Looking for Summer Weekend Getaways near Major Cities?

Living in a big city may be rewarding, but it also comes with crowds, noise, pollution and heat. If you are sweltering in the summer heat and looking for some cool weekend getaways, read on. 

We at ShoutLo have found 35 such places just for you.

Delhi

The heat in Delhi during summers is legendary. Here are some destinations nearby that can help you cool down.

Nainital

Nainital, with the lake at its heart, is one of the most popular weekend getaways near Delhi. It is approximately 300 kilometres from Delhi and you can rent a car or hire a cab for a journey of about seven hours. Alternatively, take the train up to Kathgodam and then hire a cab or take a bus to Nainital.

Kasauli

This quaint and romantic hill station is approximately 300 kilometres away from Delhi and is a clear glimpse into the country’s colonial past. You can go via a state transport bus or hire a taxi. Alternatively, a train to Kalka and a bus or taxi ride from there will also take you to Kasauli. The closest airport is at Chandigarh.

Fatehpur Sikri

If culture and history is your cup of tea, this fortress city is 204 kilometres from Delhi and is accessible by taxi or simply a road-trip that lasts three to four hours. You can also take a flight or a train to Agra and then hire a taxi or board a bus to get you to the Mughals’ former capital.

Corbett National Park

This is the oldest national park in the country and popular for its elephant rides into the jungle and an increased chance of spotting tigers. It is about 260 kilometres from Delhi and if you decide to ride or drive down, it’ll take you around four to five hours to get there. Alternatively, you can take a train to Ramnagar or a flight to Pant Nagar and then hire a taxi or get on a bus to get there.

Bharatpur

This town lies at the centre of the Delhi-Agra-Jaipur tourist triangle and is well-known for the Keoladeo National Park, a bird sanctuary that enjoys the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is approximately 180 kilometres from Delhi and you can get there within four hours if you drive or ride down yourself. There are trains to the town and you can take a flight to Agra and then hire a taxi to get you there.

Amritsar

Amritsar is best known for the Golden Temple, the Jallianwala Bagh and food that is basically soaked in ghee. If any one of these or perhaps all three interest you, you can drive the approximately 450 kilometres from Delhi yourself or take a state transport or private bus. You can also take a train or flight directly from Delhi.

Dehradun

Another weekend getaway that can cool you down, Dehradun is a hill station located between the Ganga and the Yamuna. It is around 240 kilometres from Delhi and you can get there in five to six hours if you drive yourself. It is also accessible by rail and flight from Delhi.

Mumbai

Home to Bollywood, Mumbai is also known for its balmy, hot weather. If you’re looking for an escape over the weekend, here are some places you can check out.

Matheran

If green is your scene, then Matheran is where you should head over the weekend, especially during the monsoons, so that you can cool off in one of the many waterfalls there. Matheran is approximately 80 kilometres from Mumbai and you can either drive there yourself or hire a car to get there. It is also well connected to Mumbai by train. Mumbai is also the closest city with an airport.

Vasai Fort

Otherwise known as the Bassein Fort and surrounded by the ocean on three sides, the place is popular as an outdoor location for Bollywood movies. It is around 60 kilometres away from Mumbai and can be reached by bus or taxi. You can also drive yourself. You can also take a train there from Mumbai, which is also the closest airport.

Kashid

If you’re looking for pristine and uncrowded beaches, whether during the weekdays or during the weekends, this town, approximately 130 kilometres away from Mumbai is where you need to head. You can either drive yourself or hire a taxi or board a bus. The closest railway station is in Roha and the nearest airport in Mumbai.

Diveagar Beach

Diveagar Beach came into the limelight when a golden mask of Ganesha was found there. People came to see the mask and stayed on the pristine beach. It is around 180 kilometres from Mumbai and can be reached by bus or taxi. You can also drive yourself or take a flight to Pune and travel from there.

Bhandardara

If you’re looking for some tranquillity, this is where you should head. There are hills, waterfalls, lakes and the Pravara River – everything that will allow you to take a break from the summer heat and relax. It is around 185 kilometres from Mumbai and you can drive down there within five to six hours. You can also take a train to Igatpuri and then hire a taxi or fly to Mumbai and take a bus or taxi to get there.

Kolad

Looking for an adventure? Go white water rafting in Kolad. The town is approximately 120 kilometres from Mumbai. You can drive there, hire a taxi or take a bus up to Khandala or Murud. Alternatively, you can take a train to Lonavla, or fly to Nanded.

Silvassa

The capital of Dadra-Nagar Haveli, this is a remnant of the Portuguese rule. The town is around 170 kilometres from Mumbai and you can drive there in 3 hours. You can also take a train to Vapi or fly to Mumbai and take a bus or taxi there.

Pune

Although Pune itself is surrounded by beautiful hills and waterfalls and has lovely weather, there might be times when you want something different around you. Here are some weekend getaways that should work out for you.

Tarkarli Beach

If you want to learn scuba diving or simply experience it, you should go to Tarkarli Beach. Approximately 400 kilometres from Pune, Tarkarli Beach can be accessed via taxi or you can drive there yourself. If you want to travel by train, you’ll need to go up to Lonavala. The closest airport is the Dabolim airport in Goa.

