"Honeymoon destinations"

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DHANAULTI

www.journeymart.com/Dexplorer/AsiaIS/India/india_addon/honeymoon/dhanaulti.asp

Dhanaulti - a dreamy, misty mountain retreat in the Garhwal Hills is the perfect honeymoon hideaway. Tucked away in the midst of deep forests of oaks and conifers, rhododendrons and deodars, Dhanaulti is a woody paradise that makes you forget where you are. Caressed by a bracing mountain zephyr, this hill station is just ideal for long walks up shady slopes or quiet tête-à-têtes amidst grassy glens.

Dhanaulti is on the Mussoorie-Chamba track at an altitude of 2286 m above sea level. It is the kick-start point for many a trek into the snow-capped Himalayas. But the town itself remains blissfully secluded especially compared to the throngs that mill around the Mall at nearby Mussoorie.

Getting there
Dhanaulti is 25 km from Mussoorie (1hour drive), 60 km from Dehradun ( 3 hour drive) and 325 km from Delhi (10 hour drive). The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant, Dehradun, 82 km from Dhanauti and the closest railhead is at Dehradun. From here you can drive up to Dhanaulti, or take a tourist taxi or bus.

Accommodation
Dhanaulti is a medium-to-low budget holiday option. Accommodation is limited to a few tourist guesthouses, the GMVN tourist bungalow and the Forest Rest House for which you need permission from the Forest Dept. Prices range from Rs 300 to Rs 1500.

Best season
Dhanaulti is a great destination at any time of the year, but avoid the monsoons. You are likely to get marooned because of a landslide or broken road at that time of year! The summer temperatures range from 31° C to 7.5° C and winter temperatures hover between 7° C and 1° C. Carry light woollens for summer and heavy woollens for winter.

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GANGTOK
Mesmerising, picturesque, colourful - Gangtok is the exuberant capital of Sikkim that lures you for an unforgettable honeymoon. Cool breezes blow over the lush mountainside and the air is fragrant with the profusion of wild orchids and rhododendrons. The bazaars bustle with the animation of trendy youngsters, elderly matrons in their traditional bakus and lamas in colourful maroon and mustard robes. Prayer flags flutter in front of pretty Buddhist shrines and pagoda-style houses that cling to the hillside.

At 5,800 ft, Gangtok offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, especially from Tashi Viewpoint. Though you will be charmed by Gangtok’s serenity, for energetic moments make a trip to Pemayangtse Monastery to see its

priceless antiques and idols, and to the nearby ruins of Rabdantse, the 17th century capital of Sikkim. The Institute of Tibetology, the Enchey Monastery, and the Rumtek Monastery are other interesting places. The Do-Drul Chorten is a splendid temple capped by a golden tower, with 108 prayer wheels. The sacred Changu Lake at 12400 ft, 40 km east of Gangtok remains frozen through the year and comes alive during summer when rhododendrons, irises, primulas and poppies burst into bloom on its banks and on the adjoining hill slopes.
Getting there
Gangtok is 721 km from Kolkata, 589 km from Guwahati and 584 km from Patna. The closest airport is at Bagdogra, 124 km and the nearest railhead is New Jalpaiguri (125 km), with connections to all the major cities of India. You can drive to Gangtok from either of these West Bengal cities in 5 hours or from Siliguri 114 km away or Darjeeling, 139 km from Gangtok. The drive is facilitated by numerous taxis, shared jeeps and hired cars with chauffeurs.

Accommodation
There is a wide variety of hotel accommodation available at Gangtok, ranging from luxury and deluxe to standard and economy, depending on your budget. Prices are in the vicinity of Rs 2500 for luxury, Rs 1300 for mid-rung and Rs 500 for basic accommodation.

Best season
The best time to visit Sikkim is between October and mid-December when clear views of the Himalayan peaks are guaranteed or again between March and May when the flowers are in bloom. January and February means snow in the higher altitudes and visits to many of the tourist spots are not possible. June to September brings heavy rains causing landslides that often disrupt communication. Carry light woollens for summer and heavy woollens for winter. Rainwear is a must in any season.