Much like the first date of teenage years, I am excited, hopeful & highly optimistic about the first weekend of this new year since this means vacation. Have you thought of the venue yet?

26th January is a Friday (drum roll) & the non-banking populace of India can spend these three days in style. It’s the first long weekend of 2018 & it got to be special.

Are you a romantic?

Because I am. On some days I like places that can shut down the noise & help me cut the crap that’s just sitting out there amidst the crowd busy in wasting itself on getting high surrounded by loud music & less lighted settings.

If you are planning a silent, romantic getaway this weekend & would not mind spending time in a location with intermittent internet connectivity, little commercial activity & a whole lot of remote & rural, I recommend you find love in the heart of India.

Visit the artistic temples of Khajuraho, experience the rural life & read a book over cups of coffee and tea in Rajaji cafe.

Are you a history buff?

If you happen to be the one who’s always in the search of something – a hidden place, a not-so-known local delicacy, an eccentric tradition, a bunch of friendly strangers or a story waiting to be told, you might not like the ‘romantic’ place that much. You need more. You are looking for ‘the thing’. And you need the story.

Well, if that’s the case, how about Chittaurgarh?

Who knows you might get to know something unheard of, about Padmavati – enough to make a short film of your own?

Also read: the stories of Chittaurgarh

Are you a petrichor? 

Are you the one who finds excuses to get drenched in rains. Are you the type who conveniently forgets his/ her umbrella when it’s raining outside?

Or are you like me who might not choose to get drenched, but love the smell of freshly rained Earth?

No, I am not recommending a beach again. How about falls? A majestic view of milky falls that will take your breath away and is every inch a sight for sore eyes. This weekend, spend your time with Jog Falls of Shimoga and be a part of the magic of nature.

Are you  a Mumbaikar? 

If you happen to be in or around Mumbai, how about a short trip to Grand Canyon? Okay,  not Grand Canyon really? But how about a look-alike?

Yes, Mahabaleshwar looks quite like Grand Canyon – with the deep, brown sides of mountains around January. Go, have a look-see!

Oh yeah! and strawberries too.

Are you a Delhite?

If I talk about Mumbai, how can I not mention Delhi, for God’s sake! So, Delhites – have you every explored Delhi beyond the pricey Hauz Khas, snooty malls & uppity Khan Market? Well, I thought so!

How about exploring the Delhi that doesn’t make to the Page 3 every time? You might like. Here are a few suggestions to begin with:

Bon Voyage!