Top places to visit in Nainital
Astronomical Observatory – It has Asia’s largest telescope through which you can see stars
Bhimtal Lake – It is believed that the palace of famous king Nala drowned into this lake
Binayak– One of the best trekking trails in the Himalayan range
Corbett Falls – It is a scenic water fall
Eco Cave Gardens – Several natural inter connected caves of different animals.
Ghorakhal Golu Devta Temple– Golu Devta, the presiding deity of the temple is said to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva
Gurney House – Summer abode of famous British hunter, Jim Corbett,
Hanuman Garhi – Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman offers sunrise & sunset views.
Himalayan View Point – The big four mountain peak view (Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Lhotse, and Mount Makalu.)
Jama Masjid – A big mosque where you can offer your prayers
Jeolikot – Gateway to Naini Lake
Jim Corbett National Park – the largest Corbett Tiger Reserve;
Kainchi Dam – Hanuman temple & Ashram which is established by a great saint Shri Neem Karoli Baba in 1960s
Khurpa Taal – It’s a Khurpa (trowel) shaped lake
Land’s End –The most beautiful and scenic destinations
Lover’s Point – The Lovers Point is genuinely romantic
Naina Devi Temple – A well-known Shakti Peeths of Hindu religion
Naini Lake – Around which Nainital is located
Naini Peak – Highest Peak in Nainital
Nainital Zoo – Pt. Govind Ballabh Pant Zoo, Himalayan wildlife
Naukuchia Taal – A lake with nine corners
Pangot & Kilbury Bird Sanctuary – This Bird Sanctuary is home to a variety of birds and mammals.
Pashan Devi Temple – It is made up of stone completely dedicated to the Goddess Durga
Peora –It is an ideal place for eco-tourism
Raj Bhawan – Governor’s House
Ramgarh – The fruit bowl of Uttarakhand,
Sariyatal – It is a 350-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva
Sattal – Place of seven lakes in the middle of hills
Snow View Point – offers an exceptional and bewitching view of the snow-covered Nanda Devi peak, Nanda Kot peak and the Trishul peak.
St. John’s Wilderness Church – St. John in the wilderness is an Anglican church
The Mall Road – Shopping Centre around the lake
Tibetan Market – Shop alcoholics paradise
Tiffin Top – Tiffin Top is famous for its marvellous sunrise and sunset.
Diwali in the Hills – A Magical Celebration
As the crisp autumn air settles over the Kumaon hills, a golden glow begins to spread across villages and valleys — it’s the season of Diwali, the festival of lights. At Dew Drops Homestay, Diwali is not just a celebration — it’s an experience that connects you to the soul of the mountains.
The Spirit of the Festival
In Uttarakhand, Diwali — known locally as Deepawali — is celebrated with deep devotion and mountain simplicity. The festival marks the victory of light over darkness, and every home prepares to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, that brings prosperity.
Families begin by cleaning and decorating their homes with fresh flowers, handmade rangolis, and rows of oil lamps. The soft flicker of diyas against the backdrop of misty pine-covered hills creates a picture of peace and beauty that words can hardly capture.
The Evening of Lights
As dusk falls, the entire valley glows with the warm light of thousands of diyas.
Our guests join in lighting lamps around the garden, verandas, and walkways — a gentle celebration of harmony with nature.
One will hear the ringing of temple bells, the chant of prayers, and the distant laughter of families sharing sweets and stories. The air fills with the fragrance of incense, seasonal flowers, and home-cooked delicacies.
A Taste of Local Festivity
No festival in the hills is complete without traditional Kumaoni sweets and snacks!
- Bal Mithai – the famous chocolatey fudge of Kumaon, topped with sugar pearls.
- Singori – a sweet made of khoya wrapped in Malu leaves.
- Arsa and Gulgule – homemade festive treats offered to guests.
At the homestay, we celebrate with simple, heartfelt feasts shared with guests — much like the way families in the hills have done for generations.
Local Traditions and Folklore
In villages across Kumaon, Diwali is celebrated with a mix of devotion and folklore:
- On Chhoti Deepawali, people light bonfires to drive away negativity.
- Married daughters receive Bhitoli gifts from their parents, symbolizing love and blessings.
- In some regions like Dwarahat and Devidhura, special rituals and fairs are held to honor ancestors and local deities.
These customs reflect the deep connection between nature, family, and faith that defines life in Uttarakhand.
Experience the Hills Aglow
At night, as you step outside, you’ll see a breathtaking view — the hillsides dotted with tiny lamps, twinkling like stars come down to earth. The peace of the mountains, the glow of diyas, and the gentle chill of the evening make Diwali here a memory to cherish forever.
Celebrate Diwali with Us
If you wish to experience Diwali away from the noise and crowds — in a place where traditions live gently among the mountains — Dew Drops Homestay in Bhimtal welcomes you.
Join us this festive season to light a lamp, share a smile, and celebrate the joy of togetherness in the lap of nature.
📞 Book your stay and make this Diwali truly special — a festival of peace, light, and mountain magic.
