HOLIDAYING IN INDIA

Holidaying in India can be fun and inexpensive if one knows a few facts.
First, India is beautiful and as far as natural beauty is concerned, India is second to none. Yes, we do lack in facilities, but is not difficult to find good destinations with clean accommodation. It may not be very luxurious, but it’s comfortable.

Holidaying can be dividend into two categories: weekend travel and week-long or longer trips.
Weekend trips are best made within a 300-400kms range of your home. Overnight travel saves time and cost. If it’s a planned trip, one can book accommodation through any of the various travel sites. Usually, if you reach Friday morning, hotels do permit you early check in at no extra cost.

If, like me, you do not like night travel and would love to drive yourself or take a cab, then the best thing is start early to reach your destination by lunchtime.
Most of the destinations in India offer a comfortable accommodation in the price range of Rs1500-2000 per day and if you avoid the peak season, you can get 15 to 40% discount on the tariff.

I venture out in North India four to five times a year on such trips and the total cost does not exceed Rs10,000/- per trip for two persons for three days two nights. Sometimes in this amount one can do four days and three nights.

For Longer trips, one has to plan early and, if possible, avoid the peak season. If you are prepared to sleep in different cities each night and are an early riser (even when on holiday), you can easily manage for Rs 4000 per day for two people including food and travel by A/C cab (travel to the starting point and back home not covered). A six-day trip to Kerela from Delhi inclusive of air tickets just cost me Rs 40,000/- for two people (shopping not included).

Fagu

Fagu is a tiny village aside a saddle-like mountain along Hindustan Tibet Road. A rare range of views is visible from here, which include vivid dales and snow clad peaks. The picturesque countryside is dotted with clusters of villages, fruit gardens and nearby terraced fields. Fog characterizes the hillside landscape endowed with romantic ambience. Most of the area is covered with conifers of Himalayan cedar and spruce. Located at an altitude of 2,450 m, Fagu, perhaps have derived its name from the fog itself.
ACCESS: The closest airport is at Jubbar-Hatti, 45 km away. The nearest narrow gauge railhead is at Shimla, 22 km away. By road Chandigarh is 139 km and Delhi is at a distance of 392 km.
THE PEACH BLOSSOM: The hotel has been rebuilt and converted into a modern and commodious Deluxe Hotel. It provides a rare opportunity to enjoys nature's serenity and magnificence. The hotel presents a rare and kaleidoscopic view of the landscapes dipped in mysterious mist all around. The suites at the hotel offer a great view of Sun Rise as well as the Sun Set

Read the above on the Himachal Pradesh Tourism site. Last weekend I reached Fagu with my wife and daughter after halting for a night at Barog.
I have no words to describe the beauty of the place, only pictures which I am sharing with you.