Holi is one of the most awaited festivals in India. With a 3-day long Holi vacation starting from 1^st March, make sure you don’t while it away by bingeing on TV and Netflix. Go on a short trip to nearby hill stations or beaches. It will not only rejuvenate you but will also give you a chance to see how Holi is played in different parts of India.

In this article, we have compiled a list of short weekend getaways for you.

Read on.

Weekend Getaways from Delhi NCR

1. Agra

Celebrate the festival of colors in the city of love! There is nothing more amazing than visiting the world’s 7^th wonder and playing Holi beside the mighty river Yamuna. The ideal time to visit Taj Mahal is early morning but it looks ethereal in the evening too!

A short 3 hr journey by road, you book from Urbanclap’s Outstation Taxi services and  start on Thursday evening from Delhi NCR and reach Agra in time for dinner. You can also take a short trip to Fatehpur Sikri nearby.

2. Jaipur

Come Celebrate Holi in the pink city! With so many forts, palaces, museums, markets, restaurants and parks to visit, Jaipur offers a unique charm of its own. Just 5-6 hrs from Delhi, you can leave on Thursday night or Friday early morning. The colourful streets and people covered in gulal would sure be a treat to your eyes. You can also indulge in some mouth-watering gujias (A traditional Indian sweet) and other sweets to add to the fervor of Holi.

3. Sariska, Alwar or Neemrana

Each of these has a charm of its own. Sariska is home to a tiger reserve and being just over 200 km makes it one of the best Holi getaway. The best time to visit is the autumn-winter-spring season from around September to April. You can easily plan your Holi vacation there.Nearby is the town of Alwar. This town offers a lot to those keen on exploring an ancient city. Attractions include the Alwar Fort, Alwar Museum and Siliserh Lake with its own garden and palace.

Another location you can visit is Neemrana. It falls on the Delhi-Jaipur road and has over the years become quite famous for its heritage fort-resort. Relax and destress in the amazing Spa retreat and indulge in the mouth-watering delicacies the place has to offer.

4. Mussoorie and Dhanaulti

The best places to unwind after a hectic month. , If you are someone who doesn’t like to play with colors, this is the best option for you. You can go to the traditional sightseeing places like Lal Tibba, the highest point in town, Kempty Falls and take the trolley ride to Gun Hill or see places that are slightly offbeat like the Everest House and Point, once home to George Everest, or the Mussoorie Heritage Centre in Landour. Mussoorie also has a very nice marketplace that you can stroll around and buy things.

Dhanaulti is a few kilometers ahead of Mussoorie but worth a visit due to its Eco Park. You can also check out the Himalayan Weavers shop located around 8 km from Mussoorie that sells hand-woven shawls, stoles and scarves, among others.

5. Nainital

The town of Nainital has a breath-taking view of the Naina, Deopatha and the Ayapatha mountain ranges. Easily reachable from Delhi NCR in around 7 hours, the town offers you an assortment of delights to choose from. The magnificent Naina Devi Peak can be reached by the Aerial Express Ropeway, Tiffin Top to which you can walk up if you trek a lot or opt for a horse ride instead and Naina Devi Temple located at one end of the Naina Lake.  You can also check out other places like the Naina Peak that is relatively tourist free, Kainchidham Temple located on the outskirts of Nainital and Gurney House, the erstwhile home of Jim Corbett.

6. Bharatpur

Home to probably the most visitor-friendly sanctuary in India, this is a place you need to visit at least once in your lifetime. The world famous Keoladeo Bird Sanctuary or Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is best visited during winters when quite a few birds fly down south from the cold Arctic regions. A notable thing about the sanctuary is the rickshaws that you can hire to take you around. Each rickshaw puller has been trained in ornithology and can point out the birds and their common and scientific names like you can point out days of the week. The best times to visit are early morning and late afternoon when the birds can be seen aplenty. Some of the fauna that you can try to see are the Siberian Crane, foxes, deer such as Sambar, Chital and Nilgai, and boars.

