College life, in a nutshell, is incomplete without getaways, with the best F.R.I.E.N.D.S of your lives. The friends who stick by your side, through the thick and thins, undaunted by anything. The assignments, mid sems, vivas, conferences, lectures and tutes and the blah blahs, suck on your very enthusiastic and venturesome vibes. But yeah, the perks of this hectic life is the extended holidays and weekends that you get - thanks to our diverse culture and festivals. This is the last phase where no boss is going to cringe, on you taking a leave, and you can explore the places and your friendship simultaneously.
Fasten your belts, put on your boots, settle those glares, pack your bags and go on a trip with your buddies! Here are 8 weekend Getaways from all the four directions of India that should be on your list, this weekend! Rev up people, Kyuki - Zindagi Na Milegi Dubara!!
1. Auli - The Switzerland of India
Save yourself from the humdrum of the city life and explore this gorgeous location, sketched with snow-covered peaks, serene lakes, and astounding prayags. Enjoy a train journey to Haridwar from Delhi and take a cab up to Joshimath. Devour in the holy aura of the pith, founded by Adi Sankracharya. The 22km Longest Cable Car in India takes you from Joshimath to Auli. You will be left gaping at the awe-inspiring beauty of the Garhwal Ranges of the Himalayas. Experience the adrenaline rush as you ski in the Alpine like ranges - The Ghori, Nar, Hathi, Nilgiri Parbats. Get lost in the serenity of the Chenab Lake and the beauty of the Trishul Peaks.
2. Yeh Jawani in Manali
If you are a student from Delhi or NCR. This is the best escapade for all you venturesome folks. With a superhit Bollywood film as a reference, picturesque mountains, cascading River Beas, woody forests, and a holy charm, Manali is India’s most visited tourist attraction. It is a great vacation spot for people who love adventure. This town also has a multitude of options for tourists looking for adventurous activities like trekking, paragliding, skiing, zorbing, white water rafting and the Hadimba, Raghunath temples for all the devotees. Push yourself a bit and extend your trip to Leh!
3. Allepey- Venice of the East
Backwaters, Beaches, and Lagoons offer the perfect rejuvenation, one needs after a tiring expedition. Dotting the coastline of the sea, Allepey is the oldest planned backwater town in Kerela. Alleppey is also known for its beaches, temples, boat races and Ayurvedic spa and wellness centers. If you are lucky enough to reach there on the second Saturday of August, you can witness the madness and the josh at the Nehru SnakeBoat Race. Pallipuram with its white sand beaches, Krishnapuram palace - an epitome of Travancore’s Kerela architecture, Vembanad- the longest lake in India, the Alphuzza beach and the houseboats; offers a perfect destination for a well deserved holiday!
4. Meghalaya- Abode of Clouds
Well known for Cherrapunji, Meghalaya can leave you spellbound, with its majestic hills, valleys, secretive caves, and lakes. The Double Decker living root bridge, a masterpiece of the amalgamation of nature and engineering; located in Tryna village, is the biggest attraction in Meghalaya. Watch agape, the Mawsynram Falls as it strikes you with eternal beauty. The Umiam Lake (lake of tears), is yet another gorgeous man-made reservoir, lined with beautiful conifers and Gulmohar trees. This Abode of Clouds will give you all the tranquility you need to rest in nature’s lap!
5. Alibaug - The one with the beaches
Who doesn’t enjoy wading through the waves, crashing at the shores? Alibaug with more than 10 beaches is a perfect stop for you, this weekend. Discover the history of the Kolaba Fort, 1-2 km from the shores of Alibaug. Surrender to the beautiful yellow sand Akshi beach, lined with pristine suru trees. Enjoy the enchanted waters, beautiful weather and birds at the Mandwa. Witness the wooden Murud Janjira Fort, 54kms away from Alibaug and get lost in Shiva bhakti at the kanakeshwar forest.
6. Kamshet - Fly with the wind
Located 45 km from Pune, it is a Paragliders paradise. The area is surrounded by paddy and sunflower fields and it provides an awesome view while you are enjoying the world-class paragliding facilities here. Have a closer look at the village life in India with muddy huts and village markets. Breathe in the beauty of the Pawna Lake as it takes your breath away. Bedsa caves, dating back to 60BC is a perfect instance of architecture and nature. Shinde Wadi hills, is a beginner paraglider escape, with a height of 100-200 feet. Due to its proximity with Lonavla and Khandala, you can push your trip further.
7. Chickmagalur - Coffee Land of Karnataka
What’s better than experiencing the chiming silence of the forests by actually spending a night amidst the forests. Known for its coffee estates, it is a 7-hour drive from Bangalore. The road trip is smooth with CCDs and A2Bs welcoming you throughout the Bangalore-Mangalore highway. Retreat to the verdant grass, the wonders of nature in its purest of forms at the Mullyanagiri and Kemanagundi hills. Experience the thrill of rafting in the Bhadra river. Head to the National Coffee Research Station to grab the perfect variety of coffee grown here. Stay at Homestays, situated deep in the forests with gaping hills at one side and the endless rainforest at the other. Enjoy activities like trekking through the forests and waterfalls, camping, shooting and coffee estate visits, organized by the homestays.
8. Ooty- Queen of Nilgiris
Situated at 2500 meters above sea level, with roads entwined on the lofty hills, with the aroma of tea and the salubrious air, Ooty is a great destination for the weekends. On a road trip, you can visit the Bandipur National Park and encounter bathing elephants, posing deers and exquisite birds all along your way. On reaching Ooty, head to the beautiful Ooty Lake and go boating with your friends. The breathtaking Pykara Lake is yet another boating spot. Grab a cuppa tea at the Tea estates and take a toy train to Conoor, and pose amidst the tea gardens with astounding Sleeping Lady Hill Ranges. Hire a guide and take a trek up to witness the turtle rock. The hills present a beautiful sunset view, which shall be forever etched in your memories.
I hope you are not going to waste any time and head straight to planning your next Trip with your friends. Discover more options and witness the enthralling beauty of our Incredible India. The giggles and an unforgettable trip with your ‘yaaras’, will always stay close to your heart. Ready Steady Po!
