The Best Weekend Getaways in India in every part of the Country

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India is blessed with a diverse geographical landscape; snow-capped mountain ranges, glorious deserts; sun-kissed beaches, magnificent waterfalls, scenic natural beauty, and more. What’s more, many of these places are located near the metropolitan cities making them the Top Weekend Getaways in India that you can visit with family or friends. Our long weekend holidays ideas are sure to impress you.

Irrespective of where you stay in India, you will always be surrounded by numerous locations that you can head to for a short relaxing break. For instance, if you live in North India, you are spoilt for choices in the form of, Auli, Shimla, Dharamshala, Manali etc. In South, you can head to the quaint hill station that is Ooty, or book yourself a charming homestay amidst coffee plantation in Coorg or bring your French on by heading to the city of Pondicherry or work on your winter tan in Goa.

In Western India, you can trade in a quiet weekend and trade it for some royal styled luxury vacation by heading to the romantic city of Udaipur or go on a magnificent Wildlife Safari at Ranthambore or be one with yourself at the magnificent Somnath Temples. Lastly, if you live in East India, you make your way to the picturesque Darjeeling and hop onto the famous toy train, or head on to Imphal or Sikkim and enjoy a peaceful and scenic weekend.

The choices for Top Weekend Getaways in India are plenty, and you can choose your destination based on your mood, weather and accessibility. Moreover, with the well-connected transportation network India, you can travel from any of the corners to the other in no time. The key is planning and preparation; long weekends are very busy at most tourist hotspots, so make sure you book everything in advance to secure the best accommodation and activities and the reasonable prices. If you are going on a road trip, then leave early so you can avoid traffic and if you are travelling by plane or train, keep tabs in the weather and have a backup in case of delays or cancellations.

The Best Weekend Getaways in India

1.  Shimla

Shimla is a quaint little hill station nestled in Himachal Pradesh and is located at a comfortable driving distance from Delhi and Punjab. It is the capital of Himachal Pradesh and undoubtedly one of the most popular hill stations in the country and a Top Weekend Getaways in India with plenty of things to do and places to see.

There are numerous activities and places to see in and around Shimla, if you are travelling by train, you must take the Toy Train from Kalka to Shimla, it’s a fun and exhilarating ride. Make sure you eat delicious baked good from the famous bakeries on Mall road and enjoy scrumptious breakfast at the Indian Coffee House.

• Distance from the Airport: Shimla is located 358Km from the Delhi Airport.
• How much Time to Spend: 2 Days
• Approximate Cost for Two: INR 5500/- Per Person (Budget)
• Places to Visit: Ridge, Mall Road, Kufri, Toy Train from Kalka to Shimla, Jakhoo Temple, Theog, Scandal Point, Institute of Advanced Studies, Mashobra, Chail, Christ Church, Tattapani, Lakkar Bazaar, Himalayan Bird Park, Naldhera,
• Best Time to Visit: April to September

2.    Alleppey

Next in our list of Top Weekend Getaway’s in India is Alleppey, a quiet backwater town located in the serene state of Kerela. Although you are spoilt for choices when visiting Kerela, and most people head to the picturesque and scenic Munnar, we recommend you head further south and settle in Alleppey for a relaxing weekend. Book a luxurious stay at in a traditional boathouse and enjoy boating in the cool backwaters and end the day with a relaxing Ayurveda massage. And don’t forget to gorge on delicious south Indian cuisine that is far and beyond Dosa and Idli.

• Distance from the Airport: Alleppey is located 83Km from the Cochin Airport.
• How much Time to Spend: 2 Days
• Approximate Cost for Two: INR 6500/- Per Person (Budget)
• Places to Visit: Backwaters, Alapuzzha Beach, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad, Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race, Pallipuram, Krishnapuram Palace, Bay Island Driftwood Museum, Kuttanad, Chettikulangara Devi Temple,
• Best Time to Visit: October-March

3.  Auli

Auli is commonly referred to as the Switzerland of India and rightly so. This is a beautiful town with breath-taking landscapes and panoramic views. And the best part is that it’s a year-round destination. Travel here in the summer and enjoy an abundance of scenic sightseeing and green pastures, and travel in winters to try your hands on the snow-covered slopes of the Himalayas.

In addition to skiing, you can enjoy some thrilling treks in the thick forest around Auli. You can also enjoy water rafting, cliff jumping, diving, mountain biking among other things. This is an ideal weekend getaway for family, friends or even a significant other.