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai

1. Khandala (and Lonavala)

Need we say it? Even before the song that made the hill station famous for all Indians and a must-visit site for couples, the people of Mumbai have been flocking it for most of their weekend breaks. Great for the Holi break, the twin hill resorts are around 80 km from Mumbai. The best time to visit is between October and May though the rains are supposed to be magical here. Some of the places you can visit are the Rajmachi, Visapur and Lohagad forts, the ancient Karla (Lonavala) and Bhaja (Khandala) caves, Lonavala Lake, Tiger’s Leap point and the Kune waterfalls.

2. Alibaug

Located around 120 km from Mumbai, the seaside town is famous for its beaches such as Alibaug beach, Varsoli beach, Nagaon and Akshi beaches, and Kihim-Navgaon Beach, and its forts such as Kolaba, Alibag, Korlai and Kanakeshwar forts. The famous Murud-Janjira fort is located to the south of the town. The town also boasts of some famous temples. You can also visit the nearby beaches. The best time to visit the Akshi beach. Camp under the open sky and get treated to homemade delicacies! You can book an Outstation taxi service from UrbanClap and visit these places.

For the water babies, there are quite a few water sports facilities available and it is fun to take on a ride or two.

2. Daman

Located around 185 km from Mumbai, the town of Daman offers a peaceful yet happening place to spend quality time with your family and friends this Holi. The place has a number of interesting places to see and explore. The Jampore beach offers parasailing, while the Devka beach is quite picturesque and has well-maintained shores though it is better to not step onto the black sand and there are sharp rocks beneath the waterline. Other things to visit are the Church of Bom Jesus, Dominion Monastery, the Chapel of Our Lady of Rosary and Don Jeronimo and Moti Daman forts.

3. Igatpuri

A great Holi destination near Mumbai, Igatpuri is perfect for this Holi weekend getaways. The place also offers some excellent trekking and hiking opportunities for the adventurous souls. Located around 120 km from Mumbai, the town helps you bond with each other through romantic walks, sightseeing and good food. Places like the Camel Valley, Bhatsa River Valley, Tringalwadi Fort and Lake are places that will leave you awestruck.

Weekend Getaways from Pune

1. Kamshet

The nearest place from Pune to take your family for this Holi weekend getaway is the paragliding hub of Kamshet. Treating yourself to a trip among the clouds and seeing the world from a greater height makes for a wonderful Holi Vacation. The peace and beauty of this place are sure to stay in your memory forever.  You can also visit places like the Vadivali Lake located around 12 km away from the town. The fact that Kamshet is only a few kilometers away from Lonavala makes for a wonderful opportunity to take in the hill resort and its twin Khandala on the same trip.You can book a ride from UrbanClap’s outstation taxi for the same.

2. Lavasa

Located around 60 km away from Pune, this well-planned town in the Western Ghats makes for a wonderful Holi getaway. You can delve in activities like trekking, hiking and adventure activities like zip line, rappelling, rock climbing, etc.. One can also choose to enjoy the mesmerizing views and simply laze around while admiring the majesty of the Ghats.

3. Panchgani

The hill station is located around five hills in the Sahyadri range and offers some of the most picturesque and peaceful places for people to spend their Holi weekend. The Krishna river that flows alongside has the Dhom Dam. You can also check out the Sydney and Parsi points that overlook the dam and the Lingmala Falls. Some of the places you two can see nearby are the Rajapuri caves and the large Table Land plateau. There is also a cheese factory on Mahabaleshwar Road that offers tours to show you how cheese is made. The trip from Pune takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.

