1. Helmet Stories: Spiti
The great outdoors and the doughty saddle are old friends. But when the road ends at Spiti and the pack is led by trusted OT hands, the combination has a lot of torque. Helmet Stories, an outfit run by bikers Harsh Man Rai and Vir Nakai, customises luxury trips to several Himalayan outposts and the Western Ghats. But the journey to Spiti is in a league of its own. Starting from Chandigarh, the 12-day trail snakes around Sangla and Kalpa in the Baspa valley, halts at the Nako lake before winding up at Tabo, Dhangkar monastery, Kaza and finally at the Drilbu Retreat in Tandi, perched over the confluence of the rivers Chandra and Bhaga. The last stretch of 100km runs along (and often on) the riverbed, making it the perfect terrain for adventure motorcycling. Riders who want to take it up by a notch can add a 3-day detour (before Sangla) on the new road over the Chanshal pass to the villages of Dodra and Kwar in the Rupin valley. Cost:Rs 1,20,000, inclusive of a Royal Enfield Bullet, fuel, stay, great meals; Rs 20,000 for the Rupin valley detour. Contact: 9867639753, helmetstories.com
2. Drukpath: Bhutan
We’re talking about one of the most beautiful countries in the world. And this trek is probably the most representative of the country’s physical beauty as well as its Tantric Buddhist culture. Taking in such sites as the famous Taktsang Palphug (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, blue pine forests, beautiful lakes such as the Jimilang Tsho and Simkotra Tsho, as well as the towering peak of Gangkar Puensum, this trek is Bhutan in a nutshell. It’s best done from April to June and September to November. Cost: From $2,193 per person in a group of three for a six-day trek Contact +975-2333083, bhutangreentravel.com
3. Jungle Outback: Yercaud
Youreka has been running adventure programmes for kids and adults for so long they are now virtually the village elders in the business. Those who’ve already experienced their wide-ranging hospitality, it’s time to get in touch again — and those who haven’t, well, we just told you. They run permanent camps as well as seasonal programmes at various locations around the country. Those in the South may already have checked out their Jungle Outback camp in Yercaud, but all ye living further away, why not give it a shot too? Set at a height of 5,100ft and surrounded by coffee plantations, the camp offers rock-climbing, rappelling, DIY camping, or simply relaxing in the wilderness. The tents are not luxurious, but clean and comfortable. Tariff: 2N/3D package Rs 5,250 per person, including all meals and two activities Contact: 1800-103-3301, youreka.in
4. Itmenaan Village Walk: Kumaon
Hill stations are no longer the coolest cubbyholes they used to be. Sun-struck travellers who once fled the plains now flee the hill stations! Offering them refuge are remote rural idylls that live and breathe the true pahadi air. Kumaon has a few lovely trails. One such is a five-day trot across its north-eastern flanks, led by the good folks at Itmenaan Estate, near Almora. Winding its way upwards from Kathgodam, through the villages of Thikalna and Ganghet, where traditional homes have been spruced up to receive guests, the village walk arrives at its last pit stop, Itmenaan’s 100-year-old stone house, coddled by ten acres of pine, oak and rhododendrons in bloom. Cost: Rs 4,000 per person on twin-sharing basis, inclusive of stay, meals and guide Contact: 011-26122509, itmenaanlodges.com
5. Everest Base Camp: Nepal
Looking to inject the long, desultory summer months with a dose of adventure? The brand-new Active Holiday Company could have the answer for you. This home-grown travel firm specialises in ‘activity-based holidays’ across multiple continents: from cycling trips in Cambodia, Italy, France, Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, New Zealand and Laos (some even include canoeing and kayaking) to African safaris and a host of trekking, marathon and diving vacations. It also customises holidays for families, solo travellers and women. Closer home is an old favourite: the classic Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal. The 14-day, ‘challenging’ trek takes you through pine forests along the Dudh Kosi river, to Tengboche, Dingboche, along the Khumbu glacier, Kala Patthar and more. Cost: Rs 92,950; includes meals, stay, transfers, domestic flights Contact: 9886681381, activeholidaycompany.com
6. Heritage House: Srinagar
Over the years, Srinagar’s toniest and leafiest neighbourhood, Rajbagh, has gradually let tourism into its homes. Within easy distance of the city’s main attraction, the Dal lake and the busy boulevard that girdles it, this quiet residential area is lined with bungalows hidden from view by gardens overladen with apples and peaches, cherries and plums. Heritage House, which welcomed its first guest last year, is just such a place. A quaint six-room homestay, it’s run by the lovely Narboo family which also owns the iconic Hotel Shambhala in Leh. Tariff: Rs 4,500 for doubles, inclusive of breakfast Contact: 9419177900, 9810035145, hotelshambhala.com
7. The Ballu Homestay: Kangra
