Rishikesh-Camping-Trip

               

                   We have done many camping and Rafting groups at Rishikesh, but this group in October of 2012 was special as it was probably for the first time that any travel company  was attempting to host about 250 people in the camps at Rishikesh at one go. So Thursday 'Around Delhi' started trips to the station and Airport to pickup clients and transfer them to a place where dinner was arranged for them. A total of eight 27 seater deluxe buses were used and it was a smooth transit with the help of the client's Travel Team. Around 11:30 pm we started from the common hall in east Delhi and crossed the UP border by midnight. Some of the team members had already reached Rishikesh camps the day before to oversee the preparations for the group. A total of 3 camps were hired near Shiv Puri and a total of about 85 camps were engaged on double and triple sharing. The buses started reaching the camps by about 5:30 in the morning and pickup for luggage was arranged as the buses were parked on the main highway while the camps were about 100m away on the riverside beach. Smaller vehicles can reach the camps directly.

                      The camps used were one of the best in the Rishikesh area with access to the beach and also a side stream of the Ganges river. Camps at Rishikesh ( in fact the area where the camps are put up may be 2-25 km from Rishikesh in places like Shiv Puri, Byasi, Marine Drive, Kaudiyala etc) are put every year from October onwards after the Ganges river water recedes creating a beach on the riverside with white sand. There is generally no electricity at the camps and lanterns, torches etc are used for illumination after sunset. Some of the camps have limited electricity connections like ours. No loud music etc is allowed at the camps and they are quiet eco friendly. Staying at these camps on the riverside with a beautiful beach in the tents is a exhilarating experience in itself bringing you close to nature and relaxing your mid, body and soul.

                    The first meal to be served to the guest was the bfast and it was a challenge to serve so many people in one go, but with the help of the owner and staff of the camps and 'Around Delhi' team it was well managed and the food quality was much appreciated. The client wanted to do a small conference for about 3-4 hrs for all it's employees and as no such area is available to host about 250 people we chose an area a little far from the camps where using a gen set was allowed. A shamiana set up had been put up with chairs,table, fans etc on the day before and the challenge was to use a Projector in that area which was quiet bright in day time. One part of the tent was some how made dark after a lot of 'jugaad' and it became just about feasible to see the slide presentation. Though not quiet akin to a Conference hall but it served the purpose and lunch was served closeby. Various games like Tug of war, beach volleyball, treasure hunt etc were organised in the post lunch session to keep the guests engaged.


                      As soon as the Sun goes down at the camps it is a different atmosphere altogether, suddenly the temperature drops by say 10 degrees and the breeze becomes cooler and soon you will be searching for jackets/woolens etc. As the sun goes down and night comes over you are transposed into a different World altogether. Cool breeze, sound of the river thrashing against the stones, a dark sky with number of stars visible in one square feet equal to what you see in the complete horizon in any Metro city and the chirping of the birds makes you completely forget your daily work and worries. A perfect evening to enjoy with friends or family. Guests are served evening tea and then evening snacks. An evening trek/night trek was arranged for some of the guests. We went for an early dinner at Rishikesh camps as the next day was fixed for rafting and the whole group was eagerly awaiting and looking forward to that moment. The simple but tasty dinner in the lights of petromax, laltains (lanters) and one CFL was really appreciated and it was all set to welcome the next morning. (coming soon- Day 2-Rafting at Rishikesh)

Dr R.Anand
Blogger and an avid traveller
Director, Arouund Delhi Holidays Pvt Ltd
www.AroundDelhi.com
Contact us for your Rishikesh camping and rafting queries.
Call us at 9811193634/09891458220 or email us at arounddelhi@gmail.com
          
Rafting at Rishikesh

Shimla-Kufri-Chail-Trip

East Bourne Luxury Hotel Shimla

                 Day 1      Last Thursday took a prestigious Delhi officials group to Shimla and Chail. Caught the Kalka Shatabdi in the morning and reached Shimla by lunch, though slightly late. To kill the hunger pangs on the way, stopped at McDonald Jabli for a burger treat (the sparse Shatabadi bfast does not lasts too long) The new bypass just before Pinjore saves time as it takes you straight to Parwanoo. At Shimla we stayed at the East Bourne, a previous Heritage property, now converted into a modern hotel with lovely rooms, excellent terrace garden restaurant and great food.

