Travel lovers, isn’t there something magical about the very thought of escaping the humdrum of everyday life and setting foot on uncharted territories? The allure of wanderlust, like the magnetic pull of the North Star, urges us to explore every corner of this beautiful country.
As Shah Rukh Khan once famously sang, “Safar ka hi tha main, safar ka raha…” Aren’t we all? It’s not just about the destination; it’s the journey that adds zest to life, the stories shared with strangers, the laughter echoing in a car full of friends, and the beautiful memories that unfold with every mile traveled.
We’ve scoured the heart of India and handpicked the best weekend getaways from the most vibrant cities. From the majestic mountains of the north to the sun-kissed beaches of the south and the cultural treasures scattered across the east and west, we promise you a concoction of experiences that’ll leave you yearning for more.
So, it’s almost time to pack your bags and hit the road!
List of Top Weekend Getaways
Discover the hidden gems and timeless treasures that lie just a short journey away from these popular Indian cities, and let your heart be captivated by the magic that awaits you
1. Mumbai
If you are a Mumbaikar and are fed up with your fast-moving lives surrounded by the fast-moving local trains, then what else can be more refreshing than a short holiday? Mumbai is blessed with so many weekend getaways that it sometimes gets hard to finalize one. However, Lavasa is one such perfect place near Mumbai to get away from the city’s hustle-bustle.
Lavasa
The privately built city of Lavasa, around 187 km from Mumbai, is designed stylistically based on the Italian town Portofino. Constructed on the shore of Warasgaon Lake, the city is famous for its picturesque spots and water sports. Maharashtra’s unique town is also a major attraction for romantic stays due to its pleasant weather and charming beauty.
Wondering where to stay in Lavasa? We have got you covered! The town has many stunning hotels and resorts, such as Fortune Select Dasve, Lakeview Resort, Ekaant- The Retreat, and many more. You can get the best deals on these hotels and have an affordable stay. Our saving tips on MakeMyTrip can help you further save on your hotel bookings.
Places to visit:
- Lakeside Promenade
- Bamboosa
- Temghar Dam
- Dasve Viewpoint
Other famous weekend getaways near Mumbai are Goa, Lonavala, Khandala, Mahabaleswar, Panchgani, and Matheran.
2. Delhi
The best part of living in Delhi is your weekends will always be sorted. The city has umpteen weekend getaways to escape from its pollution and gush. And Uttarakhand’s Mussoorie is a perfect hill station near Delhi to chill over the weekend.
Mussoorie
Located nearly 287 km away from Delhi, Mussoorie lures hundreds of tourists every month. All thanks to its less populated and less polluted environment and astonishing valleys. The city is the best weekend getaway for you if you love to admire nature and cherish the peaceful atmosphere. Besides the calm and beauty, Mussoorie also offers plenty of adventure sports and other activities.
Places to visit:
- Mussoorie lake
- Gun hill
- Mall road
- Kempty falls
Agra, Kasauli, Nainital, Shimla, Bhimtal, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Ranikhet, Jim Corbett, and Mandawa are other liked destinations near Delhi.
3. Hyderabad
Hyderabadis love traveling as much as they love biryani! And, if you are a travel-loving Hyderabadi looking for weekend getaway, Hampi can be your best bet!
Hampi
Hampi is one of the most awe-inspiring and spectacular places near Hyderabad. And, if you appreciate architecture and historical monuments, Hampi has it all. Nearly 377 km from Nizams’ city, Hampi has many famous temples and ancient buildings in its store. Not only this, but the city also offers many adventure sports like rock climbing and bouldering.
Places to visit:
- Vithala temple
- Virupaksha temple
- Lotus palace
- Hippie island
Warangal, Nagarjunasagar, Ananthagiri hills, Bidar, Dandeli, Mahbubnagar, Karimnagar, Gulbarga, Srisailam, and Visakhapatnam, are other enjoyable getaways from Hyderabad.
4. Bengaluru
If you are from Bengaluru, you must surely be exhausted from the city’s traffic and chaos. Planning a weekend to get out of the hullabaloo of the city? Nothing can beat the fresh air of Chikmagalur.
Chikmagalur
Chikmagalur, around 243 km away from Bengaluru, is an ideal weekend destination because of its vast coffee plantations and stunning valleys. The town also has many nature parks and adventure sports sites. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kudremukh National Park, is an extremely famous tourist spot in the region. The scenic splendor of the place attracts plenty of people, making them feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
Places to visit:
- Mullayanagiri
- Rafting in the Bhadra river
- Baba Budangiri
- Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary
- Jhari waterfalls
Other weekend destinations from Bengaluru are Lepakshi, Ooty, Mysore, Wayanad, Nandi Hills, Bheemeshwari, Yercaud, and Shivanasamudra Falls.