The Ballu is an old barn built near the village of Dari in Kangra, way back in 1903. A traditional mud structure, it was one of the few buildings in the Dharamsala region to survive the devastating earthquake of 1905. Now, it has been turned into a simple but charming homestay by KP and Seena, two long-time Malayali residents of the area. Set in the valley of the Chauran Nala, which drains the towering Mon peak of the Dhauladhar, this little place offers an authentic rural mudhouse experience. The couple provides delicious home-cooked meals and you could spend your time sitting around in the surrounding orchard, or go for walks up the valley and for picnics to the stream. Tariff: From Rs 700 doubles, inclusive of meals Contact: 8679503494, facebook.com/theballuhomestay
8. Karma Cottage: Manali
The folks behind the Raj-themed Karma Vilas hotel in Mussoorie have now branched out to that other great tourist magnet — Manali. Thankfully situated away from the main drag, this full-fledged family getaway is set amid apple orchards and offers clear views of Rohtang Pass. Accommodation is in a choice of the simpler Classic rooms or the more ‘luxurious’ Royal rooms and suites. There’s a nice restaurant on the premises, and the resort offers various other facilities that make for a good family experience, including wi-fi, a gaming area for children and an open air café. Tariff: From Rs 6,000 doubles Contact: 9811404640, karmavilas.com/karma-cottage/accomodation.html
9. Tiger Mountain: Pokhara
If you’re looking for a holiday in the hills that goes beyond the usual, yet is easy to plan, do consider Pokhara in Nepal. More specifically, just outside of Pokhara. Half an hour from the city, hanging on to the edge of a ridge up in the mountains, is the lovely Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge. Imitating a Nepali village with stone cottages clustered together, the property is anything but basic with elegant furniture, private balconies affording uninterrupted views of the Annapurna range and the valley, great meals created with organic ingredients, a pool, yoga and Ayurvedic treatments. And if you’re looking for a spot of action, it’s easy to head into town for some sightseeing and pretty lakeside meals in the several cafés around. Tariff: from $250 Contact: +977-1 4426427, tigermountain pokhara.com
10. Grass Roots: Wayanad
Wayanad is always magical. But if you manage to get yourself to this spectacularly located property, it may just seem miraculous. Set on a three-acre coffee estate at the foothills of Vythiri and surrounded by tea plantations, a bubbling stream and the jagged peaks of the Banasura range make Grass Roots a picture postcard you wish you could live in forever. Accommodation is in one of only five luxury tents, complete with all mod-cons. Activities at the camp include treks, village visits, Ayurvedic massages and plantation tours — there’s even an in-house ‘adventurist’ to set it all up for you. Tariff: Rs 6,500 doubles, all-inclusive; kids below eight stay free Contact: 9845891013, grassrootswayanad.in
11. Great Ladakh Road Trip: Ladakh
Both Kashmir and Ladakh make a compelling case for long-distance driving holidays. But if the fear of being stranded without help (in case the car breaks down) has prevented you from hitting the pedal, here’s your chance to wheel around the bend. This June, Adventures Overland is flagging off a 13-day self-drive trip from Manali to Srinagar. En route are Jispa village, Leh, Pangong Tso, Nubra valley, Turtuk and Kargil, and the many rivers and high passes that make this one of the world’s best routes. Cost: Rs 65,000 per person on twin-sharing basis; includes meals, stay, backup team, permits, etc, excludes fuel Contact: 0124-4046316, adventuresoverland.com
12. Deer Park Institute: Himachal Pradesh
A couple of weeks of Tibetan language courses, or a spot of Mahamudra meditation, or learning calligraphy or ikebana in the lap of the verdant mountains of Kangra. Sounds like a perfect, worthy summer vacation? You can do all this and more at the Deer Park Institute in the small town of Bir in Himachal. Established in 2006, Deer Park is a project under the Siddhartha’s Intent Society. It offers a host of artistic and cultural courses through the year completely free of charge (donations are appreciated though). From readings of ancient Tamil Buddhist literature to enactment of Marathi folktales, there’s hardly a dull moment, and you could even go paragliding or trekking in the Dhauladhar range. Contact: 01984-268508, deerpark.in
13. Benog Tibba: Mussoorie
This one’s for birding enthusiasts. The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), dedicated to the conservation of nature, this month has on offer among its several nature trails and camps, birdwatching at Benog Tibba in the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary in Mussoorie. Part of the Rajaji National Park, the hill’s pine-clad slopes are home to a staggering assortment of birds, including the black-breasted sunbird, great barbet, red-billed and yellow-billed magpie, white-capped water redstart, mountain hawk-eagle and many, many more. The guided four-day trek involves some uphill walks that aren’t too tough, but would require some stamina. This trip is scheduled for April 20–24, so hurry. Cost: Rs 12,500 for members/ Rs13,100 for non-members; includes accommodation at Seegreen Lodges, all meals, transfers to and from Delhi, permits and entry to the park Contact: 022-22821811, bnhs.org
14. Terra Rosa: Goa
