haryana

Barot Valley

Where: About 280 km from Chandigarh, in Himachal.

What: Barot is called the hidden gem of Himachal by those in the know and rightly so. In Mandi district, off the Jogindernagar road, its approach is a tapestry of neatly terraced fields and cedar forests and it gets prettier as the road to the destination runs along the River Uhl.

hoW: It’s best to drive down from Chandigarh. The closest railway station is at Jogindernagar, which is connected to Pathankot via the narrow gauge rail line.

Why: The Uhl valley, all blue and green, has an untouched charm. Once the summer retreat of Mandi royals, today it packs in a lot of outdoorsy activities such as angling.

Good to know

SEASON: May to november. Avoid the monsoon if you’re not an experienced driver.

DAy TRIP: Barot is the gateway to the nagru Sanctuary, within which are picturesquely-placed forest rest houses at Silbandhwari and Thaltuckhod.

ACTIVITY: A trek route through forests links Barot to Kullu, in case you want to follow up the drive up the hills with some exercise for the limbs. There is a trout-breeding centre too.

STAY: There are no fancy hotels or resorts in Barot; so you might want to book a room in the PWD Rest House: 2480 for non Himachali and 2320 for state residents;

tel: (01908) 222 079

Surjivan

Where: About 300 km from Chandigarh, in Manesar

What: Get your hands dirty in the garden, join farmers in milking cows in the mornings, enjoy a camel cart ride and shop in the village market… Set in acres and acres of farmlands, Surjivan, with nicely decorated cottages, offers you a route to pastoral bliss.

HOW: It takes about 5 1/2 hours to reach Surjivan by road from Chandigarh.

Why: When simple country pleasures meet a bouquet of modcons, the outcome is soul-satisfying. Keep one day for the list of farm activities listed above. The next day can be spent trying your luck at something more demanding. Choose from rock climbing, zorbing and paragliding. Return for a meal of fresh vegatables, spicy meat curry and rotis hot off the tawa.

GOOD TO KNOW

SEASON: It’s a shame to be locked up in the cottage in a place as quiet and charming as Surjivan, so winter is the best time to enjoy a farm stay.

SHOPPING: Drive another 20-odd km from Surjivan and you will be in Gurgaon, which, never mind the traffic or crowds, has some of the best malls in the country.

FOOD: While driving to Manesar, stop at a highway dhaba for breakfast. Assuming this is a winter holiday, you will get delicious sarson da saag, gur and makki ki roti. Can there be a better way to start the holiday?

STAY: Surjivan: starts at 25,000 a night;

Mori

Where: About 250 km from Chandigarh, in Uttarakhand.

What: A series of adrenaline-pumping rapids as you raft down the Tons, the biggest tributary of yamuna. The Tons will let you conquer grade 3-4 rapids and some grade 5 rapids for the experienced rafters. This circuit is considered amongst the most challenging whitewater runs.

HOW: Driving time from Chandigarh is around five hours. Why: Besides rafting, the camps here offer a mixed bag of adventure, including rock climbing, Burma-bridge, flying fox, rappelling, cliff jumping, and mountain biking. The Tons waters abound with the crafty brown rainbow trout but you’ll need to bait and wait.

Good to know

ACTIVITY: Take your binoculars along, the thick pinescented forest is residence to over 150 avian species, including that gifted soprano, the golden oriole.

SEASON: Mid April-June, and then September-november. CAUTIOn: This stretch on the Tons is not easy to tackle for beginners; so make sure you book a rafting trip only through one of the operators in the region.

STAY: Pitch a tent by the river at Camp Lunagad, about 5 km from the village of Mori;

Sheikhpura kothi, hansi

Where: About 220 km from Chandigarh.

What: A little jewel in the otherwise dusty corner of the state, in Hisar district, the 150-year-plus elegant French-styled property, Sheikhpura Kothi, makes a trip to this off-circuit destination so worth it. you are fairly guaranteed a weekend away from the madding crowd.

HOW: Driving time from Chandigarh is about five hours. The Hansi railway station is connected via Ambala and Delhi.

Why: If heritage and architecture interest you and an idyllic retreat is your stress-buster then you will love your time here. The grandeur of the past—massive rooms, sweeping staircase and spanking marble flooring—is blended aesthetically with mod-cons, making a stay here peaceful and satisfying.

Good to know

SEASON: Avoid a visit in the peak of summer; the scorching sun and sultry evenings can ruin the pleasure of lounging around in the beautiful lawns at Sheikhpura Kothi and makes travel difficult.

DAY TRIP: Hansi is considered a gateway to Rajasthan’s Shekhawati region, known for its frescoed havelis. The three-hour driving time (190 km) allows you to add the destination to your holiday trip.

STAY: Sheikhpura Kothi: starts at 211,999 plus taxes;

tel: (01663) 24024;