5. Kolkata
Kolkata, like any other tier 1 city of India, runs 24*7 for its people. For tourists and locals, the city has many weekend destinations nearby, among which Sunderbans is the most prominent one.
Sundarbans
Want to try something different than the cliched weekend getaways like beaches and hills? Then Sundarbans is for you! Sunderbans, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, located around 109 km from Kolkata, is no undoubtedly a unique weekend destination because of its rich wildlife and pleasing ambiance. You might also catch a glimpse of the Royal Bengal Tiger and other animals. So, if you are a wildlife fanatic, don’t think much and go for it!
Things to do:
- Sajnekhali bird sanctuary
- Night safari in Sundarbans
- Boat stay along the Batla river
Other marvelous getaways from Kolkata include Ravangla, Bakkhali, Shantiniketan, Kalimpong, Chalsa, and Tajpur.
6. Chennai
Chennai, one of the most beautiful cities in Southern India, is also inhabited by many stunning weekend getaways around it. The first place that comes to our mind while thinking about the most peaceful weekend getaways near Chennai is Pondicherry, and it is totally worth it!
Pondicherry
Love gazing at the pristine blue waters alongside shimmery golden sand? Then, Pondicherry gives you that. The small town surrounding beaches is merely a 3-hour drive from Chennai and is visited by tourists and locals alike. A person living in and around Chennai cannot miss escaping Pondicherry because of its delightful environment and virgin beaches. One can also indulge in many adventures and water sports in the city, making your holiday full of fun.
Places to visit:
- Auroville
- Seaside Promenade
- Paradise beach
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Mahabalipuram, Pulicat, Kanchipuram, Nagalapuram, Yelagiri, Vellore, Therangambadi, and Horsley Hills are a few more fantastic getaways from Chennai.
7. Jaipur
Keeping its historical attractions aside, Jaipur is also blessed with many lovely weekend getaways. But if you are looking for an unconventional destination to enjoy your holiday, then Bhangarh it is!
Bhangarh
Darr Sabko Lagta Hai, Gala Sabka Sukhta Hai. And, if you think you are not scared of ghosts and haunted locations, then how about visiting India’s most haunted place, this weekend? Located just 85 km from Jaipur, Bhangarh is the most haunted yet the most terrific fort. It is infamous for its history, and its gate closes post-sunset. The fort, however, is known for its architectural beauty and gives you fresh air to relax.
Places to visit:
- Siliserh lake palace
- Sarika palace
- Ranthambore
Jaipur has many other thrilling getaways like Ajmer, Pushkar, Mathura, Agra. Kota, Gwalior, Jodhpur and Bikaner.
8. Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is a fun-loving city with fun-loving people. Living in Ahmedabad and looking for the best weekend destination? What else can be more soothing and charismatic than Kutch?
Kutch
Imagine walking on the wide-spread white salt desert with a sparkling sunset view and magical air in your hair. Kutch can give you all these experiences! One can always let go of his stress and enjoy the picturesque landscapes in the vast area of Kutch. The Rann festival is hosted every year in winter, making it the best season to visit the region. It also offers exciting activities like camel safari, camping in tents and many more.
Places to visit:
- Topansar lake
- Black Hill
- Kandla port
- Mandvi beach
- Kutch museum
Saputara, Lothal, Udaipur, Mount Abu, Diu, Chittorgarh, Rajkot, Vadodara and Silvasa, and other fun-filled places near Ahmedabad.
9. Guwahati
Guwahati itself is an outstanding holiday destination for people across the country. It sets an example of how urban cities should look – a mix of a modern outlook and nature’s touch. And, if you are planning a trip outside Guwahati, Cherrapunjee is a must-visit.
Cherrapunjee
Situated 150 km from Guwahati, Cherrapunjee is India’s second-wettest boasting incredible views. Full of lakes, dense forests, hills, and waterfalls, Cherrapunjee is very close to nature and a paradise on earth. The region will also allow you to adore the exotic culture of Meghalaya. By looking at the enormous hills and other spellbinding attractions, one can easily get lost in the beauty of nature here
Places to visit:
- Nohkalikai waterfalls
- Mawsynram village
- Double-decker living root bridges
- Wakaba falls
Other popular weekend getaways from Guwahati are east and west Garo Hills, Tezpur, Jaintia Hills, Haflong, and Shillong.
