Shahnaz Husain, a prominent Indian female entrepreneur best known for her herbal cosmetics shares with us her Nainital Holiday experience and why she fell in love with the place.
Q: What does a holiday means to you?
Shahnaz Husain: There is nothing more enjoyable than getting away to a place where I can spend quality time with my family. If I am travelling, it also encompasses meeting new people and seeing places of scenic beauty or historical interest.
Q: Tell us something about your latest trip?
Shahnaz Husain: My last trip was to Nainital, one of the most tranquil and idyllic hill stations. I went there with my family.
Nainital
Q: Where did you stay in Nainital and how was the stay?
Shahnaz Husain: We stayed at the Naini Retreat, one of the most luxurious hotels in Nainital that transports you to the colonial era. It is situated on one of the hill slopes overlooking the lake and provides a most picturesque view.
Q: How did you spend your time there?
Shahnaz Husain: I loved boating and yachting on the lake, particularly one instance when I went boating at night, under a canopy of twinkling stars and surrounded by city lights. It is quite magical.
Q: What did you shop from there?
Shahnaz Husain: A relaxed and leisurely holiday is not really conducive to a shopping spree. But, I did pick up some beautiful paintings, especially of the lake, with its emerald green water. I also picked up some local wood carvings from shops at the Mall.
Q: Suggest some good eateries over there.
Shahnaz Husain: The multi-cuisine restaurants at the hotel were good. I also liked Machaan that had a jungle décor and an open kitchen. Some lakefront cafes at the Mall are worth a visit, as they offer serene views.
Q: Can you give our readers us some sightseeing recommendations?
Shahnaz Husain: Lands End is a favourite tourist spot. It offers a magnificent sight of the neighbouring hills and the valley. The Naina Devi temple is also worth a visit. You can also drive down to Corbett National Park, just 75 km away.
Q: What travel tips would you like to give to the travellers?
Shahnaz Husain: Carry light woollens for the evenings, comfortable clothes and walking shoes. If you plan to be out boating or walking, don’t forget your sunscreen as well as a hat or scarf to cover the hair.
Q: Which place would you really love to visit?
Shahnaz Husain: Top on my list is Darjeeling and the sunrise over the Kanchenjunga.
Q: Share with us any travel memory from childhood?
Shahnaz Husain: Back then, holidays were always spent in Kashmir, in my house in Pahalgam. We used to play with snowballs in Gulmarg and life was like a dream.
