The Long Weekend Alert!

It’s the perfect time to plan the long weekend coming up (22nd August- 26th August). If you still don’t have any plans – don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Fake a fever on the 23rd and 24th (we hope you have paid leaves *winks*) and then, you have a really long weekend and a compelling getaway to look forward to. Our team of travel experts have discovered some brilliant gems that make the cut for that perfect long weekend getaway.

1. JAWS at SATTAL, Sattal, Uttarakhand

Bask in the peace and serenity this retreat offers with its dense Oak and Pine woods, pristine lakes and abundant natural flora and fauna. There are no newspapers or TVs and no one is need of your immediate attention - the pace of life here is slow and a much needed respite from the constant grind of the city. They also have a cozy café for guests to chill and have a great time. The food prepared is organic and from the produce available off the farm. While away your time as you take long walks along jungle trails or a boat ride on Sattal Lake or simply go for a picnic to the village nearby.

2. The Chumbi Mountain Retreat, Pelling, Sikkim

Located in a natural environment that offers hospitality in tranquility, this retreat features every possible contemporary convenience blended with a traditional heritage ambience, for guests to experience the feel of the quintessential Sikkim culture and tradition as they relax amidst the mountains. It is a blend of Sikkimese architectural design with the Bhutanese module of exclusivity. It is flanked by the Sidkyong Tulku Bird Sanctuary, and crowned by the Pemayangtse Monastery estate, Sikkim’s premier monastery.

3. Fort Chanwa, Luni, Rajasthan

Fort Chanwa of Luni is an exceptional example of elegance and symmetry in Indian architecture of the 18th century. The entire haveli is built out of the famous red sandstone of Jodhpur and with its ornately carved lattice work friezes and intricate “Jharokas”, it exquisitely captures the romance and grace of a bygone age. This fortified haveli is composed of a lyrical complex of courtyards, towers, a water wheel, passages and unexpected stairways to secret pavilions and panoramic roof tops spanning the village below and the Thar horizon beyond.

4. The Himalayan Village, Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

Built in the ancient Kathkunia style, which is dry stacking stones and wood work, this hideaway totally retains its rustic elements. Their Machan-style rooms are steeped in local customs and traditions – exquisitely carved teak furniture, handmade Tussar silk curtains and traditional brass fittings which transport you into another world. Savour the natural treasures like the divine mountain peaks, copious deodar forests and the sprawling valleys with an interesting touch of the eco-friendly village life. For those with an adventurous inclination, try rappelling, river crossing, rock climbing, mountain biking and river rafting, which should just deepen your rendezvous with nature.

5. Tooth Mountain Farms, Karjat, Maharashtra

Set amidst the lush green valleys of Karjat, near Mumbai, Tooth Mountain Farms and Nursery is spread over 15 acres in a private farmhouse. It consists of a natural manmade lake, a lap pool under a gigantic jamun tree, bicycle tracks and bicycles, a football field, lawns and landscaped areas, and has many outdoor activities  like table tennis, carom board, chess etc. that you can indulge in.

So where are you spending your long weekend?