Spark off some fun at Upper Deck, Lonavala

Diwali shopping. Lighting diyas. Lakshmi Puja. Family time. Home-made goodies. Fireworks.

If you want to quit the war zone before the smoke and the ‘atom bombs’ assault your delicate senses, our Trendy Trotter finds you an oasis of peace in Lonavala. The Upper Deck, a resort and country club, promises to change your perception of chikki-land.

The multi-level resort — overlooking vast expanses of hillside, the Valvan Reservoir and Rajmachi Fort — is the Lonavala everyone looks for but rarely finds. Open the picture windows of your suite to let the morning mist swirl in. Or take your tryst with nature to the next level by trekking in the green dales.

The various decks offer a lot for you and your significant other to make memories with too. Sink into the curvy pool’s open-air Jacuzzi with the vista of hills opening up in front of you. Lock delighted eyes over Chinese, Indian, Italian and Thai fare at the restaurant or al fresco barbecue. Or take your meal up to the View Deck to dine under a star-filled sky.

Your heart skipping a beat won’t be on account of loud noises.

The Upper Deck: 15, Pangoli, Thakurwadi, Off Tungarli Lake, Lonavala, Maharashtra; Tel: 22076123, 2201 3985, 9323795547; E-mail: reservation@upperdeckresort.com; Special Diwali packages: 2-nights per couple Rs 24,000 up and 3-nights per couple Rs 32,000 up, inclusive of all meals, room tariff, taxes, welcome drink, transfers, use of health spa, pool, Jacuzzi and games room, guided nature walk, etc.