” she asked, horrified.

We finally left Ghaziabad at 4:30 AM, with a tinge of tension and a trunk full of snacks.

Route Taken: Ghaziabad → Gajraula (Breakfast Halt) → Kathgodam → Nainital
Total Drive Time: ~9 hours | Distance: ~300 km

We stopped at Gajraula for a breakfast of oily but delightful parathas and chai from a roadside dhaba. Chintu spilled lassi on Tia’s sleeve, sparking the first sibling spat of the trip.

After two pee stops, one tantrum (mine), and several twists and turns, we arrived in Kathgodam by around noon. From there, the road to Nainital began to wind and climb—and so did our excitement. Ritu clutched the door handle at every sharp curve; Tia remained glued to her phone; Chintu squealed with every “jiggle” of the bumpy roads.

 

Arrival at The Naini Retreat, Nainital. (The Naini Retreat Website, Ayarpatta Slopes, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001) Check-in at  around 3:00 PM,

Nestled amidst pine trees and old-world charm, The Naini Retreat is a heritage-style property that once belonged to the Maharaja of Pilibhit. The moment we pulled into the cobblestone driveway, we were greeted with warm smiles and even warmer towels scented with lemongrass.

Chintu wanted to know if kings really stayed here. The staff humoured him with stories about the property’s colonial past. Our rooms opened up to views of the shimmering Naini Lake, its emerald waters catching the sun’s golden rays like a mirror of magic.

The room was cozy with wood-panelled interiors and a balcony that invited you to breathe. The staff, especially a jovial uncle named Mukesh at the reception, helped us settle in and even got warm milk for Chintu without us asking.

 

Evening Exploration: Boat Ride, Temple Bells & Tibetan Market

After freshening up, we took a walk down to the lake. The air was crisp; the breeze carried the scent of pine needles and roasted peanuts. We hired a shikara-style boat, the kind with red velvet seats and paper parasols. As we glided across the lake, Chintu leaned over dangerously, hoping to touch the water. Tia, however, was preoccupied clicking 82 selfies. “This lighting is aesthetic,” she declared.

After the boat ride, we lit candles at the Naina Devi Temple, nestled right beside the lake. Ritu closed her eyes in reverence while I soaked in the serenity—until Chintu pointed out that one of the statues looked “like my math teacher.”


Dinner was back at the hotel. The dining hall, with colonial chandeliers and soft instrumental music, made us feel momentarily royal. We ordered their thali platter—paneer butter masala, dal tadka, mixed vegetables, hot phulkas, and kheer that melted into memories.

Mukesh, our ever-helpful host, insisted we try their masala tea. "For digestion and for dreams," he said. Ritu was impressed. I earned brownie points for picking the hotel.

We tucked into bed by 10:30 PM, bellies full, hearts fuller.

 


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