Popular Weekend Getaways in India to De-Stress

After working on a hectic schedule during the weekdays, everyone deserves a break! Over the years, scenic and picturesque weekend destinations have been emerging closer to the major cities. The popular weekend getaways offer a variety of options, ranging from hill stations, beaches and historical landmarks. Get ready to rejuvenate yourself for the upcoming weekend and check out our ultimate list which offers a plenitude of options to de-stress. To make your travel plans easier, our list is segregated according to the nearby major cities.

Delhi

Delhi is our vibrant capital that is known for being the dynamic cultural melting-pot. This political nation offers you respite with its variety of weekend getaways ranging from adventurous activities to peaceful holidays.

1. Rishikesh

 Situated in the foothills of Himalayas, Rishikesh offers a scenic destination where you could embrace its spiritualism in the form of yoga and meditation. Over the years, the city has also emerged as a hub for adventure sports.

• Highlights: It offers a plethora of adventure activities such as bungee jumping, mountain biking, flying fox, white water rafting, etc. You can also visit the various Hindu pilgrimage destinations here.
• Famous for: Adventure Sports, Religious Sites
• Landmarks: LaxmanJhula, Triveni Ghat, Ram Jhula, etc.
• Distance From Delhi:6 hours (242 km.)
• Best Time: March-May, and September – November
• Travel Tip: Rishikesh is well-connected via bus and rail from Delhi. The nearest airport is in Dehradun which is 35 km. from the city.

2. Jim Corbett National Park

 Located in the Himalayan Terai region and spread across 520 square km. Jim Corbett National Park is the most prestigious and oldest National Park in India. It was primarily established in 1936 to protect the regal Bengal Tigers. Today it serves as a tiger reserve which houses diverse flora and fauna.

• Highlights: It offers abundant of open grasslands and natural beauty with the wildlife-tours that showcases its wealth of flora and fauna. The tours are conducted via jeeps and elephants.
• Famous for: Nature Enthusiasts, Wildlife Lovers, Bird Watching
• Landmarks: Bijrani Safari Zone, Jhirna Safari Zone, Dhela Safari Zone, Dhikala Zone, Durga Devi Zone
• Distance From Delhi: 5 hours 30 minutes (240 km.)
• Travel Tip: The nearest railway station is Ramnagar (85 km.) and Jim Corbett is well connected via road also. Check out some of the exciting deals to Jim Corbett here.

3. Mussoorie

 Mussoorie is a scenic hill station in the Uttrakhand state. Situated at the foothills of Garhwal Himalayan ranges, it is affectionately known as “The Queen of Hills”. Mussoorie also holds a religious significance as it is also known as the gateway to the “Yamunotri” and “Gangotri” shrines.

• Highlights: It offers lush green fields and scenic views with the perfect blend of religious sites and colonial heritage. You can also explore the famous trekking and camping trails during your getaway.
• Famous for: Trekking, Paragliding, Bird Watching, Nature Walks, Ropeway Rides, Temples, boating
• Landmarks: LalTibba, Lake Mist, Kempty Falls, etc.
• Distance From Delhi: 7 hours (278 km.)
• Best Time: September – June

Travel Tip: It is well connected via road and the nearest railway station is Dehradun (36 km.). You can also check out exclusiveMussoorie deals here

Kolkata

Kolkata is renowned as the ‘City of Joy’ and is a vibrant cultural city. It is a fascinating city with a unique blend of European and Asian ethnicities. Nearby weekend getaways from Kolkata offers amazing assortments of dramatic hills, mangrove swamps, landscapes, and cultures.

1. Digha

 Situated in the East Midnapur district, Digha is a perfect beach holiday destination, as it showcases its beautiful nature and serenity. Surrounded by the swaying chains of Casuarina trees, Digha is also a popular party destination.

• Highlights: It offers plenty of water sports action, tranquil beach walks along with tasty seafood. It attracts many tourists with its Casuarina lined seashore.
• Famous for: Beaches, Water Sports, Sea Cuisine
• Landmarks: Shankarpur, Mohona, Talsari, Mandarmoni
• Distance From Kolkata: 4 hours (195 km.)
• Best Time: September – March

2. Sundarbans National Park

 Surrounded across 16900 square km. Sundarban National Park is a large coastal mangrove forest which is shared by India and Bangladesh. It houses many endangered species such as Ganges River dolphin and estuarine crocodile. It is also the home of Royal Bengal tiger. Enjoy your weekend amidst the lush green flora and fauna, you can spend your weekend either relaxing or indulging in its adventure activities.

• Highlights: It offers a plenitude of enchanting wildlife action along with the vast mangrove forest. You can also enjoy camping, river rafting, and cruising. Exotic wildlife such as fishing cats, tigers, flying fox, wild boar, etc. is residing here.
• Famous for: Bird Watching, Cruising, Forest Walks, Camping, Bird Watching, Canopy Walk, Jungle Safari
• Landmarks: Netidhopani Watch Tower, Gosaba, DoBanki
• Distance: 3 hours (112 km.)
• Best Time: September – March
• Travel Tip: It is well connected via rail and road, although waterway is the most favorable mode of transit. Boats will take you directly to the interiors of the Sundarban Delta.

Mumbai

Mumbai is a dynamic city which is well known for being the city that never sleeps. It takes a lot of hard work and efforts from the Mumbaikars to make the capital city of Maharashtra vibrant. In return, Mumbai offers some of the best weekend getaways for all the stressed out Mumbai dwellers to unwind themselves. 

