Crowded around a deep, green volcanic lake, the hill resort of Nainital is a favourite getaway for Delhi-ites. Perched in the mountains, up at 1938m -- an altitude which we became painfully aware of yesterday, after we ran up the hill to get out of the rain -- it's a idillic place this time of year to escape the heat of the city.

Imagine sitting on the shore of one of England's National Trust protected Lakes (this colourful town was founded by homesick Brits reminded of the Cumbrian Lake District) . Now imagine, a steep valley packed with hotels; brightly painted gondola-like boats* and dragon pedalos forming flotillas; and candy floss, lots of candy floss**. That just about sums up Nainital.

Oh, and to add to the holiday atmosphere, there's a cable car which runs up to Snow View -- which (on a clear day) has panoramic Himalayan views -- and a mini amusement park! Kids can shoot air-rifles, play on bumper cars, shoot air rifles, go on go-carts, shoot air-rifles, ride a flying fox... Did i mention shoot air-rifles?

I however preferred the adults' 'play area' next to the lake, with the Naina Devi Temple as backdrop: the only flat open area in the town is devoted to sports. On our first morning here we sat, eating our stall-bought omelette sandwiches, watching a game of cricket -- the men in their Whites. It was all very civilised. And just to round-off our well-to-do day, we had tea and cake (yes, again) at Sakley's -- they'll even box you up some cakes to take back to your room for later.

* they must have a shortage of customers or a surplus of boats though, as we were constantly confronted by "buy boat?"

** they do seem to like their candy floss. Although my favourite has to be the hawkers on the trains! Couldn't believe it.