Point of Views

“The young traveller is looking for something extra and rooted. Summer mountain retreats that are boutique properties and have something personal to offer have many takers,” informs Anil Trehan,who organises holidays for the city’s stressed.

But not everybody is visiting boutique hotels. There are some,who are going to heal their mind and soul with meditation and yoga retreat to be conducted by Navtej Johar at Jagori Training and Research Academy,about seven kms away from Dharamshala. Johar,a yoga exponent and renowned Bharatanatyam dancer,believes that yoga is a holistic practice that joins the body,breath and mind to enhance physical,mental and spiritual well-being. The retreat promises morning and evening asanas,lectures,practice of pranayam,study and chanting of the yoga sutras,meditation,daily journal writing,walking and simply finding yourself at ease. As Johar says,“it’s a perfect blend of serious insight and also fun.”

Not too far away,amid the pine forests,orchards and a flowing river,Osho Nisarga near Dharamsala is offering the Neo Vipasna camp. Spread over seven acres,the camp has its own organic farm,a kitchen that offers health food and walking areas. “We have walks in the forest,trekking and also meditative dancing to detox the body and mind and help one feel unburdened mentally and emotionally. You will head back from this holiday with a fresh energy,a new-found delight and peace,” assures Swami Keerti,who is conducting the seven-day camp starting May 14.

Corporate lawyer and writer Sumant Batra’s Te Aroha in Dhanachuli,Uttarakhand is perfect for experiencing a quiet break,away from the noise and stress of the city life. With breathtaking views of surrounding Himalayan peaks and valleys,Te Aroha is just the right place to visit this season. “I wanted to offer solitude and tranqulity amidst apple orchards and lush forests at an altitude of 2,300 metres,” says Batra who has personally done up the place with antique furniture and artefacts. Te Aroha serves as the perfect base from where one can explore other fascinating areas around Dhanachuli like Nainital,Bhimtal,Ranikhet and Binsar.”It’s a mélange of the old and the new. The original structure of a summer house has been preserved. The village has a history of over 200 years and the remains of the old village can still be seen,” he says. Te Aroha also organises heritage walk to the village,with locals offering guests a glimpse into the life,food and culture of the place as well as tailor-made picnics,outdoor cooking,village darshan etc. So this summer,enjoy these unique trips. The catchword is not bespoke. It is experiment.