This new resort is a 32-room deluxe resort, located on a cliff overlooking Manalsu River and the old Manali Village. Snowcrest Manor also offers an enchanting view of the majestic Himalaya and the Rohtang Pass.According to Wadhawan, there is plenty to do at the resort in terms of indoor games. It has a gymnasium, and facilities for skiing, paragliding, angling, cycling and river rafting.

The Usha Shriram Group has also opened a summer resort in Shimla. A heritage property,formerly the summer residence of the Raja of Sheikhupura, the Shimla property combines old world elegance with all the charm of ``summering in Shimla''. The package deal here costs Rs 9,599 for three nights and four days.

The Shimla property is a quaint maharaja's bungalow overlooking Shimla and perched on the wooded slopes in the former summer capital of British India.Both package deals offer accommodation for a couple, with a welcome drink on arrival, lunch or dinner, free accommodation for two children under five, a camera and film to take pictures of the holiday and includes all taxes.An extra adult/child, with extra bed and inclusive of breakfast and lunch or dinner, will cost you Rs 650 per day. No extra bed, but inclusive of breakfast and lunch or dinner will cost you Rs 350 per day. American breakfasts are also available.

``We put emphasis on the costs, since we want to give value for money,'' says Wadhawan. ``Our target customers for both properties are corporates wishing to hold conferences. TheManali resort will specially target travellers who often go to Ladakh through Manali. For them, these resorts will be ideally located and fully equipped for their needs.''

For adventure-seekers, the resorts offer water sports and skiing, besides various other activities. ``Throughout the year, we have various packages on offer to cater to all sections,'' Wadhawan says.

Keeping in mind the requirements of guests today, the Usha Shriram Hotels Group has hosted its Website at www.ushashriramhotels.com on the Internet. A guest friendly site, the facilities that are available here include online reservations and easy browser access to information on all the Usha Shriram properties.

Usha Shriram also has two other resorts in Bangalore and Mysore, and the company plans to expand its operations to other holiday centres in the near future. The longterm plans of the chain are geared toward establishing a strong presence in the mid-market segment in the metros and the mini-metros, especially in the southernregion, where they have a good standing.``Expansion carries on alongside a constant check on quality and upgrading. Southern Star has introduced Mysore's first discotheque, and is the second hotel in India to be granted the rigorous ISO 9002 certification, while the others cater to a wide range of clientele with different requirements and budgets,'' explains Wadhawan.

And with schools closing earlier this year, Usha Shriram may well find more takers for its resorts.