Calling all the travellers and workaholics, 2020 is a holiday fest! The best part of this year is that most of the holidays fall on either Friday or Monday. If you plan your workload well, you can easily take 5 mini-vacations!
List Of Holidays In 2020 That Guarantee A Mini Vacation!
| Mahashivratri | 21/02/2020 | Friday |
| Good Friday | 10/04/2020 | Friday |
| May Day | 01/05/2020 | Friday |
| Eid-Al-Fitr | 25/05/2020 | Monday |
| Raksha Bandhan | 03/08/2020 | Monday |
| Gandhi Jayanti | 02/10/2020 | Friday |
| Dusshera | 26/10/2020 | Monday |
| Bhai Dooj | 16/11/2020 | Monday |
| Christmas | 25/12/2020 | Friday |
Mumbai
The hustle and bustle in this city can suck the life out of you. Which is why you deserve to take a mini-break! These places will take you a few hours to reach by road, and trust us, the journey will be worth it.
1. Daman
Daman is so much more than a place to get cheap booze. This union territory is just about 3 hours away from Mumbai by road and 2 and a half hours by train. In so many ways it’s like a mini Goa because you’ve got the beaches, the Portuguese architecture, the fresh seafood and the lovely churches. There are two sides to Daman, Nani (small) and Moti (big). Nani Daman is where the fast life is and has a chain of posh restaurants and hotels, while Moti Daman has a more laid-back vibe to it. You only need 2-3 days to explore all of Daman. Start with the churches, then explore the forts, then tick off beaches and finally call it a day by relishing a juicy jetty roll at Nani Daman jetty.
Where To Stay: The Deltin, Varkund, Nani Daman, Daman, Daman and Diu 396210 (Rs 7,000 upwards per night for two people)
2. Lonavala
Lonavala is all about nature. It’s a 2-hour drive from Mumbai and this hill station has plenty of good spots to relax, rewind, click pictures and soak in the beauty of nature. Tiger’s point, Pawna lake, Bushi Dam, Tikona Fort, Kune Falls and Lonavala lake should be on your list. If you fancy adventure sports, try booking a room or buying a day pass at Della Adventure Park. You can try sky cycling, paintball, buggy ride, motocross dirt bike, bubble soccer and flying fox too! Although Lonavla looks pretty during the monsoons, it can be slightly risky too. October – May are the best months to visit.
Where To Stay: The Machan, Private Road, Lonavala Rd, Ativan, Maharashtra 412108 (Rs 12,000 upwards per night for two people)
3. Alibaug
A celeb favourite, Alibaug should totally be on your 2020 travel list if you haven’t been there already. It takes almost 3 hours by road if you take the Mumbai-Goa-Ernakulum National Highway (NH17). If you want to save time, you can choose to catch the ferry from the Gateway Of India that only takes 45 mins to reach Alibaug. This coastal town is home to plenty of farmhouses and beaches. Life here is slow and for those who love nature’s company can relax at Kihim beach, Kanakeshwar forest, Kolaba Fort and Alibaug Beach.
Where To Stay: The Mansion House, Saswane, Near Singhania Helipad, Alibaug, Maharashtra 402201 (Rs 12,000 upwards per night for two people)
Delhi
Delhi is a massive metropolitan city! Divided into New Delhi and Old Delhi, there’s already so much you can do here like go shopping, visit historic sites and try delicious cuisines. However, after a period of time, life can get monotonous anywhere. Which is why the long weekends are such a blessing!
1. Agra
Thanks to Agra expressway, you can reach Agra from Delhi in no time at all. In fact, it’s only a 2 hours stretch that connects Delhi NCR to the land of Taj Mahal. People from all over the world come here to catch a glimpse of the iconic Taj Mahal so make sure you reach early to avoid long ques. After visiting the Taj, you can head to Agra Fort, one of the finest and oldest Mughal forts in India. The Itimad-ud-Daulah and Mehtab Bagh are two marvellous sites as well. Also, don’t forget to visit the shoe market to get your hands on budget leather footwear.
Where To Stay: ITC Mughal, Fatehabad Rd, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001 (Rs 7,000 upwards per night for two people)
2. Jim Corbett National Park
Jim Corbett is a good 6 hours of drive away from Delhi, however you can even catch a train till Ramnagar if long road journeys are not your thing. Rich in flora and fauna, Jim Corbett National Park is home to wild tigers, leopards, elephants and bird species. Apart from the jungle, the area is peppered with boutique properties in the midst of nature that’ll be the perfect escape from the city life.
