The auspicious festival of Raksha Bandhan falls on 19 August 2024 (Monday). Falling a few days after Diwali (Thursday), it gives us an opportunity to enjoy a long weekend (Thursday to Monday). To make the most of it, you can plan a getaway with family and friends to places near your city. Raksha Bandhan is a public holiday primarily in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh. Let’s explore some places near these states that are easily accessible for a weekend getaway.
1.Uttar Pradesh:
Varanasi, a city about eight hours from Uttar Pradesh, is known as the spiritual capital of India. It is the perfect getaway destination for people with a strong belief in spirituality.
The city is famous for its handicrafts, textiles, metal, clay and wood work, leaf and fibre crafts and ornaments. The serene Vindhan waterfalls, Shri Kashi Vishwanath temple, soulful evening at Dashashwamedh Ghat and Ramnagar Fort are some of the many places to visit in Varanasi.
This destination is located around 5 hours from Uttar Pradesh and is known primarily for its historical significance. The Taj Mahal, one of the 7 wonders of the world, is the main tourist attraction in Agra. Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, and Buland Darwaza are other monuments that tourists love to visit.
Apart from its rich historical heritage, Agra is also known for its delicious local cuisine. Visitors can savour the unique flavours of dal moth, a spicy lentil snack, and petha, a sweet made from ash gourd, which are among the city’s most famous delicacies.
2.Gujarat
This hill station in Gujarat is located in the Western Ghats. It is a 9-hour drive from Gujarat and offers stunning panoramic views. Visitors can sit and relax near the Saputara Lake or spend some quality time while enjoying a boat ride with their loved ones.
There is an artist village in Saputara that offers local tribes a chance to showcase their art. This hill station also allows visitors to experience the adrenaline rush by offering adventure activities like paragliding.
About 7 hours from Gujarat is the city of lakes, Udaipur, in Rajasthan. Tourists love to enjoy the views of the picturesque lakes, palaces and mountains surrounding Udaipur.
Shopping lovers can visit Hathi Poll Bazaar, the most famous market in Udaipur. The City Palace of Udaipur, situated on the banks of Lake Pichola, offers stunning views. It is famous for its intricate carvings, murals and ornate columns. The sound and light show offered in the evening is the main attraction of the palace.
3. Rajasthan
Mount Abu, the highest peak in the Aravalli range, is nestled amidst lush, forested hills. This picturesque hill station offers a peaceful retreat with its verdant landscapes and serene surroundings, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking tranquility.
This summer capital of Rajasthan is located around 8 hours from Rajasthan. Trevors Tank, an eco-sanctuary, is a great place to explore for bird lovers. Another famous site that people like to visit is the Brahma Kumaris ashram, where one can participate in morning and evening meditations and attend lectures and workshops.
This second largest city in Rajasthan is known as the Blue City. Mehrangarh Fort, a 400-feet-high fort, is a famous tourist attraction in Jodhpur. Eagles and wild kites are fed at the top of the fort every day at 3:30 pm as per age-old traditions. The fort also offers zip-lining adventure activities for its visitors.
Jaswant Thada, Ghanta Ghar, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Chamunda Mata Temple, Machiya Safari Park and Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park are some of the other destinations you can visit during your trip to Jodhpur.
4. Haryana
Kasauli is a small hill station in Himachal Pradesh, which is less crowded compared to others, making it an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway. Moreover, it is just a 5.5-hour drive from Haryana, making it easily accessible for a short trip.
Nature lovers often enjoy exploring the Gilbert Trail, which offers a fascinating hiking experience with mountains on one side and a picturesque valley on the other. Kasauli also boasts of several popular attractions such as Sunset Point, Christ Church, Mall Road, Timber Trail, and the Shirdi Sai Baba Mandir, which offer a variety of experiences from wonderful views to cultural landmarks, making Kasauli a delightful destination for visitors.
Parwanoo, located in the Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway if you are planning to relax amidst nature.
The largest wholesale market in Himachal offers beautiful tourist destinations to its tourists. Mansa Devi Temple, which offers a beautiful view from the top, Hatu Peak with its stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, Pinjore Gardens, the beautiful Mughal Gardens and Timber Trail, which also has a scenic cable car ride, are among the famous destinations in Parwanoo.
5. Madhya Pradesh
Khajuraho is a group of Jain and Hindu temples about 347 kilometres from Madhya Pradesh. It is famous for its stunning temples with intricate erotic sculptures. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a major cultural attraction. Dulhadeva Temple, Lakshman Temple, Matangeshwar Temple, Adinath Temple, Javari Temple and Kandariya Mahadev Temple are some of the numerous temples in Khajuraho.
At night, the temples host a sound and light show narrated by veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan. For the most fervent followers of spirituality and religion, this place would be heaven on earth.
The only hill station in Madhya Pradesh is just 3 hours away and is perfect for a weekend getaway. Pachmarhi is also known as Satpura ki Rani and is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It has many waterfalls but Beefall is the most famous of all as it provides drinking water to everyone.
Jatashankar Temple, Priyadarshini Point, Dhoopgarh, Satpura National Park etc. are some of the places that attract tourists to Pachmarhi.
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