I have been fortunate to get the opportunity to travel to many Indian cities as a part of my job. Whenever I step out, I try to steal day trips or weekend trips and get the real feel of India
I hate the kind of offsites corporates do these days. Focus in mainly on “chilling” in resorts, doing team activities, drinking to heart’s full at night- all without stepping out of the resort compound ever. My family was amused when I described this kind of travel
I gathered the courage to step out on all such outings, some with my team knowing and some without. I would be back by night for them to even realize that I wasn’t there during the day!
Sharing some getaway locations that you could try out too
Weekend trips from Udaipur
Chittorgarh fort: For a complex full of temples and ancient art within a fort, one of the best in India
Kumbalgarh fort: For one of the best preserved and unique forts of India, a UNESCO Heritage site. Can be a day trip
Nathdwara Srinathji temple: For the religious ones, to see the black idol of Lord Krishna. Can be a half day trip
Do not forget to try out tasty Dal Bhaati here
Weekend trips from Jodhpur
Jaisalmer: For sandy Thar desert, camel ride, spotting sunsets. Needs a weekend. You cross through Pokran on the way of ou take a bus from Jodhpur!
Kachori’s are a must try here
Weekend trips from Ranthambore
Chambal Gharial Sanctuary: To see some of the endangered and awesome gharials in the river across Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
Abhaneri Stepwell: For picture perfect geometrical stepwell of ancient India
From Jaipur
The city itself has enough with Amer fort at one end and Haw Mahal at another
Weekend trips from Delhi
Taj Mahal: Needs no description. You can also see tombs of Akbar and Maryam. Take a train from Delhi
Lodhi Gardens: To relax in the evenings
From Dehradun
Nainital: For serene lake and temple. Needs a weekend. I had a branch visit at Haldwani from where it is only a couple of hours away
Weekend trips from Nagpur
Pench: For spotting tigers on a safari and catching magical milky way at night. Needs a weekend
Weekend trips from Mumbai
Velas: Turtle festival in April to see release of hatchlings into the se and have tasty local Konkan food
Kaas: For wild flowers on deccan plateau covering like a carpet
From Lonavala
Korigad Fort : A good hike for the views
From Ahmedabad
Lothal: For Indus valley civilization ruins
Weekend trips from Goa
Dudhsagar falls: On Karnataka – Goa border. Trains pass by between the falls!
Weekend trips from Kochi/ Kumarakom
Athirapally falls: Largest in Kerala, featured in magnum opus Bahubali movie
Boat race: IPL like race with teams competing in Oct/ Nov time
Weekend trips from Chennai
Mahabalipuram: For ancient architecture on shores of a beach and Madras Crocodile Bank as a small detour. Can be done as a day trip
How I travelled to each place during weekend trips
90+% was through Cabs, some like Ola, some through local hailing. I have never had a bad experience fortunately. All drivers have been extremely helpful, specially if you are travelling as a solo woman
Public transport exists but not efficient enough to cover on day trip/ weekend trip
Where I stayed during weekend trips
Usually hostels like Zostel or small hotels under 5k INR per night, just for crashing at night. Zostel scene is booming in locations with foreign visitors like Udaipur, Jaipur
The heart of India is in its smaller towns and villages. The next time you visit a city, steal a day to venture out of the metro zone and your comfort zone. Have a chat with the villagers, eat local cuisine, walk the streets. Experience the Incredible India!