LAKE PLACID

Vijaya Vihar Resort, Nagarjuna Sagar

How to get there

Nagarjuna Sagar is well connected by road from Hyderabad and Vijayawada. The nearest airport is Hyderabad, 150 km away. The nearest rail station is Macherla (22 km away) on the Hyderabad-Guntur line.

Things to do

Get on a special boat or hire a regular ferry to Nagarjuna konda or Nagarjuna hill. The island around the hill is worth a look.

Visit the museum of old Buddhist relics.

Get on a coracle for some adventure, or try your hand at angling.

Tariff

Ranges from Rs. 1,200/- to Rs. 2,500/- a day.

Information is received from a tourist site.

KUMARAKOM

WHISPERING PALMS LAKE RESORT

KUMARAKOM

How to get there

The resort is 80 km from Nedumbassery International airport. From Kochi, it is an hour’s speedboat ride. The nearest railway station is Kottayam, 20 km.

Things to do

Take a house boat ride.

Read a book on the banks of the lake.

Take a plunge in the pool to beat the heat.

Tariff

(Including breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Lake facing cottages cost Rs. 8,500/-

Lagoon/garden facing cottages cost Rs. 7,500/-

Bamboo villas with pools and suites costs. Rs.12, 500/-

There is a special package on for Rs. 9,100/- per room on a twin sharing basis.

For details, call: 0481-2523623, 2523824.

News gathered from a friend.

JUST LIKE HOME

RIVERSIDE RESORT AND SPA, KUMBAKONAM

How to get there

From Madurai it is 240 km via Melur, Pudukkotai, Thanjavur and Papanasam. The property is adjacent to the Government Men’s Arts College on Karuppu Road.

Things to do

Go on a temple tour. Be at the Dharani pavilion, the open air stage, every evening either for film screening or cultural performance.

Pamper yourself with a rejuvenating Ayurveda treatment and massage at the Ayur Griha. Hit the swimming pool or stretch your limbs at the Kasti Health Club, the in-house gym.

Tariff

Standard rooms –Rs. 3,000/- (taxes extra)

Deluxe cottages – Rs. 5,000/- (taxes extra)

Seasonal discounts are available. The tariff includes complimentary South Indian combo breakfast.

For details, call: 96000 02474.

I enjoyed the place by myself and gathered other details.

HISTORY CALLING

THE TRAVANCORE HERITAGE

CHOWARA NEAR THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

How to get there

The resort is 19 km from the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and a 45 minute drive from the Thiruvananthapuram Railway Station.

Things to do

Indulge in an Ayurveda massage.

Shoot some pool at the recreation room.

Walk in the nearby Kovalam beach.

Tariff

Double occupancy rates:

Prices range from Rs. 3,100/- to Rs. 10,000/- for six categories of rooms.

Peak season (October to March) rates are different.

Contact: 0421-2267828/29/30/31 or

Email:travancoreheritage@vsnl.net.

Information was told by a friend of mine.

ELEPHANT VALLEY KODAIKANAL

How to reach

It is 20 km from Kodaikanal. From Perumalmalai junction (12 km from Kodaikanal), take the road to Palani. After two km, turn left to Ganeshpuram village. Cross Pethupari and follow the hotel’s sign boards for about 8km till you reach the property. Distance from Coimbatore is 181 km, from Madurai 120 km and from Dindigul 98 km.

Things to do

Take a walk though organic farms and fruit and vegetable gardens. Don’t forget your binoculars as the place boasts more than 100 species of winged visitors. Go for horse riding, bamboo rafting or trekking. Get to know about coffee cultivation or climb the mountain looking for dolmens.

Tariff

Depends on size and location of the cottages (near the stream, on a hillock or tree-top or the tent house).

The cost ranges from Rs. 3,300 to Rs. 7,200/- for two adults (extra person Rs. 800/-), Children between 5 and 14years Rs. 400/- each. Breakfast is complimentary.

Lunch and dinner cost Rs. 500/- a person. An a la carte menu is also available.

For enquiries: Call -04542-230399 /92441 03418. 

News gathered from a tourism channel.

