Key Takeaways:

• India’s small towns, from Idukki to Tawang, offer serene escapes, scenic beauty, and cultural experiences away from crowded tourist spots. 
• With nearby airports and options like Indian Eagle’s cheap flights from the USA to India, planning a weekend getaway to these towns is easier than ever.
• Whether it’s trekking, exploring plantations, or enjoying quiet streams and valleys, these towns provide the perfect mix of adventure, peace, and rejuvenation.

Travel in India is often about big names and crowded attractions, but what if the real charm lies in places less spoken of? Beyond the usual buzz, there are small towns in India for weekend getaway that offer peace, beauty, and authentic experiences. In this blog, we will take you through some of these gems that might just become your new favorites.

Diskit Town in Ladakh

Diskit is a small town situated in the remote area of Ladakh. You will get to visit a 14th-century monastery and a massive Maitreya Buddha statue almost 106 feet. People follow Buddhism here and the peaceful ambiance amidst the mountains, desert landscapes and beautiful old monastery will leave you mesmerized.

Majuli in Assam

Where the Brahmaputra spreads wide, Majuli rests, a river island vast as the horizon. The world’s largest of its kind, it whispers solitude to every visitor, offering peace like a song carried by flowing waters. Discover a wide variety of flora and fauna along with embracing an all new culture of the small town. The best thing to do in Majuli is the ferry ride and spectacular sunrise. In case you are planning a trip to Majuli anytime soon from a distant location, book last minute flights to Guwahati and drive to Majuli.

Idukki in Kerala

To walk in Idukki is to unlearn the city’s haste. The mountains remind you that strength needs no hurry, the streams remind you that progress makes no noise. Barely 97 kilometers from Cochin, nature turns into your patient teacher. Walking its trails, you begin to see how every flower bends with the breeze, how unseen animals leave subtle marks of belonging. Even the Tea Museum in Munnar becomes more than history; it becomes a mirror of how humans too are woven into the landscape.

Valparai in Tamil Nadu

One of the perfect small town considered as an amazing holiday destination in India is Valparai in Tamil Nadu. It is an eco-friendly tourist destination – eco-tourism being given greater importance here. Engulfed in the Annamalai Hills and tea estates, Valparai turns out be a peaceful and beautiful place for nature lovers. There are several magnificent waterfalls, streams, valleys, dams and high mountains. Also visit the Annamalai Tiger Reserve – home to elephants, tigers and panthers.

Khimsar

Craving desert thrills? Head to Khimsar in Rajasthan. Trek across rolling dunes, jeep through the rugged landscapes, and keep your camera ready at Dhawa Doli Wildlife Sanctuary. It’s small in size but massive in adventure. You can also enjoy camping in the Khimsar sand dunes. Remember paying a visit at the ancient Jain Temple.

Also Read: Top Places to Visit in India to Get a One-of-a-Kind Experience

Khonoma in Nagaland

Believed to be one of the oldest villages in India, almost 700 years old, Khonoma in Nagaland is stretched over 123sq.km. It is known for the unique agriculture form, forests and the terraced cultivation. You will have a perfect retreat among the lush green forests, deep valleys and scenic views.

Malana in Himachal Pradesh

Malana is a popular town of Himachal Pradesh known as one of the best hashish places in the world. If you and your friends love adventure, this is a place you should definitely visit. Go on a trek from Kasol to Malana and go high on the pure hash. It is one of the best places you can visit on a 3 days trip to India.

Fagu

Being an avid traveler, you must have been to hill stations like Shimla, Nainital, etc. but what about the secret heavens these places are surrounded by? Fagu is one such small town situated near Shimla, only 20 kilometers from the hill station. Fagu is considered a better holiday destination than Shimla by many travelers for the breathtaking views it offers and being less crowded. You will get to indulge in various interesting activities like the Ski Fest in the month of February.

Shoja

Need a break from honking horns and crowded streets? Head to Shoja. It’s 275 km from Chandigarh but feels light-years away. No traffic, no rush, just hills, fresh air, and that kind of calm you wish weekends always had. You will love the 38 kilometers drive past the apple orchards. For an adventurer, it is a great place to go camping with his troops. You can also go trekking to Jalori Pass, only a short distance of 5kms from Shoja. If you are planning to visit the beautiful town by air, that is, a flight to Chandigarh and then the mesmerizing drive to Shoja, trust us even booking business class flights will be fruitful.

Kangojodi

When the city noise becomes overwhelming, Kangojodi invites you to find calm in its embrace. Only 275 kilometers from Delhi, this tranquil haven holds whispers of ancient forests and sacred hills. Here, the air flows pure, and laughter around the campfire feels like a chant, unlocking peace you never knew you needed.

