Break your routine and plan August 15 holidays to Goa, Singapore or Abu Dhabi!
With August 15 approaching, you might not have had time to think about a refreshing long weekend escape yet. Well, to help you get organised, here are some of our Independence Day getaways from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Getaways from Bengaluru
Hampi
Visit the famous ruins of this once-capital of the Vijayanagara empire in northern Karnataka. You’ll see giant temples, palaces, market streets and fortifications that now form one of India’s most popular UNESCO World Heritage sites. A 7 to 8 hour bus journey there starts from INR 650*.
Cheap flights to Hampi
Sri Lanka
Take a flight to vibrant Colombo, a once-popular port and harbour on Portuguese, Dutch and British sea trade routes. You’ll see plenty of remnants of colonial architecture. Visit the Gangaramaya Buddhist temple or do some last minute shopping at one of Colombo’s cool shopping malls. An hour and a half direct return flight starts from INR 11,800*. To apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation, visit http://www.eta.gov.lk
Read more: Best time to visit Sri Lanka
Cheap flights to Sri LankaGetaways from Chennai
Madurai
Drop in on the city that never sleeps and don’t miss a visit to the Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal which is a 17th century palace that frequently forms a stunning backdrop in movies. An hour long direct return flight starts from INR 2,900*.
Cheap flights to Madurai
Hong Kong
For something different, charter a Chinese fishing boat, known as a ‘junk’ and have a picnic as you sail through one of the scattered islets. You’ll enjoy the night markets – from the character-laden Temple Street which has everything from counterfeit watches and live crustaceans on sale to street corner fortune-tellers eager to get your custom. Indians qualify for a visa on arrival and five and half hour return flight starts at INR 44,000*.
Read more: Hong Kong visa: How to apply for a visa to Hong Kong
Cheap flights to Hong KongGetaways from Delhi
Amritsar
If you haven’t already been, this might be the time to finally visit the famous Golden Temple. Other popular attractions are the site of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and the summer palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. An hour and fifteen minute long direct flight starts at INR 3,200*.
Nepal
If you don’t have time to do the Everest trek, take a charter flight or a helicopter ride over the mountains. Must-see attractions in Kathmandu are the old Durbar Square, the Bodnath Stupa and, if you can face a bit of an uphill trek, Kopan Monastery. Stuff yourself with momos and shop at busy Thamel for souvenirs, thangka paintings and luxurious pashminas. An hour and a half long less than two-hour return flight starts at INR 12,300*.
Read more: Nepal tourism
Cheap flights to NepalGetaways from Hyderabad
Vishakhapatnam
This city is most famous for its pristine sandy beaches, caves and wildlife sanctuaries. Visit the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park and check out the lighthouse on Dolphin’s Nose, a popular attraction of the area that is a piece of rock projecting into the sea. A return flight taking a little over an hour starts from INR 3,600*.
Singapore
This multi-ethnic city provides a long weekend getaway with the perfect trifecta: shopping, food and culture. Enjoy some designer shopping on Orchard Road and pop into Tanglin Shopping Mall for some unusual antiques. Get your culture fix at the National Museum and afterwards, discover why dining out is the favourite national pastime by trying some Asian Fusion at a food court. Prices begin at INR 17,800* for a 4 and a half hour flight.
Read more: Singapore visa: How to apply for a visa to Singapore
Cheap flights to SingaporeGetaways from Kolkata
Jaipur
Visit Jaipur’s unique Hawa Mahal and Nahargarh Fort perched on the hills overlooking the city for a panoramic view of the pink city. Remember to buy plenty of silver jewellery, gorgeous textiles and blue pottery. A two and a half hour flight starts at INR 7,100* for a direct return.
Thailand
Travel to Bangkok and visit the temples, the Royal Palace and the floating market just outside the city. The Chatuchak weekend market has hundreds of stalls where you’ll be able to shop for everything from Thai silk outfits to memorable souvenirs for everyone back home. A return flight is two and a half hours starting from INR 12,000*, and you can get a visa on arrival.
Cheap flights to Thailand
Getaways from Mumbai
Goa
The monsoon rains only enhances the romantic drama of Goa. Take a leisurely stroll along its quiet beaches, shop in the capital city and spend the rest of your break relaxing in a comfortable armchair at a sea view restaurant sipping a cocktail. A one hour and fifteen minute return flight starts at INR 4,100*.
Cheap flights to Goa
UAE
Head to Abu Dhabi for a major shopping spree at Marina Mall, which also has an Ice Rink and a Bowling Village. Remember to pack your swimming gear as kids of all ages will absolutely love the mega waterpark ‘Yas Waterworld’ with its rides, slides and various attractions. A three hour direct return flight starts at INR 21,400*.
