November 2025 I Nainital, Uttarakhand
HIMALAYAN ECHOES
2025
Kumaon Bazaar
iHEART CAFE HIMALAYAS
iHeart Cafe Himalayas was created to be a place where people could connect withfriends and family, where Kumaon’s beauty could be enjoyed, and where we,through our social and environmental responsibility, could make a positive impacton our community. Our responsibility originates from realigned thoughts and idealsthat seek to bring justice, beauty, and truth to our customers, team members,vendors, and neighbors. These goals begin with our friendliness towards ourcustomers and neighbors. All people are welcome to iHeart Cafe, and everyonewho comes will receive a friendly greeting and they will be treated with dignityand respect. Secondly, we strive to be dependable. From cleanliness both insideand outside, to operating hours, to standard recipes and items that are alwaysavailable, we build trust with our customers and community through our continueddependability. Finally, iHeart Cafe strives for excellence in every task that weundertake. Since, iHeart Cafe opening in Kumaon on February 27, 2016, we haveserved thousands of customers and made hundreds of friends.
KILMORA
Kumaun Grameen Udyog (brand name: Kilmora) is a community driven, livelihood generation organisation. In the last 3 decades, we have helped slow migration by providing dignified livelihoods here in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. With a business approach, our social organisation has always believed in creating products that celebrate our farmers and the beauty of handmade - putting the spotlight on our artisans to help share our story with the world. Instagram: @kilmora_kgu
PALA
Pala is engaged in creating hand crafted clothing using traditional textiles. The vision is to work with local individuals who are skilled in their craft to promote sustainable clothing and tell their unique stories. Small-batch contemporary clothing is made that is comfortable and beautiful. Insta: @designs_by_pala
TARAIBLUE
Tarai Blue began with Kiran Sandhu's fascination with a rare blue pigment—indigo. Inspired by childhood memories of old indigo tanks near colonial bungalows, she started her journey into plant-based dyes. On the first indigo field of the Tarai plains (Rudrapur), Kiran now grows and extracts organic indigo, known for its rich, deep blue color. Driven by a passion to share this "blue gold" with the world, Tarai Blue produces some of the highest-quality indigo available, loved by natural dye enthusiasts across the globe. Insta: @Taraiblue
BAINI
Baini, which means sister in kumaoni, is an initiative by Ridhi to create home based livelihood opportunities for women in her state, Uttrakhand. Upon learning the art of crocheting from her mother, she moved to a village near her hometown Nainital, and imparted the skill to 20+ women.
What started as orders from friends, and acquaintances soon blossomed into a thriving enterprise. They make crochet amigurumis, flowers, bags, winter wear and more!
MYARR
Myarr meaning ‘mine’ in native Kumaoni, is a homage to the exquisite Pahadi jewellery from Mero Pahado. MYARR juxtaposes the classic designs in their timeless perfection alongside Taruna’s own take on the traditional styles with a variety of materials.
PEOLI
Peoli, founded by NID alumni Abhinav Dhoundiyal and Vasanthi Veluri, is an apparel brand rooted in sustainable living, sourcing organic materials, honouring indigenous craft, and creating livelihoods for over 100 women artisans in Almora. Peoli trains women in spinning, dyeing, knitting, and embroidery, combining indigenous textile traditions with eco-friendly methods such as solar heating, rainwater harvesting, and zero-waste practices.
RUSTIC SLICE CAFÉ
RUSTIC SLICE CAFÉ is tucked away in the quiet charm of Chaffi, Uttarakhand, is a little café called The Rustic Slice — born from a boyhood dream and a mother’s mountain roots. It’s a tribute to all things soulful: the comfort of Irani mawa cake, the elegance of a well-brewed cup of coffee, the serenity of the hills and much more munch. A space for handmade goodies baked and served with love. Come for the view, stay for the warmth — it’s a promise that it’ll feel like coming home.
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PICHORA
Pichora — born in the Himalayas, crafted with care 🌿
We create skincare using locally sourced ingredients and work closely with mountain communities, bringing the purity of nature and the warmth of people into every product
ABBOTSFORD ESTATE
Abbotsford Estate is a boutique homestay tucked away in the quiet corner of the Pangot-Kilbury trail bordering the outskirts of Nainital. It is a private heritage home, now open to travellers that have a keen sense of nature, wildlife, heritage, art and literature. It shares its legacy with Janhavi Prasada since 1903. She is the 4th generation of the family from Shahjahanpur, UP to be carrying on the baton of keeping her history, old world heritage, family cuisines. Most of all, the culture of books, art, music and shared memories, with a spot of laughter alive in her boutique countryside homestay. Insta: @abbotsfordnainital
MODERN BOOKS & GENERAL STORES
Modern Books & General Stores established in 1945 has been a home for book lovers of Nainital, and all the tourists who visit Nainital for nearly eight decades. Originally just a book and stationery shop, Modern has now expanded into catering the townsfolk of Nainital with various other things from kids toys to fine art materials to woodworking tools while retaining the core book store experience.
PICKLE SHICKLE
Pickle Shickle is a three-generation family recipe, lovingly preserved in every jar. Born in their grandmother’s kitchen and nurtured over the years, every small batch is personally cooked in the home kitchen to ensure authentic flavour. From pork and prawn to a variety of chilli oils, the artisanal pickles are free from preservatives and full of tradition, creativity, and care. Each jar is more than a condiment—it’s nostalgia, heritage, and the joy of home, shared with you. Insta: @pickleshickle
WANGDI ARTS
Wangdi Bhotia, a third-generation Tibetan settled in Nainital, received his early education at St. Joseph’s College. With a lifelong passion for Tibetan and Bhutanese artefacts and antiques, he has built a unique identity as one of Nainital’s most sought-after curators of heritage and craftsmanship. His work not only preserves cultural traditions but also introduces them to new generations of admirers.
ARTISTRY BY ADITI SINGH SAH
Aditi Singh Sah is a Nainital-based visual artist whose work captures the quiet intensity of the natural world. A Delhi School of Art graduate, she balances a style that is at once controlled and intuitive. Aditi’s creative path has been enriched by her years as an educator and IB teacher trainer, with teaching experiences across India and East Asia. Now based in the hills of Nainital, Aditi draws daily inspiration from her surroundings.
CAPRONS
A homegrown artisanal brand creating handmade cakes, desserts, and chocolates. Every treat is crafted with the finest ingredients, traditional recipes, and freshly made fillings. It is a conscious approach to be free of preservatives, offering you treats that are prepared with patience, care and whole lot of love. There is no mass production here, just one thoughtfully curated batch at a time, ensuring quality in every bite.
With each treat, we aim to bring a touch of nostalgia and warmth to your palate — something that makes you pause, smile, and savour the moment.