Summer and monsoon are generally considered bad times to travel. But that doesn’t mean you deny yourself a vacation right till the winter — especially when some pretty offbeat options are available not too far away from Delhi.
If the thought of a heritage resort in the middle of nowhere gives you a kick, try Manwar in Rajasthan. (The heat is bearable now, and the idea is not to travel too much.)
The resort is on the way from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, and has several bungalows, tents and restaurants. From Delhi, you can either drive or a fly down to Jodhpur, and then drive on to the resort. “Go for the jeep and camel safaris,” says Vikas Khanduri, GM, Northern region of Cox and Kings, which sells customised packages.
Not too far from Jodhpur — about two hours’ ride — is Nimaj, another excellent option, offering luxury tents on a dam. Abercrombie and Kent have a customised package for Rs 7,500 for two, including all meals, says Rajesh Khanna, Director, Sales and Maketing,, Abercrombie and Kent.
Also in Jodhpur circuit, about an hour and a half’s drive from the city, is the Camel Camp in Osian. The Jodhpur-based proprietor, Reggie Singh has a special deal for Indian tourists — Rs 7,000 per night for two. The camp’s USP is a swimming pool, perched at a height of 80 feet.
The hills aren’t a great idea in the rains, but in case you’re game, there’s nothing quite like Kashmir. Despite the peace in the Valley getting disturbed off and on, it’s been a largely quiet summer. The experience — from the shikara rides on the lake to the beautiful gardens in Srinagar, from the gushing river at Pahalgam to the rolling greens of Gulmarg — is quite unforgettable, more than enough to make it worth the risk.
{{/usCountry}}The hills aren’t a great idea in the rains, but in case you’re game, there’s nothing quite like Kashmir. Despite the peace in the Valley getting disturbed off and on, it’s been a largely quiet summer. The experience — from the shikara rides on the lake to the beautiful gardens in Srinagar, from the gushing river at Pahalgam to the rolling greens of Gulmarg — is quite unforgettable, more than enough to make it worth the risk.
{{/usCountry}}The drive to Srinagar from Jammu is beautiful. But it’s also long, and it might not be a good idea to drive in this weather. Srinagar is a short flight away from Delhi.