There are many ways of exploring Chandigarh, the capital of Punjab. One fine weekend, my friends and I decided to go to Kikar Lodge Spa and Resort, nestled in a private forest reserve spread over 1,800 acres of forest in the Shivalik foothills. As you walk through the trail of about three kilometres leading to the resort, you experience a sense of thrill and quietude within this serene forested area. The resort offers 22 air-conditioned luxury cottages and eight deluxe rooms. All rooms and cottages are equipped with comfortable facilities such as LCD TV, a writing desk, mini-refrigerators, and a 24- hour power back-up. A good thing about the break at Kikar Resort is that cell phone networks are erratic, allowing you a peaceful and rejuvenating stay. Pheasants Nest, the multi-cuisine restaurant, offers Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines. You can lay back and enjoy a drink at Watering Hole, the Australian resto-bar.
Kikar Resort in Punjab offers an opportunity to spot wild animals and birds in their natural habitat during a guided tour or safari at dawn or at night. Apart from this, enjoy a massage at the Serenity Spa, relax and read a book at The Den, play water polo in the swimming pool, or indulge in indoor games like pool, carom, or cards at the games room. The resort has tied up with two of India’s finest adventure sports companies, Xtremeways and Flying Fox. You can zip high above the forest with the five zip wires, enjoying the breathtaking views below for INR 1,200 per person. With a length of 1.5 km, this is the longest zip line tour in Asia. Extreme sports enthusiasts have an array of options from ATV safaris, ATV training, quad bike safaris and training, jeep safaris, paintball training and play, rappelling, simulated river crossing and off-road events to choose from. The resort is ideal for holidays or corporate events since it combines tranquility as well as adventure. The revamped Kikar Lodge Spa and Resort has enough ammunition for adventure lovers while retaining its legacy of being an opulent and comfortable holiday destination.
Reaching There:
By air: The nearest airport is at Chandigarh, 1.5 hours away.
By rail: The nearest station is at Anandpur Sahib (14 km or 20 min drive away).
By road: Delhi to Ropar is 297 km and another half hour to Nurpur Bedi via a stretch through the forest.
Where to Stay:
Deluxe accommodation: INR 14,000 per couple.
For bookings, contact: Tel: +91-1887-252218/252219, +91-94789-64971
-By Jigyasha Prasad
