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Your mail account shows urgent mails waiting to open up and swallow you, your boss looks like a renewed military leader waiting to send out orders and your body feels only physically present as your brain takes wings in the clouds! Sounds like a classic case of vacation hangover. For those of you who don't know what a vacation hangover is; here is the deal, you just retuned from an exotic vacation on palm fringed beaches, a wonderfully blurry New Year's eve and truckload of Facebook profile photos, only to be brutally re-introduced to the world of business strategies for the new year!
So what can you do? Take yourself on another trip! And no, we are not joking, the best way to ease yourself out of a vacation hangover and refocus on the more important tasks at hand is to travel again! This time around do so on the weekends. So depending on the city you earn your bread at, here are a list of weekend getaways that are sure to cure you of a vacation hangover.
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Rishikesh
A restless soul and a distracted mind can both find ultimate peace in the land of gods, Rishikesh. Located by the banks of the holy waters of River Ganga in the district of Dehradun, Rishikesh is a place that is to be visited at least once in your life. What better time than when experiencing a vacation hangover. Head here for mesmerising rituals by the Ganges, meditation camps, adventure sports and nature travel. Return refreshed and rejuvenated. Visit temples such as Kunjapuri dedicated to Goddess Sati, caves, trekking trails, ponds and much more.
Photo Courtesy: Alice Popkorn
Chandigarh
Popular as one of the most beautiful planned cities of the country, Chandigarh does live up to its name. There is an unmistakable calm about the city. It has many tree-lined avenues, artificial lakes, mesmerising bird life and numerous gardens. The city is a great detox destination and is ideal for a vacation hangover. Don't forget to visit the Rock Garden, the Sukhna Lake and the Open Hand Monument. Spend time relaxing, maybe on a boat ride or feeding the ducks or even getting a self-portrait done by one of the many caricature artists near Sukhna Lake.
Photo Courtesy: Nagesh Kamath
Murud
Not many people know of the immense beauty of Murud beach located in Raigad district of Maharashtra. A rather unassuming town with a palm fringed beach that can be quite volatile, the beach that is a long stretch of fine golden sand is available for people to walk and enjoy as long as it is not high tide! In which case the beach is taken over by the sea. A few simple home stays line the beach and provide both comfortable stay and decent food. A walk to the beach in the night can prove eventful with the appearance of galaxies of stars in the clear sky. Early morning is the best time to see the magical way the wet sand lights up to the first rays of the sun. A perfect remedy to the vacation hangover.
Photo Courtesy: Sumeet Bhoyte
Karwar
An important port city in Karnataka, Karwar is yet to be fully explored in regard to tourism. We deem it one of the best places to relax and unwind for the following reasons; it is not crowded, it has stunning beaches that have even inspired legends such as Rabindranath Tagore, it has some delicious sea food restaurants and an island paradise called Devbagh, need more reasons!? The surrounding regions are lush with agricultural fields, backwaters and rivers and it is a mere 14.1 km from entering Goa border. We see you are packing your bags already!
Photo Courtesy: Manoj Vasanth
Pondicherry
Pondicherry can be as much of a party destination as it can be a place to relax, imagine, create and meditate. Situated at a distance of around 163 km from Chennai, Pondicherry is a charming place right from the moment you get off the bus. Cobblestone walkways, colonial styled architecture, colourful bicycles and so much more to see and experience here. Visit the lovely Auroville located at a distance of 8 km from the city, the peaceful Aurobindo Ashram and its stores from where you can purchase soothing scented candles and much more. A walk along the Pondicherry Promenade early in the morning is sure to clear your mind and even inspire you to do something new! A bicycle tour of the city will leave you energised and happy.
Photo Courtesy: Rafimmedia
Koppa
The little town of Koppa in Chikmagalur is as quaint as its name. A green paradise that is constituted of many tea, pepper and coffee estates. The place has many stunning home stays tucked away in its interiors, some of them will need you to travel by a four-wheel drive if you are to reach at all! Rocky paths, fresh sights, aromatic flavours of the air, cries of the many peacocks that call Koppa their home and of course the delicious rice wine that is made locally makes for a rather interesting remedy to the vacation hangover.
Photo Courtesy: prashantby
Coonoor
The nearby Ooty took the brunt of commercialisation, leaving Coonoor a desirable weekend getaway and relaxation destination to this day. Situated at an altitude of 1850 mt above sea level, the weather in Coonoor is stunning. The smooth winding roads, situated amidst lush green tea plantations makes Coonoor the ideal place to get yourself together if you are suffering from a case of vacation hangover. Breathe in the clean air, eat some healthy veggies and explore the estates and nature trails along with hot cups of chai!
Photo Courtesy: Thangaraj Kumaravel
Wayanad
How about pitching yourself a tent on the banks of a lake, surrounded by plenty of natural beauty, including exotic water lilies that are right out of the Window's wallpaper folder and a warm bonfire. Sounds like just what you need? Then head over to one of the most sought after nature destinations in South India, Wayanad in Kerala. Explore the grand offerings of mother nature such as the Edakkal Caves, Kuruva Dweep, Pookot Lake, Meenmutty Waterfalls, etc for a refreshing experience.
Photo Courtesy: Priyambada Nath
Nellore
Located in coastal Andhra Pradesh, Nellore is situated on the banks of River Penner and is a key agricultural hotspot. The winter season is the best time to visit the otherwise humid city, that is among the ideal places to take a break after a vacation hangover. Visit ancient temples such as the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, visit nature's abundance at the Mypadu Beach and Pulicat Lake. Take yourself out on a picnic or simply relax on the beach at the scenic destination.
Photo Courtesy: Adityamadhav83
Alwar
Located at a distance of around 10 km from Delhi is Alwar in Rajasthan, a region that is immensely popular for promoting tourism in the country. But why do we suggest you go here after a vacation? Well, the laid-back charm of Alwar combined with its rich historic and cultural vibrancy is tough to match. Take yourself here to one of the small heritage stays, explore haunted forts such as the Bhangarh Fort and many other heritage monuments that are sure to impress with their old world charm and artistic beauty.
Photo Courtesy: Astoriajohn
