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Nainital through Memory, Stories & History
From 1841, when Peter Barron first discovered Nainital to the present day, the town has evolved – its colonial quiet now alive with the rhythm of cafés and crowds, its cycle of change woven with the nostalgia of those who call it home. In Nainital: Through Memory, Stories & History, writer Janhavi Prasada captures this delicate balance, offering an account of her hometown that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. Enriched by fellow Nainital native Digvijay Singh’s evocative illustrations, this ode to the town paints a portrait of a place that is at once rooted in memory and timeless in spirit.
Prasada – the fourth generation of her family to call Nainital home – traces the town’s layered history, beauty, and the quiet intimacy of its people and places in this book. She offers glimpses of life around the shimmering lake, its colonial legacies, indigenous foods and trails deep into the Deodar forests.
Prasada – the fourth generation of her family to call Nainital home – traces the town’s layered history, beauty, and the quiet intimacy of its people and places in this book. She offers glimpses of life around the shimmering lake, its colonial legacies, indigenous foods and trails deep into the Deodar forests.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published November 5, 2025
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March 3, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Janhavi Prasada’s Nainital: Through Memories, Stories, and History. It’s a light, breezy read that offers a delightful blend of historical insight and contemporary charm. However, one recurring issue in many books, including this one, is the tendency to credit the British with “discovering” Nainital, as if it were a blank slate prior. I would love to see more emphasis on Nainital’s history under the Chand kings and its indigenous roots before British arrival.
That said, the book is beautifully designed. I loved the charming illustrations by Digvijay Singh, a fellow Nainital resident. The recipes at the end were a pleasant surprise, and the detailed walks and trail suggestions really add value. I also appreciated the curated list of eateries and other resources. Moreover, the book cleverly acts as a gentle marketing tool for the author’s homestay, Abbotsford, and its café, Café Chica. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, informative read, and I plan to mention how much I enjoyed it to Pramod Kapoor — my neighbour and the publisher and owner of the press that brought this book to life. I would definitely recommend it to anyone curious about Nainital.
That said, the book is beautifully designed. I loved the charming illustrations by Digvijay Singh, a fellow Nainital resident. The recipes at the end were a pleasant surprise, and the detailed walks and trail suggestions really add value. I also appreciated the curated list of eateries and other resources. Moreover, the book cleverly acts as a gentle marketing tool for the author’s homestay, Abbotsford, and its café, Café Chica. Overall, it’s an enjoyable, informative read, and I plan to mention how much I enjoyed it to Pramod Kapoor — my neighbour and the publisher and owner of the press that brought this book to life. I would definitely recommend it to anyone curious about Nainital.
Displaying 1 of 1 review