Getaways from Major Indian Cities: Short Trips for Recharge and Exploration- No short messaging; no, it’s a change of pace, for in the fast-paced lives we always feel that we are running on empty. We get caught in that long commute, get stuck in the office deadlines or even the daily humdrum. That is when the magic of the weekend getaway comes into action. It is often said that a short journey whether an excursion by road, by train or by flight removes general fatigue and refreshes. For inhabitants of big cities in India such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai, there are only a few pretty places that one can go to, urgently needed to relieve the tedium of hassles of everyday life without leaving the city itself. So, if you really want to break but cannot indulge in full-time traveling then certainly you must want to read about this guide on weekend getaways from India’s busiest cities. So, let’s find out some of the best spots within just a short drive or train ride!
Weekend Getaways from Mumbai
As, in reality, Mumbai is the financial capital of India, never sleeping but overcrowded at times and traffic-clogged. Luck has it that there are plenty of serene and scenic spots just a couple of hours from Mumbai that save you from madness, at least for a couple of days.
- Lonavala and Khandala (About 2-3 hours by car)
Traditionally, Lonavala and Khandala are a rather easy affair for the weekends of Mumbaikars. The two hill stations located in the Western Ghats have always been highly reputed due to the veil of greens, waterfalls, and ‘pleasantly’ cool weather. Hike up to Bhushi Dam, explore the Karla Caves, or have a hot cup of chai at one of the local cafes- Lonavala can breathe life into your worn-out soul.
For: Scenic beauty and waterfalls; esp. in monsoon; trails for trekking and some quiet ambiance in and around the places, I suppose.****
- Alibaug (1.5 to 2 hours by car)
It is also an hour’s distance from Mumbai. This place has been gifted with clean and serene beaches like Nagaon, Alibaug Beach, and Kashid Beach. There, you can visit the historical Alibaug Fort and indulge in some seafood at one of the beachside shacks.
Why Visit: Tranquil beaches, water sports, seafood, proximity to Mumbai.
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3. Matheran (About 2-3 hours by road)
It is a perfect hill station, as Matheran contains no motorable road. The place would be dear to the nature lovers because it is very quiet and pollution-free. A ride by a toy train up to the top itself forms an experience. You can take panoramic views from several vantage points, which include Panorama Point and Echo Point while you are at the top.
Why Visit: Car-free location, several scenic viewpoints, easy strolling in nature.
- Nashik (Approx 3-4 hours by car)
City of Nashik is also referred as the “Wine Capital of India.” Sojourn is apt for all those short getaways along with visiting nearby wineries like Sula Vineyards, spending time at temples such as Trimbakeshwar or just beside Godavari River. Very good taste of relaxation and adventure.
Why Visit: Wine tour, temples, and serene views of lakes.
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Weekend Getaways from Delhi:
A city of history, politics, and streets and bylanes of markets. But there is a lot more to this capital city than meets the eye; take a step out and let the magnificent weekend getaways blow off the wind into your hair, full of culture, adventure, and peace galore.
- Agra (3-4 hours by car or train)
Come and spend your weekend here, if you like to do so, just about two hours away from Delhi. Except for this lovely monument, there are a number of other historical sites which could be seen around: Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri. You might have a wonderful weekend in Agra without much speaking, as one would know being a history or architectural delight bug.
Visit for: Taj Mahal, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Mughal period.
- Jaipur (Approx. 5 hour’s by road or by train)
Jaipur is the best place in Rajasthan if you would like to see something of royal glory. The city is marked by its forts, palaces, and busy bazaars. Naturally, you wouldn’t want to miss this opportunity to see Amber Fort or get drowned within the wondrous structure of Maharaja’s City Palace. You will have a good time going shopping for jewelry and textiles at the colorful bazaars.
They collect royalties, palaces, forts, and diversified culture.
It is an excellent destination for anybody who would like to look forward to some spiritual rejuvenation or adventurous sports. Rishikesh is famously known as the ‘City of Youth’ and ‘Yoga Capital of the World.’ Meditation and yoga retreats will take you to sacred temples and to the historic Lakshman Jhula. For all the adventure lovers as well, it is a dream destination, especially because of rapids rafting and trekking in nearby hills.
