Have you ever seen someone’s name flash on your phone and wondered how that person became such an integral part of your life? We all have these friends who walked into our lives unexpectedly and stayed on to become much more. On this International Day of Families, we want to shout out to those ‘families’ who may not be related by blood or name, but those groups whom we cannot imagine our lives without.
Bridge-playing buddies
Friends get better with age.
Those Sunday afternoons seem so boring without the gang, eh? Ask your parents or your grandparents who their closest pals are and they’ll most likely mention the gang they play cards with at the neighbourhood club. In fact, why limit it to only a gymkhana? This International Day for Families calls for an outing with this bunch, and don’t the weekday prices at most our properties sound lucrative too?
Social Work Club
A little breather from work can work wonders.
So you and a bunch of mates rally together to produce some socially relevant difference to the world? Why not get together today and chill out over a drink. For all the work you guys have done, ya’ll deserve a little break, no? So meet up, discuss the week that was and just unwind after that last piece of activism.
MBA group
Drinks on?
If you’ve spent 2 gruelling years with a bunch of individuals who were equally intent on finding themselves and building up their careers, you will know that you all know match on that same wavelength. They say friends made during an MBA course are friends for life. Here’s your chance to put that saying to test: Make sure you and your entire gang land up at a designated bar tonight. Drinks on the last one to arrive!
Co-Teachers
Nobody gets teachers the way teachers get each other.
Squabbling kids, botched education systems and immense knowledge are such a great link to connect with others. If you’ve ever been a teacher, you know exactly how important your colleagues from work are. Gather up your co-teachers and head for a relaxing weekend (sans the noise and stress) at Parsi Manor, Matheran. Consider it as a vacation for those who truly deserve it.
Train travellers
Who said train journeys have to be bad and boring?
Always catch that 9:14 local, do you? You’ll surely have a train gang then. Given this new age digital boom has left very few people getting their heads out of their devices, but when they do, you’ll see how friendly your train buddies can be. Try exchanging numbers and meeting up outside, and you now have a new group to hang out with!
Hobby class gang
Birds of a feather fly together.
Have you and your significant other signed up for a hobby or health class together? High chance is that you’ll have already formed a clique within the class. Why not plan a trip around the said hobby or health fad? Like practicing some yoga out on the porch at Verandah by the Valley on an early monsoon morning?
Kid’s friend’s parents
Why should kids have all the fun?
This gang of people is one you definitely will not be able to do without. If you’re a kid reading this, you’ll know how close your parents have become. If you’re in your mid-20s, it’s quite possible that you have been out of touch with your school pals, but your parents still get together like a house on fire. And if you’re a parent, the fact that your respective kids spend some 8 hours together, get along perfectly and won’t trouble you while on vacation makes these co-parents just the best travel buddies. Right?
Kitty Party
Head out of the city for your next kitty party!
From husband-bashing to ranting against your ma-in-law to discussing the kid’s college and your world tours. Your gang of gal pals is extremely critical for your monthly gossip sesh, and none may deny that. So after all the home and hotel kitty parties you have hosted and attended, it’s time you stepped up your game and stepped out of the city. That’s right! Host a party in a hill station or just take a vacation together. And in case you are looking at ideas for fun games and activities at your do, look no further. We’ve got you, girl.
Neighbourhood Pals
You know those familiar faces in your galli that don’t have names yet whose smiles prove to be just the best pick-me-ups after a long day at work? Next time stop and have a chat with them. Who knows you’ll probably make a new BFF and that smile could mean so much more then!
Here’s to all the small families we build outside our etched ones. Here’s to those who matter too!
Last year you paid dearly for forgetting; this year make sure you don’t. It’s your anniversary round the corner and what could be a better occasion than an anniversary for a holiday! A weekend getaway will any day re-ignite romance in your relationship over a material gift. So why take off to a touristy crowded destination when you can try one of these lesser known & secluded escapes?
If spa is the favourite part of your holiday then you don’t have to leave home to relax and indulge. Put your phones away and spend the day relaxing together, and not to forget, alone. By the end of the day get a delicious meal delivered making sure to save room for some dessert! This villa tucked away in a quiet corner of Goa is perfect to beat the crowds. Complete with a private pool.
Tip: Ask for the top floor room, that has a private sit-out overlooking the pool and the garden.
