Mystical Magical India….
From Turkey I travelled to India on Turkish Airlines. This was my second trip on Turkish Airlines and I must congratulate them with their in-flight menu and service
India is a mystical country and it always pleasures me when I visit India. This was my 5th visit to India since I was there in May 2007 for the first time.The first time was very special as I made a special effort to visit one of the EIGHT wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal. I was sure that this time will be special but different from any of the other visits, especially as I was heading for Nainital, a city 352 Kilometers NW of Delhi.
When I arrived in Delhi, just after 5am, on Sunday, I walked into, what felt like a “warm blanket which covered me’”, it was so hot, I cannot explain it I was met by the hotel driver who took me to the hotel where I had just enough time to refresh myself before our journey to Nainital started. Some advise, never visit India during the summer, if you have a choice!
The most important thing which always distinguishes Indian hotels from all the others in the rest of the world (in the 31 countries which I visited) is their friendliness and caring for their guests! It’s just something which I cannot explain to anyone, you have to experience it for yourself.
Our road trip to Nainiatal was wonderful and at times nerve wrecking. The roads were very busy, and this has to be understood in the context of India’s population which 1.15Billion.However, despite the hectic traffic, I always found that the drivers are very considerate, and I must say, I admire them for their skillful driving and patience. Smaller countries with less traffic have a lot to learn from road users in India.
My host and his colleagues were no different from the pleasant hotel staff, they were even more concerned about their guests and we had a road trip which included stops for lunch and teas. Yes, in India you are always treated to lovely Chai, Coconut water, Cookies and fruit! I love the Chai and cookiesI have so much respect for the Indian culture of care and I am trying very hard to apply what I have learnt from them.

Nainiatl is also called Lakescity.It is a beautiful, Idyllic city on the top of hills founded by the British in 1841. Nainital, at 1,934 m above sea level, is a popular resort in the Shivalik Range. Surrounded by forested hills, the town is set around the Naini Lake. “Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalyan necklace, blessed with scenic natural spledour and varied natural resources. Dotted with lakes, Nainital has earned the epithet of ’Lake District' of India. The most prominent of the lakes is Naini Lake ringed by hills. Nainital has a varied topography” (http://nainital.nic.in/)
Nainital is a popular vacation resort during summer. The weather is very pleasant in Nainital, reaching the highest of 27degrees C compared to Delhi where it ranges from 25-46degrees Celsius.
Driving into Nainital the last 30 kilometers or so ascended into dangerous narrow turns, but yet spectacular views! Only a skillful driver can take his/ her passengers safely into Lakecity.We arrived in Nainiatl at around 9pm in the evening and I was in awe with the lovely people and beautiful place!!!
Every day after the workshop (yes I was on a business trip) we explored the beauty of the Lake city .It was an amazing experience, and it felt like we were on an exotic island. It was so serene and people were so happy all around. It is not always possible to express myself in words and I will therefore include some pictures to give you a taste of what I experienced in Nainital.Enjoy the reading and add Nainital to your list of “Cities which I want to visit!!!
When we travelled back from Nainital after our three day workshop I was content and grateful for the opportunity to visit such an extraordinary place full of special people. We stopped to buy fruit and did I enjoy the King of fruits? Mango….I did not know there are so many variations of Mango...I will not spoil your fun...you have to go to India to see for yourself
India is an extraordinary country with extraordinary people, I have great admiration for them.