Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, includes decorating the house, decorating it with flowers and lights, inviting friends and family, and exchanging gifts. However, during the celebrations, the explosion of firecrackers at Diwali intensified air pollution and exacerbated the already poor air quality in Delhi. Therefore, plan a holiday for the Diwali weekend away from noise, pollution and smog.
Although society is becoming more aware of declining air quality and is always looking for new ways to celebrate the pollution-free Diwali, there is still a long way to go. Until then, those seeking to get rid of the smog in the air can choose a Diwali weekend holiday, where they can breathe in the fresh air and gaze at the endless blue sky.
In addition, with this year's Diwali on November 4, you can combine it with the weekend to spend a longer holiday to relax and refresh your mind and body.
The people in Delhi may be at an advantage. The capital is located between the Thar Desert and the lush green mountains, strategically important, and there is no shortage of activities in these places. Although the sandy and rugged terrain has magnificent forts and palaces, showing brilliant architecture and incredible history, the panoramic view of the Himalayas will fascinate you. In addition, if you choose to explore the desert or witness unspoiled natural habitats and villages on hills, children will enjoy and learn about the local wildlife and geography.
Having said that, the most important aspect of any such trip starts with luxurious accommodation.
Gulaal is a luxury boutique hotel, about one kilometer away from the world-famous Jaisalmer Fort or Sonar Kella, as this fort is widely known. From the outside, due to its design and construction materials, the hotel seems to be part of a majestic fortress. The architecture of the hotel reflects the traditional style of Havelis (palace), scattered in the desert landscape of Jaisalmer and its surroundings.
There are 24 rooms, including four luxurious suites, which perfectly blend Rajasthan’s best traditional hospitality with modern facilities. The decoration of each room highlights the luxurious royal style. Combined with the overall quaintness of the hotel, the Gural Hotel is the perfect reason to leave Delhi for a pollution-free Diwali weekend holiday.
During the day, you can take a dip in the hotel’s charming swimming pool or spend a lazy afternoon in the luxurious and spacious courtyard called Maharaja Lounge. After sunset, head to the rooftop restaurant to enjoy delicious food while admiring the beautiful scene of Sonar Kella bathed in the night light.
Gulaal also provides guided tours for heritage walks to fully understand the history of the area. In addition, guests can also see the Thar Desert on starry nights and sleep in comfortable and luxurious Swiss tents, which is one of the hotel’s special camping facilities.
Email: info@thegulaal.com/hotel.gulaal@yahoo.com
Gogunda is a small town known as the coronation place of Maharana Pratap, ruler of Mewar. In 1576, Maharana Pratap also fought against the army of Mughal Emperor Akbar led by Raja Man Singh of Jaipur in the historic battle of Haldighati nearby in 1576.
Amritara Gogunda Palace was originally built in the 16th century as a fortress. After restoration, the palace was restored to its former glory and opened as a hotel in 2017. Today, Gogunda Palace is one of the most luxurious hotels in the Udaipur area.
The hotel is located in the Aravali hills, which is a good place for guests to relax in solitude. Visitors can witness the breathtaking beauty of the Aravali Mountains from the hotel’s terrace, named after these hills. The rooms are lavishly decorated with Rajasthan murals, woodwork and artwork, which will surely fascinate visitors. Every corner of the palace—whether it's hand-painted walls, marble works, or finely crafted jharokhas—attests to Mewar's cultural skills.
In addition to palace rooms, guests can also choose to stay in comfortable traditional suites, Gogunda suites and Raj Mahal suites. Visitors can enjoy luxurious accommodation in the luxurious Raj Tilak suite-this is the largest of all rooms and suites, with an area of 1,700 square feet. This is where the coronation ceremony of Maharana was held.
Explore Haldighati and other nearby places such as Kumbhalgarh and Ranakpur, or cycle through picturesque terrain.
Email: reservations@amritara.co.in
This farm-to-table boutique hotel is like a slice of Italy on Cuman Mountain, not only for its food, but also for its bungalow architecture. The moment visitors see this building, they will feel that they have been transported to a farmhouse in Tuscany, Italy, which is very suitable for Instagram. The Orchard is made of marble and ceramic tiles brought from Italy, designed to maximize space and comfort, while providing uninterrupted views of the surrounding rolling hills.
Perhaps the most commendable thing about the hotel is its dedication to sustainable development. Rainwater harvesting, solar energy, use of recycled wood and lead-free paint are some of the many ways The Orchard protects the environment.
The concept also extends to the dining table-the kitchen uses chemical-free fruits and vegetables, the meat comes from a local organic supplier, and the fish is caught from the rivers and streams of the valley before cooking. Guests can also choose a vegetarian menu.
What makes The Orchard an ideal place to escape from Delhi during the Diwali weekend holiday is that it is located on the hill. Piola is a small village in Nainital District, about 20 kilometers from Mukteshwar. Its dense vegetation is home to various animal species, including leopards and jackals.
The lakeside resort is located at the northeast corner of Lake Naukkiyata, hence its name. It is located in a lush green oak forest, and its surroundings provide breathtaking Himalayan natural beauty nourished by the lake. The forest is home to approximately 135 species of birds and various flora.
The deep Jiujiao Lake itself is a center for photographers and those who desire leisurely water activities (such as boating). An ideal holiday destination for Diwali weekends, visitors can also visit Jim Corbett National Park, Bhimtal Lake and Sat Tal.
Rooms and suites can be booked in any of the three blocks-the main block, the atrium, and the purpose-built hunting lodge. In addition to the terrace and balcony, the large windows also offer lake and forest views.
Email: thelakeresort@gmail.com / info@thelakeresort.in
Taara House is a cottage located 2,011 meters above sea level in the Himalayas, where tranquility and luxury blend in each other. Interestingly, Taara House is only about 3 kilometers away from Manali, but its pristine environment makes it seem isolated from the world. This makes it the perfect pollution-free celebration for a Diwali weekend getaway!
The mountain hut has two bedrooms, so a maximum of four guests can be booked. The fully equipped kitchen helps guests prepare meals with their own groceries. The highlight of this place is its greenhouse, a specially designed part with a glass roof and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Visitors can gaze at the stars above while dining in the greenhouse.
During the day, the pine-covered hills and snow-capped Himalaya peaks are the perfect backdrop for taking photos. The building is made of recycled and reclaimed wood and materials such as pine, Burmese teak and English oak. The design of the bedroom reflects the owner's artistic taste and ecological consciousness. Guests will find the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity in the building.
This incredibly beautiful place is designed in the charming traditional Kuni architectural style of Himachal Pradesh. It can accommodate up to five people. Guests can even bring their pets, which makes this place a popular spot for those who wish to spend the Diwali weekend holiday in Delhi.
The building was originally built about 100 years ago and is now restored with elegant interiors. It is located in the middle of a beautiful apple orchard, which is named after the farm.
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