East Bourne Shimla

Overlooking the Deodar Forests

                    The East Bourne also boasts of a spa, heated swimming pool, bar and lots more. It is about 4 km from the Mall and quiet close to the Shimla bypass, so as we were in a bus we had to get down at bypass and took transfers in smaller vehicles which go directly to the hotel. One of the best thing about East Bourne is it's location which is a little far from the Mall and overlooking the dense Deodar forests and the beautiful green valley, giving you an impression that you are not in the concrete jungles of Shimla but some place else. Shimla had got nice rains recently so everything was so green and clean that it was a treat for the eyes. Monsoon sure is a nice time to visit the hills as it is cooler,cleaner, clearer skies and less crowds. The food too was awesome with a nice variety and good taste in both veg and non veg preparations. The huge Conference hall came very handy to cater to about 100 people for the conference and the evening dinner. People loved sitting in the open air restaurant for lunch and breakfast overlooking the green forest cover. In the evening ee arranged for transfers to the Mall where the guests were dropped at the Lift from where they could go up to the Mall and the Ridge area. The evening cool breeze and the Mall made a nice combination and the guests fully enjoyed it. It was early dinner for most guests as it was a hectic day.

Day 2 Trip to Kufri and Chail....(to be posted soon)
Call us at Around Delhi for booking of East Bourne Shimla and other Shimla Hotels.

Dr Rakesh Anand,
Around Delhi Holidays Pvt Ltd
AroundDelhi.com 
Weekend Getaways Around Delhi

Independence Day Weekend Packages

          Click here for 2017 Independence Day Packages

15th August, Independence Day India.

                           Long weekends are great for holiday goers and planners alike, while you get a chance to take a break from the daily routine, we holiday planners get a chance to serve you ( and sell a lot of our merchandise). Independence Day Weekend, 15th -18thAugust 2013 is one such opportunity to some spend some quality time with family or friends or both. Just take one holiday on 16th August, a Friday and you have a long weekend to spend. The week before is also the Id weekend, Friday, 9th August being a holiday for Id. While a lot of resorts around Delhi, may already be sold out, some good ones are still available, though I am sure not for long. 
        Allow me to give you some suggestions for your Long weekend packages around Delhi. While most plans are for one or two nights you can also take a holiday on 12th,Friday (work and boss permitting) and make it a still more extended weekend.

       Around Delhi (within 200k)
 Fort Unchagaon (130K) Heritage property situated in a village about 7k from the Ganga, a great place and off beat place to spend a weekend. Packages start at Rs 5000/- per night with all meals (taxes extra).

Sariska Palace

Sariska Palace (190K) Situated next to the Tiger Wild Life Sanctuary (Sanctuary is open on Saturdays during monsoons). Only 2 nights package at Rs 15,000/- for a couple with all meals and various  activities.

Country Inn Kosi, 100k drive on the old Agra Highway. Has a swimming pool, huge lawns, activity areas, bar and more. Package starts at Rs 4800/- +taxes with all meals (old rooms). Rs 5500/- for new rooms.





Hans Resorts A lovely resort close to Delhi with good rooms and food with recreational facilities. Normal package starting at Rs 5555/- for a night with all meals.

Kadamb Kunj

Bharatpur -Just 4 hrs from Delhi, can be a good choice for a one night or two. Bharatpur is a lovely bird sanctuary and a quiet place for the weekend. Kadamb Kunj is one of the good resorts with a reasonable package of Rs 7555/- for 2n/3d with bfast and dinner.










Hills 

Shimla- Hotel Willow Banks Situated right on the Shimla Mall road, this 4 star equivalent hotel boasts of lovely premium rooms with balcony, wooden flooring and valley view along with all modern facilities. Rooms start at Rs 4900/night (taxes extra).

