5 Perfect Destinations For Your Next Weekend

Travel has come to a standstill since the time pandemic has affected the entire world. Though we haven’t found any vaccination for COVID-19 yet, people are adopting new ways of living and maintaining hygiene practices for staying safe. Though it is still risky to go out and travel like we used to do before, there are certain destinations that are safer than others and are lifting restrictions. 

Here are the 5 destinations that you can choose to visit on your next weekend 

Goa 

A state in the southwestern coast of India, Goa is a nature lovers paradise and a party lovers dream destination. From serene beaches to effervescent nightlife, from age-old churches to beautiful flea markets, this beach destination has it all. Every year thousands of people both locals and tourists flock to this destination to enjoy its nightlife and enjoy water sports. 

Here are some of the popular attractions you can visit in this coastal destination:

• Aguada Fort
• Baga Beach
• Calangute Beach
• Dudhsagar Falls
• Dona Paula Beach
• Anjuna Beach
• Colva Beach
• Candolim Beach
• Sinquerim Beach
• Anjuna Flea Market

Here are the 5 important activities you can indulge in:

• Beach hopping
• Shopping at the flea markets
• Indulging in nightlife
• Enjoying water sports
• Savoring local delicacies

Food: Don’t miss the delectable street food.

There are a number of flights that run from the capital city to Goa on a daily basis. Other prominent cities of the country are also well-connected with this coastal destination. Some of the famous airlines that offer air services to this coastal destination are Air India, IndiGo, Air Asia among many others. 

Rules – No quarantine or testing

Agra

Agra, located on the banks of the River Yamuna, is among the most important tourist destinations of the country. Home to one of the seven wonders of the country, Agra is a part of every travellers bucket list. Other than Taj Mahal, there are a number of tourist attractions that are worth a visit. 

Check out the list of top 10 destinations here:

• Fatehpur Sikri
• Agra Fort
• Mehtab Bagh
• Akbar’s Tomb
• Jama Masjid Agra
• Chini Ka Rauza
• Anguri Bagh
• Itimad-ud-Daulah
• Moti Masjid
• Aram Bagh

Here are the 5 important activities you can indulge in:

• Visit historical sites
• Relish street food
• Shop for souvenirs
• Heritage Walk
• Explore museums

Food: Don’t miss trying Agra ka Petha 

Reaching Agra is easy as it is well connected with all the other parts of the country. Agra to Delhi bus route is scenic and tickets are easily available online at ixigo.com. 

If you wish to travel through airways, there is no dearth of options to choose from. Several reputed airlines currently offer both direct and indirect flights from the capital city to Agra. Some of the famous airlines include IndiGo, SpiceJet and Air India. 

Home Quarantine Rules – 14 days for all (Passengers leaving within 7 days are exempted) 

Jaipur

Think of beauty, royalty and history, the only state that comes to mind is Rajasthan! Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan, enchants you with its unique architecture, bustling streets and majestic palaces. From chaotic streets to mesmerizing camel rides, the city of Jaipur is sure to give you a glimpse of the bygone era. This city derived its name from the peculiar pink colored stone used in the city architecture. 

Here are some of the attractions you must visit when in Jaipur:

• Amber Palace
• Hawa Mahal
• City Palace
• Jantar Mantar
• Nahargarh Fort
• Jal Mahal
• Jantar Mantar
• Albert Hall Museum
• Sisodia rani ka Bagh
• Sheesh Mahal

Here are the 5 important activities you can indulge in:

• Visit to the heritage sites
• Shopping at the local markets
• Try elephant and camel rides
• Relish local food
• Visit famous temples

Food: Do try Pyaz ki kachori and Kathi Roll

Jaipur maintains good connectivity with all the other parts of the country through airways, roadways, and railways. 

Jaipur International Airport is located in Sanganer at a distance of about 13 km from the main city. Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet have regular flights from some of the prominent cities of the country for Jaipur. 

Institutional Quarantine – International ASP (7 days)

Home Quarantine Rules- International ASP (7 days after institutional quarantine) and Domestic Passengers (14 days)

Additional Guidelines – Exemption from institutional quarantine for arrivals with -ve RT -PCR report issued within 72 hours from departure

Varanasi

One of the oldest cities in the world, Varanasi is the best place to experience the true essence of India. Filled with infectious spiritual energy and positive vibes, this city has a lot to offer. From taking a walk at the ghat to attending the evening aarti, there is a lot to indulge in this holy city. 

Some of the main places to visit here are:

• Shri Kashi Vishwanath Temple
• Dashashwamedh Ghat
• Manikarnika Ghat
• Assi Ghat
• Dhamekh Stupa
• Ramnagar Fort
• Shri Durga Temple
• Bharat Mata Temple
• Tibetan Temple
• Tulsi Ghat

Here are the 5 important activities you can indulge in:

• Visit the ghats
• Attend the evening aarti
• Buy Banarasi sarees and dupattas
• Pay a visit to the renowned Kashi Temple
• Enjoy a boat ride in the Ganges

Food: Savour Kachori Sabzi and Tamatar Chaat

If you are traveling from the capital city, buses and trains are easily available to reach Varanasi.

Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is the main airport serving the city of Varanasi. Some of the prominent airlines that provide air services to and from this airport include Vistara, IndiGo, and Air Asia. 

Home Quarantine Rules – 14 days for all (Passengers leaving within 7 days are exempted) 

Rishikesh

A paradise for adventure lovers and devotees alike, Rishikesh is one of the famous vacation spots in India. Located in the foothills of the Himalayas, Rishikesh is settled in the land of gods Uttarakhand. Situated at a distance of just 225 kms from New Delhi, Rishikesh is perfect for a weekend trip. The famous Laxman Jhula and the statue of Lord Shiva meditating in the Ganges, attract millions of devotees every year.

Here are some of the places that must be on your itinerary:

• Laxman Jhula
• Ram Jhula
• Parmarth Niketan Ashram
• The Beatles Ashram
• Gita Bhawan
• Sivananda Ashram
• Rishikesh River Rafting
• Vashishta Gufa
• Kunjapuri Temple
• Garud Chatti Waterfall

Here are the 5 important activities you can indulge in:

• Indulge in adventure sports
• Try meditation and yoga at the prominent centers
• Visit the renowned Beatles Ashram
• Go for a Temple Tour
• Take a dip in Holy River Ganges

Food: Don’t miss trying Samosa and Chole Bhature. 

Rishikesh is well-connected to all the other parts of the country through railways and roadways. Bus service is frequent and tickets can be easily booked through ixigo.com. 

Jolly Grant airport at Dehradun is the nearest airport at a distance of about 35 kilometers from Rishikesh. Popular carriers like Air India and SpiceJet often have daily flights from New Delhi. 

Rules:

Institutional Quarantine — Arrivals from high COVID rate cities (7 days)

Home Quarantine — Arrivals from high COVID rate cities (7 days after institutional quarantine). All other 14 days

Additional Guidelines — Only 14 days home quarantine for people above 65 years, children below 10 years and their parents, seriously ill people and pregnant women. ASP business travellers with authorization are exempt. 

It is important that all guidelines and rules are followed while travelling to prevent the spread of the virus. 

About Author:
Surbhi Bansal is passionate about travelling, photography and sharing her travel experiences. Her idea of travel is to explore beyond her comfort zone, experience new cultures, meet new people and try new cuisines.