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