Colourful kites, smart parades, delectable barbecues, children waving flags and fireworks bursting in air. The long Independence Day weekend is tailor-made for a quintessential all-Indian summer getaway, as destinations around the country woo families with events that celebrate all that's kesariya, white, and green. The options for fun are as varied as the colours in those fireworks: head to a city for big parades and a splash of culture, sprawl on a blanket under the starry sky, or experience a little bit of both. Here's a sampling of some top packages for families this Independence Day weekend to some of the most-sought after destinations in the picturesque state of Uttarakhand.

The Fort Unchagaon

The Fort Unchagaon stands majestically in village Unchagaon. Just about an hour's drive from the bustling town of Bulandshahar in UP, it is a mere 110 kms from New Delhi. Unchagaon is very close to river Ganges. The particular stretch is very famous for Dolphins. The present Raja Surendra Pal Singh inherited this early 19th century fort at the age of ten. The young heir took personal interest in the maintenance and preservation of this ancestral residence. This palace was renovated under his guidance and thus is evident the influence of early 20^th century blend of Indian and colonial architecture. Being the private domicile of a prince, the d�cor is authentically aristocratic. As the years rolled by, all modern amenities were added to the old palace making it much loved weekend getaway for many close friends and relatives of the family. Under the management of Leisure Hotels, the fort-turned-resort offers double rooms and suites along with numerous activities & recreational games.

The imposing white fa�ade of the fort is surrounded by well-manicured, lush verdant lawns. The d�cor with its understated elegance is a reflection of the time, when style remained a way of life. Passing through the corridors, one is struck by muted opulence of its interior decors, another aristocratic feature of the palace. A set of royalty, this architectural heritage is a fine example of an early 20^th century blend of Indian and colonial influences and offers you a chance to live the old 'Zamindari' way of life.

One may bask in the solitude in the warm sunshine, sit beneath the orchard trees in the farm, walk along the river, enjoy horse riding on Peshawari breed horses and bullock cart rides, walk through village haat and play billiards, squash, croquet, badminton to name just a few.

Activities:
� Bullock Cart Ride
� Horse Riding � Peshawari breed horses.
� Artisan Display
� Orchard & Farm Visit
� Folk & Cultural Performances
� Boat Ride (Proposed)
� Walk through village Haat

Other Activities / Gaming Options -
� Jogging Tracks
� Billiards
� Squash
� Jogging Tracks
� Croquet
� Pony-Cart rides for children
�Badminton

The cost of package for a couple for two nights and three days is from Rs 6,400/- to Rs. 7,600/- and the package is valid from August 14, 2009 to August 16, 2009.

The Special Offer also includes:

• Welcome Drink on Arrival
• Fruit Basket in the room
• Evening Tea in the lawn
• Guided Village walk
• Bullock Cart Ride
• Pottery making activity in the village
• Folk Song in the evening

The Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar

Situated on the banks of river Ganga, Haridwar is a city that signifies an arresting blend of Indian culture and spiritual beliefs. To capture the true essence of the city's spiritualism and simplicity, exuberance and enthusiasm a visit to The Haveli Hari Ganga, Haridwar is a must.

Designated as a heritage property by the Department of Tourism, Government of India, The Haveli Hari Ganga is a beautiful heritage resort situated on the banks of the Holy Ganga, a mere 500 meters walk through the bazaar at the sacred 'Har ki Pauri' in Haridwar.

The interiors of the haveli are interestingly reminiscent of ancient Indian architecture where there are balanced tones of poise & comfort. Twenty luxurious air-conditioned rooms and suites have been designed over-looking the Ganga ghat, which open into airy courtyards and balconies. It enhances the feeling of peace and tranquility that is so much a part of surroundings. The hotel also offers clean private bathing ghats, which is a first for a hotel in Haridwar.

While the soul gets nurtured by the flowing Ganga, the body gets rejuvenated at hotel's spa that offers a complete revival of the psychic energies and relaxes by actively prescribing yoga and meditation techniques.

