Where to Go for your Next Weekend Getaway in August!
Big weekends come with big plans, but the ultimate question that looms is ‘Par jana kaha hai?’ The humid weather conditions or the erratic rains, makes you want to leave everything behind and rush to the nearest vacation spot, away from the chaos of the cities.
This 15th August weekend, don’t just sit at home, go explore the wilderness, the hills or the rustling of the rivers.
Here we are, answering your ‘jaana kahan hai’ with ‘ jana yahan hai’!
Tirthan Valley
A well-kept secret of the Himalayas, Tirthan Valley offers an exciting adventure in the hills. Located some 3 kms ahead of the Great Himalayan National Park, this valley is a special treat for those who love fishing. The green meadows and the enchanting ambience will make you want to come back again and again.
- Best Season – March to May, August – November
- Ideal Duration – 3 – 4 Days
- What to See – Great Himalayan National Park, Waterfalls, Jalori Pass, Serloskar Lake are some of the popular spots to go.
- Must Do – River Crossing, Rock Climbing, Trout Fishing, trekking in the National Park should definitely be ticked off the bucket list.
- How to Reach
- By Air – Nearest Airport is Bhuntar – 48 km, Chandigarh Airport – 135 km.
- Note – Deccan Airways and Indian Airlines are the ones flying to Bhuntar.
- By Road – Regular Bus services are available from Delhi, Punjab and Haryana – Shoja – 22 km, Jalori Pass – 27 km.
Kasol
The ‘Israel of India’, Kasol is a tourist hub especially for backpackers. Sitting calm in the Parvati valley along the rustle of the Parvati River, it is also a go to destination for adventure enthusiasts.
- Best Season – October to June
- Ideal Duration – 2 – 3 Days
- What to See – No Kasol trip is complete without a visit to Parvati River, Manikaran Gurudwara, Tosh, Malana.
- Must Do – Adventure is big in Kasol, Trek to Kheerganga, Sar Pass Trek. Walk to Tosh, Parvati Pin, Rock Climbing.
- How to Reach
- By Air – Nearest Airport is Bhuntar Airport – 31 km or Chandigarh Airport – 150 km.
- By Road – HRTC runs regular buses from neighbouring states of Delhi, Haryana and Punjab.
McLeod Ganj – Triund
Located very close to Dharamsala, Triund offers a spectacular trekking experience against the backdrop of the lush Kangra Valley. Even if you’re a beginner, you will have everlasting memories of this trek. The neighbouring Dharamsala – McLeodganj offer a rich taste of the Tibetan culture.
- Best Season – October – June
- Ideal Duration – 2 – 4 Days
- What to See – Visit Namgyal Monastery, Dalai Lama Residence -Tsuglagkhang, Bhagsu Falls, Bhagsunath Temple.
- Must Do – Trek to the Triund Camp, Camping at the base is an ultimate experience, Star gazing.
- How to Reach
- By Air – Nearest Airport to McLeodganj is Gaggal Airport – 10 km.
- By Road – Many buses are available from many major states like Delhi, Haryana, Punjab to Mcleodganj.
Note – The Triund Trek starts from Dharamkot or Gallu Devi, stretches from 7 – 8 km and takes around 2 – 3 hours.
Manali
The ‘Lover’s paradise’ of India, Manali is very famous for its beautiful landscapes, sightseeing and the quaint charm. Nestled in the Kullu Valley wherein flows the Beas River, Manali is a delight to experience.
- Best Season – October to June
- Ideal Duration – 2 – 4 Days
- What to See – Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hadimba Temple, Old Manali, Kullu, Vashisht Village, Naggar Palace.
- Must Do – River Rafting, Paragliding, Trekking and Camping, Skiing in winters.
- How to Reach
- By Air – Nearest Airport is Bhuntar – 50 km.
- By Road – Manali is well-connected to tourist destinations – Leh, Shimla, Kullu, Dharamshala and New Delhi by means of a network of state-run as well as private buses. The bus journey from Delhi to Manali is 550 kilometres.
Valley of Flowers
Valley of Flowers, a world heritage site in the Himalayas has become a popular tourist spot in the last few decades. In the folk culture, it has also been said as the place from where Hanuman took sanjeevani in Ramayana. Beautiful scenery engulfs every corner you place your sight to, this is a colourful experience you will always cherish.
- Best Season – May to October
- Ideal Duration – 2 – 3 Days
- What to See – Valley of Flowers – National Park, Hemkund Sahib, Nanda Devi National Park – Snow Leopard, Asiatic Bear, Blue Sheep.
- Must Do – Hemkund Trek, Nature Walks, Photography
- How to Reach
- By Air – Nearest Airport is Dehradun – 158 km
- By Road – Buses go through well connected, motorable roads to Govindghat, the nearest bus stop, approximately 12 km away.
Rishikesh
Called the ‘spiritual’ destination of India, Rishikesh is a popular tourist destination surrounded by the mountains. Set against the landscape of Ganges and Chandrabhaga, this place attracts people for adventure activities, yoga camps, museums, scenic beauty.
- Best Season – June – November
- Ideal Duration – 2 – 3 Days
- What to See – Laxman Jhula, Neelkanth Mahadeva Temple, Gita Bhawan, Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir, Beatles Museum.
- Must Do – White Water Rafting, Mountain Biking, Canoeing and even Bungee Jumping are a must do on the adventure bucket list!
- How to Reach
- By Air – Nearest Airport is Dehradun – 21 km.
- By Road – Road trip your way from Delhi. Buses and taxis are available to the destination from Delhi and other destinations of Uttarakhand such as Dehradun, Haridwar, and Srinagar.
Chakrata
Albeit a small town in Dehra, Chakrata is big on opportunities for being touristy! Chakrata offers a splendid view of the Yamuna Valley. Go explore the lush green valleys, ancient caves and the historic temples.
- Best Season – Throughout the Year (Yay!)
- Ideal Duration – 2 Days
- What to See – Tiger Falls, Budher Caves, Deoban, Chilmiri Neck, Ram Tal Horticultural Garden.
- Must Do – Skiing and Trekking in Mundali, Nature Walks.
- How to Reach
- By Air – Nearest Airport is Dehradun – 26 km.
- By Road – Buses are available from Dehradun and Mussoorie. Cabs and Taxis are also easy to find at these two spots.
There you go! An ultimate list of places for you to spend your 15th August weekend at!
So pack your bags and share your adventure stories.
