For a lifelong city dweller like me, any trip to the mountains is something to look forward to. A trip to Himachal was long due and we zeroed in on Kandaghat. The objective was to avoid the more famous crowded spots. And that is where Club Mahindra scores - the resorts are usually a bit removed from the main tourist spots and give you the peace you seek on a vacation. And the Kandaghat resort comes good on this and more.

The drive down to Kandaghat from the Chandigarh airport is itself scenic once you are out of the city limits. And it just builds the anticipation of what awaits you. Kandaghat did not disappoint. Just as soon you enter the resort - it was evening and yet we were not the least bit tired from a day's travel across the country - there is the usual feeling of being well taken care of.

The staff is eager to make sure you feel welcomed, and the check-in was a breeze. We were allotted a room with a fabulous view of the surrounding countryside and landscape and it made for many a serene hour spent sipping hot coffee and admiring the views. We gave the resort a once-over the next morning. The resort is in a sprawling, spacious estate, giving you a roomy feeling wherever you go. There are the (usual) variety of activities within the resort - cricket/archery and the usual stuff. And also a zipline!

The restaurant is somewhat crowded - so you need to time yourself to beat the rush. But the food is great - variety and quality. We set about going around on the sightseeing tours. We spaced it out over the week we were at Kandaghat and we spent quality time going around to Shimla, Kufri, Chail, and many other places around. And the joy a person from Mumbai feels on getting to experience snow cannot be described - no matter it is not your first, it is still a novelty and a joy! A special mention for the locals - friendly, eager to help and always affable.