Its that time of the year. Dussehra long weekend is just two weeks away, Ishaan and I want to go someplace nice, but tadaaa!! We are too late. All cozy, wintery, quaint, rustic cottages are gone gone gone. Being ditched this way, I am reminded of those heavenly places which didn't ditch us. Which were available in their full charm and beauty. Just like the way we needed them. Just when we needed them. One such place was Jilling Terraces in an almost non-existent town called Matial near Nainital.

It was end of June. We were celebrating Ishaan's first birthday after The Wedding. Needless to say, I wanted to do something special for him. And LBB Delhi happened to have just the right suggestion. Jilling Terraces is the perfect place to go if you are bored of the same kind of tourist destinations, having too many people around. Its so far away from the hustle bustle. Literally in the middle of nowhere, atop a hill with only clouds and trees to keep you company. Though it takes a minimum 2 hours of steep hill trekking to reach there but the Aloo parathas and Maggi which welcome you make it worth it!!

Below are some useful tips to plan for Jilling Terraces.

Website: http://www.jillingterraces.com/

How to reach: By car (9 hours from Delhi, with car parking available at Matial village. Jilling staff picks up your luggage and accompanies you on the trek towards Jilling). By train (Jilling will provide transfer from Railway station to Matial)

Price: ~INR 10,000 per night including all meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Maggi, Chai and cookies) and luggage transfer from Matial

What to do when there: Just be. There are hundreds of books in the common area, many board games including "F.R.I.E.N.D.S.". The caretaker and his family have been there since ages and are a delight to talk to.

Caution: It takes minimum 2 hours for the trek to Jilling and its quite steep. Sport/ trek shoes are recommended for both your way up and down. Jilling staff provides you with Nimbu pani to help you with the trek. 

White Dress: Topshop, Jabong.com
Blue stripe dress: Tailor made from a skirt from Forever21
Sandals: London Rebel UK, Jabong.com

When to go: Months of July, August, September. Good sun, good winds, not the peak of tourist season. Spend at least 4 days, 3 nights.
How to reach: Land straight at Thira airport or seaport.

How to go about on the island: Rent a car. Preferably before you reach so that the car is there at the seaport/ airport. There are many cars and scooter shops in and around Fira centre but last minute availability might be an issue.

What all to see: Oia (Preferable to just spend the entire day from sunrise to during sunset and after sunset there :P. Again and again), Amoudi Port at Oia, Megalochori (beautiful, quaint streets, shops and restaurants), Imerovigli (a more spohisticated version of Oia), Akrotiri (Red beach nearby, ruins, Light house etc.), Fira centre (hustle bustle of tourists and street artists).

Where to eat: Sea food at Amoudi Port. Many many restaurants in Oia. India food at Jaipur Palace near Fira. Economical Chinese and Doner Kebabs at Fira Centre (cheaper than even McDonalds)
What to wear: August is very sunny but windy. White helps you keep cool in the heat and it looks amazing in pictures. Blue is good too. Go for flowy clothes, e.g., Kaftans, maxis, bell sleeve tops with shorts. Don't wear flowy short dresses as they can be uncomfortable in the winds. Jazz up your outfit with strappy sandals (make sure they are comfortable as you have to walk and go up and down steps a lot in Santorini). Long, tassle colorful earrings are a good-to-have to jazz up white outfits!