Who says you need to make plans months in advance to have a great time? Travel is wonderful since you may depart whenever you choose. Simply prepare your suitcase and heart; the decisions will come naturally. These quick getaway suggestions from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai don't require any planning if you haven't made plans for the holiday weekend.
Explore These Locations If You're Currently In Delhi:
Nanital: Dreams are made of the Two Chimneys property in Nainital. Deodar wood from the surrounding jungles was used in its construction and design. This opulent yet rustic hideaway offers all the amenities of a high-end resort, yet this hidden gem is hard to find. This Himalayan cottage is the perfect getaway from the city, complete with a games room and private pool. The historic home has a great public transportation route and is located in the charming village of Gethiya, just 16 kilometres from Nainital.
Pushkar: Consider taking a road trip to Pushkar. Pushkar, with its white buildings and tranquil lakes, sparkles like a pearl in Rajasthan's crown. Pushkar's significance dates back over 2,000 years when it was venerated as the city with the lake that washed away sins and cured terminal diseases.
The NH48 connects Delhi to Pushkar in about 7 hours. Before arriving in the holy city of Pushkar, you might make many stops. Along the way, noteworthy stops will be made in Pataudi, Neemrana, Kukas, and Jaipur. A road drive to Pushkar is also an interesting and unusual long weekend break.
Nag Tibba: Because of its geographical location, Delhi has a particular advantage over other metropolitan areas. Delhi, located on the Aravallis, is close to the Himalayas. That means that every long weekend can be spent hiking in the beautiful mountains that are only 8 hours away from the city. The Nag Tibba hike is regarded as the best weekend excursion. Its brief length makes it less stressful on the body and is ideal for a quick taste of adventure away from the metropolis. It is a short 5 km climb from Pantwari to the top, where you may enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Himalayas.
Naukuchiatal: How often does a mundane weekend transform into an exciting paragliding adventure? Rafting in Rishikesh is still fun, but you can take it a step further and try your hand at paragliding in Naukuchiatal for a weekend travel story unlike any other. Naukuchiatal is 280 kilometres from Delhi and can be considered a short commute if you drive yourself. Naukuchiatal, a hamlet of small settlements and nine lakes, is a hidden gem on the outskirts of Nainital. Along with other enjoyable activities such as zip lining and hiking, the location also provides a taste of paragliding at extremely reasonable pricing.
Chitrakoot: The Ramayana epic is an essential component of Indian homes and customs. We've all grown up hearing stories about the heroic Ram who lived in a fabled world. However, the settings of his stories are very genuine and, more crucially, very approachable. Chitrakoot is very important in Hindu mythology. It appears throughout the Ramayana as well as in the works of poets Kalidas and Tulsidas. This is the woodland where Lord Ram spent his exile days with Sita and Laxman. Chitrakoot, now a national park, is known as a bear reserve with distinct flora and fauna.
You Can Venture To These Nearby Locations If You Are In Mumbai:
Karnala: No, Lonavala and Khandala are not at the top of the list. Unlike traditional tourist spots, Karnala is a little-known gem. The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, some of which are quite uncommon. This sanctuary, which is spread across a tiny area of 12 km, is a lovely place to spend your weekend away from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. The Karnala Fort, which goes back to the 15th century and is a prominent historic site, is another significant attraction of this area.
Durshet: Durshet, nestled among the lowly Sahaydri range, is an amazing weekend destination with a lovely setting to make your vacation truly joyful. Enjoy the spectacular sunrises and sunsets while watching the river flow into the valley. The area is well-known for its rice plantations, where you may learn a lot about rice cultivation. The vast expanse of rice growing is a sight to behold and should not be missed, especially as it is only 1.5 hours from Mumbai.
Matheran: Situated in Karjat district, Matheran is a small hill settlement meaning 'forest on the forehead'. It is around 80 kilometres from Mumbai and 120 kilometres from Pune. The fact that it is Asia's only automobile-free hill station adds to the beauty and peacefulness of the place. There is no pollution or noise, only a peaceful setting and breathtaking vistas to enjoy. It is definitely a destination you should visit if you enjoy the adventure. Paragliding, horse riding, and valley crossing are all options.
Rajmachi: During the monsoon season, Rajmachi is an amazing joy. The thick flora, the entire ambience surrounding the fort, the scent of damp mud, the funny fort, and the chilly winds just make your weekend unforgettable. Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort are two fortifications in Rajmachi. One of the most popular excursions among residents and adventure seekers is to Rajmachi Fort. It takes no more than 40 minutes to reach the fort, and while it may not be as simple as it sounds for beginners, the view from there is well worth the effort.
