November 2025 I Nainital, Uttarakhand
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.
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
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
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.
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.
Woolknitters India is a social enterprise rooted in the Himalayas, working with rural artisan communities to keep traditional crafts and handmade skills alive. From hand-spun wool and knitting to crochet and weaving, every creation reflects local materials, craftsmanship, and the mountain way of life. Through thoughtful design and fair opportunities, Woolknitters connects Himalayan craft and contemporary living while celebrating the people behind every handmade piece.
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 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.
made of hands is an all-women artisan collective from Almora dedicated to keeping traditional hand-craftsmanship alive with women artisans. Founded by Tanu Bhatt it creates 100% handmade crochet and knitted pieces—ranging from cozy beanies and mufflers to charming keychains and plushies. Every piece is made at the artisan's home, weaving sustainability and the soulful beauty of the mountains into every stitch.
Register for Himalayan Echoes Festival 2026 by choosing your category on the registration page, filling in your details, and completing a quick online payment to be part of the celebration.