It’s not too late to plan a last-minute getaway for the upcoming long weekend. To help you out, we have curated a guide to destinations within driving distance from New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. These places offer a plethora of activities and experiences for travellers seeking a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
From heritage towns and picturesque hill stations to national parks and even a beach getaway, these 7 destinations are a diverse bunch:
Lonavala, Maharashtra
Lonavala is a quaint hill station perched on the Sahyadri mountain range. At an elevation of 2,047 feet above sea level, it is surrounded by verdant forests, cascading waterfalls, tranquil lakes, and dramatic mountains.
Located halfway between Mumbai and Pune, this hill station is well-loved for its lush green landscapes, historical sites, and adventure activities.
In Lonavala, we recommend visiting Karla Caves, Rajmachi Fort, and Bhaja Caves or going hiking, or waterfall chasing.
Stay options include Sluice House by Amã Stays & Trails, Uday Villa Lonavala by Lohono Stays, Della Resorts and Villas by Chandralok.
Puducherry
A former French colony, Puducherry is about a 3-hour drive from Chennai on the East Coast Road.
Top things to do in Puducherry include exploring the French Quarter, unwinding at Promenade Beach, sailing in Chunnambar River, visiting the Pondicherry Botanical Garden, and touring the Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
In Puducherry, stay options include Kariappa House, a homestay featuring connected bungalows surrounded by well-manicured gardens and courtyards. Kariappa House offers to curate experiences such as pottery sessions, cooking classes, and guided tours of the nearby French Quarter for guest.
Coonoor, Tamil Nadu
A charming tea plantation town, Coonoor is the second-largest hill station in the Nilgiris.
Coonoor is renowned for its stunning natural terrain, expansive tea estates, and colonial-era architecture.
In Coonoor, visit the tea plantations, ride the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, travel back in time at Droog Fort, tour the All-Saints Church, and take a boat ride on Wellington Lake.
For a stay, try Gateway Coonoor - IHCL SeleQtions. Constructed in 1857, this property showcases an old-world charm with contemporary amenities. With 32 rooms and four suites, Gateway Coonoor also offers recreational activities like bird-watching excursions, guided cycling tours, and treks.
Also read: 5 best Indian train journeys to enjoy when it's raining
Chikmagalur, Karnataka
The hill station of Chikmagalur is known for its unspoiled greenery, and tea and coffee plantations. Chikmagalur is approximately 4.5-hours' drive from Bangalore.
Hiking enthusiasts visit Chikmagalur for its excellent trails around the Baba Budangiri and Mullayanagiri mountains. To relax, travellers can go for a tea plantation tour or glamp under the stars.
Chikmagalur’s Sharadamba Temple, Coffee Museum, Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary, and Horanadu Temple are also worth checking out.
The town of Chikmagalur is home to a number of well-appointed boutique hotels and homestays, such as The Serai Chikmagalur and Arabidacool Bungalow by Amã Stays & Trails. Arabidacool Bungalow, a villa surrounded by coffee plantations and a dense forest, is home to abundant wildlife.
Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
Nestled in the foothills of the lower Himalayas, Jim Corbett National Park is the country's first officially recognised national park.
About a 5-hour drive from New Delhi, this wildlife reserve boasts surreal landscapes, including majestic hills, riverine belts, tall grasslands, and a lake.
At Jim Corbett, in addition to a good population of Royal Bengal tigers, visitors can spot wild elephants, leopards, jungle cats, sloth bears, jackals, Himalayan tahr, chital, and barking deer on their safari drives.
For a stay in Jim Corbett National Park, check out Taj Corbett Resort and Spa, Jim's Jungle Retreat, and Friendship Lane by Saffronstays.
Friendship Lane by Saffronstays in Bajkhet, Uttarakhand, has seven cottages that offer panoramic vistas of the Himalayas and valleys.
The Taj Corbett Resort and Spa features 61 elegant guest rooms in a cluster of cottages across a 10-acre property. At Taj Corbett, try the Kumaoni thali at the riverside multi-cuisine restaurant—Treetop.
Alibaug, Maharashtra
Alibaug is popular for its serene beaches, historical forts, and relaxed atmosphere.
This beach town is home to a number of breathtaking beaches, each with its distinctive charm. Some of the most frequented beaches include Alibaug Beach, Nagaon Beach, Varsoli Beach, and Awas Beach.
Alibaug also has several forts that offer unobstructed views of the Arabian Sea. Kolaba Fort, Korlai Fort, and Janjira Fort are some of the must-see forts.
For a stay in Alibaug, check out Hacienda By The Sea by Saffronstays, Villa Beira Mar by Lohono Stays, or Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug. These properties are close to the beach.
Warangal, Telangana
About a 3-hour drive from Hyderabad is the vibrant city of Warangal, steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty.
Warangal was once the capital of the Kakatiya dynasty, which ruled from the 12th to 14th centuries. Presently, it is a tourist destination as it is home to a plethora of historical monuments, temples, and forts.
In Warangal, the Thousand Pillar Temple, Bhadrakali Temple, Ramappa Temple, Warangal Fort, and the pristine Laknavaram Lake are must-visits.
Additionally, don’t miss shopping in Warangal. The city is known for its exquisite handicrafts, including beautiful handloom weaves and striking black granite sculptures.
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