The new calendar year stirs up a great deal of excitement about the list of holidays and possible long weekends ahead. If you’ve missed a chance to holiday in the winter break owing to work compulsions or otherwise, you can still plan short getaways to a destination convenient for you to travel to. Immerse into the core experience of the region and at the same time chart out your own offbeat route and look beyond obvious tourist trappings.
A big bang party at a bustling brewery or a tranquil walk in the wilderness… Taking a complete break from the grinding professional/personal commitments or simply going along with the daily routines… We’ve all had our own ways of bidding goodbye to 2023 and saying hello to 2024. And the new calendar year stirs up a great deal of curiosity about the list of holidays ahead. With indications of long weekends, there’s palpable excitement among many about possible getaways. More so among those who missed the chance to travel in the peak season gone by either because of work compulsions or choice to stay clear of the holiday rush.
Are you looking forward to lap up the chances to make the most of the upcoming long weekends? If yes, here are some ways to explore a winter destination convenient for you to travel to, depending on which part of the country you reside in. While paucity of time may not allow you to make elaborate travel plans to exotic locales in a relatively shorter span, you can always discover unique experiences no matter the given time and place.
Every city has a soul, indeed! So pick and choose a place where you can immerse in the core experience of the region but at the same time also chart out your own offbeat route and look beyond tourist trappings.
Chill in the Chilly Weather in North
Even as the dip in the mercury levels in Northern parts of India makes the winters harsher than it is in other regions of the country, some locations can actually be interesting to revel in the winter chills. From snow-capped mountains to subtropical barren lands, the Northern India has its own eclectic appeal in its geographic diversity.
Udaipur in Rajasthan is the right mix of culture, nature, and cuisine to pack in loads of recreational fun. Besides you can also enjoy the less polluted foggy views at this time of the year. The City of Lakes is undoubtedly famous for its Rajputana palaces but its vibrance is also played out on the colorful streets and alleys leading to the palaces and havelis. Brace up with warm clothes and the warmth of the hospitality you receive from the people will do the rest for you.
Places to put up: Staying closer to the banks of the famous Pichhola Lake makes sense as you will be stone’s throw away from all the major tourist highlights of the city.
Right in the heart of Lal Ghat, we chanced upon Hotel Tulsi Niwas, an attractive budget option to try out. The best part is their Roofies Restaurant that gives you a breathtaking view of the city. It is owned and managed by Mr Prakash Paliwal, who interestingly belongs to the family of miniature artists. The hotel is situation above his Paliwal Art outlet-cum-gallery. You will be amazed to check out the Mewari miniature art practiced by generations in his family.
Fascinating views of the city, convenient proximity to major spots and attractions and access to the traditional art form will make your stay at Hotel Tulsi Niwas a complete cultural indulgence.
Things to do: Many city dwellers these days also wish to connect back to their roots by seeking out a more rustic feel of the place. Only an authentic and well-versed tour operator can guide you through an authentic experience of this kind. Mr Yusuf, museum coordinator, Bagore Ki Haveli curates a unique village safari experience that includes tour of temples located in the scenic surroundings on the outskirts of the Udaipur. Bird watching in Menar, which is home to 100 species of migratory birds, is a highlight. In fact the city is also known for its Bird Festival organized in January. Other activities consist of nature trails and a chance to catch a glimpse of life and livelihoods of local tribal communities.
Having generational roots in the city makes Yusuf a seasoned host who can give all the handy and nuanced guidance on how you can make the most of your stay in the City of Lakes.
Cherish the Musky & Pleasant Feel of Green Cover in Southern Regions
Coorg or Kodagu in Karnataka is a land that nurtures some of the endangered species & dialects. Nestled in the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats, it is a cozy hill station, situated 255 km from Bangalore. It is the land of an endangered Dravidian language, which has two dialects, Mendele and Kiggat. Did you know, according to studies by UNESCO, the Western Ghats are in fact older than the Himalayas.
