Weekend Getaways from Hyderabad

Bhongir : 40 Kms from Hyderabad. A perfect getaway for the history lovers, Bhongir welcomes tourists in large numbers to visit the ancient Bhongir fort. The Bhongir fort is located on top of a monolithic rock structure, which has a height of around five hundred feet. You can also visit the Hanuman Temple that is located on top of the hill and a temple dedicated to Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy which is located at a distance of thirteen kilometers from Bhongir.
Ramoji film city: Ramoji Film City (RFC) is one of the world’s largest integrated film studio complexes at over 2,000 acres of land. It is also a popular tourism and recreation center, containing both natural and artificial attractions including an amusement park. Every year, the studios attracts over a million tourists, and the complex creates revenues in billions of rupees. Film City boasts of comprehensive pre-production, production, and post-production resources for the film makers. Having no less than 500 set locations; the film city can accommodate shootings for twenty international films and forty Indian films at a time.

Snow World :Spread over 17,000 square feet and filled with over 200 tons of snow, Snow World will bring to life all your snow fantasies. Once inside, you can pick from snow fights, snow slides and snow cruising with Ice bumper cars or simply enjoy the all-time favorite, Merry-Go-Round. It also has Kart Kave, said to be India’s largest indoor go-karting center
Golkonda : 11 Kms from Hyderabad. Golconda Fort is one of the most wonderful monuments. One of the most important features of this fort is the excellent acoustics where the sounds of hands clapped at the entry gate can be heard quite clearly heard at 'Bala Hissar', the highest point, a kilometre away. Dont miss the light and sound show at Golkonda fort which brings life to the fort.

Salarjung musuem: The Salarjung Museum is the third largest museum in India housing the biggest one-man collections of antiques in the world. It is well known throughout India for its prized collections belonging to different civilizations dating back to the 1st century.

Ananthagiri hills and Deccan Trails: Ananthagiri hills near vikarabad is situated at a distance of 90km from Hyderabad. It is one of the favorite trekking destinations for the adventure seekers in Hyderabad.

Sangareddy : Sangareddy is mainly popular for the various temples that are located in the vicinity of the town. The famous being Ramalingeswara temple at a distance of 15 kms form Sangareddy at Nandi Kandi. This temple houses the local deity Rameshwara, and is especially well known for its unique architecture. The temple is one of the very few temples in India that is shaped like a star
Moulali hill lock: Moulali is situated at a distance of 10km from Secunderabad. After climbing the hill, you can have a beautiful view of Hyderabad. 

Warangal : 150 Kms from hyderabad. Warangal is a cluster of three towns Warangal, Kazipet and Hanamkonda. Warangal's important history, exquisite monuments, grand temples, superb gardens, beautiful lakes, and sanctuaries with rich fauna & flora attract tourists in large numbers. Warangal Fort, the 13th century star shaped Shiva temple, Bhadrakali temple and the thousand pillared temple. Wildlife Sanctuaries at Pakhal and Eturnagaram and Pakhal Lake are other tourist spots which are worth visiting.
Nagarjunakonda : Nagarjunakonda is an island in the middle of the Nagarjunasagar Lake, surrounded by the town of Nagarjunasagar. Its not only a heritage city of India but a pilgrim center for Buddhists. A massive dam, Ethipothala Waterfall, Srisailam wildlife reserve and a museum with rare antiques make a visit to Nagarjunakonda a real treat.

Nalgonda : 103 Kms from Hyderabad. A city bounded by two hills, Kapuralagutta and Lateef Shahi Gutta, Nalgonda is blessed with a glorious past. The history of Nalgonda dates to the Paleolithic Age. It is surrounded by many interesting places. Some of the major tourist attractions of Nalgonda are Nanda Konda, Museum of Central Archeological Department, Panagal, apart from Kapuralagutta and Lateef Shahi Gutta
Nizamabad : 172 Kms from Hyderabad. A very important city in the British era, Nizamabad has many tourist attractions. Nizam Sagar Dam is constructed on the river Manjira and the ancient reservoir of Ali Sagar, which was built during the tenure of the Nizam. The Nizamabad Fort of the 10th century is located on the south-western part of the town. This fort has some ancient artefacts related to Jainism. Kanteshwar is a nearby region of Nizamabad and is known for the ancient temple, which is said to be about 500 years old.

Srisailam : A unique combination of forest sanctuary and pilgrimage town can be seen in Srisailam. The River Krishna carves a deep gorge through the woods of the Nallamalai Hills, and leaves in its wake a lush forest that is home to India's largest tiger reserve. The reserve is huge - 3568 sq km - spread over five districts in Andhra Pradesh. 
Kurnool : Visit the ancient prison of Kurnool Fort by the name of Kondareddy Burz. Located on the banks of the River Handri is the 17th century tomb of Abdul Wahab and the ruins of the palace of the last Hindu ruler, Gopal Raju. Kurnool has many places of religious importance like the temples of Nagareswarasawami, Peta Anjaneyaswami, Venugoplaswami, Iswaraswami, Saibaba and Birla Mandir or Satyanarayaswami.  

Mantralayam : 256 Kms from Hyderabad. Mantralayam is situated near the border of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh along the banks of River Tungabhadra. One of the famous pilgrimage destination in South India, Mantralayam houses the Samadhi of Vaishnava saint Shri Raghavendra Swamy.Mantralayam is also popular for Manchalamma Temple and Venkateswara Swamy Temple. 
Mahbubnagar : It is said that the famous Golconda diamonds including famous "KOHINOOR" diamond came from Mahabubnagar district.The most important place of interest near Mahabubnagar is the famous banyan tree called Pillalamarri, which is about 8-km from the city. This famous 500 yr. old Banyan tree here, covers an area of over three acres and can accommodate about 1000 people in its shade. 

