Escape The City: Top Nature Getaways For The Republic Day Long Weekend

The upcoming Republic Day long weekend offers the perfect chance to step away from city life and reconnect with nature. From misty hill stations to dense forests and stunning beaches, here are some off-the-beaten-track escapes from Indian cities. Think peaceful birdwatching trails in Karnala, or quiet mornings in the forests of Daringbadi, there’s something here for every traveller.Republic Day Long Weekend Nature Getaways Near MumbaiKarnala Bird SanctuaryLocated near Panvel, Karnala Bird Sanctuary is spread across dry deciduous and semi-evergreen forests. It is home to over 250 bird species. The sanctuary centres around the 12th-century Karnala Fort, offering a perfect mix of nature and heritage.Things to DoBring your binoculars along for a spot of birdwatching. The area is home to several species that are on the radar of serious birdwatchers - like Ashy Minivets, Paradise Flycatchers, and Indian Pittas. You can go trekking and explore trails like Hariyal, Mortaka, and Tadamba, culminating in panoramic views. Check out our guide here.Getting ThereLocated in Raigad District near the Mumbai-Goa Highway, Karnala is accessible by road from Mumbai. Open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM, visitors are advised to carry water, binoculars, and cash, and wear comfortable footwear for the trek.DiveagarTucked 160 kilometres from Pune, Diveagar—meaning “light orchard” (‘Di’ for light, ‘Agar’ for orchard)—is a serene coastal village. Its wide beaches are fringed by swaying coconut and betel nut groves, which give the area its lush, green character and tranquil charm. Its serene shores and historic temples make for natural beauty and cultural charm.Things to DoDiveagar is a great place for unwinding. Go for a walk along beaches, which offer some truly brilliant sunsets. Or watch the waves from quieter coves. Birdwatchers can explore nearby Devkhol, which hosts coastal and migratory species. Wander through the coconut groves. If you are into spirituality, do not miss the Roopnarayan, Suvarna Ganesh, and Shree Uttareshwar temples. Check out our guide here.Getting ThereDiveagar is accessible from Mumbai or Pune by road, with Mangaon station 30–47 kilometres away. The nearest major airport is Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International. Homestays and resorts nestled among palms provide an immersive coastal experience.KoladA sleepy town in Raigad district, Kolad lies in the heart of the Sahyadri mountain range and is famed for its natural beauty. With hills, rivers, and waterfalls, it makes for an ideal weekend escape for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.Things to DoGo for a whitewater rafting session on the Kundalika River, which has rapids graded II–III. Trek to Devkund Waterfall or explore the cascading Tamhini Ghat Waterfall for panoramic views of the Sahyadris. Take a boat ride at Bhira Dam. Or go on the Plus Valley Trek through four towering hills, and watch sunsets while birdwatching at Sutarwadi Lake. The combination of rivers, hills, and waterfalls makes Kolad a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Check out our guide here.Getting ThereKolad is accessible by rail via Kolad Railway Station and by road from Mumbai or Pune. The nearest major airport is Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.Top Nature Escapes Near Delhi For The Republic Day Long WeekendBarotLocated in the lap of the Dhauladhar Range, Barot is a tranquil destination along the Uhl River in HimachaL Pradesh. With gushing waterfalls and panoramic mountain views, it offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers away from crowded tourist spots.Things to DoYou can go on walks through the deodar, oak, and coniferous forests of Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary, spotting wildlife such as leopards, bears, barking deer, and Himalayan monals. Try trout fishing at the government fisheries farm, explore the historic Shanan Hydroelectric Project, or just relax by the riverside.Getting ThereGaggal Airport (Dharamshala) is 114 km away, while Joginder Nagar Railway Station connects via a narrow-gauge line. Roads from nearby towns make Barot easily accessible.ChakrataLocated in the Garhwal Himalayas at 2,118 metres, Chakrata is a peaceful cantonment town in Dehradun district. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense forests, it remains largely untouched, making it perfect for nature lovers seeking tranquillity.Things to DoGo on a scenic trek to Tiger Falls. Explore Deoban, a dense forest perfect for nature walks and birdwatching. Here you may spot rare species such as the Himalayan monal and the white-collared blackbird. If you have some time, do a trek to Budher and Miola Caves, navigating stalactites and stalagmites with a flashlight. Sunset Point near the Chakrata Forest Check Post offers panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. Check out our guide here.Getting ThereChakrata is approximately 100 km from Dehradun, accessible by road. The nearest airport and railway station are in Dehradun, providing convenient connections.BundiLocated in the Hadoti region, Bundi is known for its lakes, forts, miniature art, and gorgeous landscapes. Its blue-hued old town, historic forts, and stepwells are perfect for a peaceful weekend holiday.Things to DoExplore Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary, India's 52nd Tiger Reserve. It is a vital wildlife corridor connecting Ranthambore and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserves, featuring rugged Aravalli/Vindhyan terrain, dry deciduous forests with dhok trees, with the Mej River flowing through.Check out the architecture of the town’s ancient stepwells. Walk through colourful, narrow lanes. Bundi is known for its unique miniature-style art, examples of which can be found at the Taragarh Fort and the Garh Palace. The Chitrashala (or Rang Vilas) in Bundi Palace is a stunning 18th-century art gallery known for its vibrant frescoes and murals. In the evenings, head to Jait Sagar Lake for stunning sunsets. Check out our guide here.Getting ThereBundi is accessible by road and rail, with Kota serving as the nearest major railway hub. Jaipur and Udaipur airports connect via domestic flights.Peaceful Nature Retreats Near Kolkata This Republic DayDaringbadiLocated in the Kandhamal hills, in Odisha, Daringbadi is