Igatpuri: Igatpuri is self-explanatory. This restaurant, located in the Nasik area, can serve as the cherry on top of your visit to the Wine Capital. You can also drive down to Igatpuri and visit some of the area's lovely sights, such as Ghatandevi Temple, Bhandardara, and Dhamma Giri Meditation Centre. As a historic site, it also attracts a number of adventure seekers with activities like zip line, rappelling, trekking, and camping. The greatest time to visit this site is during the monsoon season, which runs from November to March.
Places You Can Visit If You Are In Kolkata:
Roopark Village: All good things come in small packages, and Roopark Village is no exception. This small tribal location provides travellers with an experience that puts them closer to nature in a fascinating and strange way. Away from the maddening crowds of Kolkata, a visit to this location is best renowned for its rejuvenating properties.
Sunderbans: The Sunderbans, India's pride, the thickest Mangrove forest in the world, and the world's largest delta, appear to be a terrific alternative for a weekend trip from Kolkata. These woodlands, which are home to the Royal Bengal Tiger, are full of adventure and enjoyment.
Henry’s Island: Henry's Island, located on the western edge of Sunderbans, is named for the British who survived the area roughly a century ago. This island has a beach with a mangrove forestation, which increases the appeal of the beach tremendously. Because of its quiet and beauty, this destination is rising in the ranks of weekend getaways from Kolkata.
Mayapur: Mayapur is a peaceful little weekend hideaway from Kolkata for those with religious callings. Mayapur, one of the nine islands of Nabadwip, offers a completely religious ambiance that helps travellers escape the stress of city life. With the Hooghly River on one side and the Jalangi River on the other, this location embodies calm.
Junput: When it comes to weekend getaways from Kolkata, the areas that guarantee peace and seclusion are in high demand. Junput has developed a name for itself among the sites offering the same surrounding Kolkata. Junput, blessed with calm seas on the Bay of Bengal on one side and dense forestation of casuarina trees on the other, takes pride in remaining pristine even in the midst of today's rampant commercialization.
Options To Explore If You're A Chennai Resident:
Mahabalipuram: Mahabalipuram, known for its temples and architectural masterpieces created by the Pallava dynasty from the 7th century onwards, is one of the most famous tourist destinations within 100 kilometres of Chennai, making it a great day trip destination. Krishna's Butter Ball is the most interesting site here, both architecturally and religiously. This massive boulder, placed precariously on a steep rock slope, defies gravity's principles. The stone's full name is Vaan Irai Kal, or Sky God's Stone, and it is thought to be a large dollop of butter Krishna dropped.
Pondicherry: The small town of Puducherry/Pondicherry will charm you with its calm ways, offering a unique blend of French flavour, spirituality, and the nicest beaches in the area. Pondicherry, home of Auroville and the Aurobindo Ashram, is well-known among spiritual searchers as one of the most popular tourist destinations within 200 kilometres of Chennai. However, it is not just the introduction to spirituality that draws visitors to this beachside hamlet. The French Riviera of the East provides the best true French food; the culinary delights of the region are truly limitless.
Kolli Hills: Kolli Hills is slowly gaining popularity as an unusual destination, excellent for a one-day excursion near Chennai. It is the perfect blend of nature and tranquillity. Though there are few accommodation options here, this adds to the destination's allure. It surely takes you as far away from civilisation as possible. So, if you're seeking an unusual, non-touristy area to visit, this is it!
Mysore: When you think of Mysore, the first thing that springs to mind is the magnificent Mysore Palace. The Wodeyar dynasty's official royal residence is the Mysore Palace, also known as Amba Vilas Palace. The huge palace is located in Mysore's centre. The current palace, which was built in the 14th century, began building in 1912. The Doll's Pavilion, Gombe Thotti, exhibits traditional dolls from the 19th and early 20th centuries and is the most interesting portion of the museum. There are also wooden elephants studded with 84 kg of gold on display here.
Coorg: Coorg, sometimes known as the Scotland of India, is known for its lush green coffee farms, flowing waterfalls, and laid-back lifestyle. Given the limited nightlife alternatives, this holiday resort is great for anyone seeking peace and quiet. Madikeri, in Coorg, offers panoramic vistas of the Western Ghats and is the ideal combination of nature and history.