Are you the one who is not much of the adventure sports variety, but you definitely love to spend time exploring untouched and lesser known destinations. Places which boasts of beautiful green patches, the sights of deep valleys and dense evergreen forests. If yes, then this destination is perfect for you & your significant other! Located midway between Ooty and Coonoor, this villa is built in the style of a traditional planters’ bungalow. Sip on some tea while enjoying the views of lawns and mini tea garden beyond from the verandah.
A romantic getaway to the great outdoors allows you to bring out your inner wild child. At Little Paradise which is touch to the beach, you can spend your days exploring nature and being invigorated by fresh air and sunlight. With a refreshing distance from your every day life you two may find it easier to go on an exploration trip all by yourself.
Has your relationship settled into a rut? Shake things up by taking a romantic getaway and seize the opportunity by partying like you’re still 18! This beautiful villa with an infinity pool is just the place to be for a party animal. Embrace the Goan vibes, dive into the pool & let the good energies flow.
With stunning sea views on its three sides, coconut trees, slight breeze & sunlight barging in from nooks & corners, this place makes you want to surrender yourself to the cosy environment.
Tip: Ask for the upper room, Jaswanti. It has a private deck to enjoy the fantastic views from.
What’s better than sunny days and sultry evenings that invite utter indulgence. Plan a movie marathon & watch all your favorite rom-com’s just like the old days; Could there be a better way to rediscover the sparks or even find the new ones?! Every minute spent here gives you ample time for rekindling romance and feeding the flames.
If candle light dinner by the beach catches your fantasy or a house overlooking the mesmerizing sea waves is your dream, there is no place else to go but this! Imagine a place where you could experience both the beach and the forested mountains. This old styled beach villa sits alongside the gorgeous fort, reminiscent of the Portuguese inhabitation here centuries ago and is perched on a secluded patch of white sand, literally kissed by the high tide waters of the Arabian sea. This place acts as the perfect antidote for all the hustle city puts you through.
Tip: The owners can arrange for a candle-lit dinner by the beach just for you two.
Something about this place makes it an every couple’s favorite! The off beat location, absolutely no outside world intervention, beautiful indoors and warm care takers. What more could one ask for! This is more than a 100 year old Parsi Heritage Bungalow, with all heritage furniture, and lazy-chairs in the verandah for the afternoon book-reading. Look around in the house for it has something special to offer: great interiors, historic wall clock, artefacts or simply take the long walks in the thick forest!
You keep your eyes, ears, mind, all wide open because you know nothing about the place and are curious to know everything the destination has to offer. Yes? Then you must stay at this villa located in a close proximity to the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary. The destination is set in the beautiful Sahyadri mountain ranges of the western ghats. It is pristine and untouched compared to the usual, run-of-the-mill hill stations. When you are in Koyna, from cold waterfalls, to rolling green mountains with misty tops and foggy corners, you will want to embrace it all.
Often we need to give ourselves space to go back into the time & recreate the good old memories. This planter’s bungalow built in around 1853 has stood testimony to the changing seasons and centuries just like your relationship has. Set on a 200 year old 400 acre coffee plantation, the bungalow is truly a pretty, fascinating piece of India’s Coffee Heritage. Spend a few days and soak in the place, its history, and its solitude.
Imagine yourself surrounded by valleys, organic farmed kitchen garden, eternal snow peaks, beautiful night sky and a campfire to create a cosy mood. Sounds divine like experience right?! Nestled deep in a Himalyan village, this cottage offers the perfect getaway from the mad rush of city lives. Surrounding forests are a mix of ancient oaks, rhododendrons, deodars, pine and various native Himalayan species. Located in a mountain region, this is a modern mountain log house, in the beautiful lap of the high Himalayan snow peaks, in the daylong company of birds and rural pastoral life.
Located in the beach village of Mararikuram in Alleppey in a oasis of calm, green environs, this heritage property offers quiet time to guests. A beautiful heritage bungalow, along with the rich history, old temples and churches of the area, the pristine beaches at Mararikulam, the Vembanad lake and its connected backwaters, the bird sanctuaries – all conspire to make this the most complete experience of Kerala you can have in one place.
Srinagar, the capital city of Jammu & Kashmir is a paradise in every sense of the word. This beauty of this destination is as timeless as your love & so without a doubt this has to be one of the most romantic places for an anniversary getaway. The lush valleys, sparkling lakes, high mountains and picturesque scenery make it a perfect getaway that you will remember all your life.
Imagine the view from atop a hill and around you are the rolling hills, the lower reaches of the mighty Himalayas. Nestled amidst fruit trees and vegetable patches and the splendid colors of the seasonal flowers is this beautiful cottage in Uttarakhand. Sit on the porch or under the shade of the plum tree and totally absorb your surroundings over your coffe and conversations.
