An Escape to the 'Lake District of India'
For most Americans, Nainital may not be on the typical travel map, but it holds a magnetic appeal. Nestled in the Kumaon foothills of the Himalayas, this charming town was established by the British in the mid-19th century as a refuge from the scorching
summer heat of the plains. Centered around a stunning, eye-shaped volcanic lake, Nainital is often called the “Lake District of India.” Its steep, forested hillsides are dotted with colonial-era villas, churches, and boarding schools, giving the entire town an air of nostalgic elegance. It’s the kind of place that feels like it was lifted from the pages of a Victorian novel—a setting that practically begs you to slow down, disconnect from your phone, and pick up a book.
The Heritage Home at the Heart of the Buzz
While Nainital has many old-world hotels, the property capturing the imagination of literary-minded travelers is Abbotsford Prasada Bhawan. This isn’t a modern, anonymous hotel; it’s a living piece of history. Built in 1876, the sprawling estate has been meticulously restored and is still managed by the descendants of the family who have owned it for over a century. The main bungalow, with its gabled roofs, stone walls, and verandas draped in ivy, feels less like a commercial enterprise and more like being welcomed into a grand, private country home. It’s this authenticity—the creak of the floorboards, the scent of cedarwood, the antique furniture—that sets it apart and makes it a destination in itself.
A Library with a Himalayan View
So, what makes Abbotsford a paradise for book lovers specifically? It starts with the atmosphere. The estate boasts numerous reading nooks, both indoors and out. You can curl up with a novel in the main drawing room next to a roaring fireplace, find a quiet corner in the glass-enclosed conservatory, or take a book out to a garden bench overlooking the valley. The property’s library is a highlight, filled with a curated collection of books, including many on local history, flora, and fauna. The real magic, however, is the fusion of intellectual comfort and natural splendor. Reading a classic novel while sipping on Darjeeling tea as the mist rolls in over the Himalayas is an experience that feels both deeply personal and profoundly luxurious.
More Than Just a Place to Read
The appeal of a stay like Abbotsford extends beyond its bookshelves. It’s about a holistic experience of “slow travel.” The hosts pride themselves on their hospitality, offering home-cooked meals featuring local Kumaoni cuisine alongside classic continental dishes. Guests are encouraged to explore the estate's sprawling grounds, which include gardens, an oak forest, and even a private walking trail. For those wanting to venture further, Nainital itself offers plenty to do, from boating on the lake and shopping for candles on the Mall Road to taking a cable car up to Snow View point for panoramic vistas of peaks like Nanda Devi. The stay acts as a tranquil base, a place to return to for quiet contemplation after a day of gentle exploration.
