It's not hard to imagine !!! It's your daily drill, that monotonous cubicle, your business counter and chair, that laptop and that screen, hours spend gazing and thinking and typing, a respite of half hour in that tea/lunch break, a quick puffing break, that long drive back home amidst a cacophony of crawling machines only to face another screen, a night spent calculating and devising new formulas for PPT's and Meetings, a robotic existence in tandem with regular routine of what we call working, earning a living and sometimes living !!!
Sounds sad and deprived of that feeling of being alive. Yeah it does, just like the existence which prominently raises its head everyday. Well Well Well !!!
We have hope, because in the end we do seek an end to all routines, and like Buddha says "The greatest meditation is the meditation on impermanence". So we have respite for the impermanence of this kind of an existence, we have our weekends, our space, our freedom when we choose to savor our being alive, where we can explore more facets of our selves, other than working. When we can really ask a stranger and that co-worker and our families "How are you?" instead of "What are you doing?".
And we travel. They say traveling is the best stress buster, meeting new people, exploring new places, trying and tasting new foods, getting a high indulging in sports and adventure sports, being outdoors - ESCAPING your mundane routines .....
I cannot recall who said this, but it goes like - Hope is like a country road. There was no road till many people walked and the road finally came into existence. And this hope and these roads have made possible for us to escape every weekend or every other weekend we choose to. We can cycle, we can walk, we can raft down the river, we camp, we can unwind and read that book which we never turned further than the 10th page, we can compose that tune on the guitar which we always hum but never play, we can sit down and enjoy that jazz by the riverside, we can find our cosy getaway and stare in to those eyes forever which we always dreamed of but never found the time to be with them, we can get out with old and new friends alike and party like there was no tomorrow or we can just be with our colleagues and try to know them better - what they call building bridges and we can be all by ourselves.
Travel with Dj brings you these choices, crafted carefully, because these are your precious moments over 48-72 hours, in the outdoors when you want your weekends to be perfect. The destinations chosen are not more than 8-9 hours of travel and offer a complete escape into the outdoors and into your own self. You can hike, bike, raft and camp like we mentioned earlier or you can be simply laid back.
We also run our own weekend departures every two weeks into these destinations so if you have the option of joining a group and meeting new people and exploring new destinations every second week. These are called "Travel with Dj - Seeing Places". New destinations every second week.
Or if you are a group, from home office or college - you may choose from the destinations below. We run full board trips from your destination to the getaways and back to your destination. Food, Mineral water, Activities and Experiences are standard. Read along and give us a call or email if you plan to escape and roll in the good times !!!
The weekend escapes are usually one night/two night extravaganzas depending on your mood and choice of destination. Our own departures are One night getaways and start Friday evenings from Delhi/Chandigarh/Dehradun. Depending upon the size of the group we usually board our own chartered bus and head out on the roads or if the group is small we try and accommodate in smaller comfortable vehicles. As a comfort policy we never allow more than 4 guests in one vehicle. The chartered buses are 18 seater buses which implies our SEEING PLACES are also not more than 18 guests in one departure. However if you are more than 18 people don't despair - we organise bigger charters as well.
The weekend escapes are usually one night/two night extravaganzas depending on your mood and choice of destination. Our own departures are One night getaways and start Friday evenings from Delhi/Chandigarh/Dehradun. Depending upon the size of the group we usually board our own chartered bus and head out on the roads or if the group is small we try and accommodate in smaller comfortable vehicles. As a comfort policy we never allow more than 4 guests in one vehicle. The chartered buses are 18 seater buses which implies our SEEING PLACES are also not more than 18 guests in one departure. However if you are more than 18 people don't despair - we organise bigger charters as well.
