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 Corbett Hideaway, Jim Corbett National Park

Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand is the first ever abode in India to offer sanctuary to endangered animals. The green landscape of the Corbett National Park is woven in the ethereal bliss of lush green panorama. A paradise for animal lovers, the Corbett National Park is a sheer delight for photographers and visitors who wish to escape the rage of city life and stay close to the tranquility of nature. Enveloped with the rich reservoir of flora and fauna, Corbett hotels are situated in the arms of Mother Nature.

Spread over an area of 13 acres, The Corbett Hideaway, one of the finest wildlife resorts in Corbett is concealed in the thick of a mango grove, where in season; the mangoes hang ripe and luscious right against your door. Exotic mixed shrubbery, alive with flowers, is crossed by pebbled paths lead to charming cottages with sit outs. The wonderful stillness is broken only by the sound of the Kosi River and myriad birds.

Independently air-conditioned cottages form a restful backdrop to verdant environs. 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 cottages, blessed with every luxury you could need here, are a great hideout for nature enthusiasts, researchers, writers, artists and folks in need of getting away.

The Corbett Hideaway

The Special Offer also includes:

• Welcome Drink On Arrival
• Fruit Basket & Cookies in the room
• Tea /Coffee makers in the room
• Cultural Performance celebrating Independence Day every evening
• Slide Show/ Wildlife Movie every alternate evening
• Evenings with a Guitarist
• 20% Discount on Spa Therapies
• 20% Discount at Jim's Grill (Specialty Grill House)

The Naini Retreat, Nainital

Wrapped in the quiet Himalayas, Nainital is one of India's most elite hill stations. Once the residence of Maharaja of Pilibhit, The Naini Retreat, one of the finest hotels in Nainital, has a majestic building exuding an 'Old World Charm' that houses the most modern luxuries one could ask for. The hotel is one of the finest hotels in Nainital. 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 1995 metres. Tasteful 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 32 deluxe rooms facing the garden & Nainital Valley. All rooms are centrally heated with wooded floor and television, intercom facilities forms a restful backdrop to verdant environs. The rooms have attached baths with running hot & cold water.

One can experience trekking in the mountains, a golfing date at the regal 100-year old Raj Bhawan Golf Course and a special cultural evening featuring performances by traditional Kumaoni artists.

The Naini Retreat (Nainital)

The Special Offer also includes:

• Breakfast & Dinner.
• Welcome Drink on Arrival.
• Fruit Basket & Cookies in the room on the day of arrival.
• Guided Nature & Heritage Walk.
• Live entertainment every evening
• Entry to Boat House Club (Nainital)
• 20% discount on spa therapies.
• 20% discount on Stella Bar during happy hours from 7pm - 9pm.
• 20% discount on Grill.
• Special Meal Discount Coupon at The Himalayan View Retreat (Ramgarh)
• Gift on departure.

SUN 'N' SNOW INN, KAUSANI

Leisure Hotel's Sun & Snow Inn is located at a picturesque vantage point in Kausani from where one can have a mesmerizing view of the vistas and photogenic scenery of the landscape including the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Far Away from the madding crowd, the Inn is built to provide solitude and solace to guests. Well furnished rooms with a quaint multi-cuisine restaurant, a relaxing lobby and outdoor facility to bask in the sun, Sun & Snow Inn is a perfect getaway for anyone.

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.

This place is also famous for being the birthplace of the renowned Hindi poet- Sumitra Nandan Pant. The Anashakti Ashram, where Gandhiji lived and wrote Anashakti Yoga, is also located here.

Kausani is frequented by thousands of tourist every year, who come here to enjoy its pleasant climate and natural beauty. This enchanting mountain retreat has a lot to offer to the tourists- ranging from sports, pilgrims spots, sightseeing, to complete relaxation.

Sun 'N' Snow Inn, Kausani

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.

P.S: For All the Above packages and booking details:
Pl. Contact:
Leisure Hotels Ltd
DD-29, Nehru Enclave, Kalkaji, New Delhi-19
011- 26447803/26413304/46520000
(www.leisurehotels.co.in)