HILL COUNTRY RESORT

LOVEDALE OOTY

How to get there

By road, Lovedale is well connected. It’s an overnight journey from Bengaluru. The nearest airport is Coimbatore. You can take a cab to the resort.

Things to do

Go boating on Ooty lake. Take train tide on the UNESCO heritage toy train. Visit a tea factory, go on treks or shop for spice, tea and chocolates. Indulge in a massage at the Sowkiya Ayurvedic Spa and Wellness Centre.

Tariff

The tariff includes all meals. The summer package for a couple for two nights costs. Rs. 9990/- (Deluxe suite); for a family. It costs Rs. 10,990/- (Deluxe suite). Accommodation for two children below 12 is free.

The honeymoon package for three nights during off-season costs Rs. 16,000/- and Rs. 18,000/- during the season.

For details. Call-044-28236217/0877.

E-mail: hillcountry@bsnl.in

Or visit: www.hillcountrybolidays.com

COFFEE IN COORG

COTTABETTA BUNGLOW

SOUTH KODAGU KARNATAKA

How to get there

Coorg is 240 km from Bangalore. Hit the Mysore Highway, take the diversion to Ranganathittu Sanctuary and drive down.

Things to do

Take a tour of the bungalows, all located within a three km radius and the Glenlona tea estate in Hudikkeri on the Kerala border.

Take inn the early morning drizzle on the walk through bougainvillea-carpeted roads.

Tee off at the nine hole golf course.

Get adventurous with white water rafting, originated by Coorg White Water Rafting, in upper Barapole River

Tariff

Superior rooms: Rs. 4,250/-

Luxury               Rs. 5,040/-

Heritage             Rs. 5,800/- and

Heritage Suite    Rs. 6,160/- for one night (including taxes) and an authentic English breakfast with a Coorg Speciality paa puttu (rice flour cakes eaten with spicy red chutney.

For reservations: Call: 08274-251428/251411-12.

BIRDS ABOUND

TRANQUIL NEST, THANDIKUDI, DINDIGUL DIST.

How to get there

From Madurai take the Batlagundu bypass and turn left to Pattiviranpatti. Take the uphill road to Thandikudi. Go up to Mangalamkombu village and turn left when you see a small sign board that reads “Tranquil Estate” on your right. A stretch of the drive to the property is very steep. The distance from Madurai is 120 km and Tiruchi 140 km.

Things to do

Trek to nearly Ponnumapillaimalai.

Do some bird watching either within the estate or at the Perumparai Environmental Centre.

Stroll around the estate.

Work out in the state of the art gym or simply laze in the lounge sipping endless cups of freshly brewed coffee.

Browse through the mini library.

Or, just relax in your rooms enveloped in greenery.

Tariff

Family suites (2) cost Rs. 4,500/- each and the deluxe rooms (6) Rs. 3,500/- each. An extra bed costs Rs. 1,500/-; the rates for a child ( 5 to 12 years) is Rs. 1,000/-. The tariff is inclusive of three meals.

For reservations or enquiries, call: 94421-81151, 94880-55085.

The experiences of my friend share with me.

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BACK TO THE PAST

Koder House Boutique Hotel, Fort Kochi

How to get there

It is 40 km from the Nedumbassery International airport and 14 km from the Ernakulam railway Station.

Things to do

Visit historically significant places such as the Vasco da Gama Church, the Muttancherry Palace, Jewish Synagogue and the Heritage Walkway.

Watch the Chinese nets in action. You can even help fishermen pull the nets up.

Shop for curious and knick-knacks on Jew Street.

Tariff

Season (October 1 to March 31) Deluxe suite: Rs. 14,950/-; junior suite: Rs. 11,960/-

Off season (April 1 to September 30) Deluxe Suite: Rs. 5,750/- ; junior suite: Rs. 5,000/-

Peak season (December 20 to January 15) Deluxe suite: Rs. 17, 940/-: Junior suite: Rs. 14,976/-

Information gathered from a news magazine.

MAISON PERUMAL

How to get there

Puduchery is 135 km from Chennai and 320 km from Bengaluru. It is well connected by rail and road.

Things to do

Go on heritage walks

Go on a bicycle tours.