Yes, Goa’s going to be warm at this time of the year. But to compensate is peace and quiet and a stunningly renovated Portuguese villa all to yourself. Terra Rossa is set on Chorao island, lush with greenery and dotted with a few churches and the odd house. The property is a labour of love for architect Amrita and her husband Vineet. The sprawling, airy mansion, centred around a leafy courtyard and a soothing water body, displays tasteful interiors, while catering to all comforts. There are four bedrooms, a modern kitchen, laundry, housekeeping and a swimming pool too — everything to ensure you don’t leave in a hurry. Tariff: From Rs 17,000 per night for the villa; minimum stay one week Contact: 9822146880, contact@luxurygoavillas.com
15. Sitla Estate: Kumaon
You’ve read about this little lodge high up in the Kumaon hills a few hundred times in this magazine. And each time we’ve featured it, it’s been unapologetically: and that’s because not only is Sitla Estate lovely, there’s always something new and thrilling to say about it. This summer, Sitla faithfuls can expect a surprise when they make their annual pilgrimage to Vikram Maira’s estate — a clutch of chic new cottages awaits them. In contrast to the stone-and-wood, rustic aesthetic of the cottages that the familiars know, these are done in contemporary style — six spacious suites with modern bathrooms, all opening out to a private sitout. Tariff from Rs 8,000 doubles, all inclusive Contact 05942-286330, sitlaestate.net
16. Traill’s Pass: Kumaon
Of all the hundreds of treks possible in the Himalaya, arguably the best are those that cross the Great Himalayan Range itself. And there are few as challenging or as spectacular as Traill’s Pass in Kumaon, which connects the watersheds of the Pindar and the Gori Ganga rivers. A technical climb across the bergshrunds and ice cliffs of the Pindari glacier, this pass was named after the British administrator G.W. Traill, who crossed it in 1830 to try and open up a new trading route with Tibet. Looking out at Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and a host of other Himalayan giants, Traill’s Pass, or Pindari Kanda, is a classic Himalayan trek. Aquaterra is organising this trek from May 24 to June 12. Cost: Rs 96,000 plus taxes per head Contact: 011-29212641, aquaterra.in
17. Overland Tour: Meghalaya
The unique location of Meghalaya’s Garo hills makes it the wettest region in the country. Not surprisingly, this has resulted in an extensive and lush forest cover. With the presence of animals like the palm civet, golden cat and slow loris, the state is richly endowed with biological diversity. Wishbone’s 10-day overland journey takes you into the heart of Meghalaya with visits to the Baghmara and Balpakram sanctuaries, and places such as Karwani, a butterfly hotspot. Local knowledge as well as a team of wildlife experts play a part in informing the journey, with homestays, an introduction to local customs and traditional food adding to the experience. You can go birdwatching, or get a crash course in the state’s endemic butterflies and visit pristine sites like the Rongdok waterfall. The trip is planned between April 19 and 28 this year. Cost: Rs 54,000 per person, all-inclusive Contact: 9886169698, wishbone.co.in
18. Gabroopurbat: Assam-Nagaland
In an obscure corner at the foot of the Naga hills, on the border that divides Nagaland and Assam, lies a tempting holiday option for the summer. A nineteenth-century planter’s bungalow atop a hill and amid rolling tea gardens in Gabroopurbat has opened its doors to the world with the promise of a peaceful, homey stay. The Retreat on Hill Gabroopurbat offers four spacious air-conditioned rooms with attached bathrooms and a common area. And while it also provides an ‘entertainment arena’ — a small library, a card table and a gramophone — it would be a shame not to venture out and enjoy wildlife spotting at Kaziranga (2hrs away) or Dissoi Valley (20kms away) or the scenic Majuli Island on the Brahmaputra (90mins away). Tariff: From Rs 3,000 Contact: 9830822937, gabroopurbat.com
19. Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lanka
April is not the cruellest month — not in Nuwara Eliya anyway. Planted in Sri Lanka’s tea-growing upcountry hills, the colonial resort town blooms in the soft summer sun. Roses and poppies, sweet william and sunflowers run riot in the sprawling Victoria Park and Hakgala Botanical Garden, and on the lawns of the Colonial Hotel, British Club, Grand Hotel and the Hill Club. Private grounds teem too with blossoms of every imaginable hue as locals prepare for the annual flower shows and competitions. Our only advice: avoid the mid-month rush, when the country celebrates its New Year. Cost: $2,400 for a couple for 8 days, inclusive of stay at a boutique hotel, most meals, sightseeing and local transport Contact: 8974086709, getoffurass.com
20. The Summer Odyssey: Garhwal
Summer camps are often not camps at all. But Himalayan Outward Bound’s The Summer Odyssey promises to put campfires and rafting (in the Tons), pitching tents and waking up to sweeping views of the mountains (of Garhwal) back on the agenda. A ten-day expedition for children aged between 14 and 16, the Odyssey’s many adventures also include a chance to live the village life — perhaps a first for many city-bred kids (May 26-June 4). A fine way to make new friends and pick up a few life skills, there’s a separate camp for younger children too; at least, 12 years old and accompanied by a parent (June 23-July 2). Cost: Rs 27,700 per person, all inclusive Contact: 011-26196082, outwardboundindia.com