The gracious hospitality extends itself into the cuisine offered at the homely restaurant that serves a great variety of excellent continental and Indian cuisines. The emphasis is on freshness of produce and the choicest of ingredients laced with the flavors of India, Southeast Asia, Europe and beyond. The Hotel also offers complete Saatvik food including delicacies like 'Gujhias', 'Papris'. The guest can watch a performance of Raas-Leela at the local market, guided by somebody from the Hotel. The Hotel has Private Ghats and you can enjoy the Holy dip at the Ganges.

The cost of package for a couple for 2 nights-3 days is from Rs 10,999/- to Rs. 12,500/- and the package is valid from August 14, 2009 to August 16, 2009.

The offer also includes:

� Welcome Drink on Arrival

� Fruit Basket in the room

� Tea/ Coffee makers in the room

� Transfers Ex Railway Station by private rickshaws

� Interaction with Yoga Expert every day

� Steam Bath

� Escorted visit to Har- Ki Pauri during Evening Aarti

� Bhajan & Kirtan

� Complimentary Foot Massage once during stay

� Daily Havan at the ghat in the morning.

� Visit to Rajaji National Park �Once during stay ( Till 15^th June )

� Visit to Rasyia Bad � once during stay (16^th June-15^th Oct)

The Riverview Retreat, Corbett National Park

The Riverview Retreat is a set of luxury family cottages that provides with a city lifestyle right in the middle of a jungle. Fifty-four independently air-conditioned lifestyle lodges with drawing room & small kitchenette are aesthetically done up for people who want to do their own thing. Sloping tiled roofs, cool stone floors with throw rugs, block wood furniture allow maximum comfort while continuing the illusion of being in the wilds.

The Riverview Retreat is a charming retreat that's big on style. A resort full of fresh innovative design ideas those are simple, yet truly stylish, which give you freedom to relax and leave the world behind at the front door.

The facilities at the resort include:

• Swimming Pool
• Multi-cuisine Gol Ghar Restaurant
• Table Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball, Beach Cricket, Archery, Chess & Carom
• Jeep, Horse and Elephant Safari
• Nature Walks
• Folk Dance/ Cultural Programs
• Evening Bonfires

The cost of package for a couple for 2 nights & 3 days is from Rs 11,999/- to Rs.13,999/- and the package is valid from August 14, 2009 to August 16, 2009.

The Special offer also includes:

� Welcome Drink On Arrival

� Bonfire during Winters

� Fruit Basket & Cookies in the room on the day of arrival

� Tea /Coffee makers in the room

� Cultural Performance every alternate evening

� Slide Show/ Wildlife Movie every alternate evening

� 20% Discount at Jim�s Grill (Specialty Grill House)

� 20% Discount on Spa Therapies at The Corbett Hideaway (next door)

� 20% discount at the Tusker Bar during happy hours.

The Naini Retreat, Nainital

Nestled in the Naini hills lies The Naini Retreat, one of the finest hotels in Nainital that is owned by Leisure Hotels. Once the residence of Maharaja of Pilibhit, the resort�s majestic building exudes an 'Old World Charm� that houses the most modern luxuries one could ask for. Furnished with all the modern day amenities, the hotel blends the world of hospitality with exceptional services for each of its guests.

Just 1 km from the mall, The Naini Retreat is situated on the picturesque Ayarpatta Slopes overlooking the Naini Lake. It provides a breathtaking view at an altitude of 1,995 metres. Sophisticated bedrooms, an intimate dining room overlooking the valley, a well-equipped fitness centre, a huge conference hall and the view of the Himalayas go towards the makings of a complete experience. There are 37 luxurious rooms with wooded floor and television, intercom facilities forms a restful backdrop to verdant environs. The rooms have attached baths with running hot & cold water.

Activities

One can also experience trekking in the mountains, a golfing date at the regal 100-year old Raj Bhawan Golf Course, a special cultural evening featuring performances by traditional Kumaoni artists, relaxation at the in-house spa, boating or sailing in vivid coloured yachts, horse riding, walking along shaded roads, cable car riding, handicrafts shopping etc.