Timbertrail Parwanoo

Timbertrail Parwanoo A unique experience of using a Cable Car to reach your resort at  a height of 5000ft, just a 5 hrs drive from Delhi. Rooms start at Rs 5500/nite plus taxes with bfast

Naini Retreat, Nainital A heritage hotel just 2 km from the lake with great rooms and food from Leisure Hotels stable. 

Royal Orchid Fort Resorts, Mussoorie 800m from the Mall this beautiful resort boast of good rooms along with a lot of recreational facilities and green lawns with huge terrace. Independence Day Packages start at Rs 12000/- + taxes for 2n/3d for a couple with breakfast.



Country Inn Bhimtal, A lovely resort with swimming pool, lawns, lots of activities. Rooms and cottages make a comfortable stay. Pacakges start at Rs 13000/- for 2n/3d with Bf and dinner.

Corbett - Lovely and green resorts, flowing Kosi and Ramganga river, Jungle safari, adventure, treks and a lot more...

Corbett Hideaway

Corbett Hideaway and Corbett River View - Cottages and rooms close to the river with swimming pool, great food, spa and lots of activities to keep the whole family involved. Package starts at Rs 9000/- +taxes with bfast for a couple for 2n/3d.

Den Corbett - Cottages in the lap of nature near Kumeria. Excellent jungle environment with a great birding options around the resort.


 Non Hills Dont' feel like going towards the hills look at these options in the plains.

KK Royal Jaipur- A 4 star resort with lawns swimming pool and other recreational activities, the resort is overlooking the Amer Fort. Package starts at Rs 6999/- for 2n/3d for a couple with bfast. 

Lebua Lodge- Deluxe tented accommodation based in 20 acres of forest area near Amer fort. This new property is promoted by the Devi Garh Resort, Udaipur. Package starts at Rs 9499/- for 2n/3d with bfast. Also included is a meal voucher of Rs 1500/-

Goa Air Packages starting from Rs 19,000/- per person with stay for 3 nights, all meals, sightseeing and more.


For bookings and more options log onto www.AroundDelhi.com or call Seema 9891458220/Anand 9811193634.

R.Anand,
Around Delhi 

Monsoon Getaways

It seems that finally the Monsoons are here in Delhi and North India and non too soon you will agree. Monsoon is a great time to explore new places or spend time watching the rain or enjoying the cool breeze at places which are green and close to nature. It is great seeing Raindrops falling on your window or verandah or lawn or....

Around Delhi offers some great getaways where we feel you can enjoy the rains in green environs and yet not too far from Delhi. Click here for special discounted  Monsoon Offers from  Around Delhi Holidays
What's more you enjoy great discounts and fablous monsoon offers from Around Delhi Holidays.
Sariska is a beautiful jungle area just about 3 hours from Gurgaon and it gets really green and clean due to the rains with wild life too enjoying the downpour after a parched summer. Stay at the Sariska Palace, a heritage property spread over 100 acres of mostly green lawns with not too big build up area.And who knows you might come across a Tiger on your visit to the Jungle Safari. Book Sariska Palace with us and get Jungle Safari free with the 2n package.

Fort Unchagaon near Garh Mukteshwar is just 130k and surrounded by Mango orchards in a village setting very close to the River Ganges. Enjoy this stint of rural tourism in a heritage fort with excellent food and services. Fort Unchagaon also has a swimming pool now. All meals package for a couple starts at Rs 5000/-.

Kikar Lodge near Ropar and Chandigarh is a jungle property with world class facilities and accommodation in tents or cottages with a Spa thrown in. Go for a night safari in this very green surrounding about 5 hours drive from Delhi. Also avail of a 20% discount voucher for your next booking at preferred resorts.
Corbett in rains with it's flowing rivulets, growing rivers and increasing greens adds to the charm of the place. You can also go for rafting, walk in the rains and Jungle safari as one or two Jungle gates are still open. Plus you can enjoy your stay at lovely resorts with all modern facilities at reasonable rates. Choose from any of these resorts at Corbett. Stay for 2 nights at Corbett Hideaway and stay free for one night at Naini Retreat.