Visit Auroville, Sri Aurobingo Ashram and the beaches.

Tariff

Rs. 6,000/- (Rs. 4,500/- during off season, May-September).

Courtesy: Travel  Magazine

A WALK IN THE CLOUDS

AAMOD, SHOGHI

How to get there

Shoghi is about 350 km from Delhi. It is well connected by rail and road. The Shatabdi Express from New Delhi takes about four hours to Kalka. It takes another two hours by road from there to Shoghi. The nearest airport is Shimla.

Things to do

Go for a Nature walk at dawn. Try mountain biking or river crossing during the day.

Experience adventure activities such as Flying Fox and Burma Bridge.

Visit Shimla, about an hour’s drive from the resort.

Tariff

Monsoon mystique package (Till September 15th) Rs. 5,500/- for deluxe rooms and Rs. 8,500/- for family cottages (inclusive of breakfast and taxes).

Call: 09873159470 or
Visit: www.aamod.in for details.

Details gathered from a tourism web site.

A HERITAGE HOLIDAY

CASA COTTAGE, BANGALORE

HOW TO GET THERE

Casa Cottage is at No.2, Clapham Street, Richmond Town, Bangalore, near the Richmond Town Post Office.

THINGS TO DO

Relax in this sunny abode or walk around Richmond Town.

Avail of the travel options offered and head to nearby holiday spots.

Enroll in language or culture classes.

TARIFF

A Deluxe Studio costs Rs. 4,200/- a Deluxe room Rs. 3,800/- and a Standard room Rs. 3,300/-. Taxes are applicable and there are special rates for long-term bookings. There is a charge of Rs. 2,200/- for 2/3 bedroom furnished apartments per room

Call-41145354, 22990337

E mail-casapiccola@vsnl.com or look up

www.casapicoola.com for details.

Thd details are read and given from tourism web site.

ARANYA

KALLAR, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

Getting there

Aranya is on the Thiruvananthapuram-Ponmudi Road, about 44 km from the city.

It is 7 km after Vithura.

It is near to Sundari Madam’s house at Vattakayam Junction.

Things to do

Travel 25 km from Nedumangad to see the heritage Koyikkal Palace, which also has a folklore museum and a numismatic museum.

The entry to Meenmutty Falls is a 10- minute walk. Take a pass and the competent forest guides take you on the 45 minute trek to the pristine waterfalls.

Take a book and lounge in the sit-out to read and watch the changing moods of the day reflected in the hills.

Wade in the river, make paper boats and the cover the child in you.

Dip your tired feet in the river for a free massage and pedicure.

Explore the picturesque Golden valley, beyond the river, which is crisscrossed with streams and weathered rocks. Peppara Dam, (12 km), Aruvikkara Dam, (37 km) where you can feel swarms of fish near an ancient temple and Neyyar Dam (30 km) are other attractions.

Tariff

Rs. 2,750/- per day for the entire house.
Rs. 1,750/- per day for each bedroom.

DEVASHOLA TEA ESTATE

KULAKOMBAI, THE NILGIRIS

How to get there

Coimbatore, 140 km away is the nearest airport and main railway junction. The estate is 2 ½ hour drive away. Regular buses are available from Coimbatore to Coonoor. The estate has regular transport from Coonoor. (About 25 km away)

Things to do

Take in the scenery, landscapes mist. Breathe easy and relax. Trek to the 1800m high Sengottarayar Peak. Sip green tea and watch bisons graze.

Tariff

Mango Tree cottage costs Rs. 1,250/- per person per day. Palaniappa and Sultana Cottages are priced at Rs. 1,000/- and Bison Valley at Rs. 750/-. Dormitory lodging is available for Rs. 600/- The food is complimentary.

For reservations, call: 0423-2230406/926243371/9443084433.

Gathered from a tourist site

RIVER TERN LODGE, LAKKAVALLI, CHIKMAGALUR

Location:

The River Tern Lodge is located in Lakkavalli in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. Shimoga is the closest town.