Kuntala Waterfalls : 240 kms from hyderabad. A perfect getaway in the monsoons. Kuntala Waterfall is the highest waterfall of Andhra Pradesh. River Kanda flowing through the dense forests; at this point comes gushing and falls from a height of 45metres.One has to experience the sight of water splashing down with such a force that water below turn into whirls.
Vemulawada : 150 Kms from Hyderabad. Sri Rajarajeswara Swamy temple and the Mosque inside the premises Vemulawada, is a fine example of communal harmony where both Hindus and Muslims offer obeisance to Lord Siva and Allah. The temple at Vemulawada is next only to Tirupati in terms of its revenues. It is one of the very few temples devoted to Lord Siva. Popularly known as Dakshana Kashi (Benaras of South India) the temple attracts lakhs of devotees from all over the country.

Dharmapuri : 183 Kms from Hyderabad. It is a small town, famous for the temple of Lord Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swami. The town is situated on the southern bank of River Godavari near the town of Karimnagar. Dharmapuri is considered to be one of the oldest villages of Andhra Pradesh famous for an ancient temple of Lord Vishnu where the Lord takes the form of Narasimha Swami. Though the place is not very popular the temples the artifacts, the epigraphs indicate that this tiny village has been a busy centre and had a lot of importance culturally and religiously from Vedic times

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai

You have a long weekend coming up and want to escape from the mundane routine life? Here is a small guide to show you the way. Picnic spots and quick getaways in and around Mumbai to beat the heat of the city. Read on...

Lonar: 14 Kms from Mumbai. The town is famous among both tourists and pilgrims alike, because of the presence of an ancient temple and the Lonar Crater which was formed due to the collision of a meteorite on the surface of the region around 52000 years ago.  
Panvel : 38 Kms from Mumbai. Locally called as the gateway to the Konkani region, Panvel is a old historical place and the earliest known settlement in the region was around 3000 years ago. Other important tourist destinations nearby are The Elephanta Caves, Haji Malang, Karnala and Karjat
Karnala : 50 Kms from Mumbai. Karnala is the best picnic spot for bird lovers. The Bird Sanctuary iis best after monsoons, when the forest is green and pristine. An easy trek to Karnala fort through thick forest is invigorating.
Dueshet : 58 Kms from Mumbai. Blessed with a vast coverage of dense forest, Durshet, in the lap of the majestic Sahyadris offers a pleasant and tranquil atmosphere. A perfect blend of calmness and beauty intertwined with the sparkling water of Amba river, Durshet paresents the nature at its best.

Vajreshwari : 70 Kms. Mumbai > Virar > Vajreshwar  Ganeshpuri is a natural hot spring. Just a Kilometre from Ganeshpuri is the famous temple at Vajreshwari.  The existence of 3 rivers Tejsa, Tansa and Surya in the vicinity adds to the tourism value of the place.
Matheran : 100 kms from Mumbai. It is a tiny hill station with clean and crisp air. Free from pollution as automobiles are banned within the hill station Lusting greenery, serene environments and unpolluted ambience Matheran is a fantastic tourist destination at a height of about 2516 feet above sea level .
Kamshet : 110 Kms fromMumbai. Kamshet is synonymous with Paragliding. Many operators offer joyrides and paragliding courses.
Jawahar 115Kms from Mumbai. A hill station popular for its scenic environment and Jai Vilas palace, the palace of Warlis and Bhopadgad Fort are the nearby attractions. Unspoiled and mostly unexplored waterfalls are the prominent tourist attractions in Jawahar. Dadar-Kopra falls and Palusa are the two scenic waterfalls placed perfectly amidst lush greeneries

Lonavla and Khandala : 120 Kms from Mumbai. Lonavala and Khandala are popular weekend getaways from Mumbai. During Monsoons, it comes alive with numerous waterfalls, mist and carpet of greenery. Try easy treks to Koregad and Lohagad. Do not forget to taste Chikkis
Malshej Ghat : 120 Kms from mumbai is magical during Monsoons - covered in mist with numerous waterfalls. Head to Pimpalgaon Joga dam during winters to catch thousands of pink Flamingos.
Kolad : 120 Kms from Mumbai.Kolad is popular for Kayaking and river rafting on Kundalika river.Kolad is famed for plenty of waterfalls, its rugged topography and Rocky Mountains. The trekking trails in Kolad offer medium challenges to adventurous trekkers and the trekking during the Monsoon has a special charm, making it a unique feature of Kolad
Lonavala and Khandala are popular weekend getaways from Mumbai. During Monsoons, it comes alive with numerous waterfalls, mist and carpet of greenery. Try easy treks to Koregad and Lohagad. Do not forget to taste Chikkis

Bordi : 140 kms. Popular weekend beach destination near Mumbai. The backdrop of Casurina trees and Chikoo orchards makes the beach beautiful.
Kashid :165 Kms from Mumbai. It is a small picture perfect beach with silver white sands.A fast emerging, wacky destination, Kashid’s spotless water, awfully clean beach makes it the most beautiful spot in the nearby areas. A drive through this coastal belt is the perfect way to catch the awesome rustic beauty of rural India.  Nearer to Kashid beach is the famous Janjira fort.
Bandhardhara: 165 Kms from Mumbai.Bandhardhara and surrounding areas gets magical during Monsoons. Try treks to Ratangad and Kalsubai mountains.
Elephanta Caves : Heritage Located in an island approx 11 Kms north-east of Mumbai. It has to be reached thru a ferry. Elephanta caves is a world heritage site

