Getaways for the Independence Day Weekend

The beautiful long Independence Day weekend has finally dawned upon us. It’s time to say goodbye to the mundane, regular life and get into the vacay mode. Our country is blessed with beautiful holiday destinations and we tried to help you narrow down your search, by giving you options from every part of the country. Dharamshala The famous town in Himachal Pradesh and the headquarters for Central Tibetan Administration, Dharamshala is popularly known as the second winter capital of India. Settled on the hilly terrains of Kangra valley, it attracts a lot of tourists and has a number of attractions to offer. You can start your holiday by visiting the Dalai Lama Temple located just a few meters away from the Mcleodganj bus stand, see the picturesque Dharamshala Cricket Stadium, visit the Kalachakra Temple that the Dalai Lamas use for public teaching, also see the Namgyal Monastery which is also used by the Dalai Lamas to honor the female deity, while you are there do not miss the St John’s church which is famous for its Neo-Gothic architecture and Belgian stained glass windows. And once you’re done visiting all these spots, take some time off and go to Naddi village to enjoy the scenic natural beauty and snow-covered Dhauladhar ranges. This is the best way to wrap your trip and soak in some nature love. Munnar Located in the southwestern part of Kerala, Munnar is also called the Kashmir of South India. This hill station once served as the summer resort for the British Government in South India. Known for its sprawling tea gardens and the exotic Neelakurinji flower that blooms every twelve years, Munnar is just the quiet picturesque getaway one generally longs for. This hill station also has many attractions around that gives travelers ample of options to explore. One could explore the Eravikulam National Park known for the endangered inhabitant – Nilgiri tahr, treak in the Anamudi Peak – highest peak in South India, visit the Mattupetty dairy farm run by Indo-Swiss Livestock Project, see the famous Chinnakanal waterfalls and finally visit the Tea Museum which speaks about the origins and evolution of tea plantations. Darjeeling The small municipality town in West Bengal famous for its tea gardens, Kanchenjunga range and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway – is a popular tourist destination in India. Apart from being a small hill station, Darjeeling also has several British style schools which serve pupils from all over India as well as some of the neighboring countries. This town has a lot to offer even if you go there for a short span of time. The Darjeeling Zoo which houses some rare animals like Red Pandas, Snow Leopards, Tibetan Wolf etc. Tiger Hill famous for the view of Kanchenjunga sunrise and snow covered Himalayan range, Bastasia loop which offers a great view of Darjeeling’s landscape, Darjeeling Ropeway, Rock garden, Japanese temple, Bengal Natural History Museum, the list is endless! Dahanu   The small coastal town located 110 km away from Mumbai city is the perfect getaway for a beach lover. This Parsi dominated sleepy town is never that crowded and offers beautiful, clean beaches and cozy resorts overlooking the sea. Apart from the beaches one can walk around the small clean town, visit the Asavli Dam, Dahanu fort which was first used by the Portuguese and was later converted into a jail after independence, Bahrot caves – it is believed that the Zarathosti ancestors hid there for 13 years from the Muslim rulers, Kalpataru Gardens and the Mallinath Jain Temple. Shillong The Abode of Clouds or The Scotland of the East, is the capital of one of the smallest states in India but blessed with abundant natural beauty. This hill station is cool during summers, very cold during winters and a popular getaway for the people living in the nearby areas/states. Shillong is known for its tourism, schools and love for rock music. One can enjoy boating at Wards Lake, take a walk at Lady Hydari Park, visit the Shillong Golf Course to look at one of Asia’s largest and wettest golf course, and finally go see Shillong Peak to enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Apart from these enjoy the various museums, Chrysalis gallery, Sweet Falls and Cathedral of Mary Help of Christians. Before you head out make you insure your trip with Bajaj Allianz’s Bharat Bhraman Policy that not only gives accidental coverage but also offers covers like emergency medical evaluation, trip cancellation, home burglary insurance, trip curtailment, adventure sports benefit etc. This a complete travel insurance policy with a lot of benefits at a minimum premium. So make sure you step out this weekend and give yourself the much needed break. We wish you a happy journey!