4. Mahabaleshwar

Close to Panchgani is the hill resort of Mahabaleshwar. Located around 3.5 hours away from Pune, the town is located on a plateau that gives it a commanding view of the surrounding valleys. Youcan try boating in Venna Lake or simply spend some quality time looking at the majestic views. Some of the places with views include Arthur’s Seat, Elephant’s Head Point, Elphinstone Point, Marjorie Point, Kate’s Point, Helen’s Point, Babington Point, Connaught Peak, Wilson Point (also called Sunrise Point) and Sunset Point. Simply sitting and gazing at the colours of nature is recommended for those on a Valentine weekend.

5. Satara

Once the capital of the Maratha empire, this town boasts of many historical monuments. Some of the places to visit for history buffs and those interested in Maratha history are Sajjangarh, Ajinkyatara and Pratapgad forts. One place that should not be missed is the world heritage site of Kaas Plateau, also known as the Valley of Flowers and the Kaas Lake. Places like the Shivsagar Lake, Koyananagar Dam, Lodwick Point, Savitri Point and the Thoseghar Waterfall can totally relax you!Located around 120 km from Pune, Satara can be reached within 3 hours by road.

Weekend Getaways from Bangalore

1. Nandi HillsThe fortress town of Nandi Hills is around 60 km from Bangalore and is reachable within 2 hours by road. Celebrate Holi near Tipu’s Summer Residence or the Amrita Sarovar reservoir. You can also visit Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, the Devanahalli Fort, and the Dandiganahalli Dam. A splendid way to spend one’s long Holi weekend is to visit the Grover Zampa Vineyards that offers wine tours. You can also do the Skandagiri fortress (Kalavara Durga) or Kalavaarahalli Betta treks.

2. Coorg

A wonderful Holi weekend getaway!. Located around 260 km from Bangalore, the hills are a welcome break for anyone looking to spend some quality time in the lap of nature. Simply taking a walk around the coffee plantations is a wonderful experience for any tourist.  Some of the places not to miss are the Nagarhole National Park, Namdroling Monastery, Abbey Falls, Irpu Falls and Raja’s Seat. You also visit the Dubare Elephant Camp and enjoy an elephant ride. People looking for some adventure on their Holi weekend getaway can try rafting at the Barapole river or go trekking in the Kopatty Hills.

3. Ooty

Another perennially favourite romantic destination, the Queen of the Hills is one of the best places for a relaxing Holi Weekend getaway. Located around the 270 km or 6.5 hours from Bangalore, simply taking a walk along its many quiet roads is a treat in itself. One thing not to be missed here is taking a ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Nilgiri Mountain Railway line. Other things to do include visit the Botanical Gardens and Rose Garden and take a boat ride on the Ooty Lake. There are numerous lakes in the area including Avalanche Lake, Upper Bhavani Lake and Emerald Lake and you can visit and check out these romantic spots for a perfect Valentines getaway.

4. Mangalore

For people who love the beaches, nothing can be quite as fun and exciting as the long Holi Weekend getaway in Mangalore. Located around 380 km from Bangalore, the beauty of the place makes the trip worthwhile. Beaches, parks, temples, cathedrals, shopping complexes – the place has it all. Some of the beaches you can check out are Tannirbhavi Beach, Someshwara Beach (and Temple), Panambur Beach, Surathkal Beach and Sasihithlu Beach. A couple can also spend time at the Sammilan Shetty’s Butterfly Park. Mangalore’s Forum Fiza Mall, Bharath Mall and Central Market are not to be missed for great shopping. you can easily hire from UrbanClap’s outstation taxi and enjoy these places.

 

5. Pondicherry

The only place in India with French colonial architecture, Pondicherry is great for the upcoming long Holi weekend The union territory is located around 320 km from Bangalore and one can easily get here by road and rail. Some of the places you can visit are Sri Aurobindo Ashram, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and Promenade Beach. The city also has a memorial to French soldiers. You can also check out the Puducherry Botanical Gardens and even go scuba diving. A walk around Seaside Promenade is always recommended.

Wishing you all a Happy and Colorful Holi!! 🙂