Kolari Fort :120 Kms. On Mumbai Murud Highway Picnic Spot Secluded beach and a Portuguese fort. Villagers at Korlai speak Creole, a language of Portuguese origin
Rajmachi : Located some 20 km away from Lonavala, Rajmachi is a scenic trek to the twin forts named Manaranjan and Shrivardhan. The proximity to Lonavala has added to the convenience of taking a day trip to Rajmachi. An ideal weekend getaway from Mumbai, Rajmachi is great for those looking for a slice of adventure and scenic beauty. 
Igatpuri : Located 2000 ft above sea level, on the Mumbai - Nashik route, Igatpuri surrounded by the highest peaks of the Sahyadri ranges is a heaven for adventure lovers as well as for those looking to rejuvenate and recharge their batteries. What make this place even more special is that Igatpuri is far cooler than the famous Lonavala–Khandala - all the more reason to head towards it for a weekend escape.
Raighad Fort: Nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range at an altitude of 2851 feet above the sea level is Raigad - the former capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Meaning the ‘the king’s fort’, Raigad is a mountainous terrain famed for its breathtaking natural beauty as evident from its canyons, deep gorges and lush vegetation. The beauty of the place is further enhanced by the crisscrossing rivers of Gandhar and Kal that rushes down through the beautiful valley.

Panchgani : 100 Kms from Pune , 258 from Mumbai.  Named after the five hills that surround it, Panchgani is a  paradises one would love to visit again and again. Located some 4400 ft in the Sahyadri ranges, the hill station has more to it than just the famous boarding and residential schools it has. With its quaint and charming colonial cottages, sleepy hamlets, towering hills, verdant valleys and gurgling rivulets, Panchgani no doubt makes for an excellent weekend holiday
Shirdi : Shirdi was the home of Sai Baba, the great saint of the 20th century. The whole village and every corner of it have some association with the great saint. His Samadhi is visited by thousands of tourists everyday. 
Mahuli Fort : Located at the convergence of beautiful rivers Krishna and Yenna, Mahuli, a tiny locale in the Thane district of Maharashtra is also called as Sangam Mahuli. This town is famous for the fabulous temples, ancient forts, and of course for its mountainous terrain. 
Sajan : Sajan is surrounded by dense forest from all the sides and has a liberal growth of Mango and Chikoo (Sapota) plantations. The plantation owners have mostly converted their beautiful areas into multi use Farm houses thus it’s a dream come true for all those nature lovers to actually reside in a tree house or just pitch up a tent and enjoy the vast greenery and winding river running along it. 

Kamshet : One of the favorite spot for paragliding activities, Kamshet is a renowned hill station located at a height of about 2200 feet above sea level. It is a picturesque tourist destination in the Western Ghats enclosing small villages with thatched traditional houses. 
Palghar : Though Palghar is an industrial city with all facets of growing cosmopolitan, it is still greenish with farms with palm trees, coconuts and rice cultivation. Blessed with many serene lakes, soft sandy beaches, historical forts, and unique temples like Ram Mandir, Palghar attracts many tourists to its lap.
Khodala : Khodala, a fascinating village with a quiet and calm ambiance, is located at an altitude of 1800 feet. This is a dense woody place in a hilly environment and is really an amazing picnic spot to roam in. A visit to Khodala offers a wonderful experience of adventurous sports like trekking, mountain biking, waterfall rappelling. The Amala wildlife sanctuary that houses an array of rare reptiles and other species of the animal kingdom is a fabulous place for a stopover.
Daman : Daman is a tiny little area sandwiched between the State of Maharashtra, Gujarat and the Arabian Sea.Daman prides itself on its rich and varied historical heritage covering more than 2 millenniums. tranquil seashores, heavenly beaches makes it a tourists hot spot.

Trimbakeshwar : Trimbakeshwar is famous for one of the twelve Jyothirlinga temples in India dedicated to Lord Shiva. The holy Jyothirlinga circuit will be complete with the visit to this sacred Shiva temple. The Linga in the temple is in the form of a three faced structure consisting Tridev, Brahma, Vishu and Shiva. 
Mahabaleshwar : A picturesque hilly resort nestled in the lap of majestic mountain ranges of Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar offers panoramic view of the plains with the imposing sloppy peaks and surrounding woods at an altitude of 1372 meters. This prettiest hill station is often referred as the queen of hill stations in Maharashtra. 
Bhimashnakar: 128 Kms from Pune and 270 km from Mumbai.It appeals to both the religiously inclined and the one in love with nature It is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India and hence a revered spot for the Hindus. Bhimashankar is a good place to take a break in the lap of nature. It is a paradise for nature lovers, trekkers, jungle lovers and bird watchers.

Weekend Getaways from Kolkata

Have you planned anything for this weekend? Do you want to make this weekend an exciting one? If you are staying in Kolkata, then check out these places nearby to make most out of this weekend....
1. Howrah : The sister city of Kolkata, Howrah city is an industrial center situated on the west bank of the Hoogly River.You can take a ferry ride on the river and take a day trip to the city of Kolkata. Old banyan tree in the Shibpur neighborhood of Howrah is said to have the greatest canopy in the world. Botanical Gardens established by the British in 1786 is worth the visit. Make a visit to the Santragachhi Jheel also.
2. Tarakeshwar: One of most popular pilgrimage centers of West Bengal, Tarakeshwar is a small town that attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. The town is famous for its 18th century Tarakeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tarakeshwar is located near Serampore near Kolkatta in Bengal. 