Lavasa

A hill station that came into being recent, Lavasa is quiet, peaceful and serene. It is only about 60 kilometres from Pune and you can get there by taxi or by driving yourself. The closest railway station is in Lonavala and the closest airport in Pune.

Kaas

For verdant, natural beauty there is very little to beat the flowers in Kaas. The town is around 130 kilometres from Pune and you can drive there yourself or hire a taxi to take you. The closest railway station and airport are both in Pune.

Mahabaleshwar

You can get everything related to strawberries here – from puddings to smoothies to shakes to ice creams. This may be the most delicious way to beat summer. It is only 120 kilometres away from Pune so you can drive or take a taxi. You can also take a train to Satara or a flight to Pune to get to Mahabaleshwar.

Goa

The most happening and party friendly place in the country, Goa is where everyone who is cool or wants to be cool goes to hang out. It is about 500 kilometres from Pune and you can get there in five to six hours if you drive yourself. There are trains to Madgaon and Vasco da Gama and you can also fly to Goa International Airport.

Rajmachi

Nothing beats the Rajmachi fort for the best views of the Sahyadri hills. It is a mere 80 kilometres from Pune, so you should be able to drive down easily or hire a taxi to get there. You can take a bus to Khandala or Murud and then hire a taxi, too. The nearest railway station is at Lonavla while the nearest airport is in Nanded.

Alibag

While Goa is a premier destination, it can get pretty crowded. Instead, you can head to Alibag which is about 150 kilometres from Pune by car. Alternatively, you can take a train to Roha or a flight to Mumbai and then hire a taxi to get there.

Bangalore

For those who live in the Silicon Valley of India, a weekend getaway becomes essential to deal with all the stress that comes with work and navigating the traffic. Here are some places that are close to Bangalore and well worth visiting.

Bheemashweri

If you want to get your adrenaline high, go white water rafting at Bheemashweri, which is only 100 kilometres from Bangalore. You can hire a taxi from Bangalore, which also has the closest railway station and airport.

Nandi Hills

A mere 60 kilometres away from Bangalore, the hills and the fort on it are the most popular weekend destination for Bangaloreans. You can get there by bus, taxi or your own vehicle. The closest railway station is in Chikkaballapur and the nearest airport is the Bangalore International Airport.

Savandurga Trek

The perfect spot for a trek, Savandurga rises to a height of 1200 metres above sea level and is the largest single rock formation in Asia. It is about 60 kilometres from Bangalore, where you can find the nearest railway station and airport too.

Shivnasamudra Falls

If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, there is nothing better than riding down to the falls and taking in their beauty. The falls are 135 kilometres from Bangalore and you can get there by bus or taxi too. The closest airport and railway station are in Bangalore.

Palakkad

For nature lovers, this hill station with its paddy fields and lush hills is the perfect place to get away from it all. You can drive there in around eight hours. There is a railway station in town and the nearest airport is in Coimbatore.

Coorg

Another great retreat for the nature lover, Coorg is known for its scenic views and abundant coffee plantations. Around 250 kilometres from Bangalore, this beautiful destination can be reached by bus or taxi. You can also take a train or a flight to Mangalore and then hire a taxi.

Alleppey

The Venice of the East, Alleppey is the perfect place to laze around on a beautiful houseboat as it moves through the backwaters while you drink some fresh and refreshing coconut water. It is about 600 kilometres from Bangalore and is a ten to eleven-hour drive away. You can take a train directly to the town or fly into Cochin.

Chennai

There is no doubting the fact that Chennai can get unbearably hot and humid. If you’re looking to get away from it all for at least some time, here are some great destinations around the city.

Vellore

The Fort City of Tamil Nadu offers both cultural sights and beautiful natural views. It is about 140 kilometres from Chennai and you can get there by car, bus or train. The closest airport is in Chennai.

Mahabalipuram

Famous for its architectural marvels, Mahabalipuram is very justifiably a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is only 60 kilometres from Chennai. There are plenty of buses to the town from Chennai and the nearest railway station is in Chengalpattu. The closest airport is in Chennai.

Tharangambadi or Tranquebar

A remnant of Danish rule, while also showing French, British and German influences, Tharangambadi is a mesh of all four cultures. It is nearly 290 kilometres from Chennai and is accessible via bus or taxi. The nearest railway station is in Nagapattinam and the closest airport is in Chennai.

Chokecherry

This former French colony is a favourite with those who are spiritually inclined or those who simply want to enjoy its beaches. It is about 160 kilometres away from Chennai and is can be accessed by taxi, train or bus. The nearest airport is in Chennai.

Chikmagalur

If coffee is your poison of choice, you will definitely want to head to some of the coffee plantations here. The town is 600 kilometres from Chennai and has its own railway station. The nearest airport is in Mangalore.

Yercaud

The town with its lake and hills is the perfect weekend getaway for families. It is almost 370 kilometres from Chennai and can be reached by train, bus or car. The closest airport is in Trichy.

Kodaikanal

This is the kind of hill station that you will find on picture postcards – it’s that perfect. About 530 kilometres from Chennai, it is accessible by bus or car. Alternatively, you can take a train to Kodairoad or fly into Madurai and then hire a taxi to get you there.

Did we miss any destinations? Do let us know in the comments section.