Instead of endless notifications, you get cliff dives and zipline whooshes. Even your excuses for escaping are better here: “Sorry boss, I was too busy rappelling off a mountain.” Trekking feels like therapy, camping feels like living again, and ziplining makes you wonder why adults don’t scream with joy more often. Whether your team is family or friends, Kangojodi guarantees your weekend is far from ordinary.

Jibhi

Regarded as one unexplored heaven amidst the Himalayas, Jibhi is one of the most amazing weekend getaways for people living in Chandigarh. At a distance of 268 kilometers from Chandigarh, Jibhi has some of the most tempting wooden houses. You will be in a peaceful verdant green ambiance, away from the daily humdrum of city life.

Also Read: Stowe to Telluride, Best Mountain Towns in USA for Autumn Trips

Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh 

Tawang rests in the cradle of mountains where silence speaks. Snow peaks hold it in timeless embrace, and lakes reflect not just the sky, but the soul itself. Presiding over it all, the vast Tawang Monastery radiates centuries of wisdom, sheltering the valley with sacred calm. In Tawang, you can trek up hills, raft down frothy rivers, and meet friendly villagers who tell wonderful stories. To get there, you can fly to Guwahati or Tezpur, then take a drive where clouds sometimes race beside your car.

Thinking about visiting India’s charming small towns? You can find great deals on flights from USA to India that fit your schedule. Using Indian Eagle cheap flights helps you save money so that you have more to enjoy in Kerala, Himachal, Arunachal, and beyond. Get ready for an easy journey and a memorable trip!

FAQs 

What are the best small towns in India for a weekend getaway?
Some of the top small towns include Idukki in Kerala, Majuli in Assam, Shoja and Jibhi in Himachal Pradesh, Valparai in Tamil Nadu, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, and Khimsar in Rajasthan. Each offers unique landscapes, cultural experiences, and adventure opportunities.

How can I reach these small towns by air?
Most towns are accessible via nearby airports. For example, Idukki is 97 km from Cochin Airport, Majuli via Guwahati, Shoja and Jibhi via Chandigarh, and Tawang via Tezpur or Guwahati. From the airport, travelers usually take a scenic drive or hire a car.

Are these small towns suitable for a family weekend trip?
Yes. Many towns like Valparai, Idukki, and Majuli are family-friendly, offering calm environments, scenic beauty, and safe trekking or sightseeing activities. Adventure-focused towns like Kangojodi or Shoja are also great for active families.

What activities can I do in these towns?
Visitors can enjoy trekking, river rafting, exploring tea and spice plantations, visiting monasteries, wildlife spotting, camping, and cultural experiences such as local festivals or markets. Each town has its own specialty. For instance, Tawang is rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture, while Khimsar offers desert adventures.

When is the best time to visit these small towns?
Most hill towns like Idukki, Shoja, and Jibhi are best visited between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Majuli is ideal from November to February. Desert towns like Khimsar are comfortable in winter months. Monsoon visits are great for lush greenery but may involve heavy rains.

The post From Idukki to Tawang, Small Towns in India Ideal for Weekend Trips appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

There are a couple of simple yet effective tips to plan long weekend getaways not all travelers are aware of. A lot of us plan in vain for that perfect weekend getaway and end up getting a raw deal. Why is that, you ask? Well, it’s because most of the time, our inadequacy at planning gets in the way. However, these weekend getaway tips will help you to have the most enjoyable and hassle-free trip ever! You’ll experience weekend travel like never before and want to hit the road again a lot sooner than you’d think even possible. Follow some of the top tips to plan long weekend getaways listed below and enjoy the most relaxing getaways ever.

How to plan a perfect weekend getaway:

If you’ve ever rushed into a weekend trip only to be met with chaos, these tips are for you. They’ll help you avoid common travel issues and stay calm under pressure, even when your journey starts with last minute flights and zero time to plan. Some of these weekend travel tips are awesome solo travel tips as well. Use these and enjoy planning a weekend getaway with boyfriend, girlfriend, family, and friends

Outline your budget

This is among the topmost things to remember if you wish to know how to plan a weekend getaway with friends or family. Efficient budgeting for a weekend trip is among the most important tips to plan long weekend getaways. Sit down with your travel buddies, or by yourself if you’re going it solo, and chalk out a clear budget. Decide how much you can spend. Make a list of the expenses and also look out for any unplanned expense you may incur. With the budgeting for a weekend trip is done, you can move onto the next important step.

Pick the best destination for you

When choosing a destination, consider the things to do on a weekend getaway that interests you the most. Make sure your travel companions give in their inputs and suggestions. Spend a day or two doing this until at your travel companions and you are in agreement. When a place is finalized, do a bit of research on it before leaving. Why this is among the important tips to plan long weekend getaways is because this will minimize your risks. Knowing you’re visiting a safe place will help you enjoy the getaway more.

