Chhavi and I visited Abbotsford Nainital in March, just before Holi. It is a beautiful cottage built in 1876. It came to the Prasada Family in 1903. The home is full of old family photographs and curios which kept me engrossed. But then I am running ahead of me. Let me start at the beginning.
The Shatabdi Journey and Beyond
We took the Kathgodam Shatabdi which leaves New Delhi Railway Station at 6.00 am. That means a 4.30 start from home! That left both Chhavi and me cranky. But we tolerated each-other well throughout the train journey. Then we had to take Avomine for our motion sickness and that made us even crankier!
The road trip from Kathgodam to Nainital was a breeze. But the kid was getting even more crankier by the minute and I don’t blame her. I was scared she would be too tired to enjoy anything after we reached. But I was wrong.
The Abbotsford Nainital- A Heritage Homestay
We were staying in the Kings Room which is within the old building. It was a charming room. But more than anything Chhavi perked up at the sight of big open lawn where we had our lunch. It is an outdoor Cafe, Chica, which is open to public. Chhavi had a paratha in the car but I was surprised that she ate lunch as well. Then all the tiredness was forgotten! She was her jumping self again!
I did not anticipate the weather getting so chilly at the nights at Nainital in March. Our room had a blower which we used all night for the first night. I ended up buying a thick sweater and shoes for Chhavi the next day. They gave us hot water bags to put at out feet inside the quilt at night. Even Chhavi relished it to the core, for me it was sheer bliss!
The room had a TV too. Chhavi was happy that she could watch her cartoons! But nobody watched much TV.
Our room was huge, it got natural light throughout the day. It was done tastefully. It had an amazing arched roof! With a small and active child I am quite scared that she would break something! My room had only a few delicate things, like an ashtray, an attar bottle, a candle stand etc. But the main section on the ground floor was full of bric-a-bracs that required care! I have to say Chhavi managed not to break anything once again!
The bathroom has a shower, a bucket, Forest Essentials toiletries, hot water, all little things that made us comfortable.
Janhavi Prasada, a member of the family who owns Abbotsford, was there with us. Chhavi found a new companion, to whom she could talk non-stop. I had to tell her at times, “jaan maat lo tum unki!”
We took it easy on the first day. It was mainly about food, chai, soups and conversations! Which brings me to the next topic, food!
The Food at Abbotsford Nainital
The food at Nainital is homely. And if you travel frequently, that is a blessing. The breakfast had roti, toast, omelette, excellent local jams, butter and tea. I am sure you will get coffee to you want it.
The lunch was Indian style with sabzi, daal, roti and chawal with farm fresh salad. One night we had continental food which both Chhavi and I like.
The second night was a feast for us. We had a bonfire outdoors, we had wine and we had local food with bhang ki chatni. It was a true feast!
There were baby carrots growing in their garden. It was a first for Chhavi, to see carrot getting dug out, and then being handed to her to wash and eat!
The flowers had just started to bloom. The poppies were such a source of cheer!
The Nainital Book Club
I was lucky that my stay coincided with the inaugural meeting of the Nainital Book Club. The first meeting was held at Abbotsford and the book they discussed was The Immortals of Meluha. I have not read it but I found the discussion quite engrossing. I wish them the very best for their future meetings.
We went on a hike, and Chhavi and I ventured into the city too, but that is the topic of a separate post!
Traveling with a child gives a different hue to a trip. Children will Abbotsford because they have huge open areas to run around though they have to be careful indoors.
If I were there alone, I would just laze around the homestay and do nothing, or write
PS. My stay at Abbotsford was sponsored by them.
Such a charming cottage… a true Himalayan refuge, luxurious yet serene…
The baby with baby carrot is tooo cute…. 🙂
Thank you Prasad. Baby enjoyed eating the baby carrot too! 😀
Lovely it looks! The pictures prove that both you and Chhavi had a great time. Couldn’t be there when you visited it but I am definitely looking forward to be there soon.
I am sure you will enjoy your stay Manjulika!
looks like our kind of property to go with toddler..but it would be good to know how much pricing they offer for families
Sushmita the prices are clearly mentioned on the website! Do check it out.
The place looks lovely! And so happy to see mom daughter had a blast! Btw I think you really underestimate Chhavi ???? Perhaps she isn’t the brat no 1 that you always call her ????????
She is a brat for sure! 😛
Loved reading the post ☺ but loved the expressions of her even more … this post surely pushes me to go somewhere ????
Pooja do go and have a blast!
Beautiful place. Must have been so relaxing.
It was a fun trip Kalpanaa!
Beautiful cottage and I love Chavi’s mickey mouse ears :* :* too cute 🙂
Awww … i know u are not a morning person like me 😛
And another Shatabdi trip coming up, same 4.30 am start. Can’t complain though.
Nice homestay…neat and classy. Great to see you and Chavi having a good time. Early morning trains are a big hassle for me too 🙂
I agree early morning trains are no fun! But trips are always fun.
Awesome place. Beautiful pics 🙂
Helloo to Chhavi 🙂
And Chhavi says hello to you!
Wonderful stay experience. Love her pics. 🙂 She gives those deadly looks!
Ha ha it is her trademark Indrani!
Great place in my favorite Nainital. I was scheduled to visit at Holi but cancelled the plan on receiving feelers of an anticipated huge crowd:(
Chhavi is a star in the making:) God bless..!
Thank you so much for your blessings. I agree Nainital would have got crowded at Holi as it was a long weekend too.
Place looks amazing, and this Heritage feel is the one which attracts me most… Makes me nostalgic about my homestay leisure time in coorg and Nainital …
And king size room for two queens, wow what thoughtful idea of them…
Tarun 😀 we did have a great time at the property with all the open spaces for Chhavi to run around!
Hill stations always have a peculiar charm and this cottage seems particularly unique.
Yes I guess being built in 1876 it has a feel of the bygone era 😀
Abbotsford looks so cozy and loved the interiors! Chhavi looks so cute and adorable, enjoining her stay here!
Thank you so much to you both!
Looks like a nice place
It is Shrinidhi! 😀
Gorgeous place Mridula! Love the last picture of the living room – it really does look so inviting and the prefect place to unwind with a book.
I agree but with Chhavi around, there was no chance of sitting with a book!
Beautiful pictures! you must have had a great time 🙂
Yes indeed Hargun!
I have not been a great fan of homestays but this post is changing my mind 🙂
I am surprised as I am a big fan of homestays 😀
I must say, this is a beautiful cottage! One which I would really like to venture out.
But Chhavi stole the limelight! She is really cute esp in the baby with baby carrot one 🙂
Thank you Arun, she is the baby bull in the bone china shop!
Seems like a perfect place to be in Nainital. I really love the way you share the whole experience. Your post left me missing my hometown. Glad you liked bhaang ki chutney, it’s my favorite too ????
Kavita you must be missing your hometown with such good weather!
Where are Nainital photos? 🙂
In the next post I am going to do!
how do you go from Kathgodam to Nainital ? I have been planning to go with my kids, just not sure of this leg, pls let me know
thank you
You can easily hire a taxi from the station or else ask your hotel to arrange for one.