3. Baikkhali : one of India’s most secluded beaches, Bakkhali boasts of a beautiful casuarina trees that line white sand beachfront.Catch a fantastic sunset in Bakkhali it will be a special memory for ever.
4. Jiarambati : The picturesque village is surrounded by lush green trees and shrubs, mesmerizing landscapes and meadows and has fantastic rural atmosphere.It is the village in which Sri Ramkrishna, the great saint of India, spent his many years. Saradadevi, revered incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi and spiritual life partner of the sage Sri Ramakrishna Pramamhamsa, was born in 1853 AD in this small hamlet. It is said that after the birth of Saradadevi, known as Holy Mother, the land became very fertile and showed prosperity

5. Kamarpukur : A holy place, renowned as the birthplace of great saint Sri Ramakrishna is situated in the Hooghly District of West Benga. Kamarpukur is a scenic village and has a special place as a natural attraction apart from the importance as a religious destination. The natural beauty and the calmness of this place attract thousands of seclusion seeking tourists to this place. There are many serene ponds suitable for undertaking water sports activities and water tourism. 
6. Diamond Harbor: 50 Kms form Kolkata. Situated in the southern suburbs of Kolkata is a perfect place for an exciting weekend. You will be amazed to locate this charming destination within such a short reach from Kolkata. The site is located close to the deltaic region of the city. Formerly known as Hajipur, Diamond Harbour is actually located at a point where River Ganges takes a southward turn to converge with the sea. 

7. Digha: Digha located is 187 km south-west of Kolkata is West Bengal's most popular sea resort and tourist spot. The beach’s scenic beauty enhanced by picturesque sunrise and sunsets, swaying casuarinas plantations and crystal clear waters is simply alluring all the more reasons for the weary Kolkattans to head towards it for a much needed weekend break.
8. Bardhaman : It has got its name from the Jain leader Vardhaman Mahavir.There are many temples and sites of religious interest in Bardhaman that are of tourist value. You can visit Curzon Gate. This majestic structure was constructed in 1903 honoring Lord Curzon. Visit the Hawa Mahal and the tomb of Sher Afghan in Bardhaman, You can see many brick temples tha have terracotta designs in Ambika Kalna.

9. Routpara : 82 Kms from Kolkata. A visit to this less famed destination will guarantee you an extremely excitingly trip. It is located in the Arambagh subdivision of Hooghly district. This charming village of Routpara is a best example for the temple architecture of West Bengal. 
10. Massanjore: 270 Kms from Kolkata. A Weekend break from Kolkata to Massanjore takes people to one of the least explored areas in Jharkhand which is famous because of the Massanjore dam built on Mayurakshi River. A number of activities can be done during the visit to Massanjore dam and with an accommodation at Massanjore, people can have enough time to explore the sightseeing places in and around the city.

11. Dhuturdaha : 51 Kms from Kolkata. Dhuturdaha is a serene village with endless stretches of fishing lakes, vegetable gardens, ponds, palm trees, mango groves, local temples and different shades of village life. Relax de-stress yourself fishing and soaking your legs in the pond. Dhuturdaha is a perfect blend of ethnic charm with modern facilities
12. Taki : 80 Kms from Kolkata. Take out time in the weekend to visit the borders of India along the Ichamati river in the small town of Taki. enjoy the mid-river experience of meeting the countrymen of Bangladesh, on the Ichamati River.You can also visit the ruins of zamindar houses, Ramkrishna Missions, Kali Temple and 300 years old Jora Shib Mandir.

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13. Junput: 145 Kms from Kolkata. Junput is an ideal holiday location for those looking for enjoying their holiday in isolation. The rhythmic sound of the sea waves along with the gentle blowing breeze will take away all your exhaustion within few seconds.It is basically a small fishing village. There is no beach as such in Junput. 
14. Jhilli : 180 kms from Kolkata. Jhilli is located 10 kms on concrete and village road from Kharagpur via Gopiballavpur. Spend some fun time and enjoy your picnic around the water body at Jhilli. People in search for some real adventure, can stay here and explore. 

15. Chandannagar : 44 Kms from Kolkata. located in the Hooghly district of West Bengal was colonized by the French people, years ago. Chandannagar Strands on the bank of River Ganges is a hotspot for the locals and the visitors alike. Chandannagar is dotted with a number of tourist attractions, like churches, temples, museums and picnic spots. The place features lush vegetation and is admired with nicely paved pathway and bright lights. A number of buildings of immense historical significance are located here. The prime attraction of the Chandannagar Strand is the Vivekananda Mandir, which is a meditation centre.
16. Farakka Barage: 258 Kms form Kolkata. The Farakka Barrage Project was particularly designed for the maintenance and preservation of the Kolkata Port. It is the longest barrage across the globe featuring a length of around 2,240 metres and has lately been included into the Guinness book of World Records.