Should you book flights or rent a car?

This is among the best tips to plan long weekend getaways if you wish to explore destinations within your country. If you’re chosen destination is a bit far off, check with your group if they’d rather take a flight or rent a car. If it’s within driving distance, you can make an exciting road trip of it. Do ensure the vehicle you hire is safe and sturdy. Take turns driving and halt whenever required. Try to avoid driving at night. Of course, you can also fly down just as easily. Not only will flying save you time, but you can also book business class flights and enjoy a luxurious journey.

Find save accommodation and book in advance

Among the top tips to plan long weekend getaways is to find good accommodation. You don’t want to make the harrowing journey to your destinations and find that the accommodation is a massive let down. This could ruin your whole trip. To avoid this, ensure to pick good and safe accommodation beforehand. You will find many rooms online at incredibly low rates. However, if budget is not a constraint, you can even book upscale lodgings. Just make sure to do it before actually getting there.

Inform your family and Credit Card Company

If you’re taking the weekend trip with friends, tell your family about it in advance. Don’t just drop off the map suddenly. In fact, one of the best tips to plan long weekend getaways safety-wise is to always keep someone informed of your whereabouts. This will help you in case there’s unforeseen trouble. Also, inform your Credit Card Company that you’re about to make a trip. You don’t want to be halfway across the world when your card gets rejected just because your Credit Card Company doesn’t think it’s you.

Make sure your baggage in light

We cannot highlight enough how important this is! This is among the best ever tips to plan long weekend getaways. Pack only the necessary stuff so that your baggage is light and easy to lug around. If you’re making a road trip with friends, this will take up less space in the car. All your bags will fit in and you will also have enough space to stretch your legs while on the road. If taking a flight, ensure you only take a carry-on along. Not only will it be cheaper, but you will also find it easier to carry and keep it safe.

Be open to extending the weekend

Whether you’re booking international flight tickets or taking a road trip across the state, know that you can extend your weekend trip if you want to. It’s among the best weekend getaway ideas anyone can give you. You need not have a detailed itinerary that tells you what to do every single minute. Just go with the flow and take one day at a time. This is among the topmost tips to plan long weekend getaways that you can truly enjoy. If you’re not ready to return just yet, stay back a while longer. Everybody deserves a little ‘me time.’ So, don’t hesitate and enjoy the best weekend trip ever!

Check for Local Events and Festivals

Before you chase the road or board that waiting plane, pause for a moment and listen to what the place might whisper. A market may bloom in the heart of the town, with colors and scents that stories are made of. A band might play under open skies where strangers sway like old friends. These little treasures, found not in plans but in moments, often leave the deepest mark. So look up what the weekend holds. Let the city invite you into its pulse.

Indian Eagle makes weekend travel easier with affordable fares and booking options that work well, even at the last minute. 

Frequently Asked Quetions 

How early should I start planning a weekend getaway?
If you’re aiming for the best deals on travel and stay, try to plan at least 2–3 weeks in advance. 

What’s a good way to choose the right destination for a weekend trip?
Pick a place based on your interests and travel time. If you only have 2–3 days, choose destinations that don’t require long hours of travel. Consider things to do, safety, and budget before finalizing.

Should I fly or drive for a weekend getaway?
It depends on how far your destination is and how much time you have. Flights save time and are ideal for distant places, while road trips offer flexibility and fun if you’re traveling nearby.

Why is it important to book accommodation in advance?
Booking in advance helps you avoid last-minute price hikes and ensures you have a safe and comfortable place to stay, especially during holidays or busy weekends.

What should I pack for a short weekend trip?
Pack light and smart. Stick to essentials: comfortable clothes, basic toiletries, travel documents, and a power bank. A carry-on or backpack should be enough for most weekend getaways.

The post Simple and Smart Tips to Plan Long Weekend Getaways in 2025 appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

The United States of America is filled with some of the most amazing places that not only offer entertainment but also provide opportunities to spend time with yourself so you can discover the best in you. If you are seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and take a leisure trip, you can explore some of the most beautiful weekend getaways from Houston. 

Spend time amidst mother nature, check out the things you love, recharge your energy or opt for adventure sports to feel the adrenaline rush. Discover your true self at these weekend getaways from Houston.

No matter where you find your true self; be it in the solitude of small towns, amidst the lush surroundings of nature retreats or the hustle and bustle of cities. A visit to these amazing weekend getaways from Houston will definitely fill you with energy and lead you to a new path of self discovery. Comment below and share, which of the places mentioned above would you like to visit during your weekend. 

Indian Eagle’s international flights are a great way to save money during your travel from USA to India. Enroll in the rewards program and start earning reward points on every purchase you make! 

Also Read: The Ultimate Houston Travel Guide

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