From City Chaos to Nature’s Calm: Kelkar Family’s Nainital Trip with Thrillophilia
Nitin had been feeling overwhelmed by work and the city’s bustle. One evening, while scrolling through old family photos, he stumbled upon pictures from their last hill station trip. And suddenly, memories of laughter and fresh mountain air washed over him.
Inspired, he shared the idea of a trip with his wife and daughter over dinner. And they reminisced about the joy of exploring nature together.
As they discussed possible destinations, Nainital emerged as their top choice. A quick search led them to a Thrillophilia Nainital tour package that also included Jim Corbett, which felt like a perfect cherry on top.
By the end of the meal, they knew the trip to the hills was the much-needed escape they'd been waiting for.
A Spiritual Spree
The Kelkar family’s first morning in Nainital began with a sense of calm, much like the serene waters of Naini Lake.
Nitin, his wife, and their daughter walked up to Naina Devi Temple, their first stop. As they approached, the temple's towering presence, nestled against the hills, felt both peaceful and powerful. Nitin’s wife whispered a small prayer as they stood before the deity. Their daughter, always with a camera in hand, was already snapping pictures, eager to capture every bit of beauty around them.
Leaving the temple behind, the family made their way toward Mall Road, the heart of Nainital’s local life. It wasn’t the usual busy street filled with cars and noise; instead, it was a mix of charming shops, cheerful locals, and the soft smell of roasted peanuts in the air.
Nitin couldn’t help but get drawn in by the warmth of it all, picking up a woollen scarf for his wife, who, of course, had been eyeing it for a while. “Just one more,” she laughed as they paused at another stall.
As the sun began to dip behind the hills, the family boarded a small boat for a leisurely ride across Naini Lake. The quiet splash of oars, the glow of the setting sun on the water, and the soft conversations of other travellers created an almost magical atmosphere.
Nitin caught his wife smiling as their daughter tried to capture the scene on her camera, and for a moment, everything felt just right.
Adventures Amid Lakes and Hills
The next journey brought the promise of adventure as the Kelkars set off for Sattal, a hidden gem nestled amidst thick forests and tranquil lakes.
Nitin had heard about its untouched beauty, but nothing prepared him for the sight that greeted them as they reached the banks of the first lake. It was like stepping into a painting, with the sun dappling through the trees and the still water reflecting the deep greens of the surrounding hills.
The family rented a small boat to glide across the glassy waters of Naukuchiatal, another of the region’s beautiful lakes. Nitin’s daughter was the first to grab the oars, her excitement bubbling over as she rowed, laughing at how the boat swayed gently with each stroke. His wife, usually content on solid ground, looked on with a mix of nerves and delight, clinging to the sides of the boat as they drifted into the middle of the lake.
The peace of the morning soon gave way to excitement when the family arrived at Bhimtal for water zorbing. The sight of the large, inflatable zorb balls on the lake piqued their curiosity, and their daughter wasted no time convincing them all to join in.
Before they knew it, the family was inside the zorb, tumbling across the water. Nitin’s wife was the first to lose her balance, collapsing into fits of laughter as she bumped into her husband. Their daughter’s attempts to stay upright were equally futile, and the three of them were soon rolling around in hilarious chaos, their laughter echoing across the lake.
By the time they clambered out, breathless and grinning, Nitin joked, “I think we just discovered a new family sport!”
They spent the rest of the day recounting the fun, enjoying the surrounding beauty before heading back to Nainital.
A Day in Jim Corbett's Playground
After the family bid goodbye to Nainital, they were filled with excitement while making their way to Jim Corbett National Park. Nitin had long dreamt of experiencing the thrill of a safari, and today was finally the day.
Climbing into their open-top jeep, they were greeted by their guide, a seasoned naturalist brimming with enthusiasm. “Keep your eyes peeled,” he warned. “You never know what you might see.” As they rattled down the dirt paths, the thrill grew with each turn.
Suddenly, the jeep stopped. They heard a rustling in the underbrush. Nitin held his breath, heart pounding.
From the dense foliage emerged a magnificent Bengal tiger, its striking stripes vibrant against the green backdrop. Time seemed to freeze as the tiger paused, its golden eyes scanning the area. Nitin’s wife instinctively reached for their daughter’s hand, both mesmerised by the sheer power of nature.
As the tiger passed by, their laughter filled the jeep, buoyed by the thrill of the encounter. The safari continued, leading them to a playful herd of elephants, their trunks swinging gracefully. But the excitement peaked when a sudden commotion erupted in the distance.
“That’s a leopard!” the guide whispered urgently. They sped toward the sound, but the elusive cat slipped away, leaving them breathless and exhilarated.
As they left Jim Corbett, the Kelkars felt a profound connection to the wild, their hearts racing with unforgettable memories of the day.
Was the tour that they booked worth it?
When we asked the family this question, Nitin responded, “It was a very well-planned and even better-executed trip. The properties were as promised, and there was absolutely no difference between the proposed plan and what we received. The driver was patient and very friendly.” To this, his wife added, “Overall, it was a very worry-free trip. We just went along freely.”