Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Solitude and Romance in the Himalayas


Nature and romance has a very special connection. Being closest to the nature makes you realises life’s greatest blessings and seeing the world from a close distanced makes us want to celebrate our vital emotions like love, faith and fear. May be, that is why the greatest of the temples rests in the high mountains or by the gurgling rivers. Because, staying close to nature makes you realise the existence of the special power that keeps us grounded to this earth and life. May be this is why, the most romantic places on earth are always found in distance meadows.  And for the same reason, we seek thrill to overcome our fears by overcoming some of the most feared natural forces in the world. Nature has this magic to make us realise our true existence. 

Thus, celebrating a union with nature has always been a favourite practice by men. From getting married by the beach to discovering romance in the deep seas- some of the most romantic affairs in the world are celebrated in places full of natural bounty. Speaking of such celebrations, most of the honeymooners are often headed to places away from the hassled city life and try discovering romance through rejuvenation. Among many popular honeymoon destinations in India, Himachal Pradesh tops the list by being the most easily accessible, pocket friendly fairytale spot in India. Honeymoon in the valley by the lofty mountains and red rhododendrons may sound like a picture torn from a romance novel but that special feeling really exists. 

Life can be indeed a fairy tale romance when you rattle through the snow by a colonial train. A train ride up to Shimla from Delhi during the winters is the perfect thing to kick off your honeymoon. And a different world waits at the end of those snow covered railway tracks. A languid evening by the fire place in a well maintained hotel is a common activity in Shimla as the place is full of specially designed honeymoon accommodations. Further, strolling the famous Mall Road with your partner hand in hand or riding on a Yak in Kufri, in the upper Shimla- a honeymoon in Shimla can be the most beautiful to happen to you. 

These days, honeymoon in Himachal Pradesh has been made further special by the addition of many adventure sports activities where couples can explore their wilder sides by paragliding over the breathtaking valleys or hiking in the wining pathways.  For those seeing more privacy and solitude, picnic spots away from popular towns like Shimla, Manali and Dharamshala can be a better option. Cottages and special spa facilities are also available in different isolated spots where the only sound you hear is of the gurgling rivers and frolicking birds and the chuckles of your partner. There are other many tourist places in Himachal for honeymooners.
A spa experience is probably the ultimate honeymoon experience where you get to combine the benefits of the Himalayan climate, Ayurveda and great company. The result is a relaxed and happy you. Thus, when you return from an exotic honeymoon in the Himachal, the only thing you remember is the bliss you were gifted with. And what can be a better option than shopping to make your partner happy and ask yourself in the glory of togetherness.

Although, it is not necessary to seek romance outside the confinements of your daily life, a gateway definitely helps in putting together the special parts of your life. Thus, celebrating your honeymoon in the wilderness is the most beneficial exercise you can effortlessly perform. 

Special Himachal packages for honeymoon are available all around the year and each of them only specialize in blowing your mind away. A honeymoon package can be booked from any authorized tour operator but make sure you discuss the facilities beforehand. 

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Up Close With Nature at Corbett National Park

Rejuvenation is a state of mind when you get rid of stress and fatigue through different relaxation techniques. It can be a holiday in a serene place, a simple massage or reading your favorite author- any special thing that relaxes your nerves is a rejuvenation exercise. However, a holiday, being the most popular technique with stressed out city birds, always scores the highest points for relaxation.  Getting away from our routine life into the wild or a closer distance to nature can actually help our stressed nerves and spending some time with family or alone in such serene environments can actually encourage us to celebrate life’s simple joys. Thus, when it comes to nature, what can be a better place than a wild life sanctuary to feel the pulse of nature? Luckily, India is a naturally rich topography with diverse regions of many wild life wonders. If you count all the accessible wildlife zones in the country, a few places always top the list and the Jim Corbett National Park is one of them.
Named after the hunter and conservationist Jim Corbett, this park is the oldest national park in the country. Situated in Nainital district of the beautiful state of Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett National Park is famous for being a protected zone for the critically endangered Royal Bengal tiger of India. Thanks to the initiative taken by the park authorities. The conservation project at Corbett is known as Project Tiger which makes a trip to this park even more special.  No wonder, the park is considered one of the safest and most visited ecotourism destinations in India, Corbett has been a haunt for tourists and nature lovers from all over the world. However, tourism activity is only allowed in selected areas inside the park. Splendid landscapes, suitable accommodation facilities and adventure sports options in the park, thus, make it an ideal location for seeking relaxation. Not to mention, the diverse wildlife to keep people hooked.
What makes this park unique is the combination of hills, marshes, grass lands and lakes-an exotic canvas for nature spotting. Moreover, the ideal climatic conditions make it accessible all round year. So, from wildlife safaris to fishing in the nearby rivers- a visit to Corbett National Park ensures a complete rejuvenation package. And, most importantly, the line between the human existence and the nature has been drawn clearly at Corbett where accommodation facilities are located at a reasonable distance from the wild habitats. 
Apart from the options of bird watching, elephant safari, jeep safari, there are other options available too. These include, camping near the park to rappelling. However, nothing beats the joy of locating a special tiger in an early morning safari. The best time to visit the park is during the winter months when the sun is less harsh and the animals love to come out of their shades to enjoy the winter noon.
This most popular zone inside the park is situated at the fringes of Patli Dun valley. An old rest house in the area only adds to the charm.  Otherwise, the spectacular view of the valley keeps people engaged. Owing to the demands, there is no dearth of accommodation facilities around Corbett. Combined packages are also available which are well suited for different requirements go the visitors. Hence, a few days in the lap of nature can be really therapeutic as the cacophony of the jungles is barely called noises.