Friday, October 10, 2014

Dalhousie Trip Itinerary and Attractions

         Recently did a family Trip to Dalhousie on the Gandhi Jayanti-Dusshera weekend 1st-6th October 2014. Though I have done Dalhousie trips previously also with clients, but this time could really explore the whole region in a relaxed manner and would like to share the Travel experience and for Dalhousie in a kind of day wise itinerary and focusing on the offbeat and just brushing on the regular ones.
           Dalhousie is a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh, India named after Lord Dalhousie who was the British Governor-General in India while establishing this place as a
summer retreat in 1854. Located on the western edge of the Dhauladhar mountain range
of the Himalayas, it is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and situated between 6,000 and 9,000 feet (2,700 m) above sea level.

Distances- Delhi 560k, Patahnkot the nearest rail head 75 km about 2.5 hrs, Dharamshala 140k, 6 hours and Manali 350k. People also try and combine it with Amritsar about 190k away, 5 hours. Chandigarh is around 325k about 7-8 hrs by road. I have mentioned these places as you will most be coming from one of these places if coming from a distant part of India. For people in Punjab like Ludhiana and Jallandher it is an easy road drive.


How to reach The best way to come from Delhi or other places is take a train till Patahnkot and then by road by a bus or a hired taxi. You can also travel by road from Delhi directly or other places mentioned above.


                We took the overnight Dhualadhar express from Old Delhi station and for one of the group cars the trip could have ended before its start as they got struck at Azad Market and had to literally walk to the station with luggage in tow. Do try and keep a good margin if you are travelling from the old Delhi station as the area may be quiet crowded. There is a Rajdhani you can take from New Delhi station, all trains going to Jammu stop at Patahnkot (PTK or PTKC) but still you need to book well in advance.

Stopover for a quick bite to Dalhousie

       Day1        The train was in time and we stopped over at Mama's Rasaoi on the way which is a small resort  with green lawns, lot of sit down options and swings etc.



 The rates though are slightly on the higher side. Food was good though. It took us about 2.5 hrs and after Banikhet, the woolens were out and the clouds were all around us as they would stay for almost the whole of our stay period.
 
For our stay we had chosen the Mount View, one of the oldest hotels in Dalhousie along with Grandview. Mount View is situated right in the heart of the city with easy accessibility. There was a big fire in the hotel abut 2 years ago and one of the old building was totally burnt. The resort now is a mixture of old and new and a fine combination at that. The reception is modern and has a crisp look, the same building now also houses Kettle Pot the restaurant, Spa and Games room and Gym. Rooms are spacious and all old rooms are being slowly renovated with about 18 renovated rooms as of now. The resort affords some beautiful views of the valley and the gardens, terrace and the fountains et  al gives it a resort feeling. 
Room at Mount View Dalhousie
Mount View Dalhousie


View From Mount View

After a sumptuous lunch at Kettle Shop and some rest, we headed to Panchpulla and Sadhopaul. Dalhousie is a walker's paradise with a lot of opportunities to test your legs and lungs. About 2 km from Gandhi Chowk, the famous bazaar of Dalhousie is the Panch or Panjpulla (5 bridges), a pictersque place to walk down to with some streams, small water falls and a monument of Sardar Ajit singh, Bhagat singh's uncle. There is a small fresh water spring called Saptadhara nearby. Water levels in these places varies according to seasons. One can continue for another 3 km till Ganji Pahari another trek, but we had to leave it out due to lack of time.
Back to the hotel by the evening some went on to the spa to destress while for others the Gazebo at Mount View served as a perfect rendezvous for some fun and masti.

