Is your mundane and boring routine taking away all your positive energy and a relaxing break is all you need? Thankfully, August brings a reprieve with its long weekends where all you have to do is to plan a quick getaway with your family or friends. With a 3-day long weekend just around the corner (5th to 7th August), how about visiting a brag-worthy destination from the following list. Come, take a look:
Coorg, Karnataka
Also known as Kodagu, this district in the Western Ghats of southwestern Karnataka can be pictured like this: 1,593 square miles of undulating topography carpeted in green, often covered by thin white mist and coffee plantations.
How to Reach: Bangalore at around 250 km is the nearest airport.
Places to Visit: Raja’s Seat, Talacauvery, Madikeri Fort, Omkareshwara Temple and Abbi Falls
Places to Eat: Raintree Restaurant, Nellaki and Coorg Cuisine
Things to Do: Trekking (through coffee and pepper plantations; Pushpagiri Peak and Brahmagiri Sanctuary)
Lonavala, Maharashtra
The twin hill stations of Lonavala- Khandala are Mumbai’s most beloved and easy to reach retreats. While conventional wisdom in India says, “stay away from hill roads during rains”, Mumbaikars disagree and embark their journey to Lonavala through monsoon clouds as the place looks gorgeous during the rains.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Mumbai at around 100 km and it takes 2 hours from Mumbai to reach here.
Places to Visit: Karla and Bhaja Caves, Lohagarh Fort, Tikona Fort and Duke’s Nose
Places to Eat: Chandralok and Adarsh Restaurant
Things to Do: You can enjoy activities like trekking, rock climbing, and rappelling
Cherrapunji, Meghalaya
A land of thick rainforests and pretty mist, Cherrapunji is all about unexplored and untouched natural beauty. It was known to every school child for receiving the highest rainfall in the world— a title now taken over by nearby Mawsynram, though.
How to Reach: Shillong is the nearest airport at around 60 km.
Places to Visit: Mawsmai Caves, Nohkalikai Viewpoint, and Seven Sisters’ Viewpoint
Places to Eat: Cherrapunjee Holiday Resort, Nangiai Kyrosi Restaurant, Dengai Tea Stall,
Things to Do: Opt for the day tour when you are here.
Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu
One of the prettiest and famous hill stations in the country, Kodaikanal is all about some quietude amidst picturesque natural beauty. The hills are alive with flora and fauna and it is recommended to explore the place on foot to soak up all the local flavours.
How to Reach: Madurai is the nearest airport at about 125 km.
Places to Visit: Coaker’s Walk, Pillar Rocks, and scenic view points.
Places to Eat: Tibetan Brothers, Tava, Potluck and several in-house restaurants of hotels
Things to Do: Trekking tours by local operators and Joey’s Forest Walk
Udaipur, Rajasthan
It’s easy to see why Udaipur is said to be one of India’s most romantic cities. The town’s old quarter and the hugging Lake Pichola is unfailingly picturesque. The town boasts of lakes, lake palaces, mansions, and gardens.
How to Reach: Maharana Pratap (Dabok) Airport is located 25 km (45 mins) out of the city. Taxi costs around INR 350 to the center of town.
Places to Visit: Lake Pichola, City Palace Complex, Crystal Gallery and Jagdish Temple
Places to Eat: Ambrai, Jagat Niwas and Udai Kothi (both have rooftop restaurants)
Things to Do: Shopping in the main market, Boating at Lake Pichola
Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
The summer capital of the erstwhile Bombay Presidency, Mahabaleshwar presently is one of the most loved monsoon getaways in the country. Nature is extraordinarily beautiful here and showcases a beautiful painting of rugged hills, steep, sudden waterfalls and scenic points- all combined in one place!
How to Reach: Pune, at 120 km, is the nearest airport and you can take a taxi (around 3 hours) from Pune to reach here.
Places to Visit: Kate’s Point, Arthur’s Seat, Venna Lake and Pratapgad Fort
Places to Eat: Angaare Restaurant, Grapevine, Mapro Garden Restaurant
Things to Do: Trekking (various scenic points), Boating at Venna Lake
Pondicherry, Tamil Nadu
Puducherry has an unimaginable tranquility which is sublime and heavenly in its own way. The famous French Quarter is flocked by tourists in search of peace, love, harmony, and knowledge.
How to Reach: The nearest airport is Chennai and a one-way taxi would cost you around INR 3000.
Places to Visit: Aurobindo Ashram, Goubert Avenue, Matrimandir, Varadaraja Perumal Temple and the churches.
Places to Eat: Appachi, Hotel Jayaram, Le Club, La Villa Shanti and Carte Blanche (De’L Orient Pondicherry)
Things to Do: Boat ride at Paradise Beach, Cycling along the Promenade
Keep travelling!