WEEKENDERS
Himachal Pradesh - Spectacular scenery, cool temperatures, opportunities for skiing, white water rafting and trekking combine to make Himachal Pradesh India's favorite mountain area. Tens of thousands of visitors come every summer to Simla which was the summer headquarters of the government during the days of the British and is now the state's capitol. They come to the beautiful Kullu Valley with its apple orchards and deodar forests, to Dharamshala , which overlooks the equally beautiful Kangra Valley and is the home of the Dalai Lama and many other Tibetan exiles, and they visit the sulfur hot springs at Vashisht in the Kullu Valley. Pilgrims go the 1200 year old Shiva temple in Baijnath, in the Kangra Valley area, and to Kangra (town)'s famously wealthy Brajeshwari Devi temple (sacked and looted of its fortunes several times through history), as well as to the Jawalamukhi temple in the Beas Valley which houses an eternally burning flame and is the most popular pilgrimage destination in the state. Most of the Kinnaur area, in the east, is off limits to travelers because of its proximity to the border. Himachal Pradesh rises up quickly, from rice and wheat fields to apple orchards to pine forests and finally snowy peaks of over 6000 meters in the Pir Panjal, Dhauladhar and the great Himalayan Ranges. Between these are the fertile and beautiful Kangra and Kullu Valleys. In the far north are the remote valleys of Spiti and Lahaul, and in the south is the Sirmaur area, another very fertile valley. The lower, southern part of the state escapes the deep snows that cover the northern area and render many roads impassable and large areas of the state inaccessible from October or November to June.
Shimla district lies between 30°45' and 31°44 North Latitude and between 77°0' and 78°19' East Longitude. It is bounded by Mandi and Kullu in North, Kinnaur in the East, the state of Uttar Pradesh in the South and by Sirmaur district in the West. Shimla derived its name from 'Shyamala' - the name of Goddess Kali whose temple once existed in the forest which covered Jakhoo Hills. The place gained prominence after the British arrived here in 1819. They made it their summer capital in 1864. With its enticing location, the incomers were quick to explore the surrounding Shivalik foothills and before long, some of the worlds’ first trekking agencies were set up here, offering treks to officers and their families. By 1921, Shimla had a branch of the Himalayan Club which assisted with expeditions across the Western Himalaya. These adventurous Victorian colonialists chose their town well. To the north and north-east lies the Great Himalayan Range dividing the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau. Slightly to the west are the Dhauladhar, cutting through the heart of Himachal Pradesh into eastern Uttaranchal. And beyond these mountains lie the complex Trans Himalaya that include the Zanskar and Ladakhi ranges. Perhaps a near perfect setting for exploring the Himalaya Shimla is situated in the North-West Himalayas and is spread over the ridge measuring about 12 km. The hills are robed with dense forests of oak, deodar, pine, fur and rhododendron. The high mountain peaks, steep slopes, deep valleys, waterfalls, rapids and colorful natural flowers form the scenic natural beauty of Shimla attracts tourists from all over the world. The important tourist destinations are the Kali Bari temple, Jakhoo Temple, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Prospect Hill and Chadwick falls. The highest cricket ground in the world is at Chail. Shimla also offers adventure sports such as skiing, trekking, fishing and golfing. Though the British had left the city long back, the echoes of the colonial era still lingers on. The snow clad mountains, picturesque surroundings and the mighty structures of Victorian style that dots the city, positions it apart from other hill stations of the country.
Distances – 88 kms NE of Kalka, 115 km NE of Chandigarh, 234 Km NW of Dehradun, 342 Km N of Delhi.
AROUND SHIMLA
Distance – 14km N of Shimla
Kufri – 14 kms from Shimla main town, Kufri is famous for its ski slopes. Skiing in winter and walks, pony rides, mountain biking in the summer makes Kufri an ideal out door destination east of Shimla. One should also the visit the Himalayan Nature Park, housing black and brown bears, leopards and gorals. The crowded Mahasu peak is also a point of interest.
A TYPICAL WEEKEND PROGRAM FOR SHIMLA (One Night)
Day Zero
Travel onwards from Delhi to Shimla on the Grand Trunk Highway. Meet the NH 22 at ambala and carry on further to the hills. The comfortable journey of 380 kms takes takes about 7-8 hours by car and 8-9 hours by Volvo bus.
Day One
Arrive in Shimla in the morning and transfer to our Hotel/Camp. This is followed by breakfast and day of activities. One has the following options
a. Cycling to Tattapani (40 kms) downhill and thereafter indulging in a session (45 mins) of white water rafting on the Sutlej. Travel back to Shimla post lunch.
b) Cycling the Mashobra Baikhalty trail (18kms) 3 hours.
c) Walking the catchment sanctuary, which is a reserve forest housing brilliant Himalayan flora and fauna, a walk of 9 kms from Kufri to dhalli taking 4-5 hours.
d) Circling the President's retreat, a walk of 3 hours.
e) The heritage walk of Shimla town, walking its Seven hills (Summer Hill, Prospect Hill, Observatory Hill, Inverarm, Bantony, Jakhoo, Elysium) which is great for its coniferous walks and great heritage from the British times.
f) Activities at camps.
g) Walking to Tattapani early morning (7 hours) and then the Rafting.
