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Submitted by: Shijith Gupta
This is part 2 of the list of interesting, quiet places you can visit during Diwali. In the last edition, we spoke of places close to those living in Bangalore and Chennai. In this edition, well share some great weekend getaways for those living in Delhi and Mumbai.
From Mumbai
Alibaug
If you live in Mumbai, Alibaug is just three hours by car. If you like beaches, then this is the proverbial beautiful beach town. Its on the same latitude as Mumbai so you neednt worry about the weather. What you should focus on, instead, are the breath- taking beaches. When its low tide, people love to head out to Kolaba Fort. This is a magnificent structure with a lot of historical and cultural significance. If you like some more action, you can also drive down to Nagaon Beach for water sports. If youre the quiet type and love long walks alongside beaches with a book in tow, try Akshi Beach. Dont miss the Kamarkar Museum. They have a wonderful collection of sculptures.
Where to stay: Conde Nast Traveller recommends The Radisson Blu Resort and Spa thats spread over 16 acres. It houses the iconic Mandala spa.
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug (+91 2141 302400; www.radissonblu.com) Doubles from Rs 8,999
Matheran
Prefer hill stations to beaches? Then Matheran is for you. You can enjoy beautiful views from mountain tops. Every mountain perch offers a view that befits a postcard. You can also spot the charming Hanuman Langur here. Like all cosy hill stations, the best way to get around Matheran is by foot. Go for a picnic in the gardens, take pictures at Louisa Point or just walk along Charlotte Lake.
Where to stay: Conde Nast Traveller recommends The Verandah in The Forest, a beautiful heritage hotel.
The Verandah in the Forest, Barr House, Matheran (+91 2148 230 810; http://the-verandah-in-the forest.neemranahotels.com) Doubles from Rs 4,000
From Delhi
Rishikesh
Those into yoga and spirituality may have heard of Rishikesh. Dubbed the Yoga Capital of the World, it boasts innumerable ashrams and offers a variety of yoga and meditation classes. The Ganges flows through Rishikesh, and is flanked by green, forested hills. This scene inspires calm and an attitude of seeking among yoga devotees and those looking for quiet. Every night sadhus perform a fire offering ritual on the river. This is a beautiful, haunting sight. Learning yoga, the sitar, the table, and even laughter therapy, Rishikesh has much to offer to those who seek to expand the soul and the mind.
Where to Stay: Conde Nast Traveller recommends Ananda, a lovely destination spa near Rishikesh. It has rooms with spectacular views, and is surrounded by the Sal forest. Ananda has been ranked as No.1 Destination Spa in the World at the Conde Nast Traveller Readers Spa Awards (UK).Through a variety of exotic treatments and therapies on offer, the spa claims to mix the healing touch of the East with the pampering of the West.
Ananda Global Reservations, The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Tehri Garhwal, Uttaranchal (+91 124 451 6650; www.anandaspa.com) Doubles from Rs 16,20
Corbett
Established in 1936, Corbett Tiger Reserve is Indias first national park. It is named after iconic British hunter Jim Corbett. In his famous book, The Man-eaters of Kumaon, he created a legend that stirs emotions till this day. Corbett protected the villagers from ferocious, man-eating tigers. But Corbett had a change of heart at one point and turned his focus on ecological conservation.
If youre lucky, you will sight a tiger. There are 200+ tigers in the reserve. Thats not all; there are lots of birds and animals to sight including wild elephants, sloth bears, peacocks and otters. You may also spot leopards and crocodiles. Camera, mosquito repellent and lots of drinking water is a good idea.
Where to stay: Conde Nast Traveller recommends The Country Inn, a luxurious and eco-friendly resort that lets you experience comfort in the wilderness. Its tree-top cottages, reaching 50 feet into the sky, are most popular. But the hotel also offers regular rooms, suites and cottages. The Inn also organizes trips and excursions, which include hot air ballooning, horse riding, elephant rides and jeep safari.
Country Inn Corbett,Zero Garjia, Dhikuli, Ram Nagar, District Nainital, Uttarakhand (+91 5947 284140; www.countryinn.in) Doubles from Rs 8,500
And if you change your mind and drive south, you can explore misty, beautiful Coorg with its green hills, coffee estates, exotic flora and fauna, and the spicy cuisine. Dont forget to drive down to Amanvana Spa, our luxury resort near Kushalnagar where we currently have an offer running from Oct 16-26 for an additional 10% off. Book now if youre interested!
Reference Article : http://amanvanaspa.com/coorg-resorts/quiet-diwali-weekend-getaways-part-2/
About the Author: Shijith Gupta, a writer by profession, contributes actively to our blog. Through his writings, he seeks to capture the element of soulfulness that underlies everything at Amanvana. Website :
amanvanaspa.com
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