How to get there:

By Road: From Bangalore, drive on NH4 towards Tumkur. Take the Shimoga bypass road at Tumkur and reach.Tarikere via Arasikere, Kadur and Birur. Lakkavalli is about 275 km from Bangalore and 10 km from Tarikere.

By Train: Reach Shimoga or Birur by train and take a bus from there to Lakkavalli. Lakkavalli is 38 km from Shimoga and 45 km from Birur. The resort offers pick up facilities on request.

Season: The weather is pleasant all through the year. March to mid-May is the best time to see river terns. There is a good chance of sighting animals in the wild during summer. This region receives heavy rainfall between July and September after which the reservoir is full and the surroundings are lush.

Tariff: Rs. 3,250/- per person per day. The package includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner, a boat ride and a safari in the Bhadra Tiger Reserve. Water sports come at an additional cost.

Other Attractions: The Jog falls, Sakrebayalu Elephant Camp and Amrutapura, famed for its Narasimha Temple with Hoysala architecture are other tourist attractions nearby.

THE SERAI, CHIKMAGALUR

HOW TO GET THERE

Chikmagalur is 250 km from Bangalore and is well connected to Bangalore and Mangalore by road. The nearest airport is Mangalore about 160 km away.

THINGS TO DO

There are many pleasant gateways nearby. A trip to the Mullayangiri and the Bababudangiri mountains is a must for both adventure lovers and casual tourists. On the way, there are many small waterfalls, dense forests and coffee estates. You could also make a trip to the neighboring Chikmagalur town and take in the Coffee Museum, complete with slides and interactive screens. You can also get a glimpse of the production of coffee from the bean to the aromatic brew.

TARIFF

Rooms are available in three categories. The Estate Villas are Rs. 10,000/- plus taxes. And the Estate Terraces, comprising an extra room in a duplex arrangement, is Rs. 14,000/- plus taxes. The Presidential Suite, comprising two rooms and a terrace is

Rs. 22000/- plus taxes. Serai is located at The Mugathihalli, K.M. Road, and Chikmagalur-577133.

Call: 8262-224903 to 14 or

For details, e mail: enquiries@theserai

PHUKET, BANGKOK

PHUKET, BANGKOK

HOW TO GET THERE

The majority of Phuket’s tourists arrive by air via Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport (at Nong Ngu Hao, 20 km east of Bangkok), which is directly connected to major cities of India by a variety of airlines including Indian Airlines. Thai Airways, Jet airways, Air India. Phuket’s International Airport is 30 km north of Phuket city centre.

From Bangkok to Phuket:

By car: Take Route 4 from Bangkok to the south (867 km).

By Coach: Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses leave the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok daily.

By Air: Thai Airways International operates flights to Phuket daily. Travel time is 1 hour 20 minutes.

By Sea: The Deep Sea Port at Phuket is visited by both cargo and cruise ship from Thailand and from abroad.

WHAT TO DO

Explore beaches, parks and forests, discover a history and culture and fantastic dining and nightlife choices.

Phuket has a range of tours from coach trips to private excursions. Island tours leave daily stopping at places like national parks, temples and areas of interest. Some specialize in giving a flavor of local island life with stops and coconut plantations, while others focus on shopping and visiting spas.

Phuket has some of the world’s finest beaches like Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach.

Whether they are held to honour a religious belief or just for fun, the festivals of Phuket are exciting, sometimes bizarre spectacles. The Island’s most distinctive event is the annual Vegetarian Festival.

Most hotels are within close proximity to the beach, entertainment, restaurants, shopping and activity centres, which makes getting round on foot the best bet.

A CASE FOR SHERLOCK

SHERLOCK

TIGER HILL ROAD

UPPER THALAYATMUND, OOTY

HOW TOGET THERE

On the Coonoor/Ooty road, short of Charing Cross, is Hotel Ooty Gate. Opposite the hotel is a road that goes uphill (there is a phone booth with an arrow next to it saying “Sherlock”. Follow the arrows (that appear at frequent intervals) for 2.5 km and you are there.

THINGS TO DO

Catch up with your reading.

Picturesque rambles.

Ooty town is not too far if the shopping bug bites you.

Sherlock organizes treks on request.

