We left Corbett yesterday and did the shortish drive to Naukchiatal through Nainital. Nainital was beautiful and we stopped to view so many lakes (tals) along the way.

After inhaling the fresh air and the beauty surrounding us, we got out near Bara Bazaar - the shopping area of Nainital and indulged in some wonderful local shopping. This was followed by a yummy Tibetan lunch that served us way too much food for what we paid. They had a number of dishes in chicken, veg, and mutton. Unfortunately, they had only mutton available yesterday - still tasted pretty great. Here is a picture of their combo with a soup, thupka (dry noodle dish), and momos (Tibetan dumplings).

After spoiling ourselves, we got in the car for another hour's drive before we got to Naukchiatal. We landed a sweet room. Check me out relaxing like royalty in the picture below. Monkeys roam all over the place here and have made themselves at home. Here's a monkey butt picture (I was too late to capture the whole monkey) of a monkey taking a stroll right outside my room window.

My mom and me were super excited yesterday to see a morning nature trek in the activities. It was supposed to start at 6:30am and we woke up early so we could make it. It looks like we were the only enthusiastic people coz nobody was there. So we took ourselves on our own nature walk and explored the lake area. We also got to see the Hanuman Mandir with a huge statue of Hanuman in the front (it wasn't because we got lost, really 😉).

After heading back, we had a quick breakfast and took the family out for a stroll too. Walking to the lake again, we decided to ride in a Shikara - 30 mins for 300 rupees. It was super calm and relaxing slowly drifting on the still lake. We walked some more, had our lunch and came back (we also avoided being duped by a fraud store in the area 👍).

It's time to pack now as we leave super early in the morning. I totally enjoyed spending this little time with my parents (it will always feel like little even when long) amid the natural beauty India has to offer. I'll miss them terribly - the jokes, the conversations, the hugs, and just knowing they are close - but was glad for the time I could spend with my fantabulous parents. I've convinced them (I think) that we need to meet again soon before I get homesick again. Look at how good we look together 😊.

I'll talk to you all from Delhi next where I am heading to spend a few days with my sweet in-laws. I'm gonna go get some more quality time in.