17. Bethuadahari : 150 Kms from kolkata. Take an adventure weekend at this great wildlife sanctuary and spend time amidst wild animals. This is a natural place where you will a huge array of animals on the mush green grounds. The entire place is covered with varieties of trees like Shal, Arjun, Teak and Hamjam. The wild animals inhabiting Bethua Dahari are salt water alligator (Gharial), tortoise, mongoose, rabbit and a huge range of snakes. So visiting Bethuadahari can be quite thrilling experience. 
18. Mukutmanipur: 241 Kms from Kolkata. Mukutmanipur is located around a dam in the district of Bankura. The dam harnesses the waters of the Kangsabati and Kumari rivers. The dam itself is worth visiting. It is 10,098 m. long and 38 m. high. The gently lapping lake, covering an area of 86 sq. km., offers a grand view of the sunset. The lake nestles amidst the surrounding greenery and provides boating facilities to the visitors.

19. Mandarmoni : 255 Kms from Kolkata. Mandarmani boasts of a 13 km long motorable beach, probably the longest motorable beach road in India. This is a drive-in beach. The beach is characterized by hard sand which makes it very appropriate for drivingRelax, swim and enjoy the beach. You are not likely to have many visitors around and that's the beauty of this beach. Activities include table tennis, carrom, beach cricket, beach volleyball, and boat cruises.
20. Shantiniketan: The place where you can witness the dream of Rabindranath Tagore materialized. A social setting where cultures synthesize and the mind is in sync with the environment. A unique university where there are classrooms under the skies and in the laps of nature. The range of studies is wide, with an emphasis on art, music, dance and the humanities.

21. Gadiara: 96 Kms from Kolkata. A beautiful tourist spot,Gadiara is located at the meeting point of three rivers- Hooghly, Damodar and river Rupnarayan. The serenity of the place has been surely affected by large crowds and rising number of hotels in the vicinity, but the attraction of Gadiara is same as before.
22. Murshidabad: 225 Kms north of Kolkata. Walk down the historical memory lane of India this weekend, as you travel to one of the most pivotal historic places of West Bengal, Murshidabad. Renowned for the Battle of Plassey in 1757, Murshidabad is that chapter of Indian History that changed the destiny of not only West Bengal but also of India for the next 200 years.

23. Sundarbans: The world’s largest delta and mangrove swamp, is formed by the merging of three rivers- the Ganga, the Brahmaputra and the Meghna- and has a 2,585 sq km wildlife sanctuary that extends into Bangladesh. The Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the world’s largest estuarine sanctuary, has some of India’s most interesting wildlife, and is worth a visit. 
24. Navadvipa: Navadvipa, literally means nine (nava) islands (dvip), is a town consisting of nine islands looking like an eight-petaled lotus flower. Navadvipa, also called as Nabadwip, was the erstwhile capital of Bengal during 12th century. Today it is renowned as the birthplace of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.The entire Navadvipa region is an aesthetic and spiritual location and it is believed that Sri Gauranga performed the transcendental activities at this place.

25. Mayapur:  It is just 130 km from Kolkata. Mayapur, a serene and scenic place at the confluence of the holy river Ganga with the Jalangi, is a renowned holy place. Mayapur is highly attractive, tranquil and picturesque on the banks of the river Hooghly. 
26. Ghatshila: With a population comprising largely of tribals, the town located along the banks of the Subarnarekha River (‘Subarnarekha’ means golden streak) is known for its scenic beauty, dense forest area and salubrious climate- probably the main reason why it is getting popular with the travellers from West Bengal, who frequent Ghatsila for a quite weekend gateway.The pride and lifeline of the people of Ghatsila is the beautiful Subarnarekha River. The river,  geographically placed between two mountain ranges makes a very pretty picture especially in the morning and afternoon, when the sunrays fall on the banks.

27. Chandipur : A blissful place with silvery sand and green casuarina groves in the backdrop.You are definitely going to visit this place a second time for the beautiful silvery sands and the beaches.
28. Bishnupur: An offbeat weekend gateway.Bishnupur is located 150 km from Kolkata in the Bankura district of West Bengal. Known for its terracotta and Baluchri saris, Bishnupur, however, is more famous for its unique terracotta temples. The temples of Bishnupur are mostly built in Eka-Ratna style- a square flat-roofed building with curved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle and a Garbhagriha flanked by a porch on each side with three multi-cusped arches.
29. Durgapur: 180 Kms from Kolkata. a major rice-trading center and an industrial town situated along the banks of Damodar River. It has become quite a popular hangout place for youngsters, who look for western trends, modern cuisine and entertainment. When in Durgapur dont miss the Durgapur Barrage, Kumarmangalam Park, and Troika Park for kids

Weekend Getaways from Delhi

Delhi has umpteen number of places in and around which are excellent spots to spend weekends. Some of them are :

1. Kuchesar: 80 Kms from Delhi on the Delhi-Lucknow highway. Kuchesar,a small village is famous for the Mud Fort, constructed by the Jat rulers in the mid 18th century The setting is historical and very peaceful. You'll enjoy the place.

2. Agra: 253 Kms from Delhi. OIt houses one of the Seven Wonders of the World the Taj Mahal, one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Historical monuments, architectural grandeur ventures and the beauty of marbles, Agra thrives as the best picnic spot in India. Located at the banks of River Yamuna, Agra offers the tourists the richest of the man made beauties including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Agra forts, Fatehpur Sikri and Taj Mahal. It is the haven of Mughal art, culture and architecture. 

3. Rajaji Natinal Park: 230, Established in 1983, Rajaji National Park is formed by amalgamating three famous sanctuaries namely Rajaji Sanctuary, Chilla sanctuary and Motichur sanctuary.is well known for its verdant scenic beauty and is enriched with worthy bio diversity. along the lusting greeneries of the hills and foothills of Shivalik mountain ranges in Uttarancha

4. River Rafting at Shivpuri, Rishikesh: 250 Kms from Delhi. Shivpuri is 16 Kms away from Rishikesh. one has to take route via Meerut - Roorkee - Haridwar - Shivpuri.It is located on Rishikesh Badrinath Highway. Shivpuri is adventure getaway. There are many Ganga beach camps at Shivpuri ,all these camps have tented accommodation and offer other facilities too.