Day Two
The breakfast is followed by activities as per your schedule, and departure in the afternoon.
OUR ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
1.) Cedar Hill Lodge (Cedar Hill Lodge rests on a hilltop at 8100 ft. & is situated in the heart of the Indian Himalayas — 12 Kms. of a picturesque drive from the packed hill station Shimla. Cedar Hill Lodge (an apple orchard once) resides in a tiny village named ‘Chharabra’ which is mostly a pit stop for foodies heading towards the popular sightseeing option of Kufri.
The hillside provides a pleasant mix blended with a rural, rustic charm with an enchanting view of the ‘North-Western Himalayas’ at the background. The cool summers winds and the hovering clouds tend to play out a dance of design with these ‘White Wonders’ but closer to sight one sees a network of mountain chains toiled on by man since ages - and as the moods of Nature swing, here one finds serenity in many a shades. Cedar Hill is carved into few pie holds, neighbored at a walking distance: by restaurants, a few local residences; a boarding school, and encircled to one side by a reserved forest (Water Catchment Area); The Oberoi Wildflower Hall, The Presidents Retreat, and a couple of residences serving in official capacity…)
6 Well Appointed With attached bath, Buffet Meals and Great Walks)
2. ECO VILLAGE HUTS ( Located a midst an apple orchard in Kufri, the location is an ideal getaway for groups with evening bonfires, bar-be que, rope activities, walks. The wooden cottages are basic with attached baths. All meals are served buffet style. We can also avail the conference facility at the dining which is good for 40 people.)
18 Wooden Cottages.
3) THE ROYAL OAKS (The Royale Oaks is located at the scenic Elysium Hill. Bearing the colonial hill architecture, the property has been recently shaped into a luxury hotel that was once build during British rule. As the name suggests, The Royale Oaks is surrounded by majestic Oak trees, providing a distinct view as well as a pollution free environment. It also presents an enhancing sunset view towards Summer Hill. The spacious rooms are elegantly furnished, with neat & hygienic attached bath with the facility of hot and cold running water. EPBAX & satellite color TV. The Mall road and the famous Lakkar Bazaar are merely at a ten minutes walk . You can also enjoy your evenings in the well stocked Bar/Restaurant.)
ACCOMMODATION 12 well appointed rooms.
4) THE WOODLAND HOTEL (Located at the base of the Jakhoo Hill, this budget backpacker friendly place is a quiet haven for those wanting to stay at the heart of Shimla town, yet a be a little secluded.)
ACCOMMODATION 19 basic rooms with attached bath and running hot and cold water.
5) OBEROI'S WILD FLOWER HALL AT SHIMLA (Situated at 8,250 feet in the magnificent Himalayas, Wildflower Hall is a fairytale luxury resort set in 22 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. The former residence of Lord Kitchener, rebuilt to a new magnificence, Wildflower Hall recreates the grand style of the colonial era. Wood panelling and original artwork create an aura of old world charm. Teak wood floors, hand knotted rugs and rich furnishings complemented by spectacular views make the rooms very special retreats.
For centuries, the Himalayas have inspired awe and awakened spirituality in the souls of all mortals who encounter their greatness. This fairytale resort offers a tranquil sanctuary in the mountains. The Oberoi spa at the resort offers holistic treatments based on Ayurveda, Oriental and Western traditions in private spa suites or pavilions that are ensconced in a dense cedar forest and offer spectacular vistas of the majestic snow peaks.
Enjoy beautiful views of mountains and valleys from the restaurants, outdoor Jacuzzi and the heated swimming pool. Take leisurely walks on the trails winding through the fragrant pine forests and enjoy Gourmet picnic hampers that accompany your explorations.)
ACCOMMODATION: 85 ROOMS
Tattapani – 35 kms from Naldehra Tattapani on the banks of the river Sutlej is famous for its healing sulphur springs. Also there is an old cave dedicated to lord Shiva, discovered in the 1950’s. 11 kms from Tattapani is Chabba, the put up point for white water rafting on the Sutlej.