an offbeat haven of pine forests, coffee plantations, and misty valleys. Its tranquil rivers, waterfalls, and sleepy villages make it a perfect escape if you are seeking solitude.Things to DoWander through dense pine forests and coffee, pepper, and turmeric plantations. Trek to waterfalls such as Midubandha, Ludu, Rainbow (Pangali), and Duluri. Spot wildlife at Belghar Sanctuary. Visit Sunset Point for what else - panoramic sunsets. Discover tribal villages along forest trails and experience local traditions. Relax by the Doluri River, which originates from the Daringbadi hills and flows through Ganjam and Kandhamal districts, even serving as a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. Getting ThereThe nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International (Bhubaneswar), 290 km away. Berhampur Railway Station is 120–130 km, with taxis or buses available to Daringbadi.SuntalekholaLocated in the Dooars region in the eastern Himalayan foothills, Suntalekhola—named after the small creek ‘Suntaley Khola’—is surrounded by emerald tea gardens, misty hills, and rushing streams, it offers a serene escape for nature lovers and birdwatchers alike.Things to DoExplore treks and nature trails leading into Neora Valley National Park, or take forest safaris through the lush greenery. Spot a variety of birds, including black eagles, scarlet minivets, blue rock thrushes, and lesser racket-tailed drongos. Go white-water rafting on the Teesta. Wander through scenic tea gardens surrounded by hills, rivers, and forests that make Suntalekhola a biodiversity hotspot in the Dooars. Check out our guide here.Getting ThereThe nearest railhead is New Mal Junction, with Gorubathan serving as the road access point. Bagdogra Airport is the closest major airport, connecting via taxis or buses.Taki And Golpata ForestLocated 70 km from Kolkata along the Ichamati River, Taki is a historic border town known for its peaceful vibe and scenic surroundings. The nearby Golpata Forest—a mini-Sundarban mangrove dominated by golpata palms—offers an easy escape into nature with river views and lush greenery.Things to DoThere are concrete paths in Golpata Forest, which you can use to explore mangroves and a variety of local species, including kingfishers and herons. Take a boat ride on the Ichamati River, which marks the border between India and Bangladesh. Visit heritage sites like Taki Rajbari. If you are into photography, you can capture the misty riverbanks and forested trails.Getting ThereAccessible by train to Taki Road or by bus from Kolkata. Local transport includes autos and totos. Visit October to March for pleasant weather.Best Nature Getaways Near Bangalore For The Republic Day Long WeekendSkandagiriAlso known as Kalavara Durga, Skandagiri is a scenic hill near Chikballapur. Located about 60 km from Bangalore at an altitude of 1,450 metres, it offers misty landscapes, ancient fort ruins, and breathtaking sunrise views above the clouds.Things to DoIf you are into adventure, you can go on the famous night trek from Papagni Mutt and reach the summit by dawn. This is a moderately challenging trail which offers gorgeous views of Nandi Hills and the surrounding valleys. The clear, dark skies on the way up provide ideal conditions for stargazing. The main attraction is the spectacular sunrise - you can witness the dawn break over a sea of clouds blanketing the valleys below. Make sure you carry essentials such as torches, water, and snacks, as there are no vendors along the route.Getting ThereSkandagiri is esaily accessible from Bangalore or Chikballapur through rail and road.RamanagaraAbout 50 km from Bangalore, Ramanagara is famed for its dramatic rocky hills, popularly known as the “Sholay Hills.” With panoramic views, unique granite outcrops, and dry thorny landscapes, it is an ideal escape for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.Things to DoYou can trek the Ramanagara hills and visit cave temples, such as Sri Raana Siddheshwara Temple. Or go rock climbing and rappelling in the rugged terrain. Take along your binoculars for birdwatching sessions at Kanva Reservoir or along the Arkavathi River. You may be able to spot several wildlife species, including Bonnet Macaques, hyenas, and reptiles. Explore nearby cultural spots like Channapatna, known for traditional wooden toys.Getting ThereRamanagara is easily accessible by road from Bangalore. Basic amenities are available at trek bases; carry water and essentials for trails.Bheemeshwari And KanakpuraSituated along the Cauvery River, and located within the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, the Bheemeshwari and Kanakpura region is famed for dense forests, riverine landscapes, and abundant birdlife.Things to DoBheemeshwari and Kanakpura offer a mix of river, forest, and hill experiences. Glide along the Cauvery River in a traditional coracle, listening to the calls of birds. The river is also great for fishing. Trails through the surrounding forests offer nature walks. Kayaking adds a touch of adventure for those seeking to navigate the gentle rapids.Getting ThereAbout 100 to 105 km from Bangalore, accessible by road via Kanakpura. Limited mobile connectivity enhances the sense of escape.FAQsWhen is the best time to visit?Late January is perfect—cool weather, clear skies, and migratory birds in sanctuaries.What activities can I do?Trekking, birdwatching, coracle rides, river adventures, waterfalls, camping, fishing, and nature walks. Adventure seekers can try rafting, kayaking, rappelling, or night treks.Are these destinations suitable for families?Yes. Coastal and serene spots like Diveagar, Bundi, and Taki suit families. High-adrenaline locations like Skandagiri or Kolad are better for fit adults or older teens.How should I prepare for the trips?Carry water, snacks, layered clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and binoculars. Check for permits, opening hours, road conditions, and limited mobile connectivity.How far are these escapes from city centres?Most are within 2–5 hours’ drive: e.g., Karnala (~60 km from Mumbai), Skandagiri (~60 km from Bangalore), Taki (~70 km from Kolkata), and Kolad (~120 km from Mumbai). Perfect for a weekend getaway.7 Long Weekend Trips Under INR 10,000 You Can Actually Pull Off This Republic Day

Escape The City: Top Nature Getaways For The Republic Day Long Weekend

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