Orange County, Kabini
Set far, far away from the maddening city buzz and the blaring horns, this is a favourite with not just the wildlife lovers but with even those who want some time out from their busy schedules. The tiny cottages with perfectly manicured lawns sprawled ahead are luxury personified and more. Picture this: Sleeping in the wild, under a thatched roof independent cottage that overlooks a watering hole where the wild come to quench their thirst. Imagine sipping on your morning tea, in the company of the antlers who have come to get a drink from the water body. These are the sights that you are bound to witness. You can choose either the pool or the jacuzzi hut depending on your stay. For those who like the wild chase, safaris are the best way to satiate your hunger for nature and what lies within the forests.
The best time to go here is between April and June. The cost for a room per night is about Rs 39,000
Niraamya Retreats, Cardamom Club, Thekkady
While the air is infused with the heady aromas of the spices from God’s own country, the mist-kissed mountains of the Silent Valley make for the perfect backdrop. The herd of elephants crossing the road makes for an imaginative counterpart of our traffic laden situation in the cities, where the cars move slower than these mammoth mammals. If your idea of the perfect holiday is one filled with lots of activities, then Thekaddy is your haven. There is plenty to do here you can venture on the Periyar Tiger Route or go on the Border Trekking Program that restricts itself to the higher terrains, ranging from 1,000 to 1,200 metres. Supervised by guides, the trek is lively and entertaining, with fascinating stories of the jungle. Another must do here is a trip on the elephant’s back across Thekkady. If the tusker is in a good mood, maybe the two of you could have some fun splashing water around in the Periyar Lake. There is also a spice route you can walk on through the bustling streets of Kumily Bazaar. Also, do try and catch the waterfalls and the hilly terrain when in this little village.
The best time to visit Thekaddy is between September and April. During holiday season the tariff here is approximately Rs 12,500 per night, and during off season it is Rs 7,000.
The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa
It is a given that after the Swiss Alps, one of the best skiing destination in the world is Gulmarg, and the Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa is the pretty and pristine feather in that cap. It is as beautiful in the winters as it is during the summers. With teak floors, carved walnut paneling, silk carpets and upholstery, it is befitting the royal blood.
From the Ambanis to the Pataudis, this resort has gained much popularity amongst some of the celebrities. It has become quite the place for these bigwigs to socialise and network. We hear that Omar Abdullah spotted Saif there (while he was shooting) and invited the whole unit for dinner.
Surrounded by tall mountains, nestled in wooden cottages with slanting roofs and a pre-heated pool inside, it can’t get more romantic than this, can it? When it comes to romantic holidays, the hotel staff is more than willing to take it up a few notches like picnics in the forest in the company of trees, candle-lit dinners on the cascading terraces with the star-strewn sky above, revitalising massages and fragrant rose-petalled baths for two and more. You can even tie the knot here.
Price of this abode in the mountains start at Rs 25,000
