Best Places for a Weekend Trip

What Makes Weekend getaways the Best Relaxation Recipe?

Long vacations may be the coveted break you are wishing to have but cannot make due to lack of time. Worry not, since weekend getaways can come to aid. Weekend destinations are easy to arrange and plan and you will not be disappointed. Weekend travel destinations are better for a digital detox, destress, optimise time and help you get creative. Weekend getaways are easier on the pocket while being socially satisfying. A little time away from the daily grind can reconnect you to family and friends and improve your mood. The mental clarity in short breaks helps you jump back to work. Since they are cost-effective, they are affordable. Search for ‘weekend destinations near me’ and plan a quick outing.

Best Weekend getaways in Northern India

Neemrana, Rajasthan

A two-and-a-half-hour drive from New Delhi takes you to Neemrana while a three-hour bus ride will be the cheapest. Neemrana turns out to be one of the quick and less-crowded weekend getaways from Delhi. This historical town has not turned very commercial and manages to retain its old-world charm including camel rides, around the town. The Neemrana Fort-Palace, which was built by the Rajput Chauhans, is the main attraction along with the Neemrana Baori, a sample among many such stepwells. All these make Neemrana ideal among brief weekend getaways.

Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh

Want to feel the nippy air on your skin and smell pines and oaks? Choose Kasauli as one of your swift weekend getaways. One of the favoured weekend destinations of the British, the colonial town is quaint and lovely. The lush greenery, the fleecy-white Himalayan peaks demand weekend activities like nature walks, bird watching and treks. Do visit Sunrise Point and Sunset Point along with the many places of worship that the town houses – the Gurudwara Sri Guru Nanakji, the Christ Church, the Baba Balak Nath Temple and the Sanjeevni Hanuman Temple.

Agra, Uttar Pradesh

If you look for ‘weekend getaways near me’ while in Delhi, Agra will probably be among the top few suggested destinations. The UNESCO-certified World Heritage Site of Taj Mahal is a primary attraction. Be prepared to be astounded by the architecture of Fatehpur Sikri Fort and other old buildings and monuments. It is one of the easy weekend getaways that forms part of the Golden Triangle with Delhi and Jaipur. Do shop for the unique delicious sweet, named Petha and exquisitely carved marble artefacts to take home as souvenirs.

Best Weekend getaways in Western India

Goa

This small Indian state has been at the forefront of both weekend getaways and long vacations for a long time. If you are in the western part of India or Mumbai and enquire about ‘places to visit near me’, Goa is most likely to crop up as the prime destination. The series of beaches offering calm waves to surfing foams and the plethora of weekend activities make Goa a great holiday location. Add to that delectable food, live music and a vibrant nightlife and you have a perfect weekend destination to enjoy.

Lonavala & Khandala, Maharashtra

These close together hill stations are great for weekend getaways all year-round. Popular attractions of Khandala are Kune waterfalls, Lohagad Fort, Shooting Point and Pawana Lake. The tourist spots in Lonavala are Carla Caves, Korigad Fort, Tiger Point and Lion Point. The forts are ideal for trekking and the lakes are great family picnic spots. These weekend getaways from Mumbai have pleasant weather and serene, unpolluted locales to enjoy as a backpacker or big family outings.

Daman & Diu

These Union Territories are picturesque weekend getaways in the western part of India. Almost three-and-a-half-hour away from the bustling city of Mumbai, are these peaceful weekend travel destinations to rest and rejuvenate. You can easily go to Daman by road while a flight is most convenient for Diu. Visit the Diu Fort, Naida caves, St, Paul Church and Church of St. Francis of Assisi while in Diu. Relax on the Ghogla beach and Nagao beach which are clean and less crowded. In Daman, visit the Old Fort, St. Jerome Fort, Jain Temple and the Devaka beach.

Best Weekend getaways in Southern India

Hampi, Karnataka

If you are looking for weekend getaways from Bangalore, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Hampi. The road route from Bangalore will take between 5-7 hours to reach Hampi. This UNESCO-certified World Heritage Site offers historical, architectural and religious wonders to explore. Once the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, the ruins and remains of the city are spectacular. The location has numerous temples to visit and admire such as Virupaksha Temple, Vittala Temple, Pittabhirama Temple and Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple. Musical pillars and Hampi Bazaar are great attractions here.

Munnar, Kerala

Searching for weekend getaways near Cochin? Visit the pretty, lush hill station of Munnar about 3-4 hours away from the city. This charming, romantic place has hills, lakes and waterfalls. The emerald-green meadows are picnic-friendly places while the structured rows of tea, coffee and spice plantations are picture-perfect. You may also take a pitstop at Rajamala 15 km away, which is home to Nilgiri tahr, a rare mountain goat. The cool climate and eye-pleasing scenery make this retreat a gem among weekend getaways.

Pondicherry

This Union Territory is one of the very alluring weekend getaways near Chennai. An almost 3-hour road route south of Chennai will take you to the beach city of Pondicherry. Once, a French colony, Pondicherry retains the artistic vibe that the French created long ago. The clean tree-lined roads, colourful colonial villas, the open breezy promenade and the clean beaches – there is a lot to love about Pondicherry. Weekend getaways like Pondicherry need multiple trips to appreciate them completely.

Best Weekend getaways in Eastern India

Shantiniketan, West Bengal

This quaint town owes its importance to Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore for his Vishwa Bharati University. This charming town has multiple buildings that belong to the University and are worth visiting – Rabindra Bhavan, Cheena Bhavan, Kala Bhavan and Singha Sadan. You may also want to visit Amar Kutir, the cottage of revolutionary Sushen Mukherjee, and Khoai Sonajhuri Forest. Shantiniketan is one of the few weekend getaways that bring you the feel of a traditional retreat.

Mandarmani, West Bengal

A five-hour ride takes you to one of the most refreshing weekend getaways from Kolkata, Mandarmani. The shore which is close to the Mandarmani village is unspoilt and teeming with marine life. The red crabs crawling on the beach are a big catch as are other fish often served fresh as seafood. Mandarmani has the longest motorable beach in eastern India allowing you to take a high-speed ride with the sea breeze against your face. The nearest railway station is Digha which is another beach place giving you more options for weekend getaways.

Chilka, Odisha

This quiet unusual of all weekend getaways is the largest lagoon in the country. The place has a UNESCO certification and commercial significance. Your weekend trip would include boating, fishing, wildlife and bird watching. There are a few temples to visit nearby such as the Baliharachandi Temple and the Kalijai Temple. The Chilka Wildlife Sanctuary is home to golden jackals, blackbuck, limbless lizard and dolphins among others.

When you start searching for ‘weekend destinations near me’, you have a wide choice, whichever part of India you reside in. With benefits ranging from self-improvement to self-realisation and from mental to physical health, why not consider weekend getaways? Let your search engine answer your query on ‘weekend getaways near me’ while you pack a duffel bag or knapsack for that short trip.