Kelkar’s Chronicles: Nitin’s Nainital Family Adventure Review with Thrillophilia
I was scrolling through Facebook when I saw a beautiful photo of green lakes surrounded by hills. I first thought it was some other place in Kerala or Karnataka but I read in the comments that it was Nainital, just a few hours from my home.
The view made me want to visit right away. So, I quickly shared the idea with my wife and daughter. We started laughing and remembering our past trips together and realising that a new trip was long overdue.
Soon, we had a plan to go to Nainital! My daughter did some surfing and found a Thrillophilia Nainital package that offered amazing views and a fun safari in Jim Corbett National Park.
We booked it immediately, excited for our family adventure ahead.
Temple, Treats, and Tides!
Our first morning in Nainital started with excitement as we headed straight to Mall Road, the vibrant heart of the town. The atmosphere buzzed with cheerful locals and the delicious aroma of roasted peanuts.
“How about we grab some snacks first?” I suggested, and my daughter’s eyes lit up. “Yes, please!”
After enjoying some treats, we made our way to Naina Devi Temple. The towering structure nestled against the hills filled us with awe. “I need a moment,” my wife said softly, closing her eyes in prayer. “It feels so peaceful here,” I replied, watching our daughter capture the scene on her camera.
“You’re going to fill up your phone with pictures, aren’t you?” I teased. “Absolutely! I want to remember every moment,” she grinned back.
After leaving the temple, we rented a small boat for a leisurely ride on Naini Lake. The gentle splashes of oars and the warm sunlight created a magical atmosphere. “Dad, can you row?” our daughter asked, handing me the oars. “Let’s see if you can keep us steady!” I chuckled as I took over.
As we glided across the water, my wife smiled, capturing our laughter on her phone. “This is incredible!” I said, soaking in the moment.
For that brief time, everything felt just right- no worries, just laughter and love, floating together.
Waves of Laughter!
Our adventure truly began as we set off for Sattal, a hidden gem nestled amidst lush forests and tranquil lakes.
“I’ve heard so much about this place! I can’t wait to see it,” I said, feeling the excitement bubbling inside me. The sight that greeted us was breathtaking, like stepping into a painting. Sunlight filtered through the trees, and the still water mirrored the deep greens of the hills.
Before heading to Bhimtal, we decided to make a quick stop at Pandeygaon, a picturesque spot perfect for a picnic. We spread our blanket on the grass, surrounded by nature's beauty. “This is just what we needed,” my wife smiled as she unpacked our moong ke pakode.
“Look! Let’s rent a boat here!” our daughter exclaimed as we reached Naukuchiatal. We eagerly rented a small boat, and I handed her the oars. “Just steer us straight, okay?” I joked, watching her struggle to maintain our course. “It’s harder than it looks!” she giggled while gasping.
Next, we ventured to Bhimtal for water zorbing. The giant inflatable zorb balls floating on the lake looked too fun to resist. “We have to do this!” our daughter insisted, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Before I knew it, we were tumbling inside the zorb, rolling across the water.
My wife lost her balance first, collapsing into fits of laughter. “I’ve never seen you laugh like this!” I shouted, struggling to keep my own balance.
Afterwards, we spent time recounting our funny moments. It was a day filled with adventure and laughter, moments I knew we would cherish forever.
Tiger Spotting: Family Edition
After saying goodbye to Nainital’s calm, we were off to the wild wonders of Jim Corbett National Park! The thought of seeing a tiger had my heart racing with excitement. “Today’s the day!” I told my family as we drove. “I can’t wait to see one of those big cats up close!”
Upon entering the park, our anticipation grew. We climbed into our open-top jeep, and our guide was brimming with enthusiasm. “Stay sharp; the jungle has surprises waiting!” he said, but my mind was already buzzing with what we might encounter.
Suddenly, a rustling in the bushes made my pulse quicken. “What’s that?” my daughter whispered, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. I held my breath, and then it happened- a magnificent Bengal tiger stepped into view, its stripes striking against the greenery.
“Look!” I exclaimed, pointing as time seemed to freeze. My wife gasped, and my daughter squealed, “It’s even cooler than on TV!”
We watched in awe as the tiger sauntered past, feeling like we’d just witnessed something truly special. But the excitement didn’t stop there. We soon spotted a playful herd of elephants swinging their trunks, and laughter bubbled up as we snapped pictures.
As we left Jim Corbett, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this wild adventure. “Can we come back tomorrow?” my daughter asked. “Only if we bring a bigger camera,” I replied, laughing.
No Surprises- Just Good Times!
As our trip came to a close, I couldn’t help but reflect on all the incredible memories we’d created. “Was this tour worth it?” I asked my family as we settled into the car for the journey back home.
“Absolutely!” my daughter exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “From the temple visits to the zorb balls, every moment was a blast!”
My wife nodded in agreement, adding, “And the tiger? Don’t even get me started! It was like a scene from a movie.”
As we drove away, I smiled, feeling grateful for how smoothly everything went. Thrillophilia planned this trip exceptionally well and as promised. Our friendly driver and the stunning stays were perfect.
No surprises- just good times! This journey brought us closer together and reminded us of the simple joys of family and adventure.