• Distance from the Airport: Auli is located 180 Km from the Dehradun Airport.
• How much Time to Spend: 2 Days
• Approximate Cost for Two: INR 12,500/- Per Person (Deluxe)
• Places to Visit: Auli Artificial Lake, Auli Ropeway, Gurso Bugyal, Chattrakund, Chenab Lake, Joshimath, Nanda Devi Peak, Trishul Peak, Vishnuprayag, Badrinath,
• Best Time to Visit: April to May for sightseeing December-February for Skiing

Must Read: Best travel ideas for the long weekends of 2018

4.    Ooty

Ooty is the crown jewel of South India’s Hill Stations. For years now, it has served as the backdrop of many film shoots and is a popular honeymoon destination in South India. The entire town is laced with tea plantations that add to the beauty and serenity of this quaint southern hill station. If you visit there in December or January, you may also experience some snowfall, a rare sight in this part of the country.

When you want to take a break from all the sightseeing, you can head to the famous tea and chocolate factories and gorge on some delicious home-made chocolates and stock up on an endless variety of teas. Lastly, make sure you take the time out to ride the Nilgiri Mountain Toy Train out to Coonoor and enjoy a scenic drive up to Kotagiri.

• Distance from the Airport: Ooty is located 87 Km from the Coimbatore Airport
• How much Time to Spend: 2 Days
• Approximate Cost for Two: INR 10,500/- Per Person (Deluxe)
• Places to Visit: Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Ooty Lake, Ooty Botanical Garden, Kotagiri, Tea Park, Benchmark Tea and chocolate factory, Ooty Rose Garden, Thread Garden, Dolphins Nose, Kalhatti Falls, Emerald Lake, Tiger Hill, Kamraj Sagar Lake, Coonoor, Annamalai Temple, Droog Fort, Doddabetta Peak, Lambs Rock, Catherine Falls, Simi’s Park, Bison Valley
• Best Time to Visit: October to March

5.    Coorg

If you are travelling from Bangalore to Mysore and want to avoid the long road trip to Ooty, then you can always head on to the understated hill station of Coorg. There are many reasons why Coorg is among the Top Weekend Getaways in India. For starters, the entire city is filled with an abundance of homestay accommodations, some of which are inside a coffee plantation, and make for a delightful stay.  People have fashioned their homes into traditionally styled, yet modern homestay accommodations and their hospitality are sub-par.

Second, there are numerous places to see within comfortable distance of the city. And make sure you plan a visit to at least one coffee and spice plantation. Lastly, make a stopover at the Namdroling Monastery on your way to Coorg and enjoy a magnificent wildlife Safari at Nagarhole National Park on your way back.

• Distance from the Airport: Coorg is located 156 Km from the Mangalore Airport
• How much Time to Spend: 2 Days
• Approximate Cost for Two: INR 5000/- Per Person (Deluxe)
• Places to Visit: Nagarhole National Park, Burude Falls, Omkareshwara Temple, Madikeri Fort, Talacauvery, Abbey Falls, Namdroling Monastery, Raja’s Seat, Honnamana Kere Lake, Iruppu Falls, Tadiandamol Peak,
• Best Time to Visit: October-March

6.    Udaipur

This city is the epitome luxury in India and is the ultimate romantic destination. No wonder it’s repeatedly considered among the Top Weekend Getaways in India. Travel here for a short family break or romantic getaway and enjoy your days visiting forts and palaces, gorging on delicious local cuisine and soaking up the rich culture and tradition of Rajasthan.

• Distance from the Airport: The domestic airport in Udaipur is located 3.9 Km from the city.
• How much Time to Spend: 3 Days
• Approximate Cost for Two: INR 6500/- Per Person (excluding Airfare) (Budget)
• Places to Visit: City Palace, Udaipur, Lake Pichola, Jag Mandir, Jagdish Temple, Saheliyon-ki-Bari, Fateh Sagar Lake, Monsoon Palace, Gulab Bagh and Zoo, Ahar Cenotaphs, Vintage and Classic Car Museum
• Best Time to Visit: October-March

7.    Goa

Goa needs no introduction and is a Top Weekend Getaways in India for anyone and everyone irrespective of where they are. Goa is well connected by an extensive rail, road and air network. Travel here during winters to escape wintry weather of the north and spend your days sunbathing on the pristine Goan beaches, visit the century-old churches that have numerous tales to tell, visit spice gardens and learn a little about the local vegetation, gorge on delicious Goan prawn curry and other local dishes and make sure you try the famous local drink, Fenny!

• Distance from the Airport: The central city of is located 44.3Km from the Goa International Airport
• How much Time to Spend: 3 Days
• Approximate Cost for Two: INR 10,000/- Per Person (Excluding Airfare) (Deluxe)
• Places to Visit: Fort Aguada, Museum of Christian Art, Church of St Cajetan, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Big Foot Goa, Goa Chitra Museum, Dudhsagar Falls, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Ancestral Goa, Goa Science Centre, Se Cathedral, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church
• Best Time to Visit: October-March

8. Lonavala

Again, Lonavala is not stranger! it is the most popular weekend getaway for youngsters in cities like Pune and Mumbai. Lonavala is blessed with panoramic landscapes and scenic natural beauty, but the drive from Mumbai to here is just as good. Travel to Lonavala if you wish to relax in a fantastic resort or hotel, spend your days sipping tea or coffee and enjoying the natural beauty. If you are an adrenaline junky, then you could perhaps go trekking, biking, water rafting among other things.