TARIFF

(Per night and inclusive of breakfast for two plus 12.5% taxes extra.)

Weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Luxury Room- Rs. 3,275/-

Deluxe Room-Rs. 2,575/-

Semi-deluxe room-Rs. 2,075/-

Week days (Monday to Thursday) Luxury Room –Rs. 2,975/-

Deluxe Room-Rs. 2,275/-

Semi-deluxe room-Rs. 1,875/-

Sherlock has special packages from December 18 till the New Year.

For details contact, Tel: 0423-2441641, 2440094

E mail-Sherlock@littleearth.in

Website: www.littleearth.in

PALM PARADISE

KALATHIL LAKE RESORT
CHEMMANAKARY, VAIKKOM

HOW TO GET THERE

By road, the resort is 50 km from Nedumbassery airport. By train, it is 28 km from Kochi Railway station.

THINGS TO DO

Go pedal-boating on a country boat-ride or canoeing.

Go sightseeing to the Kumarakom bird sanctuary.

The resort will arrange trips to the famed Vaikkom Siva temple.

TARIFF

Rates for lake front cottages begin at Rs. 6,000/- and Lagoon-front cottages begin at Rs. 5,000/- per night. Rates vary during off-season.

Call- 04829-271034/271035 or log on to www.kalathillakeresort.com for details.

The details are gathered from a trourism site.

JUMBO TALES

KABINI RIVER LODGE

NEAR NAGARHOLE NATIONAL PARK

HOW TO GET THERE

Kabini River Lodge is 220 km (takes about five hours) from Bengaluru via the Mysore-Mananthavadi Road. Sign boards are few and far between, and you are likely to get lost if you take a wrong turn from Mysore. The roads are in good shape for the most part except for the last 15 km, which is ridden with potholes.

THINGS TO DO

Go on a wildlife safari or a nature trail.

Take a coracle and boat ride in the Kabini River.

Go bird watching or cruising.

Watch a wildlife film or go on an elephant ride.

Indulge in an Ayurvedic massage at the Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala located on the premises.

TARIFF

The cottage - Rs. 5,000/-

Room          - Rs. 4,250/-

Tented cottages - Rs. 3,500/- for a person a night on a twin sharing basis. The package includes stay, all meals, jeep safaris in the Nagarhole (Rajiv Gandhi) National Park, coracle/boat ride, elephant ride (subject to availability), forest entry fee, camera fee and tax.

Bookings can be done online at www.junglelodges.com

For details, call 080-25597021, 24, 25 or fax -080-25586163 or

E mail- info@junglelodge.com

This information is gathered from a news paper.

IN COFFEE COUNTRY

MISTY MOMENTS AT THE IRUPU FALLS

GREEN VALLEY REPORT
PONNAMPET, COORG

HOW TO GET THERE

The resort is about 80 km from Mysore. Take the road to Hunsur (about 40 km) and then proceed towards Gonikoppal (about 30 km). On reaching Gonikoppal, take the Naharhole-Kutta Road and travel 5 km until you reach the Mugatagiri bus stand. A single lane road leads to the resort about 3 km away. There are autos at Gonikoppal bus stand that will take you to the resort for about Rs. 120/- The resort also has a pick-up facility for Rs. 130/-.

THINGS TO DO

Go white water rafting.
Visit the Nagarhole Reserve Forest or go on a jungle safari.
Tour the tea estate.
Make a splash at the spectacular Irupu falls.
Commune with nature.

TARIFF

The room charge per person for a night is Rs. 1,500/-
The tents cost Rs. 1,000/-
Rates differ for foreign nationals. The tariff is inclusive of breakfast and dinner. Contact -099866 55055, 93428 33848 or 080-25503115 for reservations.

SEASIDE STORY

TAPOVAN HERITAGE HOME

NELLIKUNNU, MULLOOR-THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

HOW TO GET THERE

Thapovan Heritage Home is 18 km from Thiruvanthapuram airport. Take the bypass to Kovalam and then the road that leads to Nellikunnu Beach, Mulloor.

THINGS TO DO

Go sight seeing and shopping.

Go boating on the Vellayani Lake.

Build sand castles.