Living on the banks of lake Pichola in the pink city is a dream come true for every traveler. This beautiful lake facing room has a wonderful winding stairway, green plants and colorful windows which ensure that you feel warm, cosy & at your best comfort.
Tip: Ask for their private room with a terrace overlooking the lake. Let the morning sunshine and evening breeze take you back to your early relationship days & make a space for reconnection.
#16. This suite room will take you back to your newly wedded days!
Once you step inside Stein Haus, its like walking into the ‘Secret Garden’, well manicured lawn, a beautiful stone water fountain, an open-air jacuzzi. The first floor opens into a large living room, with an open sit out. Guests can enjoy Khandala’s gentle, cool breeze even on a hot summer’s day on the sit-out, under the shade of a large tree. While you are sipping on a cup of tea/coffee from the deck, you can also get a glimpse of Duke’s nose right infront of you! And during monsoon, enjoy the full glory of Khandala rains, sitting by the steps of the sit.
After reading our blog, my dear husband decided to ‘surprise’ me with a anniversary getaway to Chiplun. A beautiful town in the district of Ratnagiri, Chiplun is a 6-7 hour drive from Mumbai, almost mid-way to Goa. After a tiring drive (see the planning – we started only after having lunch!), we reached Mr Dinesh’s Farms, a place recommended by our friend Dipti. Google Maps took us straight to this place without much fuss.
Set on top of a hill overlooking the valley and in the midst of an 18 acre cashew and mango orchard, the owner has very tastefully developed this lovely farm-stay. No wonder, we fell in love with the place almost instantly.
Plunge into this inviting pool and enjoy the view of the mountains and the valley.
We found ourselves in the midst of a local festival (called Gondhal in Marathi), post which the villagers pick up jobs on fields. After a heavy bhakri-mutton dinner, we enjoyed the festivities in the local temple, before starting on a jungle safari in Dinesh’s jeep. Other than the driver, there was one person perched on top of the jeep while another sat in the bonnet holding a loaded rifle. Dramatically enough, we drove through the dense forest, listening to the driver’s story about sighting a tiger pair a few months ago in the very same route.
The next morning was absolutely pleasant. Waking up to the sight and call of peacocks was some experience. We had a lazy breakfast and spent some time in the garden (although there was a very inviting, ultra-modern pool, given the cold water, we did not dare), before heading for a boat ride in the Vashisth river. This bandar/ jetty is unique – it is a place where four talukas of Ratnagiri district meet, Guhagar and Chiplun on on side of the estuary and Dapoli and Khed on the other. We spent our time talking and enjoying the great weather while floating on the calm waters.
A hot cup of tea to start the refreshing morning.Waking up to the sight of peacocks in the farm house.Boating in the Vashisth River is a great way to spend a few hours.Our delicious Maharashtrian meal in the making.
After a heavy fish-bhakri-rice lunch we drove back to Mumbai, with our mandatory vada-paav stop at Kshuda Shanti Kendra (literally translates to satiating your hunger).
All-in-all, full marks to my husband for having meticulously planned and given me a surprise. What a lovely weekend!
About the author: Tejas Parulekar is a first generation entrepreneur who has (ad)ventured into a domain that is traditionally dominated by large hospitality chains and other travel portals. A Banker by experience and Chartered Accountant by training, she is aspiring to leave an imprint in the hospitality sector by bringing together the little fish (Homestays) to take on the mighty shark. Encourage her and her homestay hosts by booking your next stay on www.saffronstays.com.
Winters, coincidentally, also happen to be the months of weddings and subsequent wedding anniversaries. If you’ve already ticked a great honeymoon off your list and are looking for new ideas and ways to spend a romantic holiday with your spouse, we’ve got it all covered for you.
#1- Go Wild
After wildlife safaris in the day, spend the evening by the pool with a glass of wine. Photo by our host, NeeleshLuxury tree houses in Periyar National Park at a height of 30 feet. Photo by our host, Saji
There’s something very wildly romantic about being with your partner, surrounded by acres of forest and knowing very well that the only thing separating you from the wild is a concrete wall. You could be in Kanha, waking up to the sight of the dense forests from the large windows in your luxurious room or in a tree house in Periyar where at a height of 30 feet, your private balconies will give you the best sight of bisons, elephants and barking deer. If you’re looking for something more adventurous and rustic, head to a homestay flanked by the forest in Dandeli or the earthen cottages in Jim Corbett National Park, accessible after a 2 km trek, where you can explore the magical forest on foot.