DISTANCE 430 KMS FROM DELHI
The weekend at Tattapani is refreshing by the banks of the Sutlej river. One indulges in rafting and the rest of the day is spent walking to the Shiva cave, a deligting walk of 2 hours. There are hot sulphur springs and one can idle away washing your stress away .... hehehe ... Good Times.
The plan for Tattapani follows the same itinerary as that for Shimla.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
HOTEL HOT SPRING, TATTAPANI
(1.) One Big Hydro Massage Thermal Pool of Hot Sulphuric water With Jacuzzi. (Common for all)
(2.) Two Small Pools of Hot Sulphuric water without Jacuzzi (Private)
(3.) One out Door Floral Pool of Hot Sulphuric water.
(4.) One out Door walkway Pool of Hot Sulphuric water & Normal water.
(5.) Aurvedic Massages Centre with Different kind of massages, Sauna & Steam Bath.
(6.) Yoga , Meditation & Gym Centre with instructor.
ACCOMMODATION (30 Rooms)
Thanedar – 18 kms from Narkanda, Thanedar and Kotgarh are the heart of Himachal’s apple country. First planted by Samuels Stokes in 1912, it was the answer to the regions poverty in those days, now the Kotgarh apples are supplied throughout India. Thanedar is a small one street village surrounded by orchards and an ideal holiday destination.
GIRI (SOLAN)
Located in a remote area near Solan, Himachal Pradesh, the camp combines nature, adventure and local culture to give its guests a unique accommodation and a soul-filling experience.
With the green Shivaliks providing an idyllic setting and the Giri Ganga River adding to its charm, the camp provides the much-needed break from the pressures of daily routine that we all long for.
So loosen yourself in the lap of nature, pristine as it was made to be.
Indulge yourself in Paragliding, Paintball, Angling (Mahseer is in abundance), Kayaking, Air Rifle Shooting, Trekking, Birding, Rappelling, River crossing, Cave Dwelling and much more.
Distance from Delhi 370 kms
AN IDEAL ITINERARY
DISTANCE 430 KMS FROM DELHI
The weekend at Tattapani is refreshing by the banks of the Sutlej river. One indulges in rafting and the rest of the day is spent walking to the Shiva cave, a deligting walk of 2 hours. There are hot sulphur springs and one can idle away washing your stress away .... hehehe ... Good Times.
The plan for Tattapani follows the same itinerary as that for Shimla.
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
HOTEL HOT SPRING, TATTAPANI
(1.) One Big Hydro Massage Thermal Pool of Hot Sulphuric water With Jacuzzi. (Common for all)
(2.) Two Small Pools of Hot Sulphuric water without Jacuzzi (Private)
(3.) One out Door Floral Pool of Hot Sulphuric water.
(4.) One out Door walkway Pool of Hot Sulphuric water & Normal water.
(5.) Aurvedic Massages Centre with Different kind of massages, Sauna & Steam Bath.
(6.) Yoga , Meditation & Gym Centre with instructor.
ACCOMMODATION (30 Rooms)
Narkanda - A hiss road with superb views links Narkanda with Shimla. Narkanda, located amidst fragrant pine forests is a ski resort in winter. It has a choice of slopes ranging from a beginner run and slalom slope, to sharper descents for the experienced skier. What gives Narkanda its awe-inspiring view of the snowy peaks is the fact that it is located on the ridge of the last watershed before the Himalayan range. Below Narkanda, to the north is the Sutlej Valley and beyond it is the snowy massif. The ridge on which Narkanda stands is the watershed between the Sutlej on the north and the Giri River. The sleepy town of Narkanda sits astride the watershed between the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal.
AROUND NARKANDA
Hatu Peak – The highest peak of Shimla district is at a distance of 8kms from Narkanda. Dedicated on the top is a temple of Hateshwari Mata. One can drive up to the top and cycle back down to Narkanda, a great downhill trail. 20 minutes from Hatu peak are the meadows of Jaubagh, ideal for lazing and a perfect setting for a picnic lunch.
The villages of Khadrala and Baghi are located in the northeastern part of Shimla District, 18 and 29 kms from Narkanda respectively, in Himachal Pradesh and are surrounded by dense forest and apple orchards. They fall on the old road to Tibet.