Day 2
After an early bfast we headed to Khajjiar officially christened  'Switzerland of India'
The Beautiful Khajjiar
by Mr. Willy T. Blazer, Vice Counselor and Head of Chancery of Switzerland in India in 1992 is all green during summer and a complete white blanket of snow during winters each having it's own charm. I must admit though being very picturesque and beautiful from a distance the place needs a 'Swach Bharat Abhiyan' to be carried out by the tourists and Government alike as lots of filth, stray animals and city kachra like water/beer/pepsi bottles and lays/kurkure wrappers sends on a wild goose chase to find a quiet corner. It was more so on this particular long weekend as things were better when I visited it a year back. Another drawback is lack of good eating joints, apart from the dhabas and overpriced hotel restaurants you don't have any place to satisfy the hunger pangs. Need to work out on the Switzerland for sure. After grabbing whatever we could to eat we headed back to Dalhousie but stopped short by 12 km at Lakkadmandi to do the Kalatop trek of about 3k each side.

LMandi to Kalatop Map

Kalatop Trek
                 One of the best places to visit around Dalhousie if you are a nature lover and love to walk.

Spread in around 30 sq km of dense deodar, fir and oak forest Kalatop gives a lot of opportunities to trekkers to do trek of various lengths from 3-14 km each side. The easiest of them is from Lakkadmandi to Kaltope FRH (forest rest house) about 3 km from the main track. One can take a detour at 2 places to a non motor-able road really multiplying the fun many times (see pic or the map at start of trek). First part is real fun and more green, quiet and just great. We followed both detours but got lost in the second and had to turn back after walking for about 1 km,
FRH Kalatop

but still there was no regrets as detour 2 takes you to through dense jungle where even sun light was difficult to reach. One can hire a guide too for various treks to help you and also help you in bird sighting etc. The trek ends at Forest Rest House which also offers some basic rooms but a wonderful locations surrounded by dense forests. Had some nice tea and pakoras once we reached the FRH and relaxes in the lush green lawns there. By the time we reached back Lakkad Mandi we had trekked for about 8 km, a job well done.(to be continued)

For Dalhousie Itinerary and bookings Please call Anand 09811193634/Seema/Sonu 9891458220 or mail us at arounddelhi(at)gmail.com.

Stay at Dalhousie Mount View   Call us at Around Delhi Holidays Pvt Ltd for bookings-09891458220/09811193634. Package start at Rs 2000/- pp per night with bf & dinner.

Dalhousie also makes for a wonderful Honeymoon Destination in India through out the year, with wonderful snow white views in Winter and green surroundings rest of the year. Plan your Honeymoon package with Around Delhi and relax, we will arrange all aspects including pick up drop from Kathgaodam/sightseeing etc. Call us at 9811193634/9891458220 for a 'tension free' trip to Dalhousie.
Visit AroundDelhi.com

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Gandhi Jayanti Dusshera October Weekend Getaways

Another long weekend is on it's way in October 2014, and this time it's master of all long weekends because of it's duration. You can start your journey on 1st October evening after work and be back by 6th October evening.


One Niters Around Delhi

Sariska Palace is just a cool 4 hrs from Delhi(3 from Gurgaon) and a wonderful heritage property right next to the wild life Sanctuary and close to the Sileserh Lake. Enjoy a season rate of Rs 11000/- with all meals for a couple. (Read on..)

Country Inn Kosi is the only good resort on Delhi-Mathura-Agra highway and is just 100 km frim Delhi.Huge lawns with new rooms, swimming pool and option to visit Brindavan and Mathura nearby.Rate Rs 6500/- for a night with all meals Read more

Hans Resort is about 75 km from Delhi and a new resort with great rooms, overall ambiance and food. There is also a swimming pool and a badminton court. Package Rs5500/- for a couple Read on..

Heritage Village, Manesar. Just 50 km from Delhi, the 5 star ambience of this resort reminds you of old Rajasthani havelis at the same time providing for all the modern day amenities like swimming pool, lawn tennis, billiards, bar and all. Just a night can pep you up for the days to come, till your minds asks for it again. Packages start from Rs 10500/couple.      (read more..) 


.

