2016 was a big let down when it came to holidays as most of them fell on weekends, the last two being Christmas and New Year. However, 2017 definitely seems promising with the first holiday arriving just a few days away. 26th January, the Republic Day, which is a gazetted holiday in India falls on Thursday this year. This means, you get a four-day long weekend if you take a leave on Friday, January 27, and utilize this opportunity to take a short trip. If you haven’t applied for leave on 27th, we suggest do it at the earliest and make travel plans to explore the places not far away from your city.
There are several destinations from Delhi that aren’t too far away and can be easily traveled within this four-day long weekend.
Jaipur-Jodhpur
January is the best time of the year to visit Rajasthan before the sweltering heat hits hard, making it unbearable to take a happy trip of the desert state. Since, there will be a four-day long weekend; one can head to the royal cities of Jaipur and Jodhpur.
There are plenty of sightseeing attractions in both including the Nahargarh & Jaigarh forts, Amer fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal and Chokhi Dhani in the Pink city of Jaipur, while you can head to Mehrangarh Forts, Umaid Bhawan Palace, Kaylana Lake and Arna Jharna Desert Museum in Blue City of Jodhpur.
Nainital-Dhanachuli
The “not-so-far-located” hill stations always turn out to be a favorite choice when planning for a four-day long weekend. And the beautiful hill town of Nainital and Dhanachuli fit well in this category. Nestled in the lap of Kumaon Hills in Uttarakhand, Nainital and Dhanachuli are blessed with an unspoilt old world charm and enchanting natural splendor.
Experience the scenery dotted with greenery and luxuriant foliage, while the lush landscape takes a 360 degree turn in winters. When planning a trip here in January, expect to feast your eyes with gorgeous snow-covered views of not only the Himalayan range but, also of the town’s pear-shaped beauty, the lovely Naini Lake. Dhanachuli offers a much splendid deep mysticism experience along with panoramas of snow-blanketed Himalayas.
Shimla
If you are looking for a snowy weekend gateway, visit Shimla which has received its first snowfall of the year. This winter, the town is covered in a white blanket, making Shimla prettier than ever.
If you love the winter, and wish to have fun in snowy roads, visit Shimla during the Republic Day weekend.
Dehradun
A 6 hours drive from Delhi, Dehradun is one of the favorite destinations for the Delhiites for a weekend gateway. A four-day long weekend is enough to unwind in Dehradun with ample time to go sightseeing as well.
Dehradun has small hamlets around that are worth a visit for unspoilt beauty and peace. The climate here is pleasant most of the time of the year.
Triund
For all the trekking enthusiasts, Republic Day weekend gives an opportunity to set out for another challenge trek in the heart of lofty mountains. On this upcoming weekend, take the famous ‘Triund Trek’ hidden in the lap of Dhauladhar ranges.
The best part about Triund trek is that it can be easily covered in a short span. From snowy mountains and milky white trails, trekkers will be treated with many such endless mesmerizing sights.
And if you feel like taking a dip in the sea, then the famous coastal regions are just 3 hours away from Delhi. BUT All you need to do is FLY…..
Goa
Goa is one such destination that is great during this time of the year before the summer begins. The beaches of Goa are worth a visit when the party crowd has left for their homes post New Year. Sit near the beaches and experience a cool breeze, ride along the narrow roads lined with palm trees, take a stroll and eat some sumptuous Goan fish curry.
A four-day long weekend is good enough to explore Goa. The best part is that you can rent a car or bike and roam around on your own.
Pondicherry
If Goa is not in your list, and you still wish to see beaches, head to Pondicherry instead. The place has lazy roads where you can cycle around and ashrams to stay in, and white sand beaches to sit and relax. This French settlement has for long attracted the foreigners.
If you just wish to spend lazy weekend and be in-tune with nature, Pondicherry is the perfect destination. Visit Promenade and Paradise beaches, and stay at Sri Aurobindo Ashram.
