Field Trip

At The Atrium Hotel in Surajkund,book for two days and get a third free; at Rs 11,999 for a Friday and Saturday night,Sunday is complimentary. The deal also includes all meals,massage for a couple and an extended happy hour at their bar On The Rocks. “The idea is for guests to have a relaxed weekend with value additions like complimentary massages and extended happy hours,” says Manoj Thapa,General Manager,The Atrium.

A few miles ahead on Sohna road in Gurgaon,weekend packages are on a roll at The Westin Resort and Spa. At Rs 7,999 (plus taxes,per night) you get a complimentary stay for two kids below 12 years and an American breakfast at The Living Room restaurant. The stay also includes free access to the games room,a 30-minute horse ride and a 20 percent discount on food and spa treatments is also on offer. Waterbanks Island Resort,situated at Damdama Lake in Haryana has also slashed rates from last year. “We offered a day picnic at Rs 1,000 but have now pulled it down to Rs 700 (plus taxes) per person and it can be further negotiated for group trips,” says Vivek Awasthi,director,Hamara Holiday Pvt Ltd. The package includes adventure sports,a lunch buffet by the lake and a trek in the Aravalis.

At the 18-century Mud Fort in Kuchesar a few miles ahead of Noida on NH-24,weekends mean pondering over the quiet scenery with the rustic ambience of the neighbourhood. Once a Neemrana property,the fort is now run by the 13th generation Vikran Jeet Singh,who traces his lineage to the Jat rulers who originally belonged to Mandoti in Haryana. “We haven’t increased our rates since last year. Business is down by 40 percent this year,” says Singh. At Rs 7,000 (inclusive of taxes) for two nights and three days,a couple can enjoy complimentary meals,a bullock cart ride to the country side and a walk through the mango orchards. “Our mango orchards have always been a big draw and for a minimal sum,we also let our guests make their own fruit basket which they can take home.”

Contact:

Mud Fort,Kuchesar: 09837809999

Waterbanks Island Resort,

Damdama Lake: 9953423776

The Westin Sohna,Gurgaon: 0124-4508888

Ashok Country Resort,Kapashera: 25064590

The Atrium,Surajkund: 0129-4090700

The Kikar Lodge,a Welcome Heritage Hotel near Ropar,offers a 20 per cent discount this summer. “While the luxe room comes at Rs 5,500,deluxe cottage is for 7,500 and a suite is for Rs 9,500,” tells Amarindar Singh Chopra of the Lodge,adding they now also have paint bowling,rapling and rock climbing too. “For someone who wants to come for the day,per meal costs Rs 350 and the use of the swimming pool Rs 150 per person. As for the Spa,enjoy it desi Punjabi style here!

You can rediscover a brand-new you at the Summer Yoga Retreat. In the mountains,at the Aurobindo Ashram,Talla Ramgarh,Uttaranchal,Navtej Johar will introduce or reintroduce you to asana,pranayama and meditation. The seven-day retreat will offer a structured in the relaxing ashram setting. Open to both yoga adepts as well as beginners,it will include personalized instruction to suit the needs and capabilities of all participants. Add to that nature walks,treks and quiet time for reflection. On from June 23 to 30,for more details write at abhyastrust@gmail.com