Weekend Around Delhi | Corbett | Tarangi Resort

In the last post, we discussed the Jim Corbett National Park and its many wonders, not least of which is the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger. Just 6 to 7 hours drive from Delhi, Corbett, located near Ramganga in Uttarakhand is an excellent weekend getaway option for Delhiites. I was there a couple of weeks back and stayed at a new but excellent spa resort - it's called TARANGI. It's another fabulous resort developed by the people behind the beautiful Tiger Camp, and is actually right next to the Tiger Camp.

Tarangi is a Hindi (Indian) word meaning 'waves of rejuvenation' and that's an apt name for the place, for sure. Developed on 12.8 acres of riverfront space, it will refresh the most tired of travellers in no time.

The resort offers beautiful accommodation option in the form of cottage suites and rooms. I would highly recommend the river-view cottages, which are located by the River Kosi and offer a great view of the river. In all the hotel has 21 cottages, but during long weekends, Corbett is one of the most preferred holiday destinations around Delhi, so make sure that you place your reservations in advance.

A unique attraction at Tarangi is the Ayurvedic Spa. You can pamper yourself here with a rejuvenating massage. Also available at the spa are a variety of herbal treatments. Fitness and Health concerned can opt for the early morning Yoga sessions by the river.

Amongst the facilities are a swimming pool, overlooking the River Kosi, an Amphitheater - the only one in the region and a Conference Hall for corporate groups. The conference hall can accommodate upto 60 members.

For adventure activities and help on elephant or jeep safaris, you can contact the reception who are only too eager to help. If you have the time, you can also do a specialized bird safari - the Corbett National Park is well-known for its avifauna or you could also spend time fishing. ( River Gamganga is known for its Golden Mahseers, an angler's ultimate prize).

Drawbacks: Lack of Bar/Alchohol, so don't forget to carry your own stuff.

For more details, you can check out the Tarangi Website .

Lake Resort Naukuchiatal - Stay in Paradise!

Now that I have told you about paradise, let's explore the most beautiful stay option by the lovely Naukuchiatal Lake. It's simply called the Naukuchiatal Lake Resort.

The Lake Resort is fortunate in that it is run by a true nature lover. Unlike many of the other hotels in the hills, where the constructions sticks out like a sore thumb, this resort syncs in beautifully with its environment. The hotel has an extra-wide front running parallel to the lake. Look at the image above - each one of the rooms in this main building are in line, spread across 2 floors. This allows the guests in every single room to have a clear, uninterrupted view of the lake. Accommodation at the Lake Resort is spread across 3 areas - the main building as seen above, the Middle Court and the Hunter's Lodge, each separated by the other by a few hundred metres. The Lake Resort is large - 70 acres!! The resort is nestled amongst large oaks, the pretty lake and an abundance of nature.

Each room is equipped with a TV with cable, intercom and other basic facilities to make your stay comfortable. The hotel staff provide good service and the food is excellent.

For the health conscious or the weight watchers, the resort has a gym and sauna. But a better alternative would be the walking-track round the Naukuchiatal lake. A 3 and 1/2 km walk amidst butterflies and birds would not just help you lose those extra calories, but would leave you rejuvenated too. About 135 different species of birds visit Naukuchiatal, so don't bother taking along your i-pod for the walk; a birdsong would be a refreshing change for your ears.

If you are looking for some activity, you can try cuing in the billiards room or play some ping-pong. Of course, a more interesting idea would be to hit the waters - go for a boat ride in the shimmering waters of the Naukuchiatal. A small flight of steps from the resort will take you directly down to the lake and the resort has its own private boats for the guests.

Other activities you can indulge in are paragliding, bird-watching and angling. If you are lucky you might even net the Mahaseer, the angler's ultimate fresh-water prize. You can get more information on these from the hotel. For large groups, a customized 'activity-chart' can be arranged - rock climbing, rappeling and a variety of team building activities, popular amongst corporate groups.

Overall, the Lake Resort, Naukuchiatal is highly recommended. A 2 night/3 day package is generously priced at Rs.7250.00 (for 2 people on twin sharing, all inclusive package).

For bookings you may contact +91 9310184174 or +91 9350184174. ( Delhi, India)
To know more, check out the Lake Resort Naukuchiatal website