Lets be real, planning a vacation with friends with is quite a task. But it becomes almost impossible when these friends are scattered across the country. A lot of us stay in Delhi, have friends in Mumbai and spend endless hours planning a trip together.
I did the math and found out seven locations which can get friends together without the fuss and fights.
1. Mount Abu
How to Reach
From Delhi: By road it takes around 5 1/2 hours to reach Jaipur via NH14, then further 6 1/2 hours to Mount Abu. The nearest railway station is Abu Road and airport is 185 km away in Udaipur.
From Mumbai: It takes 12 hours and 30 minutes via NH8 to reach Mount Abu, you can take a stop at Vadodra for an overnight or mid-day rest. The nearest railway station is Abu Road and airport is 185 km away in Udaipur.
Where to Go
Watch sunset from Sunset Point near Nakki Lake, explore the Dilwara Temples, hike to the ancient temple of Dattatreya at Guru Shikhar and visit the spiritual destinations like Peace Park or Vipassana center.
Where to Eat
The biker Cafe Shikibo, Mulberry Tree Restaurant, local eateries serving dal bhati and fresh poha at the small food joints around Nakki Lake.
Check out Mount Abu- Dilwara temples & joys of a hill station to know more.
2. Panchmarhi
How to Reach
From Delhi: The best way to travel to Panchmarhi is by train, the overnight journey ends at Sobhapur railway station from where you can go to Satpura National Park by road. For a road trip from Delhi, NH44 is the ideal route. Nearest airport is 144 km away in Bhopal.
From Mumbai: An overnight train journey from Mumbai to Pipariya railway station is the best way to reach Panchmarhi. For a trip take the Mumbai-Agra national highway and then MPSH15 for a 15 hour long drive. Nearest airport is 144 km away in Bhopal.
Where to Go
Satpura National Park is a massive 524 km square ecosystem which hosts diverse set of animals like wild boar, bear and leopard. There is also the Dhoopgarh peak within the national park which is ideal for nice hike.
Read more about the fascinating hillstation of Panchmarhi in Pachmarhi: The so called 'Haunted' mountains of the Satpura Ranges.
Where to Eat
Nandavan Restaurant and Welcome Heritage Golfview are two of popular restaurants but the best food in Panchmarhi is best had in local food joints.
3. Udaipur
How to Reach
From Delhi: A road trip from Delhi takes up to 11 hours from NH8. An overnight train journey from Nizamuddin takes you to Udaipur City railway station. The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport which is only 20 km from the main city.
From Mumbai: As NH8 connects Delhi to Mumbai, Udaipur lies roughly in the middle of both metropolitans. A roadtrip takes 10-11 hours and there are direct trains which leave from Bandra to Udaipur City. The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport is only 20 km from the main city.
Where to Go
Take a boat ride in Lake Pichola, spend a day exploring the City Palace, visit the Jain Temple in Ranakpur and take tour of the Chittorgarh complex.
Explore Udaipur- Venice of the East.
Where to Eat
Ambrai and 1559 AD restuarants for luxury, Tribute, Krishna Dining and local eateries for budget taste of local cuisine.
4. Khallikote (Eastern Ghats)
How to Reach
From Delhi: A road trip from Delhi to Khallikote is not the best idea as it takes over 20 hours to just reach Orissa and further 3 hours to make it to Khallikote. Timely trains leave from New Delhi to Balugan after which Khallikote is a short ride away. The Biju Panaik Airport in Bhubaneshwar is only 2 hours from Khallikote.
From Mumbai: Road trip from Mumbai to Khallikote is also over 23 hours and passes through Visakhapatnam. You can board a direct train from Dadar to Balugan which takes 30+ hours, and then short cab ride to Khallikote. Biju Panaik Airport in Bhubaneshwar is only 2 hours from Khallikote.
Where to Go
The Eastern Ghats are still hidden from the mainstream crowd and the Khallikote Forest is a gem of its kind. Hidden within the Eastern Ghats are old and abandoned Buddhists structures like the Lalitgiri ruins.
Read more about Hiking it up along the Eastern Ghats.
Where to Eat
The local eateries and small tea stalls are the best food experiences to have in Khallikote.
5. Jabalpur
How to Reach
From Delhi: Road trip from Delhi takes around 11 hours as the highway is smooth flowing and well connected. Whereas an overnight journey from New Delhi Railway Station to Jabalpur takes over 16 hours. The international airport at Jabalpur takes only 3 hours to reach.
From Mumbai: A scenic 15 hour drive from Mumbai via Agra National highway takes you through Bhopal and along the Satpura National Park. A direct leaves every 4 hours from Lokmanyatilak to Jabalpur railway station and takes an overnight journey of 15 hours. Jabalpur has an international airport and takes under 4 hours to reach.
Where to Go
You should definitely not leave without taking a boat ride through the Marble Rocks which lead to the awe-inspiring Dhuandhar Falls in Bhedaghat. Also the phenomena of Balancing Rock which remains a mystery even amongst locals.
Find out more about Jabalpur at Hindustan ka Dil dekho- Jabalpur.
Where to Eat
Jabalpur is a melting pot of cuisine and culture, the small city is home to many delectible restaurants such as Kesri Dhaba, Rain Basera, Saheb ke Seekh Kebab, Mame da Dhaba and Indian Coffee House.
6. Kolkata
How to Reach
From Delhi: The long drive of 20 hours from Delhi to Kolkata is not the best way to reach there. Direct trains from New Delhi Railway Station to Howrah Junction is a great option but the best way would be to fly to Netaji Subhash Chandra Airport.
From Mumbai: A road trip of over 25 hours is again not a great way to reach Kolkata from Delhi. Mumbai CST too has direct trains to Howrah junction but the best way is to have an under 4 hour flight to Netaji Subhash Chandra Airport.
Where to Go
The village of Kumartoli is the place where sculptures of divine Durga are created throughout the year, especially before the navaratris it is a fascinating place to experience. There are also many historical places such as Marble Palace, St. John's Church and Nandan where you can explore the artistic side of Kolkata.
Check out the Unlikely Spaces to Discover Art in Kolkata to know more.
Where to Eat
Kolkata is home to many iconic eateries like Mocambo in Park Street, Royal in North Kolkata, Paramount and Dacres Lane.
7. Puri
How to Reach
From Delhi: It takes a long 24 hours to drive to Puri from Delhi. Though the drives takes you through the heart of India, you can also opt for a 30 hour long train ride from NDLS to Puri (not suggested). The nearest airport is in Bhubaneshwar which only a few kilometers from Puri.
From Mumbai: A road trip from one edge of the subcontinent to another takes roughly 24 hours, but the direct train from Lokmanyatilak to Puri takes even longer. Flight to nearest airport in Bhubaneshwar takes only 4 hours.
Where to Go
Puri is revered as one of the holiest pilgrimage in India. The Jagannath Temple and Konark Sun Temple along with stunning beaches like Chandrabhaga, Konark and massive Chilika Lake are some of the many places you can spend your time at in Puri.
Read more about traveling in Puri at Beach Holidays: Puri
Where to Eat
Peace Restaurant, Bhojohori Manna and several other beach shacks which serve all sorts of cuisines in the area.
You can also check out 13 Weekend Getaways From Delhi That You NEED To Take To Take Full Advantage Of The Extended Weekend.
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