Long weekends are tempting. They bring an itch to make last-minute, impromptu plans, sketch out an itinerary, and escape the monotony of everyday life. But these travel impulses can become oddly repetitive, with the same destinations, from Goa to Manali, appearing on every itinerary.
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If you combine the weekend with a couple of days off, you have the perfect opportunity to make an impromptu plan and embark on a micro-vacation. This time, break away from the familiar circuit and explore something underrated and unexpected.
Travel expert Rathinamurthy R, head of travel at Scapia, helped us identify some exciting destinations catering to a range of interests, whether you prefer quieter hill stations, scenic train journeys, adventure-filled escapes or coastal towns. He said, “The best trips aren’t always the ones everyone else is taking. As more young Indian travellers seek destinations that offer novelty and a sense of discovery, Scapia is seeing a growing preference for places beyond the usual tourist circuit.”
Based on internal reports, Rathinamurthy noted that Scapia recorded a twofold increase in train bookings to Aaraku Valley. This means people are changing their travel habits and looking beyond conventional destinations for more distinctive experiences.
Here are some of the destinations he shared:
1. Yercaud, Tamil Nadu
Location
- Dandeli is situated along the Kali river in Karnataka.
Why visit
- Ideal for those who prefer outdoor adventures to conversational sightseeing, Dandeli has many thrilling activities and wildlife experiences in a short getaway.
Activities to try
- Go white-water rafting or Kayaking on the Kali river, try ziplining, or explore the trails and wildlife within the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wildlife to spot
- Dandeli is renowned for hornbill sightings.
- Travellers may spot all four species in Southern India: the Malabar pied hornbill, Malabar grey hornbill, great hornbill and Indian grey hornbill.
Places to explore
Visit nearby attractions such as Syntheri Rocks, Kavala Caves and Supa Dam, or spend a quieter afternoon beside the river.
How to reach
Fly to Hubballi or Goa and continue to Dandeli by road. The post-monsoon and winter months are particularly popular, as conditions are generally favourable for rafting.