5. Tilyar Lake : 42 kms from Delhi Border & 55 Kms from Peeragarhi Chowk Delhi , Tilyar Lake is located on Delhi Rohtan Highway and spread in 132 acres of area, Tilyar lake has boating facilities and and air condition hotel for night stay , A.C restaurant and conference hall for corporate outings and conferences. Tilyar lake also has a small zoo with wildlife animlas like Tiger , Leopard, Beer, Deer, Birds, Monekeys etc., One small toy train and small Columbus adds fun for children.

6. Kesroli : 155 Kms from Delhi, The villlage of Kesroli is an ideal quick getaway for residents of Delhi, especially during the cooler months. The village is centered around a 14th century fort, one of the oldest heritage sites in India. The Kesroli Fort, a seven turreted structure, stands huge on a very unusual Hornstone Breccia rock with the fort ramparts soaring up to 150-200 feet high. 

7. Patudi Palace: 60 Kms from Delhi  The Pataudi Palace is a Non-Hotel located just sixty kilometers (one and half hour) from near Gurgaon Haryana, India) is the home of the cricket legend Nawab of Pataudi.>It is an oasis in the verdant countryside of Haryana. The noble, white palace built by Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan, was designed by Heinz in 1935, stretching the proportions and scale of the grand residences of Imperial Delhi.

8. Garhmukteshwar: 93 Kms from Delhi, A religious weekend destination for Delhites,Garhmukteshwar is Located on the banks of the Ganga, 70 km from Ghaziabad and 130 km from Delhi,Take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga in this holy city of Garhmukteshwar., Highly revered by Hindu pilgrims,the other attraction here is an ancient Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Ganga Temple which originally had 101 steps, now has only 85 steps leading to the idol of Ma Ganga.to take a dip in the holy waters of the Ganga. The ghats at Garmukteshwar are cleaner and far less crowded in comparison to other places.

9. Sohna Lake :Sohna lies atop Arravallies hills in Haryana, just 65 Km from Delhi. Sohna is famous for its Sulphur spring. The water of the spring has Remedial qualities. The hot Sulphur water is a strong disinfectant for skin disease. The springs are located at the feet of a vertical rock, and are capped by a dome.

10. Amroha :103 Kms from Delhi,Almora. A picturesque destination in the Kumaun region, East of Uttaranchal in India,Almora offers an overwhelming panoramic view of Himalayas. It is Known for its rich cultural heritage, unique handicrafts, lavish cuisine and magnificent wildlife. Almora has many fruit orchards like apples, peaches, apricots, plums, etc.

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11. Corbett National Par : 258 Kms from Delhi India's most popular wildlife tiger sanctuary, cradled in the foothills of the Himalayas, spreads over an area of 520 sq km. and is 290 km from New Delhi. The magnificent Ramganga River flows through the entire length of the Park. Corbetthas the highest density of tiger in India. Other animals include the leopard, elephant, bear, sambhar. Basking along the banks of the Ramganga one finds the slender snouted gharial and the marsh crocodile.

12. Chandigarh: 260 Kms from Delhi,The capital city of two states, Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh is famed as a well planned city with elegant structures and lovely gardens.Getting around this city is really easy and comfortable. For all those who want to spend a fun filled holiday, head to this vibrant city with shopping malls and busy markets.From partying to leisurely walks, from sheer amusements to serious art performances, this city facilitates enormous opportunities. With its surfeit of clubs, remarkable art galleries and popular theaters, Chandigarh offers a wide spectrum of entertainment. 

13. Neemrana : 122Kms from Delhi 122 kms South of Delhi. Neemrana Fort, located just off the Delhi-Jaipur Highway, is Rajasthan's closest palace to India's capital. Built in 1464 AD, this palace rises to nine levels and spreads over 25 acres.

14. Panipat: 90 Kms from Delhi. Panipat is a well known destination in the Indian state of Haryana. This town is an important tourist destination mainly because of its strong historical connection and countless monuments. The town of Panipat is a tourist stronghold, and there are many forts and temples that you can visit during your trip to this town. 

15. Khujra : 91 Kms from Delh.Khurja is located at a distance of approximately 17 km away from the main city of Bulandshahr. This is a famous pottery town which is situated on the main GT Road connecting the destination with Aligarh.This ceramic town is also known for it’s sweet, particularlyespecially Khurchan. There are more than 500 factories in Khurja which produce ceramic works and pottery.i

16. Basti : 103 Kms from Delhi.The region of Basti is ancient and many dynasties have ruled the place over the years.The entire landscape of the town is covered with many mangoes groves and bamboo forests. The region surrounding the town is covered by thick vegetation. A lake called the Chando Tal is located nearby and this is a popular picnic site. Another place located near the town of Basti is the Barah Village. The small village is mentioned in many mythological books and there is an old temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva located here. 

17. Vrindavan : 142 Kms from Delhi. Vrindavan is considered to be one of the oldest cities in the country. One can feel the divine presence in the city. It is the place where Lord Krishna spent his childhood.You can see wide array of temples scattered all over the place

18. Govardhan : 165 Kms from Delhi,Govardhan is one of the major Hindu pilgrimage centres situated in the Mathura District of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated at a distance of around 25 km west of Mathura in Vrindavan. Govardhan Parvat is a narrow sandstone hill, which is 8 km in length.Radha kund is the sacred lake in Govardhan where Krishna and Radha along with the gopis used to assemble and spent their time.

