Vacation Express!

Voila, it’s the time of the year, when everybody’s heading towards the mountains! So, for almost everybody who might be thinking of the usual destinations of Shimla, Manali, Mussorie or Nainital (for North India), I feel a little sympathetic. Why? Because, going to these locations is like getting away from Delhi (both from the scorching heat and the hustle-bustle of the city) and landing up in Delhi all over again! Yes, you do have the lake or the mountain, but what point is it when half of Delhi’s population is riding a boat in that lake or climbing up that mountain. I have been to all these locations and they all have the same problem (Shimla being the most oppressed, while Manali still makes some sense).

So, I am going to share some thoughts of my own for this holiday season:

1.   If you are looking for a quick getaway, think Jaipur or Agra for instance. Don’t yet raise the gun to my head, hear me out. This time of the year, the money you spend in staying at a two star hotel in Mussorie, might be able to get you a special getaway package at a 5 star hotel in Jaipur or Agra! I know it is hot as hell at both the places (worse than Delhi actually), but that is if you get out of the 5-star hotel you are staying at! And, if you are lucky, you might actually get a pleasant evening, in which you could explore the Hawa mahal or the Taj Mahal (Taj Mahal, by the way, in the evening under moonlight is an experience altogether). The sight might turn out to be much better than seeing your boss, with his family, in a boat in the Nainital (In summers, it gets so crowded, the boats can hardly move around without hitting each other!). This might be one of the rare chances when you could stay at a 5 star with your family, and not get ripped. And you get the best value for your money, whether it's shopping or food or other expenses. You could also indulge in a special theme holiday (Spa, Yoga, Culinary etc.). It is also very convenient to travel from Delhi to Jaipur or Agra. Check out special deals at hotels like Taj, ITC, Trident etc.

2.   If you are the beach kinda person you could head to places like Goa, Kovalam, or Kerala. Again, urge you to keep your gun down and read further! Yes, so, it might be hot as hell in Goa or Kovalam as well, but one, don't go out in the day and two, it will be definitely better than Delhi, with the sea breeze. These places will be less crowded during this period, you will get excellent deals and remember Monsoon arrives in those parts of India pretty early than Delhi. So if you perfect your timing, you could be holding hands with your spouse, walking on the beach, in a drizzle. Not bad, huh?

3.   You could always head off to the not so 'touristy' places. Some places i recommend are Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Sattal, Kasauni, Chakrata, Landowne etc. Not only will they be much cooler than Delhi, you can expect not to find hordes of people at these places unlike say Shimla or Mussorie. In addition, places like Naukuchiatal, Sattal, Chakrata offer something for the camper in you. You could stay in a tent, go trekking, do adventure stuff, learn fishing or just sit around the lake/moutain and enjoy the scenic beauty.

4.   Next, you could always go the North East states. They are cool, not too crowded and are unexplored. You could see and play in snow, have the special teas & drinks and enjoy exotic cuisines plus shop for the NE handicraft stuff. So basically, everybody's happy! Although i still yearn to make my first trip to this part of the world, based on what i know, i suggest places like Nathula Pass, Sikkim, Shillong, Gangtok, Tawang etc. Again, avoid Darjeeling, as it will be too crowded for comfort.

5.   Last but not the least, why go anywhere. Well, i don't mean, stay at your home and watch TV. Head out to a good hotel or resort in Delhi/NCR and chill out with your family. Just, don't get out of the hotel. Do indoor activities or laze around in their swimming pool, play board games etc. You could even take along your XBOX/DVD player and have fun with the family. Again this time of the year, you will find some amazing deals at these city hotels. Check at Radisson, Taj, Sheraton, ITC etc.

Hoep these are useful, and remember to have fun!