5 quick trips in India for Republic Day 2023 long weekend
The first long weekend that we get will be of four days. Photo: dailyO
2023 is going to be one of the best years, not because we have interesting New Year resolutions, but because of the number of weekends that can be turned into long-weekend holidays.
So, according to DailyO's Long Weekend Calendar 2023, the first long weekend that we get will be of four days: January 26, Thursday: Republic Day, January 28, Saturday, January 29, Sunday; take a day off on January 27, Friday, to enjoy a four-day holiday.
Here are the places we have in mind for a quick getaway, in case you don't have any plans in place so far. Take a look:
Here are the details about these places:
1. Mandarmani, West Bengal
Mandharmani has one of the most undervalued beaches, and is one of the most gorgeous ones in the East, and is largely connected to private homes. So, you have a good personal view of the beach right outside your balcony.
Distance from Kolkata: 173 km (so, think a 4/5 hour drive)
2. Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is a beautiful place in Uttarakhand's Nainital region. It is at an elevation of 2,285 metres above sea level. Mukteshwar takes its name from the 350-year-old Mukteshwar Dham temple, whose reigning deity is Lord Shiva.
You can get the perfect view of the Himalayas, with a mesmerising sunset on the hills. This season will be the perfect time for a getaway, with some snow covering the hills.
Distance from Delhi/NCR: 256 kms (so, a 7/8 hour drive; or an overnight drive)
3. Pondicherry
Pondy, as Pondicherry is popularly called, is one of India's seven Union Territories, bordered by the southern state of Tamil Nadu.
This former French colony is a lovely getaway that combines traditional Indian sensibilities with French architecture, offering the best of both cultures.
Distance from Chennai: 150 km (so, a 3/4 hour drive along the East Coast Road)
4. Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Mamallapuram, commonly known as Mahabalipuram, is known for its beautifully carved temples and rock-cut caverns. It is a well-known, historically significant, and popular tourist destination on the Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu.
Gorgeous white-sand beaches lined with casuarina trees is a good enough reason to visit this great town.
One of its temples is a UNESCO World heritage site, with a group of monuments like the Shore Temple and the Five Rathas.
Distance between Chennai to Mahabalipuram: 58 km (so, a 1.5/2 hour drive)
5. Mayodia, Arunachal Pradesh
Mayodia in Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most underrated places. During the month of January, it receives snowfall like no other city, and it's absolutely mesmerising and cannot be missed.
Distance from Roing: 56 km from Roing, Arunachal Pradesh (So, a 2 hour drive)