Saurabh Tankha
Summers are almost round-the-corner and so are the vacations of kids. This means it is the time of the year when you begin planning for a trip to the hills to as they say “get away from the maddening crowd” for a few days. Though for a limited period, such a trip does give you that much-needed break from the routine of city life where you hardly get time for yourself or your family. And when I make plans to go on a vacation with family, it has never been to a run-of-the-mill destination. So this time round, I have zeroed in to visit Family In The Hills with my family this summer vacation. And what’s more, it is just an hour’s drive (36 km) from Nainital at a height of approximately 7,000 ft above sea level.
After visiting the website of Family In The Hills, www.familyinthehills.com, I found the property, at Nathuakhan, Hartola Road, has an array of wellness condominiums nestled in a serene stay which describe tranquility, inspiration and adventure. Not this alone, one can view the magnificent Himalayan ranges of Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchachuli among others along with an environment of lush green and orchards below filling a fresh new melody into your world. Each tent is claimed to be fully equipped with all the comforts of a five star property. Minutest details even to the extent of softness of pillows, spread of quilts and using locally available approved wood for furniture will gives a distinct cosmopolitan feel to the stay.
I intend spending time with my wife by going on treks, mountain biking and walks even as the kids can experience the game arena and gym facilities at the property. The best part of the deal is that Family In The Hills at Hartola is around a seven hour drive from New Delhi.
And there’s lots in the vicinity one can visit too: one of the 12 jyotirlingas in the country at Jageshwar Temple is an hour’s drive from here while the famous Mukteshwar Temple is 40 minutes away. Then there is Dukan Waterfalls at a driving distance of 30 minutes.
The summer package @Rs 6,000 per night per tent at Family In The Hills includes a tent with all meals (buffet will depend upon occupancy); bonfire with light veg snacks and peanut masala where guest can bring their own liquor; one night safari walk in the nearby areas with a naturalist; free use of recreational area; two kids below 10 years free in the same room with all meals; GST inclusive.