Places to put up: While many prefer to stay in the more famous Madikeri, the district headquarters of Coorg, it’s the quaint town called Virajpet in South Coorg (on the Kerala highway) that is a must visit. With coffee plantations, lush greenery and constant sounds of birds chirping, nature is your tour guide in this part of Coorg. You will also find a combination of budget and luxury stay options in the town.
Things to do: If you love trekking or nature walks, you must check out the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, situated 20+ km from the main Virajpet town. This is truly an unexplored and relatively lesser known part of Coorg. Foggy winter morning view will be absolutely worth the travel.
Enjoy the Combination of Pristine Beauty and the Cultural & Ethnic Uniqueness in East
Situated at the height of 5,500 ft the above sea level, the capital of Sikkim is known as the Queen of Hills. Not many may know that Gangtok is also the civic pride of India. No honking in traffic… abiding strictly to rules… and clean and green spaces… all of this and much more make it one of the best cities of India and North East.
But if the North East is too far-fetched for a short getaway and icy weather is not your cup of tea, you can enjoy the cultural and culinary uniqueness of the more easily accessible City of Joy, Kolkata. Located on the eastern bank of the Hooghly River, this is one metro city where people take immense pride in their distinct literature, arts, food, and culture and also in preserving the essence of a bygone era in their everyday lives. Winters in the city are fairly mild and hence it’s a perfect time to visit the city, which is otherwise slightly humid and warm in the other seasons of year.
Places to put up: Want to experience a tram ride or take a hand-pulled rickshaw to the nearest market, North Kolkata is the place to be. We found an authentic Bengali heritage homestay. The more than eight decades old OH Kolkata – Sutanuti Homestay is a gem of its kind in North Kolkata. One of their rooms has a beautiful balcony that gives you a view resembling the life as it was in old Calcutta. The Victorian-titled flooring, authentic Bengali décor and well-maintained amenities only add to the comforts for a cozy stay.
Hosted by Shayan Basu and his family, this homestay is a perfect place for those who want to cherish the nostalgia of retro Kolkata. Co-host Mr Amitabh takes personalized care of little details and makes earnest effort to ensure you feel comfortable. As someone who has resided in the city all his life, he is more than pleased to share little details and handy information about the city and best ways to commute around. Situated in Shyambazar, the stay is very close to the metro station, which is the best mode of transport in the City of Joy.
Things to do: Take a tram ride, hand-pulled rickshaw ride, and ferry ride from one of the nearest ghats to and from Howrah. While these are some of the experiences unique to the cultural legacy of the city, you can also take a metro and explore the popular heritage and modern-day highlights for leisure and amusement.
Bask in the Coastal Comfort in the West
The emerald beaches of Goa are one of the best in India but to unravel the treasures of nature, culture and cuisine you must take a ride of the countryside. Snuggled in the lush green winding roads are the quaint chapels, cozy homes and comfy mansions displaying the oldest architectural marvels such as stucco mouldings, European Renaissance arches and crowning balcão. With the cycling Poders (home bakers), buzzing fisherfolk clusters, and locally-run businesses dotting the laidback landscape, life moves at its own sweet pace.
Places to put up: Head to South Goa and you will unravel the treasures of nature, culture, cuisine and architecture that make this place strikingly attractive. In the Southern district of the Konkan region, it’s hard to miss the influences of multicultural encounters and the 450 years of Portuguese rule on Goan architecture, streets, food, people, language and much more.
Things to do: As many would agree, riding a two-wheeler is the best way to explore the charm of this coastal beauty. The spirit of Mario Miranda lights up every other nook and corner with vignettes of Goan life on facades paying a rich inspirational tribute to the legendary cartoonist and painter. The balcão or extended porches at the thresholds of the houses where residents sit and relax is a restful sight in contrast to the hectic lifestyles of metros. Unlike cities where balconies and verandahs are used merely for drying laundry or at the best as a store space owing to lack of space and time crunch, the balcão of a home in Goan villages is a conversation sit-out area where residents interact with passersby, neighbours and friends for a casual chatter.
