While vacations are the best time to rejuvenate, short week-end breaks are increasingly becoming popular with office-goers and students. Especially college students, who form groups, seek places just a few hours from home-town, where one can have a bit of adventure, relaxation and not dig too deep into their tight budget.
Well-known and popular places like Shimla, Manali or Nainital are increasingly avoided as they have become too crowded and commercial ~ really not the kind weekend getaways should be. It is better to stay in a village on the outskirts of the city, where one can grab enough picturesque shots and get lungfuls of clean air.
Here is a list of some fairly unexplored destinations for just that weekend:
Camping and dunebashing in Rajasthan
If never-ending stretches of sand attracts, then definitely visit Rajasthan. Camping on stretches of nothingness under gleaming stars may well make one question the purpose of existence. The desert safari in Bikaner and Jaisalmer will compensate for Dubai on budget. If the group seeks spooky thrills, visit India's most famous haunted place, the ruins of Bhangarh, located in Alwar. One needs to be there after sundown for some serious adrenaline pump.
Auli (Uttarakhand)
Put your ski boots on. The splendour of the soaring Himalayas with its mystical legacy of cultures and traditions, make Auli a dream come true. Add to that soothing lush green forests and silver waters of fast flowing rivers, and one's desire for peace and solace is met. Go skiing in the mountains and nobody can catch up. Surrounded by Oak forests and breathtaking views of Mana Parbat and Neelkanth, Auli is among the best skiing destinations in India.
Lansdowne (Himachal Pradesh)
The place is a favourite corporate destination for team outings, but is also a great place to spend with one's family. An advantage with Lansdowne is that it is just 245 kms from Delhi. One could take a stroll in the surrounding oak and pine forests, go trekking, bird watching or boating, or simply do nothing, sit back and relax.
Dalai Lama Temple (Himachal Pradesh)
When one visits Mcleod Ganj, in the Kangra Valley district of Himachal Pradesh, there are two places that one should not miss ~ the Dalai Lama temple and the Tibetan Museum, both of which are in the Dalai Lama temple complex. The latter is open seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset and visitors are welcome to explore the peaceful ambience of the surroundings.
Bike trip to Leh
Particularly popular with all boys groups, this road trip is not to be missed. Including girls would, well, make it all the more memorable! Rent a few Royal Enfields and get ready to put endurance skills to test. Brave streams of ice-cold water, snow-capped mountains and glacial melts to complete this Mecca of all road trips! Push a little further and visit Ladakh. Visit the Pangong Lake and experience cotton candy clouds above and unblemished water at one's feet. One can also try the Yak Safari or walk through glacial valleys.
Kausani (Uttarakhand)
The uncanny resemblance between the Kausani Hills and the Swiss Alps was admired even by Mahatma Gandhi, who called the place "Switzerland of India". This hill station stands at approximately 6,000 ft above sea level. The hills Trishul, Nandakot and Nanda Devi are clearly visible from here and the mountains seem to almost touch the sky, making it one of the most picture-perfect towns in the district of Bageshwar. Located around 410 kms from Delhi, it is unarguably, one of the best hill stations that has not been destroyed by malls and commercial outlets.
Tabo Village (Himachal Pradesh)
Unexplored, hidden and only for the brave hearts, Tabo is one of the holiest places in the Himalayas. Located in the Lahaul-Spiti district on the banks of river Spiti, the place is sought by nature lovers and adventure seekers, who travel here for the love of trekking, mountaineering and solace. The place is full of affordable homestays and decent food but one has a tough time looking for telecom signals.