19. Sariska :201 Kms from Delhi,The Sariska Tiger Reserve is an Indian National Park located in the state of Rajasthan. The reserve was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1958 and came under the "Project Tiger" as a tiger reserve in 1979. It covers a large area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km.The tiger reserve is also the location of several archeological sites such as the Neelkanth and Garh Rajor temples from the 9th and 10th centuries and the Kankwadi fort.

20. Haridwar :210 Kms from Delhi,One of the holiest Hindu pilgrim sites on the banks of the sacred river Ganga,The centre of all this activity in Haridwar is Har-ki-Pauri .Haridwar is one of the four sites where the great Kumbh Mela takes place every twelve years.Do not miss the spectacular Ganga Aarti in the evening. 

21. Rishikesh :235 Kms from Delhi,Located at an altitude of 1360 feet above sea level, Rishikesh is the holy site where Lord Vishnu slayed the evil rakshasa (demon) Madhu. It is also the gateway of the 'char dham' or the four holiest Hindu pilgrimage destinations - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

22. Lansdowne :248 Kms from Delhi, Unexplored and Unspoiled Nature, cool breeze and amazing sceneries, Lansdowne is a beautiful town and a popular hill station situated on the Kotware-Pauri road at a height of 1,706 meters on a hillock in the state of Uttaranchal,pleasant summers and cold winters, is very comfortable for holidaying tourist. This place is especially considered as a gateway of romance,

23. Karnal : 125 Kms from Delhi.  In the town of Karnal, you can visit many sites like Kalandar Shah’s tomb, Kos Minar, the Karan Tal, and Babar’s Masjid. The Karna Tal is one of the must see locations in the region of Karnal. This is a huge tank that’s named after Raja Karna, who is a prominent figure in the Mahabharata

24. Alwar:170 Kms from Delhi. Alwar was an ancient Rajput state, known for its rich natural heritage, beautiful lakes and valleys. This city was formerly known as 'Mewar’.Situated between small hills of the Aravali range, Alwar is also known for its finest wild life sanctuary in Sariska.

25. Hansi: Hansi is an ancient fort town situated in the Hisar district of the State of Haryana near New Delhi. Hansi, once a prosperous city, is now a famous tourist destination owing to its ancient forts and historical monuments. Hansi was once the centre of sword manufacturing and trading company which was established by King Prithvi Raj Chauhan. These swords were famous for their excellent quality in the Middle East countries. 

26. Mathura: 150 Kms from Delhi. The most holy city of the Vaishnava cult, Mathura is the birth place of Lord Krishna. Each and every spot in this miraculous city has some connection with the most humane incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The serene banks of the river Yamuna and its holy Ghats attribute the religious fervor of the city to a great extent. 

27. Bharatpur: 205 Kms from Delhi. Bharatpur is known as eastern getaway of Rajasthan is famous for its bird sanctuary. It is home to some very rare species of birds.Bharatpur bird sanctuary attracts migratory birds from Siberia, europe, China & Tibet. The migratory birds includes species likepelicans, cranes, geese, ducks, eagles, hawks, shanks, stints, wagtails, warbers, wheatears,flycatcher,larks etc.Best time to visit park for migratory birds is October to February & August to November for resident birds.

Weekend Getaways From Chennai

1. Sriperumbudur : 40 Kms from Chennai. Sriperumbudur is infamous for being the place where former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated. You can visit Rajiv Gandhi memorial set amidst lush green gardens. One of the main attractions of the town is the Madras Sports Club which is home to many races and rallies. Formula II races are held in the sports club and are one of the most famous racing tracks in the State. There are dirt tracks that are also available for off road racing. 

2. Mahabalipuram : It is known for its historical monuments, sculptures, scenic beauty, culture and tradition. Mahabalipuram is placed along the Coromandel Coast facing the Bay of Bengal. It is a magnificent place to watch and an attractive tourist spot as well. Mahabalipuram is considered to be an architectural paradise

3. Pulikat Lake: Located 60 kilometers north of Chennai, the Pulicat Lake is a breeding ground for rare birds. A good place to introduce your kids to the exciting world of birds, the Pulicat Lake is home to large species of bird of which the flamingo and heron are common. You can also visit Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary about 82 kms from Chennai

4. Dakshinachitra: 21 Kms from Chennai. It is an amusing open-air, real-time museum as well as a well known cultural center. It shows you the amazing antiquities depicting the peculiarity of South India. It gives you a glimpse of art and craft, lifestyle, music and dance of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

5. Vedanthangal - 80 KM from Chennai The bird life (resident & visitors) includes Cormorants, Darters, Herons, Egrets, Open billed Stork, Spoonbill and White Ibis, Little Grebe, Indian Moorhen, Black Winged Stilts, a few migratory ducks and occasionally Grey Pelicans. November to February is the season to visit the sanctuary. 

6. Pichavaram Mangrove Forest : 248 Kms from Chennai. Pichavaram the second largest Mangrove forest in the world situated near the temple town of Chidambaram. It is one of the unique Eco-tourism spots in South India. The backwaters, inter connected by the Vellar and Coleroon river systems, offer abundant scope for water sports, rowing, Kayak and canoeing. 

