5 Destinations You Need To Check Out If You Haven’t Made Plans For The Long Weekend Yet

Workplaces in India are in celebration mood this week. With two holidays (Eid and Independence Day) in August, there is scope to plan two weekend getaways (or a week-long vacay). If you are, too, thinking about getting away for a few days to relax with your friends or family, it’s still not too late to plan a quick trip. Your last-minute plans can still come true, we’ve made sure of that. So, just keep a tab open on your laptop to check flight tickets and scroll through this article. We’ve picked out five destinations you can travel to without any hassle and spend a few days blissfully.

Changing into a bikini, hiking into the wild or spending a few blurry nights inebriated with your girls, this list has a place for every kind of traveller.

Pretty sure you’ll be looking at flight tickets as soon as you’re done reading this piece.

Thimphu, Bhutan

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The capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, is a great option for a long weekend getaway as there is no visa requirement for Indian citizens. Spend time in the lap of nature and get pampered in one of the happiest countries in the world. For a five-star stay, you can choose Taj Tashi or Le Meridien Thimphu, but there are many options for a budget stay as well, including Terma Linca Resort. So, explore this the kingdom’s spectacular monasteries, centuries-old street festivals and get lost in the Himalayan trails. Be sure to try delicacies like khuli, pancake made from buckwheat, kekti kewa, spiced baby potatoes and ja sha maroo, minced chicken at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant. 

How to get there: Flights from Delhi to Guwahati are Rs. 7,500 upwards; eleven-hour drive to Thimphu

Macao, China

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The Las Vegas of the East, Macao is the place to be at if you’re looking for a luxurious holiday. The twinkling lights of the city, and the opulence will leave you completely floored. And what’s the best part? There’s no visa for Indian passport holders here, so it’s actually just a flight away. You can stay at one of the many five-star properties like The Venetian, Macao, MGM, Macao or Grand Lisboa, Macao. Enjoy a glass of wine while looking at the skyline at Sky 21 and have a scrumptious meal at the Michelin-starred restaurants Wing Lei and Golden Peacock.

The temperature is ideal in Macao right now and the weather forecast says that it will be overcast all of next week. This will make walking around the city easier and because the properties are so beautiful you can even just laze by the pool on the days it’s raining. 

How to get there: Flights from Delhi to Hong Kong are Rs 26,500 upwards; a two-hour ferry from Hong Kong to Macao

Also Read: What To Do In Macao: A Woman Traveller’s Guide To The Las Vegas Of The East

Pondicherry, India

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Monsoon is in full swing in Pondicherry right now and the water is too choppy to go for a surf, but it’s a perfect weekend to visit the town if you’re a follower of Sri Aurobindo. It is the leader’s birthday on August 15 and the town of Auroville will be celebrating the big day with enthusiasm. Stay at the plush property of Le Pondy and lounge around in the gardens or you can also enjoy the French architecture at La Villa. The town has the cutest cafes, where you can gorge on pizzas and spaghetti along with a glass of fine red wine. Keep Villa Shanti, Coromandel Cafe and Cafe Des Arts on your food bucket list. 

How to get there: Flights from Delhi to Chennai are Rs 13,000 upwards

Three-hour drive from Chennai to Pondicherry

Also Read: These 16 Restaurants In Pondicherry Should Be On Your Food Bucket List!

Kathmandu, Nepal

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If you’re looking for a trip riddled with adventure, then Nepal is the place to be. You obviously won’t be able to do too many treks and hikes right now because of the torrential rains, but the capital city promises many other thrill-seeking activities. White water rafting in River Trishuli with your crew is an exhilarating experience because the rapids are extremely high. You can also keep a day for paragliding, ultra flying, zip lining, boating and kayaking on the days you have a clear sky. Because the rains would have cleared the sky and left the valleys lush green, the views will be magnificent. Pokhara is also one of the only places where you can go on a hot air balloon in the monsoons. So, sit back and marvel at the vastness of the Himalayas from a bird’s eye view. Stay at the luxurious Baber Mahal Vilas or The Dwarika’s Hotel for a royal treatment. Don’t miss out on a filling momo meal with a spicy dip at the Thamel market because mountains and momos go hand in hand.

How to get there: Flights from Delhi to Kathmandu are Rs 10,000 upwards

Darjeeling, India

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Grab a hot cup of tea or a piping hot chocolate from Keventer’s on the Darjeeling Mall Road and enjoy the pitter-patter of rain on the tin roofs. For an intimate getaway with your partner, stay at The Elgin, Darjeeling or Mayfair, Darjeeling to be transported to the good ol’ days of hill station vacations as children. Feast on the Tibetan food joint, Kunga, which serves incredible Maggi and cheese chicken momos. For dessert, the mint and liquor chocolates from Glenary’s are a must-try.

How to get there: Flights from Delhi to Bagdogra are Rs 7,000 upwards; one-and-a-half-hour drive to Darjeeling

So, book your tickets right now? Happy holidays!

Also Read: 39 Weekend Getaways Near Delhi That You Need To Visit!

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