And then of course you can head to the hills if you want to enjoy the beautiful & green mountains washed out by the falling rains. Click here for Hill options.
For more options log onto www.AroundDelhi.com or call Seema 9891458220/Anand9811193634.

R.Anand,
Around Delhi

Official Google Blog: The J. Paul Getty Museum collection comes alive with Google Goggles

Official Google Blog: The J. Paul Getty Museum collection comes alive with Google Goggles

Official Google Blog: Introducing the Google+ project: Real-life sharing, rethought for the web

Official Google Blog: Introducing the Google+ project: Real-life sharing, rethought for the web

Conference at Goa in the Monsoon Rains

Ariel View, Majorda Beach Resort Goa

               May and June is a very hectic season for us as far as season booking in hills are concerned as it is extremely hot in the plains. This leads to a lot of difficulty to get rooms and also the rates are quiet high. So we planned a conference for one of our clients at Goa during June as it is Monsoon time in Goa and one can get good rates in 4/5 star beach resorts in Goa.
               The Conference cum Leisure trip was planned at Majorda Beach Resort in South Goa. Took the evening flight of Spicejet to Goa to reach one day before guest check in. On Landing at Dabolim Airport, Goa pickup vehicle was waiting in a light drizzle and it felt like heaven after the blistering heat of Delhi. After a welcome drink at the reception I was guided to my room, which was centrally air conditioned and felt so cold that I had switch off the A/c soon. There were also the delicious Goa Cashews and port wine waiting in the room, and the wine really set the mood for the evening with it's aroma and taste. I soon joined other guests near the indoor pool where a Goan band was playing along with some great acrobatic display including fire dance and all. The dinner had a wide variety with good taste and a definite Goan flavour.

View From Lounge at Majorda, Goa

              Majorda Beach Resort Goa is a 5 star hotel spread in 22 acres and located in South Goa on the beach. It is one of the oldest properties in Goa and shows a mixture of Goan and Portuguese culture. The resort at Majorda boasts of two swimming pools, one indoor and one out doors, spa facilities, Gym, Lawn tennis and Squash in recreation. It has two Conference Halls with the bigger hall catering up to 300 people. The resort is very green with a lot of lawn areas, tall palm trees and green areas doting the place. The resort is very close to the sea and one can view the sea from some of the rooms, though the tall palm trees come in the way. One can just walk to the beach and enjoy the sandy beach, just as we did early next morning before breakfast. The sea is quiet rough during Monsoon and one should be careful not to venture too far into the sea during this season.

Indoor Pool at Majorda

             After some fun in the pool and on the beach, it was time for the Conference and we were using the bigger San Rafael with back projection screens with LCD and an AV system. After the lunch it was time for some sight seeing to Old Goa to the famous Churches of Goa including that of Basilica of  Bom Jesus, situated in Old Goa and built in 1605, Basilica of Bom Jesus has now been declared a World Heritage Monument. The church houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, who died while on a sea voyage to China. By 6 PM we crossed Panajim for the cruise of River Mandovi with the slight drizzle egging us on.  The evening cruise on the river is a One hour trip where the group enjoyed the lovely views and breeze along with some Goan and Portuguese dances to boot. After the cruise people bought some specialities of Goa like the cashew nuts and Port wine and Cashew Fenny from a nearby market. We made our way back to our resort in our bus in the falling rain and reached back in about an hour.

 San Rafael Conference Hall

           The next day was fully reserved for the conference followed by a DJ party indoors because of heavy rain inside. The Conference Hall was very spacious and made a perfect venue for the discussions and unveiling of some new themes for the Company. Last day after winding up the discussions in the pre lunch session, the group checked out and took flights back to Mumbai and Delhi. Majorda. 

Dr. R.Anand
 
 For planning your Conference or Leisure programmes at Goa contact us at Around Delhi,call us at 09811193634/09891458220 or email us at  arounddelhi@gmail.com

Also see Goa Airfare packages