The long weekend is here and you are still trying to figure out where to go? Why fret when there are so many quick getaways near your city! The Independence Day holiday is here, along with two more off days in tow – all perfect for a quick holiday. So read the article below, pick any one of the destinations and pack your bags. We tell you how to go, where to stay and what to see. Happy holiday folk!
Unexplored Destinations near Delhi
Sangla Valley
Unexplored gem of Himachal Pradesh, this picturesque valley is situated in the Kinnaur district. To reach this hidden beauty one has to set up base at Shimla. Buses and private cabs are easily available from Shimla, which will take you straight to the beautiful valley which is dotted with quaint villages, orchards, dense trees and snow-capped mountain.
Tourist attractions: Kamru Fort, Sangla Kanda, Baspa River, Rakcham, Chitkul and Brelengi Gompa (Monastery)
Where to Stay: Sangla Resort, Baspa Guest House, Hotel Rupin River View
Nearest Railhead: Shimla
Valley of Flowers
If you want to experience the grand beauty of monsoon there is no better place to visit than the Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand. Bordered by Nepal and Tibet, this destination comes alive with all its glory during the monsoons. The valley exhibits over 300 species of flowers (out of which many are endangered) and medicinal plants. The valley is strewn with myriad patches of colours due to the variety of flowers that bloom here.
Tourist Attractions: Nanda Devi National Park, Hemkund Sahib, Himalayan trek and local sightseeing
Where to Stay: Malari Inn, Hotel Le Central, Hotel Landmark, Hotel Himalaya, Classic Residency
Nearest Railhead: Haridwar
Unexplored Destinations near Kolkata
Deul
If you want to beat the rush and immerse yourself in Bengal’s glorious history, scenic beauty and rustic charm then this small town situated on the banks of Ajay River, near Bolpur is the perfect getaway for you. When Kolkata’s cityscape is shunning the old for new developments, Deul takes you back through the ages and confronts you with a piece of age-old Bengal. Here culture, traditions and history is best preserved. From the 300-year-old temple to nature walks through unexplored forests, Dell will amaze you always.
Tourist Attractions: Terracotta temples, poet Jaydev’s house, Ajay riverbanks and Garh forests
Where to Stay: Hotel Bubahut, Shila International, Hotel Avenue Club
Nearest Railhead: Bolpur-Shantiniketan
CHECK TRAINS TO BOLPUR-SHANTINIKETAN
North Bengal
Travelling to the hills during the monsoons is blissful. Visit the hills of North Bengal during full monsoon, you can’t help but fall in love with the region all over again! Truly, you have not seen the true North Bengal, unless you visit her in monsoon. Roads that lead to the hills are not only filled with beautiful trees, but snow clouds will often greet you personally. Small villages, such as Samsing and Suntaleykhola, with their beauty will bring out the nature lover in you.
Tourist Attractions: Samsing, Suntaleykhola, Gajoldoba, Coronation Bridge and Dudhia.
Where to Stay: Blue Star Resort, Jaldapara Jungle Camp, Rangamati Nature Resort, Jaldhaka Riverview Resort
Nearest Railhead: New Jalpaiguri
CHECK TRAINS TO NEW JALPAIGURI
Unexplored Destinations near Mumbai
Khapoli
Located about 80 km south of Mumbai, Khopoli is an ideal monsoon weekend destination. Situated at the base of the Sahyadri Mountains, Khapoli is blessed with natural beauty. Lakes, waterfalls, scenic landscape and architecturally wondrous temples – this small city has it all.
Tourist Attractions: Zenith Falls, Kalote Lake, Ashtavinayak Temples and Imagica
Where to Stay: Sai Moreshwar Resort, Hotel Mount View, Heritage Lonavala
Nearest Railhead: Lonavala
Kamshet
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Kamshet is a hill station with a countryside feel. The rich flora, peaceful lakes, and rolling hills make it a perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate yourself. Kamshet is also among the top 10 adventurous places of India.
Tourist Attractions: Vadivali Lake, Dhak Bahiri Fort,Rajmachi, Duke’s Nose and Manikgad.
Where to Stay: Sai Moreshwar Resort, Hotel Mount View, Retreat Heritage Lonavala
Nearest Railhead: Lonavala
Unexplored Destinations near Chennai
Tranquebar
This small coastal Tamil town, with a Dutch name, is known for its heritage buildings, architecture, and association with history. The beach alongside the village is also quite unexplored. The village is often lovingly called “village of dancing waves”. A visit to Tranquebar will bring in front of you a picture of Dutch colonial rule.
Tourist Attractions: Fort Dansborg, The New Jerusalem Church, Danish Museum, Masilamani Nathar Koil, Zion Church, Karaikal and Thirukkadaiyur
Where to Stay: Thanga Inbavalli Residency, Mangala Heritage Home, Hotel Kanakabhishegam, Hotel City Towers
Nearest Railhead: Mayiladuthrai
Munnar
Perched in the south–west of Kerala’s Idukki district, Munnar is a quaint little hill station. Situated in the Western Ghats mountain range at the confluence of three rivers (Mudhirapuzha, Nallathanni, and the Kundali), the monsoons at Munnar are remarkable. The town is blessed with many remarkable waterfalls apart from lakes, lush environs, and forests that offer some spectacular flora.
Tourist Attractions: Attukal Waterfalls, Mattupetty Lake, Eravikulam National Park, Valara Waterfalls, Lakkam Waterfalls, Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary and Marayoor.
Where to Stay: Hotel Hillfort, Je’s Homestay, Rhythms Of My Mind, Padmalayam Homestay, Neelakurinji Plantation
Nearest Railhead: Aluva
There is a heavy rush expected on the Independence Day weekend, with a probability for train ticket crisis. So, if train tickets are not available do not dampen your spirits, you can Book a bus through the RailYatri app.