Vishranti in the Doon Valley offers a warm, vintage welcome just what you need to overcome Delhi's worrisome winter
Vishranti in the Doon Valley offers a warm, vintage welcome just what you need to overcome Delhi's worrisome winter
Antiquity is a luxury in times as transient as today. So are tiger-skinned couches, Twentieth century paintings, royal mantelpiecesu00a0 andu00a0 classic crockery. Unless, of course, you're here. And simultaneously, in an other world, altogether. At Vishranti in Dehradun, everything vintage comes easy. After Dehradun became the capital of Uttarakhand, commercialisationu00a0 crept into almost every corner of the city, leading to loss of its old-world charm. But this resort-spa resolved to keep the legacy alive.
I decided to take an impromptu break, though the very thought of Dehradun seemed dirty. I was, thankfully, proved wrong. Two hundred and seventy kilometres from Delhi, on the fringes of the west side of the city lay what I now know to be a paradise for nature lovers, nestled in 23 acres of peace amid silent Sal forests.u00a0
|
|
|
|
|
Vintage voyage: Initially home to ex-Ranji cricketer Michael Dalvi, the place was completely done up by the player himself, for family and friends. Each tree here has been planted by Dalvi, and each rare bird reared by him. The decor, too, has been left untouched. So you can imagine his tastes in art!u00a0 |
Exciting expedition
And no. It isn't just sweet solitude that you get here. The jungles and villages on the way leave you bewildered; there's no way you can tread into the territory unguarded and unescorted. Fear's but the only feeling, till, of course, paradise descends. Once you enter the property, sights and sounds of flower plantations, vegetable farms and springs surround you for the rest of the trip. All the exhaustion from the drive disappears almost instantly.
Colonial capers
The place was initially a private estate owned by Michael Dalvi, ex-Ranji cricketer, and has now been converted into a luxurious seven-suite resort. The suites are designed with the authenticity and royalty of colonial country bungalows, complete with sloping roofs, wide verandahs and wonder windows that offer a hilly high as pastime.
Each room is unique, and has a character of its own. They are individually designed and gracefully furnished with beautifully restored period furniture. And the bathrooms are no less grander. If you need testimony, look left.
I simply loved the Holdy's pub, replete with footprints of celebrity visitors and cricketing legends. Food is thankfully far from fancy, and can be enjoyed both in outdoor and indoor dining areas. Simple and homely, it's eaten well with some red chilli pickle and fresh farm salad that the staff's always willing to serve, with a smile.
Drinks, barbeque and bonfire complete the charm.
Hike and bike
As for recreational activities, there's the option of a long or short hike in the forest, mountain biking, walking to the aviary with exotic birds, swimming and golfing. The naughty nip in the air, however, restricted me to table tennis, snooker and dart. A body massage is the best relaxation, thereafter. Fitness freaks have the option of gymming, too.
Wanderlust
Once settled and destressed, it was time to explore the rest of Doon. Don't miss theu00a0Robber's Cave, Forest Research Institute, monasteries and the tea gardens. If you're a shopaholic, a stopover at the Tibetan market would satiate the soul. On the way, pick plum cakes and the famed stick-jaws from Ellora's for your folks. Day excursions to Mussoorie, Haridwar and Rishikesh are also a good idea. Provided, of course, there's a partner to round off the romance.
Where: Vishranti, Madhyan Farm, Lower Kandoli Village, Dehradun30 minutes drive from Jolly Grant airport and Dehradun Railway Station. Contact: Leisure Hotels Ltd, F - 3/6, Ground Floor, Phase I, Okhla Industrial AreaCall: 46520000Website: https://www.leisurehotels.co.in/Prices: Two nights and three days for a couple cost Rs 14,999 to Rs 17,999 (Including breakfast and dinner). Package prices valid upto April 15, 2010.
