Top 10 Weekend Getaways Under 3 Hours from Major Cities in India

There are a bunch of weekend getaways from Delhi within 3 hours and they all offer a different vibe and atmosphere for a relaxing weekend vacation. Neemrana, a weekend getaway from Delhi within 250 km, is known for its majestic Neemrana Fort Palace that offers a luxury experience and is the perfect property to relax and unwind. Alwar, another destinations just a short drive away is home to the Sariska Tiger Reserve where you can spot majestic tigers and other animals and the brand Bala Quila Fort. For nature lovers, Bharatpur is also a good option to spot birds at a UNESCO-listed bird sanctuary called Keoladev National Park. If you are looking for a spiritual retreat, visit Mathura-Vrindavan, located around 183 km from Delhi to visit the famous Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple.

Mumbai is perfectly located along the coast but when you do really need to get out of the city, there are many weekend getaways from Mumbai within 3 hours that offer the perfect blend of relaxation and the slow life that we crave. Lonavala, just a short drive away from Mumbai is famous for lush greenery, waterfalls and weekend villas to spend time with your loved ones. Don't forget to load up on fudge and chikki while you're there. Another weekend getaway within 3 hours by car from Mumbai is Alibaug, it is 95 km from the city and is best known for its serene beaches, water sports and historic forts that you can all explore within a span of just two days. Some other weekend trips from Mumbai under 3 hours are Igatpuri and Matheran, both are hilly places that offer great hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints.

Bangalore residents have a lot of options when it comes to weekend getaways from Bangalore within 3 hours. They are perfect for when you want to escape the hustle bustle of the city, skip the traffic and just relax amidst nature. Nandi Hills, just 60 km away, is one of the best weekend getaways near Bangalore within 3 hours. It is ideal for sunrise views, trekking and even adventure activities like paragliding. Another popular destination is Shivanasamudra Falls which is a twin waterfall escape ideal for all waterbabies. One of the best weekend destinations from Bangalore within 3 hours by road is Chikballapur, a destination known for adventure activities like rock climbing and trekking. Another place famous for rock climbing and because of its feature in the film Sholay is Ramanagara. However, if going to another city is more your vibe, one of the best weekend destinations from Bangalore within 3 hours is Mysore – rich in culture, heritage and known for the majestic Mysore Palace, this place is a must visit.

Chennai folks, there are multiple weekend getaways from Chennair within 3 hours depending on what you wish to do and how you would like to enjoy your time off. Some of the most popular short weekend getaways from Chennai under 3 Hours are Pondicherry - known for its French colonial charm, serene beaches and cafes and Mahabalipuram - famous for UNESCO listed rock-cut temples and temples along the shore. Kanchipuram, located just 72 km away is also known for its ancient temples and silk sarees that make for wonderful gifts. For a escape to the nature, consider Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary where you can bird watch while being surrounded by lush trees.

Here are all the weekend getaways from Pune within 3 hours that offer a stark contrast from the busy life of the city. Lavasa, a picturesque planned hill town with scenic lakes is just 57 km and Panchgani, a crowd favourite famous for tabletop mountains and strawberry farms is just over a 100 km away. Rajmachi Fort, Sinhagad Fort and Mulshi Dam are also popular weekend getaways within 3 hours of Pune.

Kolkata, although truly the city of Joy, can get a bit overwhelming with traffic and crowds, the best way to rejuvenate is to take a quick weekend getaway within 3 hours of Kolkata to places like Sundarbans which is home to the Royal Bengal Tiger and Bishnupur that's known for beautiful terracotta temples. Some other weekend trips from Kolkata within 3 hours by train are Digha, a popular beach getaway, Shantiniketan, famous for Rabindranath Tagore's university and Henry's Island, perfect for a quiet beach retreat away from the city.

Trying to escape the fast life of Hyderabad city? Here are some weekend getaways from Hyderabad within 3 hours that won't tire you out and will still make you feel like you're in a land unknown. Warangal, 145 km from Hyderabad is known for its ancient temples and rock formations. Nagarjuna Sagar is home to a massive dam and waterfalls and makes for a perfect weekend break from Hyderabad within 3 hours. History lovers can plan a trip to Bidar to Medak Fort and trekking enthusiasts may make their way to Ananthagiri Hills.

When your work weighs you down and you need to catch a break, there are some wonderful destinations that you can go for a weekend getaway from Ahmedabad within 3 hours. Polo Forest is a hidden treasure with lush greenery and ruins and is just located 160 km from the city. Chamapaner-Pavagadh, a haven for temple and fort lovers is only 150 km away. If you wish to be in the middle of nowhere which also happens to be the home to the majestic Asiatic lions, Gir National Park is the place to be. Alternatively, Nal Sarovar is also an excellent peaceful escape where you can spot birds while on a picnic.

Jaipur is a wonderful place that offers a lot of escapes within the city itself but its always nice to take a beat and explore the places around. Some exciting weekend getaways from Jaipur within 3 hours are Pushkar and Ajmer that have a spiritual vibe and yet travel-friendly. A visit to the famous Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a must. Sariska is a wildlife sanctuary perfect for relaxation, while Bundi is known for its beautifully-made step-wells and forts. However, if you are feeling particularly adventurous, take a trip to Bhangarh that is home to India's most haunted fort, but make sure to make it back before sunset.

Chandigarh in itself is a wonderful weekend getaway from Delhi but for the locals it can get a little monotonous. Here are some interesting weekend getaways within 3 hours from Chandigarh that are worth checking out – Kasauli, a serene hill station that is still rooted in its colonial past. Parwanoo is a peaceful retreat with cable car rides and Morni Hills is great for treks and hikes. If you are looking to go to a place that will guarantee a good time, Shimla is a great option with amazing stays and a bunch of activities.