6 IDEAL DESTINATIONS FOR HOLI LONG WEEKEND

The fun and much-awaited festival of colours, Holi, is right around the corner (13th March)! And the best part, this time it’s on a Monday (Long Weekend, it is!). So how about celebrating this spring festival away from the city humdrum and getting away for a short weekend escape to someplace new? Here are 6 destinations that we think you’ll absolutely love, and should definitely consider for your long weekend getaway. So, here we go!

1) Lakshman Sagar, Pali, Rajasthan

Sprawling over 32 acres, this is a chic reinterpretation of a quaint 19th century hunting lodge. With 12 mud and stone cottages of about 900 sq ft, this charming property has been meticulously planned. There are well thought out activities which are tailored personally for guests in a captivating and natural topography, ideal for mindless relaxation. Each cottage has a private splash pool and provides a panoramic view of the Aravallis and the lake.

2) Brij Rama Palace, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

This property is one of the oldest landmarks of Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganga. The architecture and design is directly influenced by the erstwhile ruling dynasty of the Marathas. The 84 vibrant ghats of Varanasi surround the Ganges in a unique crescent and this luxurious hotel is positioned right in the middle like a delicate pendant. And, it’s just minutes away from the famous Dashashwamedh ghat, where the Ganga Aarti happens every evening!

3) Aloha on the Ganges, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Get enchanted at this resort and experience utmost physical and mental relaxation and realize the importance of a moment of calm in your everyday life. It truly is the ultimate escape from the mundane to the spiritual, where every corner spells harmony and every colour soothes the senses. Just 225 kilometers north of New Delhi and easily accessible by rail, road and air, this exquisite resort is located right on the banks of the Ganges, close to the famous Lakshman Jhoola.

4) The Baradari Palace, Patiala, Punjab

Savouring the experience of staying in a hotel that takes you a few centuries back in time is surely exclusive! This stunning hotel introduces you to the compelling colonial architecture and throws a bit of imperial aura at you, but with modesty. Each room here exudes the imposing grandeur of the regal times. Relive the ancient intriguing times, but without missing out on any of the modern comforts. It doesn’t take much effort on your part to simply surrender to what this magnetic palace has to offer. It’s a slice of Punjab, at its best!

5) Atali Ganaga, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Located near Atali Dogi in the valley of the Upper Ganges, Atali offers 22 private, comfortable and independent cottages overlooking the beautiful Ganga valley.The cottages, perched comfortably and responsibly on the hill, have an ageless quality about them. You will find yourself gazing at its architecture! The cottages that dot the upper levels are characterized by their spartan extravagance. With a private verandah, a central stone wall demarcates the tripartite bathroom from the bedroom. Extensively glazed, they open themselves up to the surrounding landscape

6) Pushkar Resorts, Pushkar, Rajasthan

This one’s a haven of luxury, spread across 15 acres! The property was merely a stopover for the Kochhar family for their wilderness expeditions, which slowly developed into a resort with the likes of Kate Winslet and Harrison Ford visiting the property. What stands out and makes the property radically different from the usual lakeside properties in the city is the lush green landscape and fruit orchards that the property is surrounded by!

Long weekend, here we come!