SWASWARA, GOKARNA, KARNATAKA
Gokarna is goa minus the neon. It has the beaches and a few shacks and it has peace. So what better setting for a state-of-the-art Spa called SwaSwara, which literally means ‘the inner tune’ in Kannada? The new SwaSwara resort, just off Om beach, is absolutely in tune with the peace and self-discovery that Gokarna stands for. If you’ve been making your millions but tearing your nerves to shreds in the bargain, then, come here for some repair and relaxation. The food is healthy and no red meat is served. Hard liquor too is frowned upon but the resort bar is well stocked with local wines. Our favourite, of course, is Sula’s Blush Zinfandel. You can come here and still not be a part of yoga or ayurveda. The property is big enough to wander around enchanted. And of course, Om beach is just a five-minute walk away.
Want to go?
Nearest airport is Goa’s Dabolim from where it is a 2.5-hour drive. By rail, the station to alight is Kumta on the Konkan Railway line. But the best way, of course, is to drive from Mumbai. It’s a brilliant road. Go to www.swaswara.com for more info.

KHIMSAR, RAJASTHAN
Rajasthan is popular for its royalty and its hospitality and where better to experience this than in a palace hotel. Mind you—one that doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. Khimsar looks like an ordinary Rajasthani village, but it has an extraordinary fort with ancient ramparts and high-rise dining halls. Now a hotel, the luxurious fort has a long list of things you can do without leaving its premises. It houses a sprawling estate that can be explored over a day. It is quite a walk from the rooms to the dining halls which are located on the ramparts and the rooftop, but that only helps in building up your appetite for the superb fare. The bar by the pool is a cozy place for chilled out evenings and the bartender, though a local, has been immaculately trained in the art of creating splendid cocktails. Movie buffs will love the mini-cinema hall set in a soundproof, acoustically-designed room . The hotel also has a dunes village 6 km from the fort, which is operational from October to mid April. It’s a cosy place to stay for that rustic desert ambience
Want to go?
Khimsar is 634 km from Delhi, but the nearest railhead is Nagaur which is 40 km from Khimsar. The nearest airport is Jodhpur, 91km away. The road from Delhi is hassle free and easily doable in a long day’s drive. The best time to go would definitely be the winter season from November to March. Go to http://www.khimsarfort.com for more information.

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