The festive season is a great time to catch up with family and friends. The upcoming long weekends could be the perfect opportunity for you to plan a quick, quiet getaway, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here is a list of places for you to consider and whatever destination you choose, make a booking right away:

1. Bera, Rajasthan

Bera is one of the few places in the world where leopards prosper amongst human settlements. The free ranging leopards are accustomed to humans, so head on there for a close encounter of the feline kind. Fly down to Udaipur and then take a car to Bera. The journey should take you about three hours. Do not forget to take your binoculars and cameras as it promises to be quite an eyeful. Situated near the Jawai river, it’s home to some distinct flora and fauna as well. The best time to visit is from October to April, when it’s pleasant and less humid. Ditch the city’s dissonance and place yourself amongst the company of some big cats. Finally know why Bera is rapidly becoming known as the leopard country

2. Amboli, Maharashtra

A quaint Konkan hill station in the heart of Maharashtra, Amboli is for people who seek refuge from the cacophony of cities, sweltering heat, swamping humidity and terrible traffic. This holiday season it is additionally offering refuge from all the noise and smog in the cities. Head there with your family or friends to witness its majestic waterfalls, rich biodiversity and discover why it’s called the rain capital of Maharashtra.

3. Coorg, Karnataka

Home to lush green mountains, coffee estates and a pleasant climate, Coorg could be the perfect getaway for your family this festive season. Known for its vast spanning coffee estates, Coorg has a little of everything to offer. Filled with resorts offering warm stays and breakfasts, it also offers charming cottages that overlook hills and valleys. If you truly want to live like a Coorgi though, we recommend staying in a homestay on a coffee estate. One trip will make you want to come back for another. Go for a morning walk or sip some organically sourced coffee in a hillside café and let the beauty of Coorg wash all over you.

4. Kasol, Himachal Pradesh

A small settlement in the heart of Himachal Pradesh, it is located along the banks of the river Parvati. Kasol is swiftly becoming popular for trekkers, backpackers, adrenaline chasers and nature lovers. Rightly known as the Amsterdam of India, this quaint hearth is magnificent in its natural scenic beauty and is one of the few places that hasn’t yet been ruined by commercialisation. Ditch the cacophony of your city and head out to the hills. There is no particular way to vacation in Kasol; everything is great as long as you’re with the people you love.

5. Pichavaram Forest, Tamil Nadu

Located in Chidambram, Tamil Nadu, the Pichavaram forest boasts of being the second largest mangrove forest in the entire world. To reach this unique ecosystem, you can take a four-hour train ride from Chennai to Chidambram or do a three-hour road trip from Puducherry. The mangrove forest is one of the few places in the country that hasn’t been ruined by inconsiderate tourists. A paddle boat or motorboat will take you around the forest. Thick with vegetation and home to more than 177 species of birds, Pichavaram is definitely a place to head for tranquillity and peace these holidays. The time between October and February is also the most favourable to spot the magnificent winged creatures nesting there.

This holiday season, pamper yourself and your loved ones with some quality time away from all the city noise, and travel to feed your soul. Your perfect vacation awaits you.