HOW TO GET THERE: All places are well connected to the state capitals and major cities. Hit the road to enjoy a scenic treat.
BEST TIME TO VISIT: September to November

PICTURE SPEAK

SPECTACULAR SHOW: Chitrakote Falls, Bastar

Discovering a haven untouched by man and machine in modern day India is indeed a daunting task. Those seeking a short respite from urban life will immediately rule out popular places such as Goa and Ooty. Similarly, time constraints scratch out exotic destinations such as Tawang or Gangotri. But remote need not always be synonymous with distance. For instance, did you know just 300 km from Delhi a fat slice of Eden lives on in the Jilling Estate? Tucked away in Matial, Uttaranchal, the Estate comes with idyllic views, great food, exceptional service and a resident English ghost. With just five cottages, each hidden in its own private jungle, a stay here is all about soothing frazzled nerves-introspection by the bonfire while munching freshly roasted chestnuts or letting your hair down at the in-house stream. The owner, Steve Lal, got it right when he renamed the estate the Last Resort. After all, do you know of any other place where you can stroll nude through the forest without fear of prying eyes and wandering fingers? For reservation e-mail beckon@ndb.vsnl.net.in.

The non-libertines preferring something a little less over the top can try out Jungle Lore, located in a small Kumaoni village: Pangot. This place is a must for people addicted to bird watching and hiking. What gives it an edge over bird sanctuaries like Sariska is the blessed absence of noisy, disinterested holiday makers. Yet it is just an hour's drive from Nainital. Over a hundred species can be sighted in a few days-from the common magpie to the majestic Lammergier. Don't forget to carry your binoculars, even if you have never looked at birds before. This place is known to change minds. E-mail wildindiatours@vsnl.com.

If you want to be adventurous, simply check into the Royal Bastar Camp in Chitrakote, Chhattisgarh. The place has no one USP: luxury tents expressive of its name, the densest forests after the Amazon, the oldest tribal community and one of India's biggest waterfalls. The horse-shoe shaped falls has often been referred to as the Indian cousin of the famed Niagara Falls by those determined enough to seek it out. The nearest airport is at Raipur, 300 km away.

Silence could well be the leitmotif of each of these places. It's all about learning to enjoy your own company and realising the redundancy of conversation.

DREAM COME TRUE: The Oberoi Group offers its special Dream Vacation packages for Rs 50,000 onwards per couple which includes complimentary stay at their signature resorts-Rajvilas, Amarvilas, Udaivilas and Wildflower Hall. As per the offer, pay for three nights and get three nights free. Or pay for four nights and get another four night free for Rs 63,000. Offer inclusive of complimentary transfer from airport, 50 per cent discount on spa treatments and all taxes. For more details call 011-55012030.

STUDENT SPECIAL: The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) brings exclusive travel packages for students travelling abroad through the offices of the Student Travel Information Centre (STIC). Students not only get all the benefits of the isic card which includes discounts across 50,000 outlets in the world, but also access to special fares. For instance the fare to Europe is only Rs 15,700 as compared to the market fare of Rs 24,500 and the fare to USA and Canada (East Coast) is Rs 20,640, about 40 per cent cheaper than the market fare. There is also a special baggage allowance thrown in. For more details log on to www.isicweb.net or e-mail info@isicweb.net.

-Sushmita Choudhury

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