Where To Stay: Corbett River Creek Resort and Spa, Jim Corbett National Park, Village Jhadgaon, Tehsil Sult, Dist Almorah, Marchula, Uttarakhand 244715 (Rs 3,000 upwards per night for two people)
3. Jaipur
About 5 hours from Gurgaon is the Pink City of India. A popular destination with foreigners, the charm of Jaipur truly is unparallel. One place to get a pretty Instagram picture is at the Hawa Mahal! Also, make it a point to visit Jal Mahal, Lohagarh Fort Resort, Jantar Mantar and Amber Palace. For shopaholics, Babu Bazaar is a must-visit to score fancy Indian wear at half that price of what you would pay in Delhi. Foodies too have a lot to sample, including the traditional dal bati churma that’ll leave you craving for more.
Where To Stay: Villa 243 VIVEK VIHAR, New Sanganer Rd, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302019 (Rs 5,000 upwards per night for two people)
Bangalore
The weather in Bangalore is great almost all year round. But just like Mumbai, Bangalore’s traffic scene can drive anyone up the wall. To escape all the chaos, here’s where you can head.
1. Coorg
Keep in mind that 5 hours will easily go in travelling to Coorg. Blessed with natural beauty, there are plenty of activities one can do here like trekking, bird watching, coffee plantation tours and hiking! Coorg also has a cool tourist attraction called Dubare Elephant Camp. Wouldn’t encourage you to ride one, but bathing and feeding them is an experience in itself. The Golden Temple in Coorg also exposes one to Tibetan culture. Momos and thukpas, here we come!
Where To Stay: Sanctum Retreat by Vista Room, Coorg Whitewater Rafting Road Kutta, 571249 Kutta (Rs 5,000 upwards per night for two people)
2. Hampi
Hampi is declared a UNESCO world heritage site and the best time to visit this place is from October to February. It’s unlike any other part of India and even the new Rs 50 note has a depiction of Hampi printed on it! Known for its monolithic sculptures and monuments, it’s a must-visit place for someone who adores architecture. When in Hampi, make sure to visit the Virupaksha Temple, Lotus Mahal, Matanga Hill and Vijaya Vittala Temple. Hampi deserves about 2-3 days of your time. However, you’re always welcome to extend your stay.
Where To Stay: Malligi, 10/90 J.N.Road, Hampi Road Near Lakshmi Saraswati Theatres, Hosapete, Karnataka 583201 (Rs 4,000 upwards per night for two people)
3. Horsley Hills
Horsley Hills is just 3 and a half hours away from Bangalore. Located in the hills of Andhra Pradesh, this place is perfect to escape the city life with your lover. During your time there, you can go trekking, cycling, visit parks and gardens! Also, do make a short trip to Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s worth your time and moolah!
Where To Stay: Haritha Hill Resort Horsely Hills, Madanapally Taluka, Chittoor India (Rs 3,000 upwards per night for two people)
Guwahati
If you’re from Guwahati or new to that place, then listen up! These are some cool spots you need to make a trip to during your 2020 long weekend break.
1. Shillong
Shillong is just 3 hours away from Guwahati by bus or by car. Visit Shillong during the second week of November to experience the Cherry Blossom season – it’s the prettiest! Spend some at Ward’s Lake, Don Bosco Museum, Police Bazaar and Elephant Falls. Oh, it’s also very cold during that time, make sure that you carry something warm to wear.
Where To Stay: Capital O 6645 Hotel Sapphire, Police Bazaar, Keating Road, Shillong 793001 India (Rs 6,000 upwards per night for two people)
2. Cherrapunji
It’s a long way to Cherrapunji, but the journey is out of this world! Hills and turns, you’ll be in for a visual treat. If you’re travelling from Shillong, it takes 2 hours and from Guwahati, 4-5 hours. Cherrapunji is a place where you can find Double and Single Decker Root Bridge, Dawki, Nohkalikai Waterfalls and one of the cleanest villages in Asia, Mawlynnong.
Where To Stay: Aisha Guest House, Khliehshnong, Cherrapunjee, Meghalaya 793108, 793108 Cherrapunji, India. (Rs 3,000 upwards per night for two people)
So ladies, mark your calendars, pack your bags and make the most of 2020!
