In June 2013, Uttarakhand became the centre of devastating floods and landslides that caused the death of over 5,700 tourists as well as locals. This was the worst natural disaster that India had experienced since the Tsunami in 2004. The destruction left over a lakh of tourists and pilgrims stranded in multiple sites across pilgrimage spots in the state. The destruction not only harmed the tourism industry in the affected areas, but also those located far away, including the lake city, Nainital.

A view from Dorothy’s Seat. Pics/ Hassan M Kamal