Chapter XXI

Talking about the pre-COVID-19 phase seems much like a reference to the Anno Domini era. Another time. Another period. Another place. While the world is in a state of pandemonium, thanks to the coronavirus, there is a certain segment of people who are in a greater state of perplexity. They are the betrothed lot who had earlier announced their wedding dates to the world and had booked hotels and wedding halls for the D-Day. Now, the dreaded “C” virus has entered the world and ruined it all. They are left wondering whether they should cancel hotel bookings, make the wedding smaller or postpone it. UAE has already launched online wedding services for people who want to get married despite the corona pandemic. Weddings will happen, virus or no virus. What about their honeymoon? Where should they go? The answer is Mini -Moon, the shorter version of the honeymoon.

Even after the lockdown is over, the fear of the virus will make people opt for a mini-moon rather than a week or a month-long honeymoon. Many off-beaten and short-haul destinations will make for their special holidays. The same will hold true for all those who want to travel in the next couple of years.

Below is a list of some ideal places that Sam and I have visited in India. These are away from the hustle and bustle and would make perfect getaways for your mini-moon or mini-vacation.

Perfect Mini-Moon Getaways In India

1. Abbotsford Heritage Homestay, Nainital

Nestled on the slopes of mighty Cheena and surrounded by walnut and oak trees, lies an 1876 boutique heritage homestay – Abbotsford Estate. With oodles of old-world charm, Abbotsford Heritage Homestay is a true Himalayan refuge, luxurious yet serene. The eleven bedroom property is tastefully decorated with original period furniture, genuine antiques and family memorabilia. It was sitting in its verdant garden, three years ago that I wrote my first blog post. Run by the Prasada family who owns the charming bungalow since 1903, Abbotsford is magical. Enjoy an alfresco dining experience at the restaurant, Cafe Chica, read a book with light, puffy clouds floating by or relax in their charming rooms, a stay at Abbotsford is one that will be etched in your mind forever. It’s my favourite place and I highly recommend it.

Address:

2. Kurumba Village Resort, Coonoor

If you want an off-beat, pristine yet luxurious stay, then Kurumba Village Resort is the place to head to. Named after the Kurumbars, the earliest known inhabitants of the Western Ghats, the resort is wrapped in a blanket of green and built in a ten-acre former spice plantation. Tribal style cottages crafted with natural materials and with folk art and artefacts on the walls and arches evoke a feeling of being connected to your roots. Take a long meandering walk amidst a spice plantation of nutmeg, clove trees and pepper creepers surrounded by a tropical forest of Jacaranda, rosewood, jackwood trees. Or you could indulge in in-house adventure activities or even swim in the aqua infinity pool, a stay at Kurumba Village Resort is a truly luxurious experience in the midst of nature.

Address:

Kurumba Village Resort, Hillgrove Post, Kurumbadi – 643102, Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu, India

Telephone: +91 – 8088855855, +91 – 7710029815 /16 /17, +91 – 22-23514592 / 93

3. Raichak On Ganges, West Bengal

Raichak is the ideal luxury getaway to soak in the sun-kissed greens, get caressed by the cool breeze and listen to the sound of the swift and sparkling Ganges. Raichak on Ganges, is a perfect getaway option, about 50 kilometres away from Kolkata. Savour the scenic beauty of the 100 acres property and the spectacular sunset on the river Hooghly. Relish the scrumptious Bengali cuisines available at SonarTori, Raichak.  Visit The Ffort Raichak – resort hotel, Country homes, Club Rio, Specialty restaurants, Footloose – sports bar & lounge and several activity zones. Even though I went for a day trip to the resort in 2018, I hold some beautiful memories of the place and cannot wait to go back there soon. Read more about my trip here.

Address:

Raichak (Singhalgunjabad), South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, 74336 8

Mobile: +91-3340404040

4. TreeHouse Hideaway, Bandhavgarh

Do you have the romantic dream of staying in a treehouse, with the birds chirping above and leaving the noise below you? It is said that beautiful adventures are created in the wild. At The Tree House Hideaway in Bandhavgarh National Park, you can get lost in pure and untouched wilderness. With intimate tree cottages perched in the midst of thick woods, the retreat ensures your desired privacy.

Enjoy a magnificent accommodation experience together. Hear the sound of the evening birdsong, the soft chirruping of nocturnal insects over a glass of wine. Engage in some excellent game viewing since the big cats and tuskers come to the watering hole closeby. For those who want to explore the forest, a morning or evening safari offers a closer look at the wildlife. This camp is perfect for adventurous couples who want an off-the-beaten-track nature experience in a truly remote and spectacular destination.

Phone – +91-011-40146400

Taj Fort Aguada Resort And Spa, Goa

With Goa claiming to be the first state to go corona free, practically it will be safer to travel to any resort there. However, with the amazing location, hospitality and food I simply love Taj Fort Aguada Resort and Spa. It is brimming with romance, charm and has a plentitude of history plastered in its walls. The resort spreads on the seafront along the Sinquerim to Calangute beach stretch and offers stunning panoramic views. This is where you can soak in luxury and comfort. Let your eyes wander to the mesmerising horizon as you swim in the pool, beyond the 16th-century ramparts of the old Portuguese Fort. Feel the waves kiss your feet as you both walk hand-in-hand. Expect the best in world cuisine at the nouvelle restaurants with experienced Chefs who will ensure you get to savour the finest epicurean delights.

Address:

Sinquerim Candolim Sinquerim Beach, Goa 403515 Phone: 08326645858

Which places do you suggest for mini-moon or mini-vacations? Do drop a line in the comment section below.

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