WEEKEND GETAWAYS

4 Budget Holiday Ideas Perfect for a March Vacay!

Gurmeet Kaur

Last updated: Mar 12, 2020

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Shop

Coorg: The world famous variety of coffee is on top of every shopper’s list. Take home signature spices like pepper, cardamom, oregano, sage, etc
Lavasa: Bamboo artefacts such as wall clocks, lamp shades, furniture and showpieces
Gwalior: Ornaments, wall hangings, handmade carpets, dokra statuettes, hand-woven saris

Filmy

Corrg: Portions of Priyanka chopra’s deadly starrer ‘ Saat Khoon Maaf’ was shot here. Check out Neil Nittin Mukesh’s (who played her husband) twitter uploads for his Coorg experience during the shoot
Kalimpong: Some parts of Shammi Kapoor’s China Town and Amitabh Bachchan's Barsaat ki Ek Raat were shot here

Do

Lavasa: A game of indoor golf. Rapelling and other sports at Xthrill Adventure Academy
Gwalior: Adventure activities at Madhav National Park. Sound and light show at Gwalior Fort
Daman: Take a walk (or a pony ride!) on Devka Beach

Eat

Lavasa: Eat mouth watering north Indian cusinies at Chor Bizarre
Daman: Gorge on seafood at Nana’s Restaurant
Kalimpong: Local dishes made with dallay khorsani (hot chilli pepper)

See

Gwalior: Jai Vilas Palace, Man Singh Palace. Scindia Museum
Daman: Fort of Moti Daman, Church of Bom Jesus

Want To Go ? 
   

I haven’t been much of a trip planner as there were other people in the family to do the job for me. Now that I have started living the life of an enterprising singleton, I figured out that planning a trip involves a lot more effort than just making a ‘things to pack’ list. Especially so, when you are in desperate need of a vacation but the bank account doesn’t allow. 

Keeping in mind a vast generation of individuals in the same situation, here are the 4 handpicked weekend getaways that won’t hurt your bank balance and will serve the purpose too! 

1. Coorg

Known as the Scotland of India, Coorg offers its visitors lush mountains ranges, gorgeous coffee plantations and a quiet, relaxing stay.

Best from: Bengaluru (267 km away)

Make it happen:

Hotel- Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per day* for 3 days - pick hotels like Sree Durga Hill View Hotel , Bgrows Holiday Homes or Madikeri Heritage

Total cost for stay- Rs 4,500- Rs 6,000

Food- Rs 1,000 per day per head*3 days - pick restaurants like Athithi, Hotel Neel Sagar, Caravan and Silver Oaks.  

Total cost for food- Rs 3,000

Transport- Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 per day* 3 days (Tip- Book a cab or a taxi for the day or ask your hotel reception to get you an auto, as the public transport is quite expensive).

Total cost for transport- Rs 1,500- Rs 4,500

Total cost for 3 days: Rs 4,500- Rs6,000 (stay) + Rs 1,500- Rs 4,500​ (transfers) + Rs 3,000 (food) = Rs 9,000-13,500 per person.

 

2. Gwalior

A city steeped in history, and is also known as “The pearl amongst fortresses in India”, offers a lot to its visitors. Jai Vilas Palace, Gwalior Fort, Moti Mahal and Gwalior Gate are some of the biggest tourist attractions.

Best from: Delhi (338 km away)

Make it happen:

Hotel- Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 per day* 3 days - pick hotels like Hotel Grace (pick and drop from the station is complimentary), Hotel Mayur.

Total cost for stay- Rs 3,000- Rs 4,500.

Food- Rs 1,000 per day per head* 3 days - pick restaurants like The Yellow Chilli, Panchavati Gaurav and Punjabeez Tasty Treasure.

Total cost for food- Rs 3,000

Transport-  Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 per day* 3 days (Tip- use public transport like tempos, auto rickshaw taxis, and micro-buses).

Total cost for transport- Rs 1,500- Rs 4,500.

Total cost for 3 days: Rs 3,000 - Rs 4,500 (stay) + Rs 1,500- Rs 4,500​ (transfers) + Rs 3,000 (food) = Rs7,500 - Rs 12,000 per person.

 

3. Daman

Popular for its rich cultural heritage, quiet beaches, and lush palm groves, Daman is a weekend treat for all the nature lovers!

Best from: Mumbai (170 km away)

Make it happen:

Hotel- Rs 1,300- Rs 1,500 per day* 3 days - pick hotels like Hotel Summer House, Hotel Sai Kripa Imperial and Hotel The Emerald.

Total cost for stay- Rs 3,900- Rs 4,500.  

Food- Rs 1,000 per day per head* 3 days – pick restaurants like Punjabi Tadka, The Restaurant and Hotel Miraman.

Total cost for food- Rs 3,000.

Transport-  Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 per day* 3 days (Tip- use public transport like tempos, auto rickshaw taxis, and micro-buses).

Total cost for transport- Rs 1,500- Rs 4,500.

Total cost for 3 days: Rs3,900 - Rs 4,500 (stay) + Rs 1,500- Rs 4,500 (transfers) + Rs 3,000 (food) = Rs8,400 - Rs 12,000 per person.

 

4. Kalimpong

Kalimpong is a beautiful hill station with the captivating Teesta Valley, gorgeous churches, monasteries and lush green landscapes, and is one of the best picks for a weekend getaway.

Best from: Kolkata (628 km away)

Make it happen:

Hotel- Rs 1,000- Rs 1,600 per day* 3 days - pick hotels like Hotel Mountain View, The Soods Garden Retreat and Zambala Guest House.

Total cost for stay- Rs 3,000- Rs 4,800.

Food- Rs 1,000 per day per head* 3 days - Try restaurants like Gompu’s, Tandoori Express and Fresh Bite.

Total cost for food- Rs 3,000.

Transport-  Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 per day* 3 days (Tip- Hire a cab or taxi for a fixed period of time from the hiring agencies. Local rail is also a very convenient option).

Total cost for transport- Rs 1,500- Rs 4,500.

Total cost for 3 days: Rs 3,000 - Rs 4,800 (stay) + Rs 1,500- Rs 4,500​ (transfers) + Rs 3,000 (food) = Rs 7,500 - Rs 12,300 per person.

So all you people who have been waiting to get out and explore a place which is under budget, this is the time. Plan, pack, get out and make memories you’ll cherish for life!