1. Lonavala

Lonavala is a small hill station at an altitude of 625 meters situated along the Mumbai-Pune Highway. Being a part of Sahyadri hills Lonavala has plenty of green valleys, waterfalls, hills, and lakes. It is a perfect place to enjoy a soulful getaway from Mumbai.

• Highlights: It offers plenty of opportunities to relax along with activities such as trekking, waterfall rappelling, etc. It is a popular weekend destination known for its natural beauty, Buddhist shrine caves and variety of chikki (sweets made from groundnuts and jaggery).
• Famous for: Hiking, Trekking, Camping, Waterfall Rappelling
• Landmarks: Korigad Fort, Tiger’s Leap, Lohgad, Karla Caves, Bhaja Caves, Bushi Dam
• Distance: 2 hours (93 km.)
• Best Time: October – February
• Travel Tip: The scenic road trip from Mumbai to Lonavalashould not be missed and would be most ideal.

2. Igatpuri

Igatpuri is a charming hill station situated in the ‘Wine Capital of India’ – Nashik. Surrounded by the magnificent Western Ghats and its neighboring peaks, Igatpuri is one of the popular getaways from Mumbai, especially during the monsoons. It is a utopia for all those who wish to have a relaxing as well as the anadventurous weekend.

• Highlights: It is famous for adventurous activities and as a relaxing retreat with its yoga meditation center. Surrounded by picturesque beauty, Igatpuri is a serene destination which is also a paradise for photographers, adventure, and yoga enthusiasts.
• Famous for: Trekking, Family Outing, Historic, Camping, Ziplining, Rappelling
• Landmarks: DhammaGiri Meditation Centre, Ghatandevi Temple, Bhandardara
• Distance: 2 hours 30 minutes (120 km.)
• Best Time: June – September, and November – March
• Travel Tip: It well connected via road and rail. Enjoy its scenic drive through the NH160.

Bangalore

Bengaluru is one of the upcoming metropolitan cities of Karnataka that reflects the techie clamor and remnants of its royal past. Bengaluru showcases a fusion of spirituality, modernity, and heritage. It is blessed with ample of opportunities for fun-packed weekend getaways ranging for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, leisure capers and wildlife lovers.

1.Coorg 

Enjoy the picturesque hills and coffee plantations of Coorg which is also renowned as ‘Scotland of India’. The hill station is encompassed with velvety green beautiful hills, streams, lakes, waterfalls and mist covered mountains. It is an ideal weekend getaway for all adventure enthusiasts, bird watchers, trekkers, etc.

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• Highlights: It is an offbeat place which offers tranquil and peaceful atmosphere coupled with plenty of adventurous activities. You can also take a visit to the Buddhist Golden Temple as Coorg also showcases Tibetan culture.
• Famous for: Bird Watching, Coffee Plantation Tour, Trekking, Camping, Coorg River Rafting
• Landmarks: Virajpet, Nagarhole National Park, Madikeri, Abbey Falls, Kushalanagar
• Distance: 5 hours (260 km.)
• Best Time: October – April
• Travel Tip: Although it is well connected via rails the ideal mode of transit would be to take a scenic drive to Coorg from Bengaluru.

2. Kabini Wildlife Sanctuary

 Explore one of the best wildlife sanctuaries of Karnataka that resides between Kodagu and Mysore districts. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as the park is also a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. It is spread across 55 acres of water-bodies, steep valleys, and forestland. In the past, the park used to be a private hunting spot for the Indian royalties and British viceroys.

• Highlights: It offers a nice weekend getaway with its vast green foliage and wild animals such as leopard, panther, sambhar, cheetah, elephants and spotted deer along with several species of birds. The park offers a number of jungle safaris, rides, nature walks and trekking.
• Famous for: Jungle Safari, Elephant Ride, Nature Walk, Trekking, Coracle Ride
• Landmarks: Kabini River, Kabini Dam, Nagarhole Forests
• Distance: 4 hours 30 minutes (220 km.)
• Best Time: October – May
• Travel Tip: Kabini is well connected via roads and the nearest railway station is Mysore which is just 90 km. from the park.

  Chennai

  
  Chennai is the capital city of Tamil Nadu that is located along the shorelines of the Bay of Bengal. Chennai is an alluring city which boasts its rich culture and traditions. After a tiring week, Chennai offers a plethora of options to re-energize.Weekend escapades near Chennai include adventure holidays, romantic getaways, pilgrimage tours, etc.
  
  1.Pondicherry
  
  
  
   Crowned as the ‘French Riviera of the East’, Pondicherry is the largest union territory of India. It shares the border with Tamil Nadu and is renowned for its tranquillity and beauty. The whole town pulses with the vibe of colonial bohemian chic and French culture. Pondicherry is also known for its famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
  
  
  
  
  
  • Highlights: It offers several touristy spots that highlight French culture and cuisine. You can also indulge in spa treatments, ayurvedic health centers, and water sports adventures. Check out some amazing deals for Pondicherry here.
  • Famous for: Beaches, French Cuisine, Spa, Yoga, Scuba Diving
  • Landmarks: Notre Dame des Anges, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Sri ManakulaVinayagar Temple, Sacred Heart Basilica.
  • Distance: 3 hours and 30 minutes (161 km.)
  • Best Time: October – February
  
  With these many exciting weekend options, get ready to enjoy your quick respite. Leave the stress of work life and traffic behind to re-energize your batteries. Pack your bags and pick a destination that works as a stress buster for you. Plan your weekend getaways with TravelUR with the assurance that they will help you to make your holidays more exciting and memorable. They also offer some great deals and opportunities to win some awesome Giveaways!