Photographs: Pushkaraj Deshpande
Diwali is just round the corner and chances are you're already making plans to make the most of the holidays. To help you discover new holiday spots to relax and rejuvenate, we asked readers to send in their favourite vacation desitinations. Here we present two responses we received:
Here, student Sunil Kamat sends in his vacation destination:
Getaway: Ganpatipule
Sights: There's a Ganapati temple along the beach apart from teh crystal clear waters and seemingly untouched sands.
Eats: There are a few local hotels and the locals also serve food. For those who are ready to spend, there's the MTDC resort.
Shopping: There are local shops you can visit.
How to get there: From Thane board on the Janshatabdi train at 5.50 am. It will reach Ratnagiri at around 11.30 am. From there you need to catch an auto and within half an hour you will reach your destination.
Accomodations: MTDC's tents have spot booking only. For the cottages and rooms, you can make reservations from Mumbai also.
Tariff: For tents it is Rs 300 to 500 per tent.
To share your favourite holiday destinations, click here!
Cooling off at Kullu
Photographs: Srivatsan KV
Here, Rahul shares his Diwali holiday spot:
Getaway: Kullu-Manali
Description: It is one of the most enchanting destinations in India. It offers splendid views of the snow-clad peaks. The climate here is very cold and will be a real treat for those who enjoy the snow. There are many hotels and resorts to stay in. The best time to visit is during December to February for snowfall otherwise it is quite cold even during August-November.
Sights: There are many places to visit nearby. One of them is Rohtang Pass. This pass opens generally between June- September when snowfall is less. Other places include Solang Valley where one can enjoy skiing, trekking etc, Manu temple, Hadimba temple.
Eats:
- Johnson's Cafe (probably the best eatery)
- Moondance Cafe (Old Manali, to the left on your way up)
- Mom's Kitchen
- Sher-e-Punjab (Mall Road, strictly for North Indian Food)
Shopping: There are many places where you can shop for handicrafts and local curios in Manali. Make a trip to the colourful Tibetan Bazaar at the extreme south end of Manali which sells Kullu shawls, caps, and other woollen clothes, and a good range of Tibetan souvenirs.
How to get there: Manali is well connected by road to Delhi through NH-21 and NH 1, which goes on to Leh. Overnight bus services, both private as well as of Himanchal Tourism are available from Delhi to Manali every day. Manali is not easily approachable by rail. The nearest broad gauge railheads are at Chandigarh (315 km), Pathankot (325 km)and Kalka (310 km). The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar (135 km). The nearest airport is at Bhuntar, which is about 50 km from Manali.
Accomodations: Apple Country Resort, Club Mahindra Snow Peaks, Manali Inn, Snow Valley Resort etc.
Tariff: Above Rs 3,000
To share your favourite holiday destinations, click here!
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