5 star Hotels Delhi NCR

Hyatt Gurgaon Delhi NCR- Package starts at Rs 7000/- for a couple and 2 children below 12 years. Click for more
CIS Sahibabad Delhi NCR is a 5 start hotel, packages start at Rs 4500/- per night with bfast and dinner for a couple. Click for more details


Hill Options 

Shimla Enjoy the hills , mall and surrounding places like Kufri, Chail and more Stay at East Bourne Shimla, Package Rooms starting at Rs 9900/- per night + taxes. Another great place to stay near the mall is at Hotel Willow Banks, Rooms starting at Rs 7000/- per night with bfast.
 Please call at 09811193634/9891458220 for queries and bookings.

Around Shimla one can also look at places like Kufri, Chail and Naldehra or travel a little further to ManaliDalhousie and Dharamshala, packages start from Rs 4000/- per night. Please call at 09811193634/9891458220 for queries and bookings.

If you do not want to travel till Shimla, we can give you rooms at below places, which are very near from Chandigarh/Kalka

Kasauli, Value for money resort- Winnie's Holiday Resort rooms starting at Rs 3999/- per night + taxes with bfast. Kasauli is about 2 hours from Chandigarh.


Mussoorie 

Royal Orchid Fort Resorts,a  a beautiful 4 star eq. property is just 300m from the mall with packages starting Rs 7500/- per night for a couple with bf and dinner.

Country Inns & Suites, a Carlson group hotel is just 700m from the Mall,Library side. Package starts Rs 21000/- for 2n/3d with bf and dinner.


Nainital and around 
Naini Retreat packages from Rs 17000/- for 2n/3d, Fair Heavens Lake facing room at Rs 13,000/- Mapple Hermitage Bhimtal Rs 13000/- for a couple.

Adventure 
Enjoy some adventure with stay and activities like Rock climbing, trekking Zorbing Paragliding etc at Shoghi Chail Kanatal  Dharamshala Manali and Khajiar.

. Visit the bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur with stay at Laxmi Vilas or Kadamb Kunj.
Enjoy the green environs of Pushkar Resorts or Ananta or the luxury of Pratap Palalce at Pushkar with a visit to Ajmer Dargah and Brahma Temple.


Please call Anand 09811193634/Seema/Sonu 9891458220 for queries and bookings.
Visit AroundDelhi.com

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Independence Day 2014 Holiday Packages Delhi

       Check Here for 2017 Independence Day Packages            


 Just after finishing a satisfying Summer Season for North India Hills around Delhi, I thought it will be time for some well deserved rest, but no way, we have another long weekend coming up and a big one at that, which is keeping us on our toes. All of us have a fablous long weekend coming up where one is getting a 3-4 day break without taking any leave. (see Pic.below)



You have the option of going from One night to three nights without taking any leave from the office.
Here is our take on possible Weekend Getaways from Delhi, starting from 1n/2d to to 3n/4d and more..

One Niters Around Delhi


Sariska Palace is just a cool 4 hrs from Delhi(3 from Gurgaon) and a wonderful heritage property right next to the wild life Sanctuary and close to the Sileserh Lake. Enjoy an off season rate of Rs 7000/- with all meals for a couple. (Read on..)

Country Inn Kosi is the only good resort on Delhi-Mathura-Agra highway and is just 100 km frim Delhi.Huge lawns with new rooms, swimming pool and option to visit Brindavan and Mathura nearby.Rate Rs 6000/- for a night with all meals Read more

Hans Resort is about 75 km from Delhi and a new resort with great rooms, overall ambiance and food. There is also a swimming pool and a badminton court. Package Rs5500/- for a couple Read on..

Heritage Village, Manesar. Just 50 km from Delhi, the 5 star ambience of this resort reminds you of old Rajasthani havelis at the same time providing for all the modern day amenities like swimming pool, lawn tennis, billiards, bar and all. Just a night can pep you up for the days to come, till your minds asks for it again. Packages start from Rs 10500/couple.      (read more..) 

Resort Country Club near Manesar, Packages start at Rs 8500/- for a night with all meals and evening drinks and snacks. Resort Details

Enjoy the 5 star hotels of Agra like Radisson and Wyndham Grand at a reasonable package and have a relook at the Taj, take a drive on the Expressway or pay a visit to Fatehpur Sikri close by.