Why Go There: Spirituality, yoga, adventure sports, and experience of the riverside.
4. Neemrana (Approx. 2-3 hours by car)
Neemrana is home to the beautiful Neemrana Fort Palace, a heritage hotel built over the ruins of the 15th-century fort. It will be an awesome royal retreat as you visit the place, lounge around the pool, and feast on pictures of rural paradise all around.
Heritage stays, forts, and placid surroundings.
Weekend Getaways from Bengaluru:
Life in Bengaluru can get quite cacophonous with the tech-driven lifestyle. Still, it does get well punctuated by amazing places that would work perfectly for a weekend getaway.
- Coorg – 5-6 hours by car
Coorg now Kodagu-a haven for coffee lovers. Beautiful rolling plantations, misty mountains, and waterfalls make it an excellent weekend getaway. Visit Abbey Falls, trek into the coffee plantations or simply enjoy the innumerable homestays .
Go there for: Total package, including everything related to the coffee estate and scenic views accompanying a pretty view and fantastic weather.
- Chikmagalur (4-5 hours from Bangalore by road)
It’s another hill station that offers a quiet retreat. It would be fantastic driving past the coffee estates and rolling hills all around that place. That’s just the best place to de-stress oneself. One could get tremendous pictures from the viewpoint of Mullayanagiri Peak or simply visit some of the local coffee plantations.
Why Visit: Scenic beauty, trekking, coffee culture, and peaceful ambiance.
- Kabini (Approx. 4 hours by car)
It is a serene destination near Nagarhole National Park which carries out wildlife safaris to spot tigers, elephants etc. It houses luxury resorts that can be used to have a relaxing stay along with an excellent view of the lake.
Why To Go: The main attraction to visit this place is wildlife safaris, nature, and luxury resorts
4. Hampi (Approx. 6-7 hours by car)
Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds quite a bit of history within itself. Ancient ruins permeate the ancient city and seeth over with history. The temples and the forts, not to mention beautiful boulders and stones, can just give a sigh away. Hampi is an offbeat place that would appeal to people in love with history and culture and people who would love the offbeat landscapes.
Why Go: Ancient ruins, temples, peaceful vibes.
— Geography Bliss
Weekend Getaways from Chennai:,
Chennai is really getting hot and wild with rich cultural heritage and infectious urban life. And the good news is that this coastal city has some beautiful weekend escapes for a short trip.
- Pondicherry (Approx. 3-4 hours by car)
Pondicherry: French Riviera of the East, an excellent combination of the French colonial architectural style, beautification of beaches, and a spiritual retreat. One can laze around in the French Quarter, visit Auroville, or simply bask on the beach-the best part about Pondicherry is that it has something for everyone.
Why Visit: French influence, beaches, serene.
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Mahabalipuram, an agglomeration of ancient temples and caves of rock cut comprising some of the best known monuments, such as Shore Temple, Arjuna’s Penance, and Pancha Rathas. Along with ancient temples, it also has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great and serene abode by the beach.
Ancient temples, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and beach.
- Kanchipuram Approximately 2 hours by car
Known to the world as the “City of Thousand Temples,” Kanchipuram is a quiet little town that has rich history and spirituality. It is a full fast getaway for culture and history. The visitor has to visit the famous Kanchipuram temples, learn the art of silk weaving, and engulf the ancient history of this town.
Why Visit: Ancient temples, silk weaving, and cultural heritage.
4. Yercaud (Approx. 5-6 hours by car)
Well, visit Yercaud famously known as the “Poor Man’s Ooty”, with this little sweet hill station in Tamil Nadu is somewhat less crowded than other hill stations-it’s sprinkled with beautiful viewpoints, coffee plantations, and serene lakes-it is ideal for a quiet weekend getaway.
Reason to visit: Amazing views, coffee plantations, serene.
I should say, without an inkling of doubt, that major cities bustle with sizzling life and are happening places, yet just a few hours outside those cities is some of the serenest, most picture-perfect, and most culturally enhanced weekend getaways in this world. If you feel like champing at the bit and breaking free of those hills, take some time to get resolved on a beach or wander around in history-this list attempts to cover all of these travelers. The best part? Most of these are accessible by car or train within an hour.
