It is less than a week left for the much awaited long weekend and you still do not have a travel plan? Do not worry as we bring you quick getaways that you can plan really last minute and still enjoy for long weekend. You can choose from a long list of beaches, hills and unexplored getaways close to your city. So get up and get going!
Unexplored destinations near Bangalore
Yercaud
Known as “Poor Man’s Ooty” this is the go-to destination for budget travellers. The beauty of this pristine hill station is visible as you ride to Yercaud. The road leading to Yercaud has many hairpin bends and is dotted with several viewpoints all around, offering great views of the vicinity. It is a more laid back town compared to popular destinations such as Ooty and Kodaikanal.
Tourist Attractions: Pagoda Point, Lady’s Seat View Point, Yercaud lake, Kiliyur falls and Shevaroy hills.
Where to Stay: Grand Estnacia, Hotel Cenneys Getaway, Golden Nest Resort
Nearest Railhead: Salem
Devikulam
Devikulam or “Pond of the Goddess” is an idyllic hill station in the Idukki district of Kerala which is often overshadowed by the more popular Munnar. Blessed with emerald backwaters and golden beaches, this quiet and serene hill station can be your ideal weekend destination. The lush forests, waterfalls and large blue lakes with plantations make Devikulam a nature lover’s paradise.
Tourist Attractions: Devikulam lake, Thoovanam lake, Pallivasal waterfalls and Chinnar wildlife Sanctuary.
Where to Stay: Hotel Green Dreams, Green Land Residency, The Woods Manor
Nearest Railhead: Ernakulam
Unexplored destinations near Ahmedabad
Saputara Hills
If you are in search of a destination that is close by Ahmedabad and yet is far from cacophony and fast paced city life, then this idyllic hill station is your ideal getaway. Saputara Hills lie on the border between Gujarat and Maharastra. Inviting scenery and plenty of good tourist points would make your weekend trip to this hill station a tour to remember.
Tourist Attractions: Sunrise & Sunset Points, Saputara lake, Rose Garden, Pushpak ropeway and Vansda National Park
Where to Stay: Uday Hill Resort & Bar
Nearest Railhead: Waghai
Daman & Diu Beaches
It is said monsoons are best spent on the beaches. Rains can transform the beauty of a beach, and the beaches of Daman & Diu are heavenly all through the year. Only a short distance away from Gujarat’s mainland, the Union Territory of Daman & Diu are largely unexplored and have a potential to make your weekend trip with sea food and watersports options.
Tourist Attractions: Devka Beach, Jampore Beach, Nagoa Beach, Ghoghla Beach and Diu Fort
Where to Stay in Daman: Hotel Lotus Residency, Hotel Ocean Panorama, Hotel Diamond
Where to Stay in Diu: Hotel Relax Inn, Hotel Panchmurti
Nearest Railhead: Veraval
Unexplored destinations near Hyderabad
Hampi Relics
Hampi bears a testimony to once a rich and wealthy land. Igneous rock formations dominate its landscape. The ruins that are spread across Hampi have got this little town into the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. Beautiful rock-cut temples can be found at intermittent intervals in this beautiful town. The beauty and heritage of Hampi is larger than life and the tourists have plenty of things to view and feel mesmerized.
Tourist Attractions: Vithala Temple, Gejjala Mantapa, Virupaksha Temple, Lotus Mahal and Hazara Rama Temple.
Where to Stay: Vijayshree Resort & Heritage Village, Hotel Rock Regency, Hotel Malligi, Hotel Hampi International
Nearest Railhead: Hospet
Shettihalli Church
One of the unique churches of India, this submerged church in Hassan remains under the water for most of the year with only a portion visible to the onlookers. The best time to visit this church is during the monsoons, when the green surroundings of the area coupled with the unique view of this unique church make the whole scene very picturesque.
Tourist Attractions: Shettihalli Church, Belur, Halebid and Shravanabelagola
Where to Stay: JP Cordial, Sai Vishram Business Hotel, Pai Viceroy Jayanagar
Nearest Railhead: Yesvantpur
Unexplored destinations near Guwahati
Sibsagar
It is an unexplored beautiful destination in Assam. Sibsagar was once the seat of the Ahom kings and architectural marvels of their 300 year rule are spread across the city. While in Sibsagar you can visit the only Coliseum in India as well as a unique stone bridge. The natural beauty of this city is also spellbinding.
Tourist Attractions: Shiv Dhole, Ranghar, Sibsagar Tank, Kareng Ghar, Talatal Ghar, Namdang Stone Bridge and Charaideo Parbat.
Where to Stay: Hotel Villa & Restaurant, Tourist Lodge, Hotel Picocolo
Nearest Railhead: Simalguri
Shillong
Shillong is a mesmerizing blend of beauty and nature’s bliss. The cliffs and gorges are deep, cotton clouds pass in front of you, the waterfalls amaze you, the greenery is pleasing and the culture enriches your soul. One of the best hill stations to visit this time of the year, Shillong can be a destination for this long weekend.
Tourist Attractions: Umium Lake, Root Bridge, Mawlynnong village, Garo Hills, Mawphlang forest and Lew duh Market.
Where to Stay: Hotel Broadway, The Zara Residency, Monsoon, Meghalaya Housing Co-operative Guest House
Nearest Railhead: Guwahati
So, bring out the explorer in you and travel to some of these fabulous destinations to make this Independence Day really memorable.
ALSO READ: Independence Day Weekend getaways Part-I
