It’s tempting to imagine Nainital the way it once was: a misty hill town framed by deodar forests, where the lake shimmered undisturbed and the only traffic was a horse-drawn tonga. Today, while its charm still holds, the town’s popularity has brought with it the expected bustle of tourists, endless honking, and hotels that climb over each other for a sliver of a lake view. For the discerning traveller seeking not just scenery, but solitude and substance, the answer lies two hours away—at Seed at Queens Meadows, Ranikhet.
Why Stay at Seed, Ranikhet? 
Located approximately 65 kilometres (2 hours) from Nainital, Seed at Queens Meadows offers something that most city-based hotels in Nainital cannot: space, serenity, and stillness. Nestled in the tranquil hills of Ranikhet, this eco-luxury retreat is designed for those who seek more than just a room with a view. Here, you’ll find panoramic vistas of snow-clad peaks, intimate luxury tents crafted with sustainability in mind, and a deep connection to nature and self.
By choosing to stay at Seed, you avoid the throngs of tourists and noisy streets that have become synonymous with Nainital. Instead, you get to retreat to a sanctuary where the only sounds are the rustle of pine leaves and the morning songs of Himalayan birds. You wake up to yoga sessions under open skies, dine on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and unwind by the bonfire under a canopy of stars. And when you do wish to dip into the liveliness of a hill town, Nainital is just a picturesque drive away.
The Day Trip: Exploring Nainital from Seed
A day trip from Seed to Nainital is the perfect way to blend immersion with escape. Here’s how to make the most of it:
9:00 AM – Depart from Seed after a Hearty Breakfast 
Fuel up with a nourishing breakfast of fresh fruit, homemade granola, and piping hot parathas or eggs to order at Seed’s tranquil restaurant. Then, set off for Nainital via the scenic Almora-Ranikhet road. The journey winds through pine forests, sleepy villages, and rolling hills, offering spectacular views at every turn.
11:00 AM – Arrive at Nainital & Begin with the Lake
Start your Nainital experience with its heart: Naini Lake. Rent a paddle boat or opt for a guided rowboat and let the emerald waters reflect the colonial architecture and surrounding hills. Early morning is ideal—the lake is calmer, and the crowds thinner.
12:30 PM – Mall Road & Local Shopping
A stroll down Mall Road is a must. Dotted with colonial-era buildings, bakeries, cafes, and quaint shops, it offers everything from locally woven woollens to handcrafted candles. Don’t miss the chance to pick up traditional Kumaoni snacks or souvenirs.
1:30 PM – Lunch with a View 
Stop for lunch at one of Nainital’s heritage cafes or lakeside restaurants. Many of them offer outdoor seating with panoramic views, perfect for savouring a hot bowl of thukpa or freshly baked pies.
3:00 PM – Cable Car Ride to Snow View Point
Take the famous Aerial Ropeway to Snow View Point for a sweeping view of the Himalayas. On a clear day, the Nanda Devi peak stands proudly in the distance. For the more adventurous, short hikes to nearby viewpoints like Tiffin Top or Dorothy’s Seat can also be rewarding.
4:30 PM – A walk to remember 
A walk by the serene waters of Nainital is a slow travel experience for this rather crowded destination. Watch travellers engaged in frenzied vacationing, pass by heritage homes that have stood the test of time, or simply take in the air, everything stands still when you walk slowly in contemplation.
5:30 PM – Evening Tea by the Lake
Before you head back, settle in at one of the lakeside cafes for a cup of masala chai as the sun begins to set over Naini Lake. The reflections on the water, the evening chill in the air, and the slowly lighting town make for a magical farewell.
7:30 PM – Return to Seed at Queens Meadows
As the buzz of Nainital fades behind you, the road winds you back to the embrace of Seed. Here, under a sky filled with stars and the scent of pine in the air, you realise the true luxury wasn’t in what you saw, but in how you felt.
The Art of Doing Nothing: Why Seed Completes the Experience
After a day of exploration, Seed at Queens Meadows invites you to return to stillness. This is where the Art of Doing Nothing comes to life. It’s in the way time slows down as you sip Garhwali chai by a crackling bonfire. It’s in the quiet moments spent reading at The Machaan, or in conversations sparked not by Wi-Fi, but by birdsong and mountain breezes.
While Nainital excites the senses, Seed soothes the soul. It provides the space to process, to breathe, to just be—something most of us forget to do in the constant hum of life. Here, in the tranquil folds of Ranikhet, you don’t just visit the hills; you belong to them, even if only for a while.
So, skip the crowded hotels and buzzing streets. Choose the luxury of nature, the wisdom of quiet, and the joy of meaningful travel. Choose Seed.
