Last minute trips that you can take with your besties in the upcoming long weekend to celebrate your friendship

Bhandardara

Bhandardara, is nestled in the Sahyadris, and is a beautiful offbeat weekend getaway from Mumbai that will not only help you get away from the noise and the chaos of the city but also help you relax and unwind in the company of nature and the stars. It has a perfect setting for a camping weekend. Monsoon is the best time to visit and chill in this little village, with your best friends by the waterfalls and catch up on each other’s lives while also reminiscing the funny old stories.

Where to stay: Soothe your senses at Anandvan Resort equipped with a wellness spa, along with captivating views of the mountains and lakes.

Amboli

A beautiful hill station yet relatively unknown, Amboli lies in the Sahyadri hills of Western India and is one of the world’s best ‘Bio-Diversity’ Hotspots. Overlooking thick rainforests, Amboli is abound in a variety of unique flora and fauna and is a true paradise for amphibian and reptile lovers. Amboli also offers exciting night trails where you get a chance to see the forest turn alive at night. If fort exploration is something that inspires you make sure you visit the Madhavgad Fort which offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and Konkan region. Activities to do include - Nature walks, Night trails, Temple Visits

Where to stay: Dark Forest Retreat An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling.  The Parikshit Point is 200 m away while the Amboli Waterfall is 3 km away. The Amboli Bus Station is 3 km and the Sawantwadi Railway Station is 35 km.

Kamshet, Maharashtra

Pack your bags for a road trip of memories, because the hills are calling! While you are at it, you and your friend can just tick one of the best adventure sports off your bucket list. Kamshet is home to flying and paragliding schools, dance with the winds and speak to the skies during the day as you somersault in the air and sing the group’s favourite bollywood songs by the fireplace in the night . The other main attractions here are Bhairi caves, Bhedsa caves, Khondeshwar temple, Pavana lake and Shinde wadi hills. Just remember to check the weather if you're visiting with an intention to paraglide.

Where to stay: Villa San Lawrenz is a beautiful property with key locations like Bushi Lake that is 3.1 mi, the Lions Point and the Monkey Point that are 4.3 mi and the Dukes Nose and the Karla Caves that are 6.2 mi in its close proximity.

Tarkali, Maharashtra

Tarkali is located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, and is a seaside destination with multiple white sand beaches. The calm waters, rich in marine life and the lush greenery, makes it a beautiful getaway. Besides chilling out by the beach, you and your friends can also go scuba diving and get up and close with tropical fish, and other marine creatures. One can also indulge in water sports including kayaking, jet-skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. It is also said that if you visit between February and October you may spot the dolphins. While you are at it, don’t forget to try out the local Malvani cuisine. 

Where to stay: Sea View Holiday Home offers pet-friendly accommodation in Malvan. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant. This property also has one of the top-rated locations in Malvan! Guests are happier about it compared to other properties in the area.

Kolad

Kolad, often referred to as Maharashtra’s white-water rafting capital, is situated on the banks of Kundalika River. This tiny village is an ideal getaway for you and your friends this friendship day. So put on your rafting gear as you ready yourself for some great adventure and insta-worthy moments with your besties. Kolad is the first station on the Konkan railway line if you choose to take public transport and not drive down. Some of the attractions that you can cover include Tamhini Ghat Waterfall, Ghosala Fort, Sutarwadi Lake, and Devkund Waterfalls among others. Indulge in rafting, jet skiing or embrace the quaint atmosphere, camping by the riverside.

Where to stay: Kundalika Rafting Camp, as the name would suggest, is one of the best accommodations to bring out the athlete in you. From canoeing to fishing to cycling, Kundalika Rafting Camp is also open to children with a separate park for them to play at and a swimming pool. Get your athleticism on, if not learn a new skill at this Nature Trails resort

If you are looking for short international getaways on a budget, here are some options you can explore:

Take a short escape from the chaotic city life and relax with your gang for a couple of days in some of the best international party destinations. Whether you are an adventure junkie or an alcohol lover or a party animal, there are some great options for you to choose from. To list a few,

Bangkok, Thailand

This beach destination has the best of street, city and party life. Ranging from mouth-watering local street food to the fanciest bars and clubs. Bangkok is the break you need to let go and relax with your buddies and wash off that city stress with a relaxing spa and foot massage.

Bali, Indonesia

Its idyllic beaches, friendly locals and vibrant culture have made Bali a bucket list destination with travelers across the world. Whether you are headed there for its abundant natural splendor with your best friend, to take in the surf vibe or to indulge in the fantastic dining scene – there is something to love for everyone.Also, did we mention that the Indian passport holders do not require a visa for Bali, in other words, there is a visa on arrival?

Negombo, Sri Lanka

With a steady improvement in tourist inflow to Sri Lanka post the terrorist attacks, there are some places worth exploring with your buddy. Negombo, a city on the west coast of Sri Lanka, will bring out the beach bum in you and your friend. With the remains of the 17th century Dutch Fort still standing, enjoy gallivanting in the are, try your hand at fishing, enjoy the local cuisine and do not miss a canal ride through the Hamilton canal!