Last-minute travel hacks to snag the perfect Independence Day getaway

With hotels reporting 99% occupancy and a 2X surge in flight bookings to the usual tourist hotspots in the runup to I-Day long weekend, the usual destinations are a no-go. But fret not. Here are some getaways for last-minute travel planners can still opt for

CHUCK GOA; CHECK OUT GOKARNA OR BEKAL

Looking to sip on some yummy cocktails and chill by the beach? Gokarna, a beach town located in Karnataka, boasts of white sands, blue waters and unique shacks. Like Goa, but less crowded. Likewise, Bekal, a lesser-known town along the Arabian sea in Kerala, not only offers a Dil Chahta Hai-type iconic fort setting for a picture op, but also a pristine beach, mangrove trail hikes and cruises.

TIME TAKEN TO REACH: Gokarna is just 145 km from Goa and can be covered in about 3 hours. Bekal is about 2 hours/65 km from Mangalore.

USP: Pristine beaches with less crowds and additional outdoor activities like fort visits, beach treks, plankton sightings, hikes and cruises

HOW TO GET THERE: Gokarna is closer from Goa, while a flight to Mangalore will take you to Bekal

BUDGET: Rs.12,000 – Rs.18,000 for 2 nights, 3 days

JAIPUR, UDAIPUR CAN WAIT; TRY SAWAI MADHOPUR OR RAJSAMAND FOR A ROYAL RAJASTHANI VACAY

Most people love visiting Jaipur or Udaipur for the ancient forts and experiencing life king size. What if we told you that some other cities in the same state of Rajasthan can offer similar experiences at more pocket-friendly prices? Sawai Madhopur offers forts and forest retreats that can make you feel like royalty. Similarly, Rajsamand, a little ahead of mainstream Udaipur, boasts of beautiful lakes and forts.

TIME TAKEN TO REACH: Sawai Madhopur is at a distance of 176 km from Jaipur, which takes about 3.5 hours to reach. Jaipur can be reached by flight or train. Rajsamand is located 60 km away from Udaipur and takes a little over an hour to reach.

USP: Hill forts, lakes, wildlife sanctuaries

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly to Jaipur for Sawai Madhopur or Udaipur to get to Rajsamand

BUDGET: Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 20,000 for 2 nights 3 days

GIVE OOTY, COORG A BREAK, OPT FOR VALPARAI OR YERCAUD FOR A HILL STATION HOLIDAY

If you are in the mood to explore the southern hill stations, tea-coffee plantations, waterfalls and adventurous forest hikes, Valparai, a quaint hill station in Tamil Nadu, offers all this and more.
Similarly, Yercaud, a hill town in TN, is best for an adventurous road trip, clear lakes and the idyllic hill station life, along with lip-smacking food.

TIME TAKEN TO REACH: Valparai is situated 108 km from Coimbatore, and takes about 3 hours to reach, while Yercaud can be approached from Salem in just about an hour by travelling 30 km.

USP: Stay at romantic tea bungalows, tea estates, hiking up waterfalls, wildlife sanctuaries and bathing elephants.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly to Coimbatore and then drive to Valparai; Yercaud is a short drive from Salem

BUDGET: Rs.15,000 – Rs. 28,000 for 2 nights 3 days

PICK KASOL, DHARAMSHALA OVER SHIMLA/MANALI

If you are looking for picturesque locales, green conifers and hill station adventure, Shimla and Manali are not the ideal spots in Himachal Pradesh right now. To avoid the chock-a-block mall roads and crowded riverside camps of these hotspots, head out to their quainter cousins – Kasol, Dharamshala.

TIME TAKEN TO REACH: All these destinations are 6-8 hours away by road from Chandigarh, the nearest major airport and railway station.

USP: Kasol provides an unparalleled experience of chilling by the Parvati river, great food and hiking.
For monastery enthusiasts, Dharamshala is the place to be.

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly to Chandigarh, from where it is a 6-8 hour drive

BUDGET: Rs.8000- Rs.15000 for 2 nights 3 days