Head off to a breathtaking weekend getaway on 2017’s first long weekend

The year 2016 has been harsh on our long weekend plans. But, 2017 has been kind to bless us with numerous long weekends to fulfill our travel goals and getaways. The Republic Day this year comes with a long weekend, make the most of it as mini vacations like these don’t always pop up! Now you’re probably confused as to where to go and what to do. Well, your confusion is soon going to vanish as we bring to you some amazing destinations for your Weekend Getaway from Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and Kolkata!

Destinations for Your Weekend Getaway

From Mumbai:

1. Bhandardara – 150 KM from Mumbai

Bhandardara, a beautiful hill station in the Sahyadri hill range is located at an altitude of about 2471 feet above sea – level. The shining blue water of the Arthur Lake and the lush green mountains that surround it, make it a perfect place to camp. Enjoy the view of the twinkling night sky and wake up to the beautiful sound of chirping birds. A breathtaking sunrise awaits you!

2. Lavasa – 193 KM from Mumbai

A privately planned city stylistically based on the Italian town, Portofino is the perfect site to experience the center point between an urban city and nature. From picturesque sceneries to an extremely well-developed infrastructure including hotels, resorts, and malls, Lavasa has a lot to offer. Escape from your everyday hectic city life and get away to this charming place.

3. Ellora – 427 KM from Mumbai

Recorded in the list of world-heritage sites, the Ellora cave is a historically enriching experience. The Kailash Temple of the Ellora caves is the major attraction among the tourists simply due to the magnificent architecture. The temple is one of the largest and massive sculptures of the world. Ajanta and Ellora caves by the river Waghora, are the best sites to visit for a peek into the past.

From Bangalore

1. Wayanad – 277 KM from Bangalore

Wayanad is an absolute winter treat. Head to Wayanad to enjoy the cool winter winds amidst spectacular views of nature. Treat your eyes with the scenic view of the largest waterfall in the district– Meenmutty. Wayanad is also home to the largest earth dam – Banasura Sagar. Set amidst beautiful natural sites, Wayanad offers various opportunities to make your adrenaline rush. Due to its mind-blowing natural offerings, Wayanad is often considered one of the best weekend getaways from Bangalore.

2. Chikmagalur – 242 KM from Bangalore

Located in the foothills of the Mullayanagiri range, Chikmagalur with its favourable climate and coffee estates is an ideal place for a Weekend Getaway. For a peaceful and relaxed weekend, head to one of the many activity-centric resorts that offer nature-based activities.

3. Coorg – 237 KM from Bangalore

Coorg is timeless! The wholesome climate and lush beauty will leave you awestruck. Coorg comes with a fascinating past, spectacular natural beauty, lip-smacking cuisine and the strong aroma of coffee and oranges. Set amidst verdant valleys, imposing mountains and teak wood forests, this is one of the most beautiful hill stations you can visit.

From Delhi

1. Mussoorie – 277 KM from Delhi

Situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, Mussoorie is known as the ‘Queen of the Hills’. If you visit Musoorie during the winter months, you will be blessed with snow clad hills and the majestic view of the Shivalik ranges and Doon Valley will only make you want to stay here forever. No wonder it is widely promoted as a place to visit by Uttarakhand Tourism.

2. Jaipur – 268 KM from Delhi

Take a break from the hills and mountains and head to the beautiful city of Jaipur to relive a bygone era. Dubbed as the Pink City, it is truly one of a kind with its sprawling forts that have retained their grandeur even today. The majestic palaces with their intricate architecture and thriving local handicrafts, rich in colour and craftsmanship, all make Jaipur a must weekend getaway from Delhi.

3. Mandi – 414 KM from Delhi

This small town is spiritually enlightening and decorated with shimmering lakes, pious temples, and breath-taking landscapes. The tiny hill station is also known by the name of “Varanasi of Hills” or “Kashi of Himachal” as it is surrounded by around 81 temples. From the sparkling Rewalsar Lake to the sanctimonious Mata Kua Rani Temple, Mandi, the Varanasi of Hills, has no shortage of places that can provide peace to both the mind and the soul.

From Kolkata

1. Sundarbans – 110 KM from Kolkata

Just a three-hour drive from Kolkata, lies the largest delta and mangrove forest in the world – The Sundarbans. This beautiful mangrove forest comprises of the Sundarban National Park, Tiger Reserve & Biosphere Reserve Forest. On your visit here, be sure to step into the Sajnekhali watch tower to observe the wildlife in all its glory. If spending a night in a boat with the tranquillity of nature excites you, head to the Matlla River where you will get the opportunity to spend an entire day and night on a boat.

2. Shankarpur – 175 KM from Kolkata

Shankarpur is a quaint beach village which is largely hidden from the world. This charming village is ideal to spend a weekend far away from the maddening crowd of the cities. Relax by listening to the calm waves of the Bay of Bengal. Lastly, catch the morning sun reflect upon the sea waves to capture a perfect photographic opportunity.

3. Bishnupur – 202 KM from Kolkata

Surrounded by old fortifications and a dozen of terracotta temples, Bishnupur is an ideal getaway for those who wish to relive an era gone by. If you are a lover of all things old and rare, visit Bishnupur to relish the terracotta architecture, which is a lost art of our country.

The Republic Day weekend offers the perfect opportunity to abandon our mundane lifestyle and head to these quiet and charming weekend getaways. Make the best use of this mini break, pick a place and the weekend you deserve!

It’s time to make the best of the long weekend with these destinations for your weekend getaway.