Get yourself an Ayurvedic massage.

TARIFF

Beach cottages cost Rs. 4,950/- plus taxes.

Teakwood houses cost Rs. 4,675/- plus taxes.

There are special packages during the off-season and for those who want to go for Ayurvedic treatment.

For details, call-0471-2480453/2482430

This message is gathered from a tourism article.

COFFEE, SPICE AND SPA

WINDFLOWER SPA AND RESORT, COORG

HOW TO GET THERE

Windflower is approximately 250 km from Bangalore. Take a deviation at Srirangapatna, and then drive to Hunsur, Periapatna. Bylakuppe, Kushalnagar and Suntikoppa. Continue on the Suntikoppa-Mercara Road, and at the third km junction, take a left to enter the two-km- long private pathway to the resort.

From Mysore, it is 105 km on the same route via Hunsur.

THINGS TO DO

Take a plantation tour that the resort arranges.
Go bird watching.
Visit the Tibetan settlement at Bylakuppe.
Go river rafting at nearby Dubare
Sample traditional dinner at a Coorgi home. Attend spa-cuisine demos at the resort.

TARIFF

A studio costs R.s 7,200/- suite Rs. 9,000/- abd villa Rs. 12,600/-. Spa tariffs range from Rs. 900/- to Rs. 3,600/-.

Spa packages start from Rs. 25,000/- (for three days, two night stay).

Contact: 08276-262500.
In Bangalore call-080-41142408/09
E mail: reservations@thewindflower.com

HONEYMOON DESTINATION

GOA

Whether you choose it as your honeymoon destination or family vacation, Goa’s sandy beaches and historical attractions will have you charmed.

Well connected to all major cities via air, rail and even bus from neighboring Maharashtra and Karnataka, there are plenty of options available for every family and every budget. Goa’s coastline is peppered with up to 77 miles (125 km) of pure shores. These beaches are divided into North and South, with the more popular tourist sites such as Baga, Anjuna and vagator located in the south. Possible the most famous of its imports, after cashews and fenny, this delicious meat delicacy, marinated for days on end before it reaches the wok, is like nectar to the Gods.

In the evening, go for a walk on the beach.  Better food, a lyrical sunset and a charming local band that serenades complete your first day. Goa appears to be one of the few places in our beautiful country that has been discovered by foreign tourists.

IN NATURE’S MIDST

KALLARACKAL FARM GOVINDAPPERI (TIRUNELVELI)

MAYURAM ECO LODGE

How to get there

Govindapperi is 247 km from Ernkulam, 167 km from Madurai, 137 km from Thiruvanathapuram and 67 km from Thirunelveli Junction.

Take the NH 208 to Tenkasi and turn off the highway on the road to Ambasamudram. Eighteen km later, you will reach Kadaiyam. Turn right here and cross Mandiyur and Rajangapuram before reaching Govindapperi.

Things to do

Go for village walks, or simply walk into the savannah.

Take short treks to the hills or go bird watching.

Check out the bankura pottery and terracotta workshops, khadi and village bamboo industries at Tenkasi, bell metal foundries at Ambasamudram, bamboo and cane works at Sengottai, korai mat weaving industry at Patthamadai and Kayathar.

Visit the bird sanctuaries at Koonthankulam, Ariyakulam and Kalakkad Mundanthurai.

You can also visit the Courtallam falls, Manimuthar and Papanasam dams, the Upper Kodaiyar and Manjolai hills with verdant forests and tea, rubber and cardamom plantations.

Tariff

Two non-A/C twin bedrooms cost Rs. 5,000/- each, inclusive of tax and three meals.

For details, Call- 0484-2335673/9447072586/9961560345

HARITHA HILL RESORTS, ANANTAGIRI

How to get there

The resort can be reached by road or by train from Visakhapatnam. The nearest railhead is Borra Caves, about three km from the resort. Jeeps and other means of transport are available from the station. There is a train that leaves Visakhapatnam every day at 7 a.m. and a number of buses and taxis run by the State Transport Corporation and private operators.

Things to do

The Galikonda viewpoint, offering an enchanting view of the valley from a height of 3,700 feet is three km from the resort.