5 star Hotels Delhi NCR

Hyatt Gurgaon Delhi NCR- Package starts at Rs 5000/- for a couple and 2 children below 12 years. Click for more

CIS Sahibabad Delhi NCR starts at Rs 3500/- per night with bfast for a couple. Click for more details


Hill Options 

Shimla Enjoy the hills , mall and surrounding places like Kufri, Chail and more Stay at East Bourne Shimla, Deluxe  Rooms starting at Rs 6500/- per night. You can also look at Hotel Willow Banks, Rooms starting at Rs 7000/- per night with bfast.
 Please call at 09811193634/9891458220 for queries and bookings.

Around Shimla one can also look at places like Kufri, Chail and Naldehra or travel a little further to Manali, Dalhousie and Dharamshala, packages start from Rs 4000/- per night. Please call at 09811193634/9891458220 for queries and bookings.

If you do not want to travel till Shimla, we can give you rooms at below places, which are very near from Chandigarh/Kalka

Kasauli Resorts, rooms starting at Rs 5850/- per night + taxes with bfast. Kasauli is about 2 hours from Chandigarh.

Timbertrail Parwanoo Heights Resort rooms start at Rs 5500/- per night + taxes with bfast. Parwanoo is just 15 minutes from Kalka station and the Heights Resort is connected by a cable car. You can also look at Moksha spa resort in the same vicinity starting at Rs 15000/- + taxes per night.

Surya Vilas Solan, is a lovely spa resort with swimming pool, gym, lawns and open areas. Rooms start Rs 9000/- per night with meals.

Mussoorie Country Inns & Suites, a Carlson group hotel is just 700m from the Mall,Library side. Package starts Rs 19000/- for 2n/3d with bf and dinner.

Golden Palms Mussoorie near Picture Palace side is walking distance from the Mall (less than 50 m) and package starts at Rs 17000/- for 2n/3d with bf and dinner.

Nainital and around 
Naini Retreat packages from Rs 13000/- for 2n/3d, Fair Heavens Lake facing room at Rs 10,000/- Mapple Hermitage Bhimtal Rs 13000/- for a couple.

Adventure 
Enjoy some adventure with stay and activities like Rock climbing, trekking Zorbing Paragliding etc at Shoghi Chail Kanatal  Dharamshala Manali and Khajiar.

Monsoon can be a good time to travel to Rajasthan, you can travel to 
Jaipur, Pushkar, Sariska, Bharatpur. Jaipur Enjoy Hotels and Resorts like Lebua, Gold Palace, Amber Vilas, Rajputana, Royal Orchid and more. Visit the bird Sanctuary at Bharatpur with stay at Laxmi Vilas or Kadamb Kunj.
Enjoy the green environs of Pushkar Resorts or Ananta or the luxury of Pratap Palalce at Pushkar with a visit to Ajmer Dargah and Brahma Temple.

 Please call Anand 09811193634/Seema/Sonu 9891458220 for queries and bookings.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

Good Friday Long Weekend Packages 2014

                                                                   Following up on our last post on various Long Weekend getaways available for holidaying in 2016, we focus today on the long weekend of Holi and Good Friday falling on 24th-27th March. Good Friday is a gazzetted holiday and without taking any leave from school or office you can enjoy a stay for 2 nights 3 days, it is weekend with great rush for various resorts around Delhi and a lot of resorts and hotels are already sold out. Also you can combine it with the Holi on 24th March and make it a 3 night affair or just enjoy one night stay on the Holi and enjoy festival of Holi at resorts around Delhi

        We will like to share the recommended hotels and resorts where rooms are still available for these dates as below

Hills



East Bourne Shimla, Deluxe  Rooms starting at Rs 6000/- per night per couple






Hotel Willow Banks, Rooms starting at Rs 5000/- per night

Oakwood Hamlet Shoghi Mud cottages starting at Rs 5000/- per night

Aamod Bhimtal, rooms starting at Rs 3500/- per night

Kasauli Resorts, rooms starting at Rs 6200/- per night

Country Inns and Suites, Mussoorie, rooms package starting at Rs 18000/- for 2n/3d

Binsar, Kassar Jungle Resort, package starting at Rs 10000/- for 2n/3d.