#2 – Whisk her off to an exotic land
The breathtaking view from Kurseong. Photo by SaritaThe scenic village of Kongthong in Meghalaya. Photo by our host, Aniduhan.A luxury cottage in Sikkim with a dense beautiful forest at the backdrop. Photo by Sarita
When you live in a country like India, you need not look elsewhere for an exotic idea. The states in East and North-east India, untouched, scenic and extremely beautiful, make for some of the most romantic getaways. If you think Darjeeling is touristy, choose its lesser-known neighbour, Kurseong. Here, you can stay in a charming heritage property with some of the most characteristically-designed rooms or retire to Chimney, a scenic village with a dense juniper forest on one side and a bird’s-eye view of Teesta River and Siliguri on the other side, and enjoy long walks together. In Sikkim, you can stay in beautiful cottages that lie tucked in the midst of misty forests, with only the songs of birds and the whistling wind for company. You can also escape further to Meghalaya, to a resort by the lake in Shillong, to a farm house near the Sacred Grove Forest in Mawphlang or to remote villages like Kongthong and Mawphanlur where, after long scenic treks, you can sit together on a hill top and watch a gorgeous sunset together.
#3 – Treat her like a Queen! Live like Royalty
A beautiful room, once occupied by the Maharani, in a Heritage Haveli in Jaipur. Photo by SaritaStep out of your luxury rooms and right into a pool like this in a Heritage Haveli in Jodhpur. Photo by Sarita
It’s your anniversary and we think that’s a great reason to be treated royally. Yes, we are referring to some beautiful heritage havelis in Rajasthan where you can soak up the winter sun in the traditional courtyards or on a sundeck by the swimming pools or simply never step out of your lavish rooms that come with antique four poster beds and jharokas. In the romantic city of Udaipur, you can stay in rooms by the Lake Pichola and sip wine in your very own private terrace. Then there are Colonial Bungalows surrounded by coffee plantations in Coorg, complete with Victorian furniture, large verandas and manicured lawns, where you’ll have plenty of scenic private space for yourselves.
#4 – Get snowed in!
The beautiful hill town of Kotgarh turns white and magical in December. Photo by our host, Shezad
Who wouldn’t want to be tucked under a blanket in a heated room and watch the streets outside get covered with snow or perhaps go out there and get into a snow fight? You can take your pick from beautiful cottages surrounded by apple orchards in Manali or in Kotgarh, a quieter alternative to Shimla, where the temperatures will be low and snowfall plenty. There’s the haven of romantics, Srinagar, where charming bungalows and villas offer plenty of luxury, privacy and comfort on snowy days. The beautiful hill town of Nainital makes for a great option too.
#5 – Escape to a virgin beach/river island
Spend an evening in a beach in Ratnagiri with a hundred odd migratory sea gulls. Photo by SaritaWatch the world go by with your soulmate, as you dip your feet in the river from the pier of this wooden house. Photo by our host, Capt Leo
We’re sure you’ve spent many holidays in Goa and seen all the beaches, but it is in the beautiful, lesser-known Divar Island, accessible by ferry from Old Goa, and in a wooden chalet on the banks of the Mandovi river that you can truly experience the Goan Susegad life. If you aren’t fussed about the luxuries of a high end resort, Coastal Maharashtra offers some pristine and unexplored beaches. Perfect for those endless sunset walks on soft sand and long conversations with your feet dipped in the cold water. All this with the promise of not a soul around.
#6 – Sail on tranquil waters for days
The picturesque backwaters of Kerala. Photo source: insightsindia.blogspot.inHeritage houseboats in Dal Lake make for one of the most romantic stays. Photo source: asiaexplorers.com
There’s no denying that the backwaters of Kerala make for some of the most scenic destinations in India. Imagine having a lovely room to yourself, complete with dining and seating arrangements at the deck of your luxury houseboat, and floating in the backwaters for days. If this idea interests you, you can also opt to stay in a heritage houseboat in the beautiful Dal Lake of Srinagar. No meal or conversation can ever be devoid of romance when you’re floating in these tranquil waters. Enjoy the star-lit skies, count the shooting stars from the deck, and you can almost hear the notes of the santoor playing.
About the Author: Born and raised in Assam, Sarita Santoshini has been travelling around India and penning down her experiences over the past year. She currently works as the Content Editor for SaffronStays. You can read more of her travelogues on her blog-http://crumbsfromyourtale.wordpress.com.