10. Kochi
Kerala, undoubtedly created by God, is rich in both culture and nature. And, if you stay in and around Kochi or plan to visit Kerala, then Thekkady should definitely be on your list.
Thekkady
For all the nature and wildlife lovers out there, Thekkady will make you feel like you have entered the heart of a thick forest. Mountains, boat rides, wildlife safari, and trekking are a few things to do in the town. It is also famous for its exotic Ayurvedic massages and spas. Thekkady’s popular boat ride in the Periyar Lake will take you through the heart of the Periyar wildlife sanctuary, where you can see animals bathing, playing, and resting.
Things to do:
- Sightseeing in Thekkady
- Border Hiking
- Jeep safari
- Elephant rides
Other major weekend getaways from Kochi are Kuttanad, Munnar, Vegamon, Gavi, Kovalam, Varkala, Thrissur, and Mararikulam.
And perhaps, the weekend is the only time to unwind our minds by traveling to wonderful places. Do let us know in the the comments if there are any other interesting places we have missed near your city.
11. Lucknow
Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, is often referred to as the “City of Nawabs.” It holds within its heart a harmonious blend of age-old traditions, architectural wonders, and a culinary legacy that will captivate your senses. One of the most delightful weekend getaways from Lucknow is Nainital.
Nainital
Nestled amidst the picturesque Kumaon hills, Nainital is a breathtaking paradise that captivates travelers with its tranquil lakes, lush greenery, and majestic mountains. The city’s centerpiece, Naini Lake, glistens like a precious gem, reflecting the surrounding beauty, and offers delightful boat rides that make for a memorable experience.
Things to do:
- Naini Lake Boat Ride
- Naina Devi Temple
- Naina Peak
- Tiffin Top
- Mall Road
The other enchanting places that you can explore near Lucknow are Varanasi, Agra, and Dudhwa National Park
12. Indore
The vibrant city of Indore is located in the heart of Madhya Pradesh, India. The city, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and mouthwatering cuisine, is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. And if you are looking for a nearby getaway for a relaxing weekend, you must visit Maheshwar.
Maheshwar
A short drive from Indore will lead you to the charming town of Maheshwar, situated on the banks of the mighty Narmada River. Maheshwar exudes a serene ambiance with its picturesque ghats, ancient forts, and quaint streets. It’s a haven for history enthusiasts and a paradise for those seeking tranquility amidst nature.
Things to do:
- Narmada Ghat
- Ahilya (Holkar) Fort
- Boat Ride on Narmada
- Handloom Shopping
A few other places near Indore that might tickle your travel bone are Mandu, Ujjain, Omkareshwar, and Patalpani Waterfalls.
FAQs
1. How far in advance should I plan my weekend getaway from an Indian city?
While some destinations can be planned on short notice, it’s generally recommended to start planning at least 2-3 weeks in advance. This allows you to secure accommodation, transportation, and any necessary permits, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free escape.
2. Are weekend getaways suitable for solo travelers or best experienced with a group?
Weekend getaways cater to all types of travelers. Whether you wish to embark on a solo journey of self-discovery or bond with friends and family, there’s a perfect destination for everyone. Traveling solo allows you to set your own pace, while group trips offer camaraderie and shared memories.
3. How can I make the most of a short weekend trip and cover the highlights of the destination?
To maximize your weekend getaway, plan a flexible itinerary that focuses on the must-visit attractions and experiences. Prioritize activities that align with your interests and allow some time for spontaneity. Opt for guided tours to efficiently explore the best aspects of the destination within a limited timeframe.
4. What types of activities can I expect during a weekend getaway?
Weekend getaways from Indian cities offer a wide range of activities to suit different preferences. You can indulge in adventure sports like trekking, river rafting, and paragliding in hill stations and hilly regions. For a more relaxed experience, you can explore historical sites, visit temples and museums, enjoy nature walks, and savor local cuisines.
5. How can I plan a budget-friendly weekend getaway?
Weekend getaways can be tailored to fit various budgets. You can opt for affordable accommodations, utilize public transportation, and explore nearby destinations to save on travel expenses. Additionally, booking in advance and availing discounts on activities, attractions, and stays can further make your getaway cost-effective.
Get Up. Pack. Explore!
These are just a few of the countless weekend getaways that Indian cities have to offer. Whether you seek adventure, nature, culture, or history, India’s diverse landscapes promise unforgettable experiences for every traveler. So pack your bags and get ready to indulge in delightful escapades!
