August is special this year, with not just one, but three long weekends offering the perfect opportunities to unwind and explore. It's the ideal time to escape the daily grind and immerse yourself in India's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether you crave the serene hills, the vibrant beaches, or a cultural retreat, we've curated a list of destinations that promise an unforgettable experience. Here’s where you can head to for a memorable August long weekend:

Neemrana

Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, this historic town, located about 122 kilometres from Delhi (around 2.5 hours by road), is home to the magnificent Neemrana Fort Palace, a 15th-century heritage hotel that offers a perfect blend of luxury and tradition. While staying at the fort, you can indulge in royal living and enjoy traditional Rajasthani music and dance performances.

For the adventure seekers, flying fox zip-lining offers breathtaking views of the Aravalli ranges. Don't miss the ancient stepwell (Baori) and a short drive to Sariska National Park for a wildlife safari. Savour the flavours of Rajasthan with a traditional thali, featuring dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi.

Mukteshwar

For those yearning for tranquillity amidst nature, Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand is the perfect escape. Perched at an altitude of 7,500 feet, this quaint town offers panoramic views of the Himalayas and a serene environment. Located about 343 kilometres from Delhi (around 8 hours by road), Mukteshwar is ideal for trekking, nature walks, and rock climbing.

Visit the ancient Mukteshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva for spiritual solace and stunning views. Chauli Ki Jali, a popular rock formation, offers spectacular views of the valley. Learn about the history of veterinary sciences at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute. Try local Kumaoni cuisine, including aloo ke gutke, bhatt ki churkani, and bal mithai.

Coonoor

Located in the Nilgiri Hills, Coonoor is a charming hill station known for its tea gardens, colonial architecture, and lush greenery. This pristine destination is about 291 kilometres from Bangalore (around 7 hours by road). Enjoy a scenic ride on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the sprawling tea estates to learn about the tea-making process.

Hiking trails offer breathtaking views of the hills. Sim’s Park, a beautifully landscaped garden with a wide variety of flora, and Dolphin’s Nose, a viewpoint offering stunning views of the Nilgiri Hills and Catherine Falls, are must-sees. Relish South Indian delicacies like dosa, idli, and vada.

Gwalior

Gwalior, in Madhya Pradesh, is an extremely underrated destination for when you want to experience history and culture. With its grand palaces, ancient temples, and vibrant bazaars, it’s a perfect destination for history buffs. Located about 320 kilometres from Delhi (around 6 hours by road), Gwalior boasts one of India’s largest forts, known for its stunning architecture and panoramic views.

The evening sound and light show at the fort brings the history of Gwalior to life. Explore the Jai Vilas Palace, showcasing European architecture and an impressive collection of artifacts, and visit the intricately carved Saas Bahu Temple. Indulge in rich Mughlai cuisine, including kebabs, biryanis, and kormas.

Kasauli

Kasauli, a quaint town in Himachal Pradesh, is perfect for those looking to unwind in a serene setting. With its pine forests, colonial charm, and tranquil ambiance, it’s an ideal retreat. Located about 293 kilometres from Delhi (around 6 hours by road), Kasauli offers scenic nature walks surrounded by pine and cedar trees.

Visit the Christ Church, a beautiful colonial-era church with stained glass windows and enjoy mesmerising views of the sunset over the hills at Sunset Point. The highest point in Kasauli, Monkey Point, offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Don’t miss the Kasauli Brewery, one of the oldest distilleries in Asia. Try Himachali dishes like sidu, dham, and chana madra.

Pondicherry

Pondicherry, or Puducherry, is a blend of French and Indian cultures. With its cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, and beautiful beaches, it offers a unique and refreshing experience. Located about 170 kilometres from Chennai (around 3.5 hours by road), Pondicherry invites you to relax at serene beaches like Promenade Beach, Paradise Beach, and Auroville Beach.

Wander through the charming French Quarter with its colourful buildings and quaint cafes, and visit Auroville, the international township dedicated to human unity. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram is a peaceful retreat, while the Botanical Garden offers a lush escape. Enjoy French delicacies like croissants, baguettes, and coq au vin at the many cafes and restaurants.

Kabini

Kabini, located in Karnataka, is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Known for its rich biodiversity and the Kabini River, it offers an unforgettable safari experience. Located about 220 kilometres from Bangalore (around 5 hours by road), Kabini is perfect for a thrilling jungle safari to spot tigers, leopards, elephants, and a variety of bird species. A boat safari on the Kabini River provides a different perspective of the wildlife.

Take guided nature walks through the lush forests to learn about the local flora and fauna. Visit the picturesque Kabini Dam and the nearby Nagarhole National Park, known for its rich wildlife and scenic beauty. Enjoy traditional Karnataka dishes like bisi bele bath, ragi mudde, and Mysore pak.

Bir Billing

Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh is renowned as the paragliding capital of India. It’s the perfect destination for adventure seekers looking to soar high and explore the mountains from a bird’s-eye view. Located about 520 kilometres from Delhi (around 10 hours by road), Bir Billing offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

Explore the many trekking trails that offer stunning vistas and a chance to connect with nature. Visit the beautiful Tibetan monasteries, including Chokling Monastery, known for its stunning architecture. The ancient Baijnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is also worth a visit. Savour delicious Tibetan dishes like momos, thukpa, and tingmo.

Shantiniketan

Shantiniketan, in West Bengal, is a cultural haven founded by Rabindranath Tagore. It’s a perfect destination for those looking to delve into art, literature, and a rich cultural heritage. Located about 164 kilometres from Kolkata (around 3.5 hours by road), Shantiniketan invites you to explore Visva-Bharati University, founded by Tagore, and its many museums and art galleries.

Enjoy soulful performances by the Bauls, a unique group of mystic minstrels, and shop for beautiful handicrafts, textiles, and artworks from local artisans. Visit Tagore’s peaceful ashram, where he spent much of his life, and Amar Kutir, a cooperative society promoting traditional crafts and arts. Indulge in delectable Bengali dishes like macher jhol, shorshe ilish, and sandesh.

Lonavala and Khandala

Lonavala and Khandala are twin hill stations in Maharashtra, known for their scenic beauty, lush greenery, and pleasant climate. Located about 83 kilometres from Mumbai (around 2 hours by road) and 66 kilometres from Pune (around 1.5 hours by road), these destinations are perfect for a quick getaway.

Enjoy the scenic drive along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, and once there, visit popular attractions like Tiger's Leap, Bushi Dam, and the ancient Karla and Bhaja caves. Lonavala is also famous for its chikki (a sweet snack) and the stunning views from Rajmachi Point. Khandala offers breathtaking views from Duke's Nose and the tranquil surroundings of the Ryewood Park. Enjoy the local Maharashtrian cuisine, including vada pav, misal pav, and pav bhaji.

This August long weekend, explore the most diverse and enchanting destinations with your family and friends. Whether you choose the regal ambiance of Neemrana, the tranquil hills of Mukteshwar, or the cultural richness of Shantiniketan, each place offers a unique experience that promises to leave you rejuvenated and inspired. Pack your bags, and let the adventure begin!