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What is your dad to you? A source of support, patient listener, strength giver, accomplice in mischief? We all share that special equation with our dads, and they never cease to amaze us with the multifarious hats they don on while just being well, themselves. Sweating out in the sun without a complaint, working overtime to save for your birthday present, playing your favourite game with you while trying to suppress that niggle in the lower back. There is a reason why, when he hurled you up into the sky when you were little, you laughed, because you knew in your heart of hearts that he would always catch you.
This Father’s Day, the least you can do is to show how much you love your big ol’ man. There are a gazillion travel ideas for Dad, but there are some that just allow you that special connect with him, all over again. Here are some fantastic Father’s Day vacation ideas!
1. Painted rocks in Bhimbetka
Most dads love for their kids (even grown-ups) to get some fresh air and exercise outdoors. If your dad is a lover of antiques and ancient art, head straight to Bhimbetka in M.P. This place has its own mystique, seemingly caught thousands of years back in time. Imagine standing in front of a massive mushroom shaped rock, holding your father’s hand while you gaze at a 3,000 year old painting of a boar, with only the wilderness to give you two company. It is in that solitude, that you will forge a deeper, unspoken bond with the man you trust the most in this universe.
2. Ayurvedic spa at Kottayam
God’s Own Country, Kerala, is known for its sparkling backwaters, but it is even more famous for the rejuvenating Ayurvedic getaways. If you are reading this blog post, there is a good chance your ‘Daddu’ is at least middle-aged. The hectic work schedule he goes through day after day has got you your good education and all sorts of comforts. The one thing he truly deserves is a relaxing Ayurvedic spa at Kottayam, one of the Ayurveda hubs of India. Treat him to a whole body massage, Panchkarma treatment and some mani-pedi. Imagine the look on his face when you lead him to the massage table. Priceless.
3. Snorkeling at Havelock Island
Does your dad seldom go out? Does he complain about dirt and filth on the streets and how it affects his health? Take him somewhere straight out of the Dream list of Places to visit on Father’s Day. With its crystal clear blue waters, corals, white shores and total tranquillity, Havelock Island in the Andamans is heaven on Earth. Inspire him to let go, and immerse himself in the shallow waters, witnessing a world he has probably only read in his books. Snorkeling will be easy on his limbs, and will relax his aches and cramps.
4. The Golden Triangle (Delhi – Agra – Jaipur)
This one is best undertaken around late autumn. And he won’t complain, as it will be easy on his (or your) pockets. Take him back in time to the era of the Mughals, and let him get lost exploring the rich heritage of our country. Make sure to take him to the less travelled locations such as the Dargahs and Baolis in Delhi, the ghost city of Fatehpur Sikri and the Nahargarh fort in Jaipur. Let him revel in the ornately carved lintels, the breathtaking friezes and the breezy colonnades of a bygone age as he forgets to keep track of time.
5. Orchidarium, monasteries and adventure sports – Arunachal
Dads who are Nature enthusiasts with a bent towards aesthetics will love this getaway! The orchidarium at Tipi is home to more than 200 varieties of gorgeously hued, veined, streaked and mottled orchids. While on this trip, you can also visit neighbouring Bhalukpong and Bomdila, visiting Gompas high up on verdant mountains or perched precariously at the edge of some rock precipice. Take him paragliding too, if he has the heart (and stomach) for it.
6. Ladakh on a bike
Dad loves to cruise? Sports a handlebar and side whiskers? Just ride out with him, all the way to Ladakh! The ride across winding roads cutting through barren mountains is like attaining Nirvana in itself. Chat with him about his brazen adolescence as he details his exploits. Ah, the good ol’ days!
7. A day out at the Buddha F1 Circuit
This is the perfect, quirky way to spend a day with your dad if you live in the NCR and can spare just a day out. Ride out early, visit a quiet coffee shop for a nice heart-warming chat over some coffee. Head over to the Buddha F1 Circuit in Noida and enjoy an exhilarating experience with your dad, as he recounts how he learned to drive, the hard way. Chuckle chuckle! Round up with some arcade games at the swanky game parlor and head home. Cook a nice dinner for him to end the day on a perfect note!
8. Awadhi Cuisine
Foodies of the Gangetic belt have some or the other time in their life wished to taste some ethnic Awadhi cuisine. Take your dad out to Lucknow and make him sample as many kebabs as you can, for once not reminding him of his cholesterol or his BP.
9. Ganges Cruise
For the uninitiated, there is a luxury cruise along the banks of the Ganges which lets you witness many sites of historical importance, aboard a six-storey luxury liner with all the comforts to spoil you silly. Hop aboard with your dad, and look across the waters of the Ganges as you are shown the battlefield of Plassey, Nabadwip, the French colonial town of Chandannagore and Murshidabad.
10. Gir Safari
What better way to symbolize your respect for your awesome dad than to take him to a Lion Safari? Take him through the vast scrublands of the Gir, and watch him appreciate the King of the Jungle!
Make this Father’s Day a memorable one as you set sail across these beautiful places with your ol’ man. Rekindle those cherished memories from your childhood and do write to us to share your thoughts!
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10 Places you should visit with your Dad! ,
Arghya Dutta Choudhury
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