Get Packing- 7 Trip Picks for a long Weekend

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Whatever your budget, time preference and destination desires, we have ideas that might fit the bill for a long weekend. From rural experiences, restored forts and hovels, here's a happy 2015!

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Dundlod Fort Heritage Hotel

Fancy staying in a traditional Rajputana fort still inhabited by its owner? You're guaranteed to have an authentic experience, since it is a royal residence. The rooms are traditional place style, so think high ceilings, pillars and ornate motifs. As for entertainment, knock yourself out with rooftop dinners, horseback and jeep safaris, or if you're a firm when in Rome believer, then a camel for all the sightseeing. Your host is an avid horseman, so we recommend skip the camel and do horseback instead. The village of Dundlod is in the heart of Shekhawati, and with a long standing history, expect to see many a haveli, fort, family portraits, and some Louis the XIV furniture.

Drive Time: Under 5 hours from Delhi

Where: Find driving directions, and an exact location, here. 

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Castle Mandawa Hotel 

Not far from Dundlod, Castle Mandawa Hotel is also evocative of the Shekhawati region. An erstwhile fortress, now converted into a heritage hotel, like most restored properties, expect traditional art and architecture, generations of family portraits, palanquin-roofed balconies, antique cannons and arms, and a huge brass gong, struck by the resident timekeeper {yes!}. Equipped with 80 rooms, a verandah, an Ayurvedic centre, a swimming pool and spa, and in-house restaurants, for recreation have your pick between camel and horse rides, jeep safaris, puppet shows, folk dances and vintage car rides.

Drive time: Under 6 hours from Delhi

Where: Mandawa Haveli, Sansar Chandra Road, Jaipur

Find out more, and make a reservation here. 

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Pilibhit Tiger Reserve 

Located in the Pilibhit district in Uttar Pradesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas and the plains of the 'terai' in Uttar Pradesh, it is one of India's 41 project tiger reserves. Forests in Pilibhit have at least 36 tigers, home to over 127 animals, 556 bird species, and 2100 flowering plants. If you like the outdoors, and aren't fussy about living quarters, the tiger reserve has its own tourist log huts, all of which are super basic, and charge a nominal fee. But there's something about living smack in the middle of wildlife, and you cant't put a price on that. Alternatively, both Pilbhit and Bareilly have more 'fancy' hotels, in case you'd like both experiences. Also-we're right in the middle of the best time to visit. Hey thanks, Republic Day!

Drive time: Under 7 hours from Delhi

Where: Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Pilibhit District, Lakhimpur Kheri District and Bahraich District, Uttar Pradesh

Find out more, and make a reservation here. 

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Banni Khera 

Are you looking for a secluded rural getaway? Check out Banni Khera Farm near Rohtak. Banni Khera is a 10 acre sustainable and eco-friendly farmstay. They offer a range of activities including fishing in their 7.5 acre lake, cycling, pottery classes, music shows, yoga, meditation, and so much more.

Drive Time: About 90 minutes from Delhi

Where: Village- Samar Gopalpur, Rohtak, Haryana 124007

Contact: +91 9971225183

For more information and prices, click here

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The Fort Unchagaon

A royal heritage hotel located in Uttaranchal, most famous for its Surya Mahal. Don't expect the finest, most luxurious service and facilities, but if a hotel well off the beaten path is what you're looking for, look no further. Equipped with 23 double rooms and suites, a multi-cuisine restaurant, boat cruises {it's very close to the Ganges}, horseback riding, bullock cart rides, pottery sessions, and river dolphin sighting tours, they'll definitely deliver in keeping you busy for three days.

Drive time: Under 4 hours

Where: Village Unchagaon, Bulandshahr, Garhmukteshwar

For more information, and to make a booking, click here.

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Ananda

Smack in the middle of the Beaten Road, and for good reason. Ananda is a fail-safe option for long weekends, and perfect for anyone looking for peace, tranquility, and ways to quickly empty their bank accounts. Featuring a temperature controlled swimming pool, 6 hole golf course, yoga and meditation sessions, cooking classes, treks, nature walks, birdwatching, white water rafting, and other excursions on request; Ananda is everything.

Drive time: Between 5-8 hours

Where: Ananda Spa, Narendranagar, Uttaranchal

For all information, rates and to make a reservation, click here. 

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Pratapgarh Farms

Pratapgarh offers an escape from the urban drudgery of Delhi and gives you a true taste of farm life. A perfect choice for families with little ones, Pratapgarh includes a lively cattle barn full of goats, sheep, cows, buffaloes, camels, and horses.

Drive Time: About 2 hours from Delhi

Where: Near Railway Station Gwalison Road, Jhajjar, Haryana, 121002

Contact: +91 9999964266

For more information and prices, click here