Diwali is just around the corner! If you are planning to celebrate it in a slightly different manner, then THIS is the place to be!
We’re here to help you with a list of the best getaways you can plan at the LAST minute for the upcoming Diwali vacation. Whether you’re going solo, taking that much-needed break with your friends or looking to catch up on some family time, we’ve got you covered!
Travel on your mind?
Book Flights
From Delhi
Family Vacation
We pick: Jaipur, Rajasthan
If you’re travelling with family, then ‘The Pink City’ is an easy sell. The magnificent city needs no introduction: be it the royal forts and palaces, the quaint, artisanal markets or the magnificent temples (with very friendly monkeys!), one can never visit Jaipur enough times!
Distance from Delhi – About 273 km that can be covered in 4-6 hours by road.
Best places to visit – Amer Fort, Jal Mahal, Madhavendra Palace Sculpture Park inside Nahargarh Fort, Chokhi Dhani, Birla Mandir, Galta Ji Monkey Temple, City Palace, Johari Bazaar.
Getaway with Friends
We pick: Dharamshala-Mcleodganj, Himachal Pradesh
If you are tripping with friends, then opt for this easy, laid-back ‘chill in the hill(s)’ destination! Travelling to the twin towns of Dharamshala and Mcleodganj is like travelling to Tibet, except it’s a lot quicker. Be it the snowy Triund trek, the serenity of the monasteries or the refreshing scent and sight of the pine trees, Dharamshala-Mcleodganj will make for that PERFECT break.
Distance from Delhi – About 469 km that can be covered in 9-10 hours by road.
Best places to visit – Bhagsunath Temple and waterfalls, Triund top, Namgyal Monastery, Tibet Museum, St. John in the Wilderness Church.
Solo Retreat
We pick: Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh
At an altitude of 2246 m, Mashobra is a quaint little retreat located near Shimla. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual traveller, a thrill-seeker or someone just looking for some peace and serenity, Mashobra’s gurgling streams, captivating fruit orchards and lush oak forests will mesmerize you!
Distance from Delhi – About 355 km that can be covered in 8-9 hours by road.
Best places to visit – Reserve Forest Sanctuary, Craignano Villa, Tattapani River, Lakka Bazaar.
From Mumbai
Family Vacation
We pick: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
Tucked amidst the Sahyadri Mountain ranges, Mahabaleshwar is a hidden paradise with enchanting views and pleasant weather year-round. Whether you prefer to indulge in trekking, hiking, boating and birdwatching or just enjoy the spectacular views of the green hills, Mahabaleshwar guarantees peace and relaxation!
Distance from Mumbai – About 263 km, which can be covered in 5-6 hours by road.
Best places to visit – Venna Lake, Pratapgarh Fort, Lingmala Falls, Wilson Point, Mapro Garden.
Getaway with Friends
We pick: Goa
Sure, this road trip is a bit long. But it’s Goa..with your friends! *Dil Chahta Hai plays in the background*. ENOUGH SAID!
Distance from Mumbai – About 578 km that can be covered in 11-12 hours by road.
Best places to visit – Dudhsagar Falls, Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Aguada Fort, Calangute Beach, Arambol, Bom Jesus Basilica.
Solo Retreat
We pick: Alibaug, Maharashtra
We don’t know about you, but clean beaches, winding roads, beautiful sunsets and sea breeze sounds like the perfect solo getaway to us. Head to the beautiful beach town of Alibaug ASAP!
Distance from Mumbai – A comfortable 95 km, that can be covered in 2-3 hours by road.
Best places to visit – Kashid Beach, Murud-Janjira Fort, Alibaug Beach, Kolaba Fort, Kanakeshwar Forest, Raigadi Bazaar.
From Chennai
Family Vacation
We pick: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Irresistibly golden beaches, charming historical attractions and ancient temples make Mahabalipuram an unforgettable destination. Also known as Mammallapuram, this charming coastal town is lined with cafes leading to a gorgeous oceanfront, making this the perfect, quick getaway with your family.
Distance from Chennai – About 58 km, that can be covered in 1.5-2 hours by road.
Best places to visit – Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram Beach, Alamparai Fort, Panch Rathas, Tiger Caves.
Getaway with friends
We pick: Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Yercaud lies in the Shevaroy Hills, known for its orange groves, coffee plantations, spices and fruits. Boat in the Yercaud Lake, bike around the 32-km loop road or trek from the Emerald Lake to the Kiliyur Falls – there’s no wrong way to experience Yercaud! Bonus: it also makes for a great getaway from Bengaluru.
Distance from Chennai – About 366 km, which can be covered in about 7-8 hours.
Best places to visit – Kiliyur Falls, Shevaroy Temple, Lady’s Seat Viewpoint, Manjakuttai Viewpoint.
Solo Retreat
We pick: Pondicherry
In search of peace and harmony? Say no more. Pondicherry literally has a beach called Serenity! The sun, sand, French heritage and a long, long coastline make it the perfect solo trip destination. Pack those bags already!
Distance from Chennai – About 150 km, which can be covered in about 7 hours by road.
Best places to visit – Serenity Beach, Auroville, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Arikamedu.
From Kolkata
Family Vacation
We pick: Puri, Odisha
Sometimes all you need is a long road trip with the family. And if the destination is anything like Puri, it’s just the cherry on top. Say yes to ancient temples, beautiful beaches and Asia’s biggest saltwater lagoon, the Chilika Lake. This is one roadtrip you must take ASAP!
Distance from Kolkata – About 498 km, which can be covered in 9-10 hours by road.
Best places to visit – Chilika Lake, Markandeswara Temple, Puri Beach, Narendra Tank.
Note: The holy Jagannath Temple will open to the general public from January 3, 2021.
Getaway with friends
We pick: Digha, West Bengal
Magnificent beaches, scenic views, relaxed vibes and a distance of under 200 km: do you need any more reasons to make a beeline for this breezy little beach town with your friends this long weekend?
Distance from Kolkata – About 183 km, which can be covered in 3-4 hours by road.
Best Places to visit – Digha Beach, Amaravati Park, Udaipur Beach, Digha Ropeway, Chandaneswar Temple.
Solo Retreat
We pick: Raichak, West Bengal
You’ll find it hard to believe that Raichak is at a bare 50 km distance from Kolkata because it’s absolutely worlds apart from the City of Joy. With the Hooghly River on one side and the numerous forts on the other, Raichak has an earthen charm which is in stark contrast to the urban bustle of Kolkata. Everything about this trip screams a solo getaway!
Distance from Kolkata – About 53 km, that can be covered easily in 1-2 hours by road.
Best places to visit – Diamond Harbour, Chingrikhali Fort, Ramakrishna Ashram, Gadiara Village.
Pack your bags, and get ready to have a great long weekend!