The ancient Borra Caves are a three-km trek from the resort.

About five km from the resort is the Tatiguda waterfalls and the Anantagiri coffee garden.

Trek, cycle or hire a four-wheel drive to these places.

Tariff

Luxury cottages (suites) cost Rs. 3,000/-, A/C cottages Rs. 2,000/- and non A/C cottages Rs. 1,600/-. Additional charges for an extra person will be Rs. 1,500/-. The tariff includes a free south Indian breakfast for two.

For details, contact: 0891-2788820, 98480 07022.

Fax: 0891-2788822.

This information is gathered from a daily news paper.

STAY AND ENJOY THE FLAVOUR

CARDAMOM HOUSE, DINGIDUL

How to get there

Cardamom House is located in Athoor village in Dindigul district. While traveling from Madurai (65 km), take the road to Coimbatore up to the Sembatti crossing and then follow the road to Palani all the way to Athoor. Turn left from here, and 1.5 km later, you will reach the village square. Turn right and drive till you hit a T-junction and spot a church. Turn right again and drive another seven km till you see the Cardamom House signboard.

Things to do

Bird watching is one of the most popular activities here.

Take a stroll around the lake (the circuit will take at least three hours) or walk up to a cave temple about 2 km away.

Or trek to the waterfalls, about three hours away.

Go on a half-day escorted trip to Athoor village and get a taste of rural life.

Tariff

Twin bedded deluxe rooms cost Rs. 4,100/- and the Pondicherry suite costs. Rs. 5,000/-. An extra bed costs Rs. 1,500/-.

Breakfast costs Rs. 300/-, lunch Rs. 450/- and dinner Rs. 500/-.

Book in advance if you want to stay overnight because there is a long wait list.

For enquiries call: 0451-2256765 or 9360691793

The information is gathered from other tourist websites.

DREAM HONEY MOON-INDIA

Serene Sojourn-Punnamada Serena Spa Resort- Alappuzha-Kerala

Getting There:

The resort is 7.5 km from the Alappuzha railway station from Nedumbassery airport, Kochi; it is 85 km by road.

Contact details: www.punnamada.com/ Telephone: 91-477-3233690

Things to do:

Take a bicycle ride to the villages close by, play shuttle, basketball, table tennis, snooker and even mini golf on the premises. There is a rickshaw too if you want to go to town. Enjoy a dip in the swimming pool or take the paddle boat from the channel that enters the property. Boat rides including a luxury one in a houseboat are great offers; the sunset cruise by houseboat is outstanding. Try out a relaxing Ayurvedic massage.

Tariff:

Garden Villa                                         Rs. 7,000/-

Duplex Villa                                          Rs. 8,000/-

Lake View Villa                                    Rs. 10,000/-(inclusive of bed and

                                                                                Breakfast)

Houseboat                                            Rs. 13,500/- for 2 guests and

                                                            Rs. 22000/- for 4 guests..

                       

              

DREAM HONEY MOON

In Nature’s Company – Hill country Resort, Kodaikanal

How to Reach:

Nearest airport Madurai, 130 km. The Kodaikanal Road Junction Railway Station is 75 km and is three hours drive to the resort. By road from Dindigul, reach Batlagundu and take the immediate right to reach the Kodai Hill Road. From Kodai lake, turn right to Villpatti and then Attuvampatti..

Things to do:

Activities such as picnic tours, treks, hikes, bonfire evenings, theme nights, boating, horse riding and cycling are organized by the hotel. Go sightseeing or shopping. Or simply cuddle up in your room for the perfect romantic getaway. Look out at the sunset. Relax your body and soul with a wonderful Ayurvedic spa at the well equipped health club. Or try your hand at billiards, snooker or putt-putt golf. Watch a film at the resort’s amphitheatre or shake a leg at the discotheque.

Tariff:

There are 20 Deluxe Rooms Rs. 5,300/-
16 Regular Suites Rs. 5,700/-
4 Deluxe Suites Rs. 6,300/-
8 Regular Cottages Rs. 8,000/- and
13 Deluxe Cottages Rs. 9,000/-

Extra adult Rs. 2,100/- Rates are on MAP (Modified American Plan) basis which includes breakfast and dinner, plus 12.5% Luxury Tax applicable.

