With over 8 long weekends waiting to be explored in the year, it is perfect to plan short breaks with family and friends to make the most of the time off. With over 9 days in August and over 4 days in September, the next few months are ideal to plan ahead for that much awaited leisure trip.
Aruna Jathar, Director- Marketing & Operations, RCI India reflects that “Taking a break from work is important, but travel gives us more than that: it gives us a chance to focus on personal enrichment so we can get the most out of life. That can mean immersing yourself in a new culture, authentically living in a new destination, and learning about history, culture, religion and wildlife by actually experiencing it. The long weekends give us the chance to do just that. At RCI, we offer the right mix of domestic and international destinations. To help you navigate your holiday for the upcoming long weekends explore, relax with destinations like Kodaikanal to Udaipur or discover international favorites like Cambodia or Philippines, enjoy the best of vacation homes & resorts that RCI has to offer and get more than just a vacation.”
The Gift of the forests- Kodaikanal
Kodaikanal with its lush green forests and high altitude of about 7000 ft has rightly been called the queen of hill stations. Situated in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, it is centrally located between Bangalore and Chennai with about 9 hours’ drive from either side. Kodaikanal is a paradise for sports and adventure enthusiasts as it offers a wholesome trekking experiences with its gradients and hill. The most popular of the bunch are the Dolphin’s nose and Silent valley view point. Lakes form an eminent part of the natural beauty- Kodaikanal Lake, Mannavanur Lake and Berijam Lake which just adds to the quite, serene experience to the destination. RCI’s premium property 3 Night’s Hill resorts lets you explore amazing Kodaikanal while offering a luxurious and home-like stay.
The land of the French culture and serene beaches- Pondicherry
Nestled strategically between Chennai and Bangalore, Pondicherry is one of the most popular getaway destinations. Its combination of the historical monuments and Ashrams along with its pristine beaches makes Pondicherry a great place to rejuvenate your inner self. This is why it is on RCI’s top getaway list and we have just the property with Club Mahindra Puducherry which spans across 24 acres with a spectacular beach front. With a wide range of gourmet cuisines, an infinity pool with a chilled out pool bar, in-house multi-cuisine restaurant and other amenities makes it your ideal luxury laden weekend getaway.
India’s Tibet and home of Dalai Lama: Dharamshala
While not the most popular destination of Himachal, Dharamshala definitely is an oasis for experience seekers of peace, quiet, culture and scenic beauty. This little town based in Himachal has served the home base of the holy Dalai Lama and one visit to the city, gives just that impression with a lot of Tibetan culture laden monuments and depictions. The city enjoys European style cafes and has a good influx of foreigners which keeps the city multi-cultured. With the Namgyal Monastery just 4 kms from the city centre, The Bhagsunath Shiv Temple which is located in outskirts has an active waterfall with a Shivling, combined with one of the oldest churches in Himachal- Church of St Johns gives a holistic cultural experience. With luxurious reports like The Sanctuary and Club Mahindra Dharamshala should make a perfect getaway for the long weekends.
Glorious Udaipur
Filled with rich culture and amazing delicacies, Udaipur is a must-do on the long weekend bucket list. Experience the historical forts, enigmatic temples, and enchanting arts coupled with local folklore and food, making it an ideal getaway to immerse oneself. Adorning this modern metropolis is Cambay Spa and Resort, an RCI property and a unique hub of famed Indian hospitality and luxury. It houses the "Orient Spa", the largest in Rajasthan and set in world-class standards, it offers a wide range of Ayurvedic and International spa therapies. One can also enjoy the essence of royalty with a stay at The Ananta or the exclusive Club Mahindra Udaipur resort which offers a palace like welcome and stay.
The land of the Wild- Corbett National Park
Nestled in the lush forest in the state of Uttrakhand, Corbett National Park is home to some of the wildest beasts in the country. Although known for being home of the Bengal tigers, the national park includes a varied set of predatory animals like leopards, wild elephants and over 1000 species of migratory birds. It is a perfect getaway for those seeking adrenalin filled experience, along with rejuvenating in the lap of nature. RCI with its exclusive properties likeRangers Club Game Lodge in Corbett is your ultimate window to connect with nature in its most natural form.
Odisha: The soul of India
Odisha is a land of historic antiques, religious sanctuaries, architectural grandeur and seascape beauty. From the Sun Temple in Konark to legendary Jagannath Temple in Puri to tribal caves in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha is a land filled with rich cultural heritage. Enjoy sandy beaches of Pati Sonpur and revel in the sight of Olive Ridley turtles at the Rushik-ulya River. Witness the architectural skills of Cuttack with stone embankments dating back to the 11thCentury.
Embark your Odissi journey with a stay at the Sterling Golden Sands property in Puri, located at the scenic spot where River Bhargavi meets the sea and traverse through the passages of this mesmerizing State. With a complete different set of offerings and experience, Toshali Sands, a 30 acres luxurious property with ultra- modern amenities like an Olympic pool, fully functional spa and an in property golf course makes the stay in Odisha quite memorable.
Incredible Cambodia
Cambodia offers a perfect mix of culture in form of its archeological heritage in temples, monasteries and upcountry adventures. The Angkor Wat monument which reflects the cultural brilliance of the Khmer empire is one of the most magnificent and has been compared to the likes of Machu Pichu or Petra. The capital city, Phnom Penh is a gorgeous riverside city with exquisite cultural renaissance and a world-class food and wine culture. The northeast of Cambodia is a mythical land of its own with mountainous landscape where the ethnic minorities reside and other abundance of natural attractions.
Hotel Somadevi Angkor Boutique & Resort offers the most luxurious experience combined with a rich ethnic feel of the world heritage site.
The beauty of over 7000 tropical islands and virgin beaches- Philippines
Philippines has the best experience for everyone, be it an adventure sports enthusiast, tourist seeking cultural and ethnic flavor or a more laid-back relaxed experience amidst beaches and luxury. One of the notable structures The Banaue, a stunning hillside terrace is directly accessible from Manila, Philippines’ capital city. The Banaue, a world heritage site, are rice walled terraces that have a pleasing and organic structure that differentiates them from the stone-walled terraces in most of the Cordillera.
But the biggest attraction of Philippines are their amazing pristine beaches which offer several water adventures like snorkeling, deep sea diving etc. One of the most popular beaches and not to be missed is the Sugar Beach. RCI owned Puerto Del Sol Beach Resort and Hotel offers the best place to experience Philippines in its grandeur. The 100 islands at Alaminos Pangasinan are just an hour’s drive from the resort and offers the best scenic beauty in Philippines.