2018 has already begun and its coming with 15 (or more depending on how nice your work calendar is) long weekends. If you take it upon yourself to cover at least one destination every long weekend, you will have visited 15 (or more) new places by the end of the year. This also means an enviable Instagram feed, fresh photo albums on Facebook, and lots of stories for your grandchildren. In other words, start planning
The first long weekend starts 20th January and ends 22nd January, which means three long days of wanderlust await you. Need help finding a place? Heres a list of quick and refreshing getaways from Delhi-NCR:
1. Rishikesh
There are meditation and yoga centres at every bend of the street Okay, thats an exaggeration, but you know what we mean. Choose Rishikesh for an escape from horn-honking, choking, and the mad rush that city life brings. Choose Rishikesh to feel your breath and get healed. Choose Rishikesh to reclaim yourself. The Beatles were there, after all
When in Rishikesh, stop at streetside shops offering chunky jewellery, eat at a dhaba offering the highway menu or some local delicacies, stay at a yoga centre for a day, or go rafting. Or just book your stay at a nice resort, unwind, and do nothing.
Located at a drive of just 6 hours from Delhi, Rishikesh can be reached in the morning if you leave on Friday night.
V Recommended Stay
While you explore the popular Laxman and Ram Jhula, head a little out of the city and try river rafting at Shivpuri. V Resorts Green Ganga Camp Rishikesh offers the camping and rafting experience for just INR 1,700.
2. Mussoorie
This beautiful hill station is renowned for its colonial heritage and religious sites. At Kempty Falls, have that delicious pahado vali Maggi and chai. Plus, the falls provide a great background for all your pictures. But if you want to up your photography game, visit the Lal Tibba viewpoint for a panoramic view of the valleys and lush green fields all around you.
V Recommended Stay
Stay at V Resorts Albert Lodge Mussoorie for a laid-back weekend with no frills. Also, proximity of the resort to tourist attractions like Kempty Falls makes it an ideal place to spend your weekend away from Delhi.
3. Mandawa
Known as the Open Art Gallery of India, Mandawa has massive forts and gorgeous havelis dotting the city. A history buff and heritage-lover is sure to have a good time in this quaint town of Rajasthan. Located at a drive of around 6 hours from Delhi, Mandawa has interesting miniscule villages called dhaanis on its outskirts. Three days is ample time to explore these dhaanis, relish local food, and visit these havelis including the Murmuria Haveli and Jhunjhunwala Haveli.
V Recommended Stay
A stay at V Resorts Paawana Haveli Mandawa will complete your trip to this town in Rajasthan. A restored haveli with courtyard and chaupal-style seating, all done in Rajasthani decor, give you a truly royal experience. Shopping in Rajasthan is always a good idea and our guide to Mandawa shopping will come in handy.
4. Nainital
The tried-and-tested hill station of Uttarakhand is never a bad idea for a quick getaway from the chaos of the city. If you leave on Friday night from Delhi, you will arrive at this scenic hill station by the morning, giving you 3 complete days to explore the various attractions. Start from the breathtakingly beautiful Nainital Lake. Go boating in the lake or explore the market adjacent to it on foot. The Pahari Store in the Nainital market has beautiful assortment of candles, jewellery and other things exclusive to the hills. There are several eating joints in the market but an honourary mention goes to Sonam Fast Food, a small stall in the market. Their spicy momos are lip-smackingly good.
V Recommended Stay
V Resorts Oaktel, just 9 kms from the main city, is the place you should stay at if you want stunning views and the promise of solitude on your weekend getaway. Do explore the temple behind the resort and talk to the locals while you soak in the views of the valleys and forests.
5. Sattal
Visit Sattal to slow down and observe finer details of life. Located 5 hours away from Nainital and 7 hours away from Delhi, this little-known hill station is for those looking for an offbeat location in the hills of north India. When in Sattal, read a book, talk to your loved ones, or just spend some time with yourself sitting by the Sattal Lake.
Bird-lovers, you could be in for a treat. Look out for Barbets, Himalayan Kingfishers, Babblers, Dollar Bird and others. Adventure-lovers, you wont be likely to be disappointed either. Go kayaking in the picturesque Sattal Lake or try angling, an activity where you put the fishes back into the water. Photography-lovers, you have got the clue. Right?
V Recommended Stay
Stay at V Resorts Sattal for the spectacular views of mountains and lakes. Spend your time reading your favourite book in one of the nine luxury cottages or head out to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Sattal Lake.
6. Bhimtal
There is an island located in the middle of the Bhimtal lake Perhaps the best thing about Bhimtal is that it neither disappoints thrill-seekers, nor those wanting to take a break from the the city noise.
Located 7 hours away from Delhi, at an altitude of around 1,370 metres above the sea level, Bhimtal is known for its unmatched aesthetic beauty. While the Bhimtal Lake is one of the top tourist destinations of Uttarakhand, there are umpteen number of quiet corners and bylanes waiting to be explored. Adventure-lovers, look out for water sport opportunities including zorbing, river crossing, kayaking. Paragliding is on offer, too. Amateurs need not worry. There are professional trainers and guides to help you.
V Recommended Stay
Treat yourself with therapeutic massages and some quiet time with your loved ones or yourself at V Resorts The Satvik Bhimtal. The resort has huge balconies offering beautiful views of the mountain ranges. There are no televisions in the resort giving you a perfect digital detox and helping you get closer to the nature.
7. Corbett National Park
Listening to leopard-encounter tales, spotting wild elephants, or even a tiger over the long weekend isnt a bad idea either. Corbett National Park is only 7 hours away from Delhi and is a favourite among those living in and around the Capital.
Sign up for a wildlife jeep safari, go on long nature treks, or just stay at the resort feeling the wilderness around. Pro-tip: Stay at a resort near the jungle and you might even end up spotting a deer or another jungle-dweller in the midnight.
V Recommended Stay
While visiting the park, stay at V Resorts Corbett Farmyard located close to the park’s Sitabani Gate. If it helps, the legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett himself stayed in the same area. His cottage is hardly 50 metres away. Talking of the resort, it has four cottages. Dine in its scenic outdoor seating areas, go on nature trails situated right next door, enjoy beautiful sunsets.
A wasted long weekend stings more than a wasted Sunday so make sure you head out and explore these places.
