This year, Dussehra couldn’t have come at a better time! Falling on Thursday, October 2, it gives you the perfect excuse for a 4-day long weekend if you take Friday off. That’s enough time to leave behind your hectic routine, pack your bags, and head for a short getaway to rejuvenate.
Whether you’re craving cool hill air, breezy beaches, or cultural celebrations, there are plenty of quick escapes around Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. And the best part? These trips won’t eat up half your holiday in travel, they’re close enough to enjoy and return refreshed. Here’s where you can head
Getaways near Delhi
Delhiites, you’re lucky to have the hills, heritage cities, and spiritual escapes all within driving distance. With a long weekend, you can trade traffic jams for open highways, starry skies, and cozy getaways.
Rishikesh
If you’ve been feeling stressed, Rishikesh is the perfect reset. Just 5–6 hours from Delhi, it’s known as the “Yoga Capital of the World.” You can start your day with a riverside yoga session, go rafting on the rapids, and end the evening with the soulful Ganga aarti at Parmarth Niketan. Cafes by the river serve everything from organic food to wood-fired pizzas. It’s an escape where thrill and peace come together.
Jaipur
Want a dose of history and colour? Head to Jaipur, only 4–5 hours away from the national capital you get to explore Amer Fort, click Instagram-worthy pictures at Hawa Mahal, and shop for silver jewellery and bandhani dupattas at Johari Bazaar. Don’t miss a Rajasthani thali with dal-baati-churma and gatte ki sabzi. The Pink City is a perfect mix of culture, shopping, and food, all a person needs to unwind.
Lansdowne
For those who want peace without the usual tourist rush, Lansdowne is Uttarakhand’s hidden gem. Just 6 hours from Delhi, it has pine forests, calm lakes, and will take you back to the colonial era due to it’s architecture. Take a walk through the town, visit the Garhwali Museum, and enjoy boating at Bhulla Tal Lake.
Getaways near Mumbai
For Mumbai residents, the long weekend is a perfect chance to leave behind traffic and humidity. Just a few hours drive and you’ll be surrounded by lush hills or sitting by the beach.
Lonavala-Khandala
No long weekend list is complete without this famous duo. Just a 2-hour drive, Lonavala and Khandala are everyone’s go-to place. Visit Tiger Point for stunning valley views, enjoy a hot vada pav with tea from roadside stalls, or trek to Rajmachi Fort if you’re feeling adventurous.
Alibaug
Fancy a beachy break? Alibaug is just a short drive or ferry ride away. Its clean beaches, cozy villas, and forts make it great for a relaxed getaway. Spend your evenings at Varsoli or Kashid beach, explore Kolaba Fort, and don’t forget to feast on fresh seafood at local shacks. Alibaug is perfect for groups of friends who want to chill without travelling too far.
Mahabaleshwar
If you don’t mind a 6-hour drive, Mahabaleshwar is worth every minute. Famous for its strawberry farms, it also offers boating at Venna Lake and breathtaking viewpoints like Arthur’s Seat. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, sip chai with pakoras, and just breathe.
Getaways near Bengaluru
Bangaloreans, you are spoiled for choice! With coffee-scented hills, royal palaces, and wildlife reserves within driving distance, your festive weekend can be as adventurous or laid-back as you like.
Coorg
Known as the “Scotland of India,” Coorg is a favorite for Bangaloreans. About 6 hours away, it offers endless coffee plantations, Abbey Falls, and viewpoints like Raja’s Seat. Spend your mornings sipping freshly brewed coffee, afternoons exploring plantations, and evenings around a bonfire in your homestay.
Chikmagalur
Quieter than Coorg but equally beautiful, Chikmagalur is another coffee lover’s paradise. It’s ideal for trekking, camping, and nature walks. Mullayanagiri Peak, the highest in Karnataka, gives you breathtaking sunrise views. For those who want fewer crowds and more connection with nature, Chikmagalur is perfect.
Mysore
Dussehra is Mysore’s grandest festival, and this long weekend is the best time to witness it. The Mysore Palace glows with thousands of lights, while the famous Dasara procession fills the streets with music, elephants, and cultural performances. Just 3 hours from Bengaluru, Mysore lets you soak in royal history and festive energy at the same time.
Tips to make the most of your festive break
To make the most of your festive break, plan ahead and book hotels or trains early, as they fill up quickly. Travel light, a backpack is easier to manage than heavy luggage on short trips. Balance your itinerary by leaving room for relaxation instead of cramming too many activities. Be sure to taste the local food, from Rajasthani thalis to Coorg coffee, as each place has something unique to offer. And if you’re visiting cities like Jaipur or Mysore, don’t miss the Dussehra celebrations!
