No holiday plans yet? Here are some suggestions

2020 has been a year of no travel. But the year is ending now and there is hope of a better tomorrow. With the vaccine in pipeline, social distancing awareness and hygiene becoming the norm, we are all taking baby steps to stepping out and traveling. Here are some short break ideas this holiday season from across India – and places to stay that are safe and trustworthy.

Mountain Retreats

Our fascination for hills is legendary, thankfully there are enough and more mountains for us to explore in India. From the mighty Himalayas to the rolling slopes of Nilgiri, from the rugged Aravalli to the lush Western Ghats, there is no shortage of hills you can visit to this winter.

Mary Budden Estate, a five-acre property in Binsar, features a sensitively restored 19th-century cottage and a lodge inside a forest reserve. The sprawling place offers sweeping views of the snow-clad Himalayas and visits to nearby hamlets and temples takes you through storybook landscape. It offers, finest lodging facilities and experiences of authentic local cuisine.

marybuddenestate.com; Mary Budden Estate, Binsar

A tranquil retreat by the Ganga, Amrit Bhawan offers bespoke experiences and simple pleasures of foothill life. Built as a modest family home in the 1970s with a charming garden and private ghat, it is now a quaint family-owned boutique property. Sitting by the ghat, dipping your toes in the river and enjoying freshly cooked local cuisine in the garden are ways to spend your holiday here. Or snuggle up with a book in the cozy library to bring in the year in an old fashioned way.

www. amritbhawan.in; Amrit Bhawan, Haridwar

Cultural Getaways

Cultural breaks are synonymous with holidaying in India, especially in winter when the weather is conducive for monument hopping, heritage walks, and even food tasting. The monuments, temples and cathedrals are now open but with very strict protocols and few visitors, which means you are not only safe but also privy to a much better experience than ever before.

Svatma in Thanjavur, Tamilnadu is a heritage property that offers a glimpse of Tamilnadu’s cultural capital. You can experience exclusive Carnatic Music and Bharatnatyam performances, customized tours to local attractions and make it a base to visit the temple towns of Trichy, Kumbakonam, Jayakondam and Chidambaram. They also arrange for you visits to bronze sculpting, Tanjore painting and handloom weaving centers – a specialty of the town.

www. svatma.in; Svatma, Thanjavur

The Bangala in Karaikudi is a great place to experience the brilliance of Chettinad, its food, arts and culture. Set in a 100-year-old bungalow, The Bangala is home to an award winning restaurant, lush gardens, heritage rooms, and curated experiences that showcase the famous Chettiar hospitality. The location of The Bangala makes it an ideal hub to explore major tourist attractions of Tamil Nadu like Thanjavur, Madurai, Trichy and the island temple town of Rameswaram.

www. thebangala.com; The Bangala, Karaikudi

City Escapes

Holidaying in your own city can be fun. With no hassle of travel and all the benefits of a holiday, city staycations are your perfect bet if you want a quick retreat this season. Most hotels are offering great deals and additional facilities and new-year break maybe the best time to make the most of it.

The recently refurbished The Connaught located in the heart of New Delhi, is a delightful new property with Art Deco and Georgian architecture. Inlaid with Bikaneri Tiles, made in Italy, and adorned with quirky, retro, and very cheerful accents, it has many interesting nooks to read, play a game, or just watch the many domes of Lutyens’ Delhi.

www. seleqtionshotels.com; The Connaught, New Delhi

The Oberoi Grand, often known as the Grand Dame of Chowrangee, is not just one of the finest hotel but also a legend. The calm colonial oasis that opens up in the busy Esplanade is a haven for those looking for time out within the city. With grand columns, never ending verandahs, tropical lagoons and classically appointed rooms, it is your place to be if you want a quiet, restful break this year-end.

www. oberoihotels.com; The Oberoi Grand, Calcutta