Holidays in the monsoon season are filled with lashing showers, puddles of water, umbrellas and fresh zephyr. The season has its own way of charming offbeat travelers since most people avoid traveling during monsoons. However, 2017 is a little different. With an adequate number of long weekends, you can say goodbye to the monotonous routine and head in any directions. Experience the Rath Yatra in Puri, or cherish the gorgeous foliage of Lonavala in the West. If you are enamored by mountains, then head to Leh after a stopover at Amritsar. For people who are intrigued by spirituality, Tirupati makes a fantastic choice for rejuvenating yourself. Book your hotel in advance to avoid the last-minute rush and head out to enjoy the long weekends!
Are you caught up in your corporate life and are looking forward to a quick weekend getaway to de-stress? OYO to your rescue! Pack your bags because here are some awesome options for you to explore:
Weekend Getaways from Delhi
Getaway from the hustle and bustle, and the scorching heat of the metropolitan capital. These are the best destinations within a motorable distance from Delhi:
Rishikesh
Come embrace the fascinating charm of Rishikesh, alongside the holy Ganges river in the mighty Himalayan foothills. Relax and seek mental solace at famous temples and ashrams, practice yoga and meditation, or camp by the riverside with exhilarating activities for adrenaline junkies.
Top things to do in Rishikesh:
Adventure sports (Rafting, Bungee jumping, etc)
Ashrams ( the most prominent being The Beatles Ashram)
Located in the scenic valley of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, this hill station is the abode of His Holiness Dalai Lama and is prominently inhabited and influenced by Tibetans. The cherry on the cake is its soothing ambiance, making it a great destination for peace of mind and soul. Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of the conifer and oak groves, snowclad peaks, lush mountains and several trekking routes.
If you want to unwind and relax at a serene hill station only a few hours away from the unforgiving heat of Delhi, Mussoorie is the perfect getaway for you. Located within 300 kms from Delhi, in the foothills of the Himalayas, the lush green hills with the scenic view of the Shivalik ranges and Doon Valley attract tourists at all times of the year. The town has a rich colonial heritage and here you can find both natural beauty as well as beautiful colonial structures.
Top things to do in Mussoorie:
Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve
Hill Station attractions (valley viewpoints, waterfalls)
Do you feel caught up in city life and want a break from your hectic job? This weekend getaway from Bangalore is perfect for lifting your spirit!
Coorg
This summer, escape to the ‘Scotland of India’. The long stretches of meadows and forests, situated amidst mighty mountains on Karnataka’s landscape, are the perfect go-to for all nature lovers. The cool and misty weather, the scenic beauty of the rolling hills and the wooded forests with its surroundings will leave you mesmerised.
Top things to do in Coorg:
Nagarhole National Park
Nisargadhama Forest
Hill Station attractions (waterfalls, valley viewpoints)
Escape the barriers of everyday boredom and get away for the weekend to unwind! Travel to these weekend getaways near Chennai to come back absolutely rejuvenated.
Kodaikanal
Get away to the intriguing forests and waterfalls in Kodaikanal, popularly known as the Prince of Hill Stations. Walk through wooded forests, row in the lake, bathe in one of the splashing waterfalls, go horse riding and cycling around the lake, or simply admire the views to make the most of this mystic place. Located in the Palani Hill in Tamil Nadu, this is a real gem for tourists.
Top things to do in Kodaikanal:
Lakes (Kodaikanal, Munnavanur, Berijam)
Hill Station attractions (waterfalls, valley view points)
Munnar provides you an escape into the wave of activity surrounding the scenic views and lush green flora of the Western Ghats. It is a tiny, yet mesmerising hill station, known for its arresting beauty and mystique. Dotted with tea plantations, lakes, waterfalls, scenic viewing points, wildlife sanctuaries, and forests, along with the special spice-scented cool air, it truly is a heaven of tranquility!
Top things to do in Munnar:
Adventure sports (paragliding), Hiking
Treks to Anaimudi (South-India’s Highest peak)
Tea gardens
Eravikulam National Park
Hill Station attractions (waterfalls, valley viewpoints)
Are you tired of your monotone work routine and need to escape? We’ve got the ideal plan and destination for you!
Puri
The abode of Lord Jagannath, Puri is one of the four pilgrimage centres of India. Come experience the world-famous Rath Yatra at Puri on Sunday, which marks a prosperous year for all visitors. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the famous Jagannath Temple, Puri beach, Chilka Lake and Ragurajpur Art Village to truly experience this colourful town.
With unique and vibrant colors and great and varied topography, this hill station has just the right blend of cultural identities and urbanisation, along with beauty that entices thousands of visitors all year round.
Top things to do in Gangtok:
Monasteries (Rumtek, Ranka, Enchey)
Nathula Pass
Tsomogo Lake
Hill Station attractions
Nisargadhama Forest
Ban Jhakri falls, Tashi viewpoint
Enchey Monastery, Ganesh Tok, Do Drul Chorten Rumtek Monastery
Are all you hardworking Mumbaikars tired of running the rat race? We’re offering respite to those looking for a quick escape from the city that never sleeps.
Lonavala
Put on your seat belts and enjoy the pleasant 2-hour road journey to Lonavala, and immerse yourself in the bucolic charm of the Western Ghats in this scenic village in Pune. Charming waterfalls, cool and misty weather, imposing forts and caves twined with the best of resorts and eating joints/ ‘dhabas’ are just perfect for the much-needed break.
Bound by valleys on all sides, the ‘ land of strawberries’ is a pristine hill station with an abundance of flora and fauna, breathtaking panoramic views of hills and valleys, waterfalls and activities to rejuvenate your mind and soul from the monotony of life.
Top things to do in Mahabaleshwar:
Usual Hill Station attractions (viewpoints, waterfalls)
Monkey Point, Carnac Point, Helen’s Point, Elphinstone Point, Mumbai Point, Marjorie Point and Babington Point
Traveling during the summer months in India can be both exhausting and taxing, courtesy the scorching sun and summer heat. However, because the year 2017 is full of long weekends (24th – 26th June is coming up!), now’s the perfect time to travel. The trick to making the most of the weekends in the summer months is to head to vacation spots that will welcome you with lower temperatures. Think of Gangtok and Darjeeling in the east, Mahabaleshwar in the west, Manali, Shimla and Mussoorie in the North and Kodaikanal or Ooty down south. Book well in advance to avoid the rush and make the most of what the long weekends falling in 2017 have to offer. Happy Exploring!