For reservations and enquiries contact: 0452-240953/54/58

This information is collected from a daily news paper.

DREAM HONEY MOON PLACES

THE WOODS ARE LOVELY

DUKE’ FOREST LODGE- Nedumangadu, Near Thiruvananthapuram

How to get there:

The resort is 48 km from Thiruvananthapuram on the Ponmudi Road.

Things to do:

Go trekking in the reserve forest adjacent to the property; get a guided tour of a working plantation. Ayurveda treatments at the spa; indulge in rafting, fishing and swimming in the Kallar river. Visit the hill station of Ponmudi less than 18 km away and the Upper Golden Valley waterfalls. The Peppara Wildlife sanctuary and Bonakkad tea estate are also nearby. Arippa-Sankhili is a great place for bird-watching and Chittippara for rock-climbing.

Tariff:

Independent pool villa                                                   Rs. 6500/-

Pool side villa                                                               Rs. 4500/-

Standard Rooms                                                           Rs. 4500/-

Single Occupancy 10% less on tariff.

For reservations: Phone: 0472-2859272/73/74

www.dukeforest.com

The news gathered from a daily news paper.

DREAM HONEY MOON PLACES

FISHERMEN’ LODGE-BHIMTAL, NAINITAL

Joy by the Lake

Getting There

By road: Fishermen’s lodge is approximately 270 km from Delhi. From Delhi, take the Hapur bypass, Moradabad bypass, Haldwani and Kathagodam to reach Bhimtal

By Train: Ranikhet Express from Old Delhi railway station to Kathagodam, and a 45 minute drive from there.

By air: The nearest airport is at Pantnagar, 71 km from Nainital.

Things to do

Cycling, boating, fishing, hiking, watching movies and reading from the collection in the library.

Tariff

Double occupancy on half-board (breakfast, High tea and dinner) basis per night: Peak Season Rs. 8,000/- Low Season Rs. 6,000/- (Inclusive of taxes)

Log on to thefishermenslodge.com
e-mail: reservations@thefishermenslodge.com and thefishermenslodge@gmail.com, or call: 099101-62244

HONEY MOON-DREAM PLACE

CONTOUR BACKWATERS RESORT

ACRPAD, CHANGANACHERRY, KOTTAYAM DISTRICT

Water, Water, everywhere-Birds and backwaters-They keep you company at the resort.

How to get there

Contour Backwaters Resort is 125 km from the Nedumbassery airport, near Kochi. The nearest railway station is Changancherry, from where it is just 2 km, from where it is just 2 km away. Contact details:

Ph: 0481-2411214, 2421214.

Email: sales@contourresorts.com

Things to do

Relax in the quiet large open space where there is a perpetual breeze.

Kinds can play in the small park in the complex.

Take a boat ride in the back waters or a ride in the houseboat or country craft in the backwaters beyond.

Do a bit of fishing, read a book sitting by the side of the pool.

Visit the historical Vettadi Temple nearby and the Bishop’s House, one of the oldest in India.

Tariff

Villa (Comprising two deluxe cottages   Rs. 4,500/- plus taxes.

Deluxe Cottages                                               Rs. 2,400/- plus taxes.

Deluxe Rooms                                                  Rs. 1,750/- plus taxes.

HONEY MOON DREAM PLACES

KING’S CLIFF-OOTY

English Elegance-At King’s Cliff, Ooty

Getting there:

King’s Cliff is on Havelock Road Strawberry Hull, Ooty.

Things to do:

Since King’s Cliff is very close to Central Ooty, you can enjoy the tourist places in the Queen of the Hill stations with relative ease. If you want to avoid the crowds, try walking the winding roads or go further a field if you feel like a bit of adventure. Alternatively, hole up in an armchair in the quiet confines of the bungalow with a good book or an iPod.

Tariff:

Luxury Room Rs. 3,575/-
Deluxe Rs. 3,375/-
Semi-deluxe Rs. 2,075/-
Executive Rs. 1,475/-

This message is gathered from an article from English news daily.