Late music composer Naushad’s granddaughter Umarah Naushad Ali and husband Daanish Khan head for the hills

Late music composer Naushad’s granddaughter Umarah Naushad Ali and her husband Dubai-based Daanish Khan, recently took off to Himachal Pradesh for their honeymoon. The newlyweds stayed in a glass Igloo, calling it an unforgettable experience.

“It was one of the unforgettable experiences of living in a glass igloo. The nightly views of the sky and daytime vistas of the Himalayas was an unforgettable experience. One of the most exquisite experiences is reclining in a Jacuzzi with your partner, gazing at the snow-draped mountains during the day. My wife, Umarah, discovered the place while browsing Instagram reels, and thanks to her, we embarked on this trip. We stayed at the Infinity Sky Glamping, a boutique hotel nestled in Himachal Pradesh, 30 minutes away from the bustling town of Manali. It is truly a hidden gem. We were one of the very few who got to experience this as it opened just a month ago,” says Daanish.

He adds, “The staff members are incredibly friendly and dedicated, embodying the spirit of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava.’ The owners personally greeted and welcomed us, and meeting Mango, the friendly husky, added to the charm of the experience. Umarah, being an animal lover, couldn't resist petting her. It's definitely a must-visit place in Manali, offering a unique and heartwarming experience.”

Talking about his love for the mountains. “I've always had a deep affection for the mountains, and it was my brother Yasser, who first introduced me to the wonders of Himachal Pradesh, back in 2018. In our family, he's fondly dubbed the ‘Brand Ambassador of Himachal Pradesh’ because every year he ensures to explore a new destination within the region. When it came time to plan our honeymoon, my fiancé and I considered various options both within India and abroad,” he says.

He adds, “A pivotal moment came during a conversation with my father-in-law, Mr Rehman Naushad, who shared insights about Dilip Kumar Sahab's perspective on tourism in India. Dilip Saab believed that our country offers everything one could desire for shooting or tourism—beaches, greenery, mountains, and jungles—all within our borders. He emphasised the importance of spending money within our own country to support local economies and generate employment.”

He says that Indian destinations have been designed to be very travel-friendly for tourists. “Inspired by this, we made the decision to embark on this new chapter of our lives in our homeland. Despite concerns about the aftermath of the floods that hit Manali in September 2023, the proactive efforts of the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Board, the state government, and the Honourable Chief Minister Shri Sukhvinder Singh Suku ensured smooth travel for tourists like us,” he says.

Sharing the experience of his travel, he says, “I also want to debunk the misconceptions spread through social media feeds, urging travellers to trust their instincts rather than sensationalised reports. Despite warnings of heavy traffic, we took a leap of faith and were pleasantly surprised to find clear roads even during peak hours. This experience reinforced my belief in the immense potential for promoting tourism within India. A special shoutout to our guide and driver, Sunny Paji, whose dedication ensured our journey was as smooth and safe as possible. These unsung heroes deserve recognition from both us and the government for their tireless efforts and the responsibility they shoulder on the roads, ensuring passengers reach their destinations safely.”