• Distance from the Airport: Lonavala is located 100 Km from the Mumbai Airport
• How much Time to Spend: 2 Days
• Approximate Cost for Two: INR 5,500/- Per Person (Budget)
• Places to Visit: Bhairavnath Temple, Kune Waterfalls, Lohagad Fort, Nagphani or Duke’s Nose, Pawna Lake, Rajmachi Fort, Reversing Station, Bhaja Caves, Rajmachi Park, Tiger’s Point, Karla Caves, Della Adventure
• Best Time to Visit: All Year Round

Also Read: Places to visit in Mahabaleshwar over the long weekend

9. Pondicherry – Among the best weekend getaways in India

If you are in the mood for a little French experience, and can’t quite travel to France, well then worry not as you can head to Pondicherry, a former French Colony that has retained its colonial charm even after decades of freedom. While there are many places to see and things to see, you could just spend your days walking the streets and soaking up the cultural tradition of the place. Pondicherry has a rich historic past and everything there is a testimony to it. Therefore, Pondicherry makes for an excellent Top Weekend Getaways in India. And don’t forget to go gorge on the delicious local French-inspired cuisine.

• Distance from the Airport: The Pondicherry airport is located 7km from the main city.
• How much Time to Spend: 3 Days
• Approximate Cost for Two: INR 10,000/- Per Person (Excluding Airfare) (Deluxe)
• Places to Visit: Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Rock Beach, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Old Light House, Pondicherry Museum, Puducherry Science Centre & Planetarium, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Matrimandir, Bharathi Park, Auroville: The City of Dawn, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Promenade Beach, Aayi Mandapam, Auroville Beach, Domas Church, Serenity Beach, Botanical Garden, Varadharaja Perumal Temple
• Best Time to Visit: October to March

10. Darjeeling

Our last Top Weekend Getaways in India is, non-other that the charming town of Darjeeling. This place has the best of both worlds. It has lush green mountains, lakes, waterfalls, toy trains, monasteries temples, tea estates and scenic natural beauty. Darjeeling is well connected by an extensive rail, road and air network. So, if you plan well in advance, you can travel here with ease and have a quintessential East Indian experience.

• Distance from the Airport: Darjeeling is located 67 Km from the Ashram Para Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal.
• How much Time to Spend: 3 Days
• Approximate Cost for Two: INR 10,000/- Per Person (Excluding Airfare) (Deluxe)
• Places to Visit: Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Mirik, Tiger Hill, Peace Pagoda, Darjeeling, Bhutia Busty Monastery, Himalayan Tibet Museum, Roy Villa, Army Statue, Ghoom Railway Museum, Ghum Monastery, Senchal Lake, Japanese Buddhist Temple, Bengal Natural History Museum, Jhandi Dara Sunrise Point, Dali Monastery, Mahakal Mandir, , Buddhist Monastery, Darjeeling Rangeet Valley Passenger Ropeway, Shrubbery Nightingale Park, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Ava Art Gallery
• Best Time to Visit: All Year Round

FAQ’s

1. Top 10 Weekend Getaways in India?

Here is a list of the Top 10 Weekend Getaways in India:

• Shimla
• Alleppey
• Auli
• Ooty
• Coorg
• Udaipur
• Goa
• Lonavala
• Pondicherry
• Darjeeling

2. Top Weekend Getaways in South India?

Here is a list of Top Weekend Getaways in South India:

• Coorg
• Ooty
• Pondicherry
• Goa
• Alleppey

3. Top Weekend Getaways in North India?

Here is a list of Top Weekends Getaways in North India:

• Shimla
• Auli
• Dharamshala
• Manali
• Amritsar
• Vaishno Devi
• Mussoorie
• Rishikesh

4. Top Weekends Getaways in East India?

Here is a list of Top Weekends Getaways in East India:

• Darjeeling
• Imphal
• Sikkim
• Gangtok

5. What are the Top Weekend Getaways in West India?

Here is a list of Top Weekend Getaways in West India:

• Udaipur
• Jaipur
• Jodhpur
• Jaisalmer
• Ranthambore
• Gir
• Somnath
• Rann Of Kutch
• Ajmer

6. What should I remember when planning a Weekend Getaway?

The choices for Top Weekend Getaways in India is limitless, and you can choose your destination based on your mood, weather and accessibility. Although, with the widespread transportation network India, you can travel from North to South or East to West in no time. The key is planning and preparation; long weekends are very busy at most tourist hotspots, so make sure you book everything in advance to secure the best accommodation and activities and the reasonable prices. If you are going on a road trip, then leave early so you can avoid traffic and if you are travelling by plane or train, keep tabs in the weather and have a backup in case of delays or cancellations.