Still No Plans for the Long Weekends Heres What You Can Do

Who doesn’t love long weekends?

So why not just pack our bags and take that short trip and a refreshing break. With the rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases in the country again, it is only makes sense to avoid taking part in huge gatherings at a time like this.

This is a list of rejuvenating getaways for the two long weekends coming up from Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

Best places to drive down from Delhi

1. Bir-Billing, Himachal Pradesh

Bir is a village located in the west of Joginder Nagar Valley in Himachal Pradesh. Mostly referred to as the “Paragliding Capital of India”, Bir is also a noted center for ecotourism, spiritual studies, and meditation. With pleasant weather in March-April, it's a nice time to take the adventure sport of Paragliding here and rejuvenate yourself while meditating at this peaceful village. Also, this place has got very nice cafes to satisfy the foody in you.

How to Reach: The best way to reach Bir is by taking an overnight bus from Delhi. Or, take a flight to the nearest airport in Kangra which is around 80km from Bir.

Photo of Still No Plans for the Long Weekends? Here's What You Can Do! 1/11 by Divyangna (Nomadic_Missy) — Gliding above the Bir-Billing (c) unsplash-Tomas Sobek

2. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand

The magical landscape of Corbett is well known and fabled for its tiger richness. This unique tiger territory is best known as the father who gave birth to the Project Tiger in India to protect the most endangered species and the Royal of India called Tigers. You can go for a nature watch and wildlife viewing in the park in an open four-wheeler Jeep and on elephant back.

How to Reach: The nearest railhead from Jim Corbett is Ramnagar, connected to major destinations. Ramnagar has got very good Bus connectivity as well. Drive on your own if you are looking for that beautiful road trip.

Photo of Still No Plans for the Long Weekends? Here's What You Can Do! 2/11 by Divyangna (Nomadic_Missy) — Watching the Elephant move in its own pride at jim Corbett national park (c)Gautam Arora

3. Landour, Uttarakhand

Landour is a cantonment town located just 7 kilometers north of the famous hill station - Mussoorie in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Landour is considered very much a part of Mussoorie and is regarded as the 'Tiara' of the Queen of Hills. But, though being situated so close to the busy town of Mussoorie, Landour surprisingly remains offbeat, peaceful, unexplored, and untouched.

How to Reach: The nearest airport to Landour is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. The Rail network is connected very well with Dehradun so you take an overnight train.

Photo of Still No Plans for the Long Weekends? Here's What You Can Do! 3/11 by Divyangna (Nomadic_Missy) — (c)Uttarakhandtravel

4. Khajjiar, Himachal Pradesh

Often glorified as ‘Mini Switzerland’, it provides the rare combination of forest, lake, and grassland. The main attraction to the place is the famous Khajji Nag temple, which is located near the lake. This temple was built in the 12th century and is dedicated to the worship of Khajji Nag, the lord of serpents.

Enshrouded by the thick carpet of the deodar and pine trees, snow-crested mountains, the intoxicating aroma of the apple orchards, lusciously green rolling hills with petite wildflowers sprinkled on them will make your vacation a perfect escape from busy life.

How to reach: Gaggal airport in Dharamsala is the nearest airport at a distance of 122 km. Khajjiar is well connected by road to all the major places in Himachal Pradesh.

Photo of Still No Plans for the Long Weekends? Here's What You Can Do! 4/11 by Divyangna (Nomadic_Missy) — Serene Khajjiar Lake (c)food_travel_insta

5. Triund Trek, Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh

For all the trek lovers, head to this beautiful trek this weekend. With breathtaking views of the Kangra valley and the snow-covered Dhauladhar ranges, it is very picturesque. The trail to Triund is short but steep. The steep climb is well-compensated by refreshing walks amongst rhododendron and oak trees. There are also various songbirds in the forests along the trail which make it a birdwatcher’s delight.

How to Reach: Gaggal Airport is the nearest airport for reaching McLeodganj from where the trek starts. You can also take an overnight bus from Delhi to reach Mcleodganj.

Photo of Still No Plans for the Long Weekends? Here's What You Can Do! 5/11 by Divyangna (Nomadic_Missy) — Triund top being lush green and facing Dhauladhar Range. (c)noamdic_missy

6. Jaipur and Pushkar, Rajasthan

If you are looking for a walk-in heritage and cultural escape, then head to Jaipur and Pushkar in Rajasthan. A royal and historical capital, Jaipur is the gateway to one of India’s most flamboyant states. Pushkar is one of the oldest cities in India located in the Aravalli Range. The regal cuisine, unrivalled architecture, and raw natural beauty of Rajasthan's countryside would be enough to make your weekend the best time spent.

How to Reach: Jaipur is very well connected via air, road and train. Jaipur and Pushkar are 145 km apart so you can drive or hire a cab to reach Pushkar.

Photo of Still No Plans for the Long Weekends? Here's What You Can Do! 6/11 by Divyangna (Nomadic_Missy) — Pushkar Desert (c)nomadic_missy

Photo of Still No Plans for the Long Weekends? Here's What You Can Do! 7/11 by Divyangna (Nomadic_Missy) — Architecture master peiece, Patrika Gate

Best places for a weekend getaway from Mumbai/Bangalore

1. Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

There is no dearth of places to visit in Ratnagiri. Holding historical significance from the age-old Bijapur rulers' period, it is a paradise for history lovers. Ratnagiri has a diverse range of tourist attractions in the form of monuments, temples, and beaches.

The beaches of this region are the most popular ones and some of the famous sand trails are Pawas Beach, Ganeshghule Beach and Ganpatipule Beach. Ali Museum, Swayambhu Ganpati Temple and Sri Devi Bhagwati Mandir are other points of attraction where serenity resides.

How to Reach: Ratnagiri has its very own airport called the Ratnagiri Airport. This city is also very well connected via road and just a five-hour drive from Mumbai.

Photo of Still No Plans for the Long Weekends? Here's What You Can Do! 8/11 by Divyangna (Nomadic_Missy) — Ganpati Pule(c)maza_kokan

2. Goa

Our all-time favourite beach destination in India. March is outside the main tourist season in Goa, but it’s still super-cool to be in Goa this time of the year. There are fewer tourists in March, so almost everything costs less. The beaches are relatively empty, so you will have more privacy. In March, the streets and beaches of Goa are much cleaner as well.

How to Reach: Goa is well connected by every mode. The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport.

Photo of Still No Plans for the Long Weekends? Here's What You Can Do! 9/11 by Divyangna (Nomadic_Missy) — Sunset at Cabo de rama View point (c)nomadic_missy

3. Varkala

Varkala, also known as The Pearl of the Arabian Sea, is the only town in Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea. These Cenozoic sedimentary formation cliffs are a unique geological feature on the otherwise flat Kerala coast and are known among geologists as Varkala Formation. Exploring the city can be an adventurous experience for anyone as it holds a rich history, along with exotic and intriguing places.

How to Reach: Varkala is accessible through buses/trains from both Kochi and Trivandrum. The nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram located around 45 km away from the beach town.

Photo of Still No Plans for the Long Weekends? Here's What You Can Do! 10/11 by Divyangna (Nomadic_Missy) — (c)Trip_is_life

4. Coorg and Chikamagalur, Karnataka

Majestic, aesthetic and nature at its best – that’s Coorg and Chikmagalur in a sentence. Both of these hill stations are characterized by beautiful coffee plantations, abundant greenery, and a love for coffee.

How to Reach: Chikmagalur is within driving distance of Coorg (Madikeri) (182 Kms or 5 hours). You can drive from Bangalore or take a bus to Coorg.