The cost of package for a couple for two nights and three days is from Rs.11,555/- to Rs.13, 555/- and the package is valid from August 14, 2009 to August 16, 2009

The Special Offer includes:

• Buffet Breakfast & Dinner
• Welcome Drink on Arrival.
• fruit basket & Bakery products on arrival
• Guided Nature & Heritage Walk.
• Live entertainment every evening
• Entry to Boat House Club (Nainital)
• Special Meal Discount Coupon at The Himalayan View Retreat (Ramgarh)
• 20% discount on spa therapies.
• 20% discount on Stella Bar during happy hours from 7pm - 9pm.
• Souvenir on departure.

Sun N Snow Inn, Kausani

Far Away from the madding crowd, Leisure Hotel's Sun N Snow Inn is built to provide solitude and is ideal for a romantic getaway. One can have a mesmerizing view of the vistas and photogenic scenery of the landscape including the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. It is just the perfect way to escape from the din and dust, hustle and bustle of big cities. Well furnished rooms with a quaint multi-cuisine restaurant, a relaxing lobby and outdoor facility to bask in the sun, the resort provides all modern amenities that one could ask for

Kausani is a tourist's paradise, situated in the middle Himalayas near Almora. Surrounded by thick, dense coniferous forests, this place gives a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas in all its grandeur. From here, one can also get a spectacular view of the snow-clad peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchchuli, Nandakot, and Chaukhamba.

Kausani is frequented by thousands of tourist every year who come here to enjoy its pleasant climate and natural beauty.

Activities

This enchanting mountain retreat has a lot to offer to the tourists- ranging from sports, pilgrims spots, sightseeing, to complete relaxation.

The cost of package at Sun N Snow Inn for 2 nights & 3 days is Rs 7,999/- and the package is valid from August 14, 2009 to August 16, 2009

The Special Offer also includes

� Welcome Drink on arrival

� Fruit Basket

� Bonfire & Live entertainment every evening

� Guided walk through a Tea Estate

� Guided Trek to Rudradhari Temple through the forest

� Tea/ Coffee at Sunrise and Sunset in the rooftop lounge

The Himalayan View Retreat, Ramgarh

Ramgarh in Uttarakhand is the right destination for those seeking the bliss of a quiet holiday amidst the Himalayan mountain ranges. It is an idyllic place for nature lovers, as one can marvel at the picturesque sunrise and sunset, admire the majesty of the mighty Himalayas and relish the taste of juicy Himalayan fruits. Ramgarh is known for orchards of a variety of Himalayan fruits like apples, apricots, and peaches. The famous poet Rabindra Nath Tagore once visited Ramgarh in order to give his ailing daughter a chance to recuperate. He later established his ashram and created some of his compositions here.

Leisure Hotels' The Himalayan View Retreat is located in Malla Ramgarh (also known as the fruit bowl of Kumaon) and surrounded by thick forests. The Himalayan View Retreat offers breathtaking views of the Nanda Devi & Trishul peaks of Himalayas. All the rooms are spacious with attached baths with running hot & cold water. This valley-facing hotel gives all kind of luxuries one wants in a secluded hill station.

Activities

Ramgarh has a variety of activities both outdoor and indoor for visitors to pamper themselves with. Outdoor activities include night trekking, star gazing and nature walk. Nainital�s boat and cable car riding can be arranged easily from Ramgarh.

The cost of package for a couple for 2 nights & 3 days is Rs.7, 555/-and the package is valid from August 14, 2009 to August 16, 2009

Special Offer also includes:

• Welcome Drink on Arrival.
• Fruit Basket in the room.
• Bonfire in the evening
• Morning Yoga session every day
• Full day sightseeing in private car with guide
• Boat Ride, Cable Car Ride, Horse Ride
• Picnic Lunch
• Bar-be-que snacks in the evening
• Unlimited Tea/ Coffee at the resort
• Guided Nature Walk
• Treasure Hunt for the kids