With pollution in Delhi soaring to sky high levels (pun intended), and the whole national capital region greeted day after day with monotonous grey skies. Life feels like stuck in a rut. When the AQI sits comfortably at ‘hazardous’ levels, this recurrent fantasy of escaping to Tolkienesque landscapes with endless pastures and mountainous backdrops take up quite a lot of my day dream quota.
If I could recommend saving up your vacation days for only one big getaway throughout the year, November would be my pick to preserve both your (and your loved ones’) sanity and health. Consistent 300+AQI levels have adverse impacts on your wellbeing, which I’m afraid are being severely downplayed by media and the public at large.
That being said, I have compiled a list of my favourite getaways from Delhi. Easily approachable destinations perfect for unwinding and relaxing. Places which, in times like these, literally embody the saying “a breath of fresh air.”
Soulitude in the Himalayas @ Kumaun
A quaint retreat nestled on a quiet hillside in Ramgarh in the Kumaon Valley
The name says it all. A quaint retreat nestled on a quiet hillside in Ramgarh in the Kumaon Valley. This is a retreat in nature, full of blissful moments of quite solitude (or perhaps soulitude). Meditate, trek, bird watch or just snuggle up with a book and a warm drink with the resplendent Himalayas in the backdrop. Quintessentially boutique, the ambience here is just what you need when escaping the soulless haze that has engulfed Delhi. For I can think of no better remedy to these November blues than waking up to birdsong. Clouds rolling away at a leisurely pace as the sunlight filters in lighting up the lush greens of the property.
Vanghat Lodge @ Corbett
Vanghat lodge at the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, in the Corbett National Park
An exemplary display of the concept of sustainability, the Vanghat lodge at the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, in the Corbett Tiger Reserve is a remote eco lodge which practices what it preaches. Right up the alley of nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers, the immersive wildlife experience evolves with the landscape through the seasons. The location is accessible via a 1.8km cross country hike or by an off-road excursion in a 4×4 followed by crossing the Ramganga river in a raft. This experience might not be up everyone’s alley. I concede, but if you really want to get into touch with nature – it doesn’t get rawer and more immersive than this.
The Lodge at Wah @ Kangra Valley
The Lodge at Wah, in Palampur is situated right in the middle of a tea estate.
The pine scented breeze of the Kangra Valley is going to be a welcome respite from the toxic air of Delhi. Lodge at Wah, in Palampur is situated right in the middle of a tea estate. It is constructed with local materials and by local craftsmen, something which wooed me as an architect. Originally envisioned as a personal retreat by the owners, the Lodge is undoubtedly a wholesome and homely experience. One that will elicit some “Wahh”s from you, too. Apart from strolling through the lush green gardens with their tea and organic produce, you can also try paragliding at Bir Billing (just an hour away from the lodge). There is also the Kangra mini train or pottery classes in the nearby Andretta village. But the cherry on the cake, for me, is the plentiful opportunities for stargazing and bonfire nights. Something we can only pine (see what I did there?) for, in Delhi.
Manvar Luxury Camp – Dechu
A luxury camp set in the sprawling Thar desert
In the tranquil countryside of Rajasthan, this luxury camp is nothing short of a lively oasis set in the sprawling Thar desert. With vistas of vast stretches of sand and the only sound being that of the wind, this is an accurate portrayal of life in a desert village. The camp also offers boutique experiences, from camel rides which provide livelihood to the locals. By providing a window into the simple and colourful way of life in rural Rajasthan with their village walks. There is also an opportunity to go crane spotting, or go scrambling over the sand dunes. And I mustn’t overlook the clear night skies that grace the area, perfect for stargazing. This is a fresh perspective into the familiar, which is often a key quality in a getaway I look for.
As we say at Explore Routes – This is raw, but in the lap of luxury.
Shahzeb Athar
Architect and Poet
Architect, avid reader and sometimes a poet. Can speak about Corbusier and cotton candy sunsets in equal measure. Read more about Shahzeb’s musings here
Travel is back and we at Explore Routes can’t wait to curate journeys for you to some of the finest getaways and boutique hotels in the lap of raw yet conscious luxury, and off the beaten track. Come, Explore Routes with us