7. Sadras: 70 Kms from Chennai. Sadras was Dutch colony from the 17th century. Sadras is a fort town and one of the first naval battles was fought off the shores of this town. Beaches in the town are relatively untouched by tourism and are among the cleanest along the coast. There are many small fishing villages that can be seen along the coast.

8. Kanchipuram : Kanchipuram is located on the Palar River, about 75 kms from Chennai. Kanchipuram is regarded as one of the oldest cities in South India and among the seven sacred cities in India. It is well known for its architecturally designed temples and its beautiful hand woven silk saris.

9. Thiruthani :  is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga and is located in the District of Tiruvallur of Tamil Nadu State. The famous Subramanya Swami Kovil (temple) in Thiruthani attracts thousands of Hindu devotees to this abode. The temple is perched on a hilltop approachable through 365 steps, representing each day in a year. A small holy river known as Nandi river flows through the town in its northern part. 

10. Shrikalahasthi : 120 Kms from Chennai.  This also considered as one of the Pancha Butha sthalams signfying 5 elements out which Vayu is attributed to this place.Kalahasthishwar temple built during 8th Century is situated here.The temple is surrounded by 3 hills and there is a river on the fourth side. People come here to perform Rahu Sarpa Dosh Nivarana pooja.

11. Tirupati : 258 Kms from Chennai.  Lord Venkateswara shrine at Tirupati - One of the most scared Hindu temple

12. Pondicherry : 160 Kms from Chennai. French connection,the tree lined boulevards,stretches of unspoilt virgin beaches and Auroville. Auroville is spiritula city based based on the vision of Sri Aurobindo

13. Nellore : The city is famous for its various temples that are located in the vicinity. Some of the main temples that are located in the city are the Penchala Kola, Ayyapa Temple and Narasimha Swami Konda. There are other temples that can be visited in the city as well, they are the Jonnavada, Kamahshi Amavari Temple, Rajarajesjwari Temple and the Golgamundi Venkaya Swamy Temple. 

14. Yalagiri : 200 Kms from Chennai. Yelagiri Hills  is located in the Jawadh Hill ranges of the Eastern Ghats in Vellore District of Tamil Nadu. It is a cluster of fourteen small villages spread around 4 surrounding hills. Yelagiri Hills is a popular weekend getaway from Bangalore and Chennai.

15. Covelong :Covelong, on the east coast bordering the route to Mahabalipuram and nearly 40 km south of Chennai,  is an ideal destination for a quick getaway. Covelong is better known for its fishing activities and the calm and serene beaches. Besides nature, Covelong also has some historical places near the beautiful beaches. There is an ancient Dutch fort nearby with a few walls remaining. An ancient Catholic Church is amongst the most famous of many religious monuments at Covelong

16. Chidambaram : Located 58 km south of Pondicherry, the town of Chidambaram is known for its Nataraja Temple. This pilgrimage is also famous for being the centre of the divine Hindus called the Shaivites and Vaishnavites

Weekend Getaways from Bangalore

Need a break from your hectic routine schedule? Want to move away from the hustle bustle of the city life? Catch on some quick, short outings around your city. Head out for the beautiful unexplored waterfall or the nearest wildlife park or into the laps of calm, serene nature. Spend relaxed time over the weekend and come back rejuvenated, re-energized to kick off the week ahead.  

1. Manchanbele: 40 kms from Bangalore. Minor dam across Arkavathy river is a popular picnic spot

2. Sholay Hills : 55kms from Bangalore, on Mysore road. This is the den of "Gabbar Singh", the famous dacoit of Sholay fame. As most of the film was shot here, it is now popularly called as Sholay hills Interesting climb to Lord Rama's temple atop this hillock. (Ramadevarabetta is the original name of this hillock)

3. Nandi Hills :60 Kms from Bangalore: New Airport Road-Devanahalli-Nandi Hills. Nandi hills is the nearest hill station from Bangalore. Nandi hills boasts of numerous view points and pleasant weather. It is best visited as a day trip

4. Shivagange (Suggested by our Reader) : 60 Kms from Bangalore.It is a popular temple of Shiva. It is said that the hillock resembles Nandi from east, Ganesha from west, Subramanya from north and Shiva lings from South

5. Chikka Tirupati : 60 kms from Bangalore. Bangalore-Sarjapur Road-Chikka Tirupati. Literally means small Tirupati". Those unable to visit Tirupati temple, visit this temple.

6. Kanva Reservoir : 60 kms from Bangalore. Bangalore-Mysore Highway. Kanva dam is a minor irrigation dam across river Kanva. The dam is an ideal spot for a quiet weekend away from the hustle and bustle of Bangalore.

7. Devarayandurga : 80 Kms from Bnagalore. Bangalore-Neelamangala-Devarayanadurga. Scenic during early monsoons. On top is is the temple of Lakshmi Narasimha swami temple and a Raghavendra mutt.Plenty of trekking options

8. Muthathi :90 Kms from bangalore. Bangalore-Kanakpura-Sathanur.Cauvery riverside and famous temple of Muthathi Anjaneya.

9. Balmuri and Edamuri Falls : 2 beautiful water falls,Balmuri and Edmuri waterfalls is a hot-spot for students and nature lovers and weekend getaway hunters,The place where the Balmuri and Edmuri waterfalls are located is surrounded by lush greenery and is a hot spot among the locals as well. A visit to this place is calming and relaxing.

10. Siddarabetta 97 Kms from Bangalore. A rocky hill with temple and caves at the top are the attractions here though the major crowd which visits is the one of pilgrims. This place also interests trekkers and nature lovers. Cave exploration is an enjoyable experience.