Sungri is a charming hamlet situated about 32 km from Rohru in Shimla District, Himachal Pradesh. It lies in the Pabbar Valley. Surrounded by lush green forests and towered hills, Sungri offers excellent views of Chanshal, Dhauladhar peaks and deep valleys. Many overflowing streams can be seen around the village. Chirgaon, Dhamwari, Dodra and Kwar, Baghi, Intkali and Larot are nearby tourist destinations. Sungri is famous for trout fishing. It is an ideal base for trekking.
A TYPICAL WEEKEND PROGRAM FOR Narkanda (One Night)
Day Zero
Travel onwards from Delhi to Shimla on the Grand Trunk Highway. Meet the NH 22 at ambala and carry on further to the hills. The comfortable journey of 380 kms takes takes about 7-8 hours by car and 8-9 hours by Volvo bus. Further from Shimla, narkanda is 70 kms, a mountain road journey of 2 hours.
Day One
Arrive in Narkanda in the morning and transfer to our Hotel/Camp. This is followed by breakfast and day of activities. One has the following options
a. Cycling to Thanedar (18 kms) downhill and thereafter visiting Tanni Jubbar lakeside, Kotgarh church, satyanand stokes memorial and hordes of apple orchards.
b) Cycling from Narkanda to baghi and further to Sungri. A great ride overlooking the himalayas. This is also the old Hindustan Tibet road(18kms) 3 hours.
c) Walking to Hatu Peak, through a cedar forest housing brilliant Himalayan flora and fauna, a walk of 7kms taking about 3 hours. Perched on the top is the hateshwari mata temple, revered by the locals. Continue the walk till the meadow of jaubagh and enjoy a picnic spread there.
d) Activities at camps.
e) Journey to Luhri (33 kms) and indulge in a session (1 hour) of Rafting on the sutlej.
OUR ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS.
1) CROSSROADS at MATIANA Crossroad Resort offers a blend of luxury with Eco-tourism at its centre stage. The resort is blessed by qualms of nature, where solitude is guaranteed. The Resort is planned with utmost care to provide luxury, comfort and scenic beauty. The warmth of hospitality and service is homely and the 6 cedarwood cottages are great.
ACCOMMODATION 6 WELL APPOINTED COTTAGES
2) TETHYS RESORT NARKANDA Tethys an idyllic resort on the western end commands a splendid view of the Hatu hill in the front with the interlocking spurs decked with rich forest cover.It affords an aerial view of the mighty Himalayas on the east and picturesque views of far-flung low-lying villages adding a beauty to the place. It’s the recreational hub for the travelers seeking a solace in gentle lap of nature and aiming for an exciting and adventurous holiday.
ACCOMMODATION 15 WELL APPOINTED ROOMS
GIRI (SOLAN)
Located in a remote area near Solan, Himachal Pradesh, the camp combines nature, adventure and local culture to give its guests a unique accommodation and a soul-filling experience.
With the green Shivaliks providing an idyllic setting and the Giri Ganga River adding to its charm, the camp provides the much-needed break from the pressures of daily routine that we all long for.
So loosen yourself in the lap of nature, pristine as it was made to be.
Indulge yourself in Paragliding, Paintball, Angling (Mahseer is in abundance), Kayaking, Air Rifle Shooting, Trekking, Birding, Rappelling, River crossing, Cave Dwelling and much more.
Distance from Delhi 370 kms
AN IDEAL ITINERARY
Day Zero
Travel onwards from Delhi to solan on the Grand Trunk Highway. Meet the NH 22 at ambala and carry on further to the hills. The comfortable journey of 330 kms takes takes about 6-7 hours by car and 7-8 hours by Volvo bus. Further at solan board your cab to take you o Maryog and then the 10kms off road to Chamyoga Village. the camp is a 30 mins walk from here.
your
Day One
Arrive in Giri in the morning and transfer to our Cottage. This is followed by breakfast and day of activities. One has the following options
a) Trekking to the waterfall
b) Walking to the ferns creek.
c) Rappelling and climbing at the waterfall
d) Soft kayaking
e) Evening Bonfire
Day two
Depart After Lunch to board the evening train to kalka or bus to Delhi.