Wild Life

Corbett - Rooms available at Infinity Resorts, Den Resorts, Country Inn , . Starting at Rs 7000/- night per couple with all meals. Book early both your rooms and safari.

Sariska Just 4 hrs from Delhi, chance to see a Tiger in all it's glory, stay at Sariska Palcae or the Alwar Bagh. Rooms starting at Rs 9000/- taxes  per night

Bharatpur, Bird sanctuary with Deeg Fort and Fethehpur Sikri to visit nearby. Rooms starting at Rs 3000/-

Rantahmbhore, now closer to Delhi with this new route via Alwar and Sikandra. A comfortable 7 hrs drive from Delhi and one of the Tiger Sanctuary giving you the highest chance of Tiger viewing. Possible options include Rantahmbhore Forest Resort, Abrar Jungle Resort, Ranthambhore Regency, Om rudarpriya and more. Rooms starting at Rs 3500/night with all meals.

Adventure



Rafting at the Yamuna, enjoy rafting at the Yamuna with stay at Chakrata Camps. Starting at Rs 2500/- per person per night.

Camping at Dhanotli, Saattal, Bhimtal.

Golden Traingle 

Stay at various resorts close to Delhi, starting at Rs 2000/- per person.

Jaipur- 3-5 star options starting at Rs 2500/- per night with bfast. 5 star options at Rs 4500/night.

Agra - Enjoy 3- 5 star hotels starting at Rs 2800/- per night , 5 star options at Rs 4500/- per night.


For more log onto our websites
AroundDelhi.com Shimla-Resorts.com Mussoorie-Hotels.com   IndiaItinerary.in

FB
Facebook.com/AroundDelhi

or call Sonu- 09891458220/Anand 9811193634 or email us at arounddelhi@gmail.com

Monday, March 31, 2014

Long Weekends 2014 Holiday Plans

                     Long weekends gives holidayers a great opportunity to spend some leisure time with family and friends serving as a great stress buster. Usually these Long weekends have a great rush of tourists and it becomes difficult to book hotel and resort rooms at the last minute.         
Therefore we will like to share the Long Weekends of 2014 in India and present a Holiday Planner 2014 where you can pre plan your Holiday weekends by applying for leave etc well in advance. What we have tried to work out is according to the Indian Holiday Calender the holidays which are falling around a weekend can be combined together or extend the same by taking a leave from office. If it is two nights then you can plan a small weekend getaway around Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore etc or if you are getting an opportunity of 4-5 nights holiday in some of the dates, you can plan a longer holiday, maybe to Kashmir, South India Itinerary, Darjeeling Trip, Leh Ladhakh Tour, Shirdi tours and more.
Long Weekend Holiday Planner 2014




        The first of the Long Weekend was at Holi in March and one saw a unprecedented rush for holiday packages all over India and specially around Delhi Resorts. We have three Long Weekends coming up in April 2014, these great Holiday options are the Ramnavmi Weekend, Ambedkar jayanti Weekend and the Good Friday Weekend, in the last two you don't need to take any extra leave and can enjoy 3 continuous holidays.

Here are some of the holiday options suitable for a short 2/3 nights break around Delhi depending on the Delhi weather in April.

Corbett and other Wildlife options around Delhi.






Bhimtal, Chail, Shimla  and Other Hill Stations around Delhi.












Jaipur and Agra for some great deals in 5 star hotels








Camping and adventure options around Delhi

Ranthambhore, great place to see a Tiger just 7 hrs drive from Delhi. 

Some off beat places around Delhi.



Srinagar/Kashmir Packages



Goa Packages
















For more options long onto our websites

AroundDelhi.com Mussoorie-Hotels.com Shimla-resorts.com India Itineraries

or email us at arounddelhi@gmail.com, or call 9891458220/09811193634


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