Sponsored: Top 5 destinations for your next weekend home

While there are a myriad of weekend home destinations to choose from, there are only a few that will suffice to all your needs: comfort, warmth, well-connected to the city and exclusivity from the regular humdrum. However most of the times when you like the location, you may not like the property & if you like the property, you may not like the location. Can buying a second home in desired destinations be the answer then?

In the past 15 years, second home sales have risen considerably. Thought to be a foreign idea and practice until few years back, we have now grown to learn new things and experience the world in its entirety.

Here are a few of such incredible second homes in India and abroad that could be the perfect weekend getaway for you and your loved ones**:**

Location: Dubare Elephant camp, Coorg, Karnataka

Close to: Bangalore and Mangalore city

If nature amazes you with its greenery, waterfalls and its assortment of flora and fauna, and you want to experience it all at one place, Coorg in Karnataka is the ideal option. Popularly known as the Scotland of India, Coorg never stops amazing with its acres of greenery and gushing water, elephant camps, national parks, cultural spots, dense forests. It is the perfect location for sightseeing and experiencing something wonderful and mystical.

Famous attractions: The Brahmagiri Hill, Bagamandala temple, Madikeri Fort, Abbey and Iruppu falls, Dubare Elephant camp, Nagarhole National Park, Chettalli village and Raja’s seat are some of the iconic places you can visit when in Coorg.

Owning your second home in Coorg

Nestled in the heart of Coorg and set within 110 acres is the Montrose Estate. Arriving at the Montrose Estate is just the start to a unique experience. Montrose Estate is popularly known among locals as “Kottaikkadu” which means “Palace forests”. Set amidst this tranquil atmosphere at 4000 ft. is the sprawling, beautiful Montrose Golf Resort. A short drive from Mysore - Coorg Highway, and easily accessible from Bangalore, Mysore & Calicut. With a breathtaking golf course, bountiful plantations, aesthetic architecture, well groomed gardens and an unending list of activities to keep you entertained, the Montrose Golf Resort & Spa, becomes Coorg’s only complete holiday destination.

Location: Bara Bhangal, Pir Panjal ranges, Kullu Valley, Himachal Pradesh

Close to: Chandigarh

Popularly known as the ‘land of snow’ and located in the Western Himalayas, with snow-clad peaks, Alpine forests, and housing some majestic hill stations, Himachal Pradesh is one of the idealistic places to holiday.

Famous attractions: Kullu, Manali, Shimla, Chamba, Dharamshala, Dalhousie, Kangra, Kasauli and Solan in Himachal Pradesh are some very popular tourist attractions While in Dharamshala, Mcleod Ganj hill station, attractive temples, war memorials, museums, tea estates and the Dharmshala Cricket Stadium cannot be missed.

Owning your second home in Himachal Pradesh

DLF Samavana, one of the finest townships in Himachal Pradesh, resonates with the majestic Himalayas. Urban outdoor space design, including excellent access within the development. Its frontage announces the old-world charm of Kasauli. Samavana’s Villas at 4,919 sq. ft. are a seamless blend of modernity and all things vintage, a home away from home. It boasts of a members-only clubhouse, power backup and uninterrupted water supply. Hand in hand, the imposing villas and mountains offer the best of both worlds, nature and nurture.

Location: Amoda Reserve , Lonavala

Close to: Mumbai and Pune

A small town situated between Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala is the ideal spot where lush greenery sprawls across acres of land and advocates serenity. The Mumbai-Pune expressway has further added to better connectivity and easy access. A preferred destination for vacations and short trips, this can be your retirement abode too.

Famous attractions: With hilly terrains and scenic views surrounding the Bhushi dam, The Lonavala lake, Tiger’s leap cliff top, Bhaja caves, Rajmachi point, Lohgad fort and Pawna lake, et al are few places one ought to see to experience peace in the lap of nature.

Owning Your Second Home in Lonavala

Nestled in Kunenama, Lonavala is Amoda Reserve . Spread across 60 acres amidst Sahyadri ranges, these ultra-luxurious private villas have a one-of-a-kind blend of nature and architecture. You can enjoy scenic views from three-side open living room with a pool deck overlooking the valleys, mountains, seasonal waterfalls and landscaped gardens. 37 acres of the property is reserved for landscaping and themed gardens and it boasts of one of the largest state-of-the-art club spread over 7 acres in the area which comprises of temperature controlled infinity pool, spa, gym, banquet hall, library and various sporting facilities. A butterfly garden, a fruit park, tree houses in the forest area with camping zones, play parks and more are sprinkled around the property to add the gentle touch of nature. The property is apt for those who are seeking living close to nature yet not compromising on their everyday luxury. A favorite second home, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and just 90 minutes’ drive from Mumbai.

Location: Dubai Marina

Close to: Abu Dhabi

Known mostly for opulent shopping malls and its widespread skyline, Dubai is the most preferred vacation hotspot. From cultural treasures to cruises, creeks and souks to skyscrapers, Dubai is ever-evolving and fascinating to say the least.

Famous attractions: Dubai mall is the city’s premium luxury mall, the Burj Khalifa is a landmark spot for the city. Other attractions include the Dubai museum, Bastakia or Old Dubai, Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum House, Dubai Creek, Jumeirah Mosque, Deira souks and Dubai aquarium. The Burj-Al-Arab, Jumeirah beach and Mall of the Emirates also bear testimony to the fact that Dubai is one of the most sought after destinations for vacations and second homes.

Owning Your Second Home in Dubai

The Arabian Ranches, in the quiet Cul Du Sac area of the Hattan Avenue, gives you the opportunity to own a luxurious villa in Dubai with your private pool & a view of the golf course. On a clear day, you can see Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and Dubai Marina. The location and privacy of the villa gives a great place for your family to relax and enjoy the sun. The security of one of the best gated community in Dubai, will keep your mind at ease.

Location: Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

Close to: Delhi

Uttarakhand is among the most enchanting states in India with breathtaking landscapes, magnificent mountains, rivers, streams, lakes, fountains and so on. The beauty of this tourist destination cannot be described in words. In recent years, the state has witnessed some major construction projects as emphasis is being given to develop the infrastructure and real estate in Uttarakhand. Properties are in great demand due to its vast scenic beauty & are consequently attracting many property investors to invest.

Famous attractions: Mussoorie, Dehradun, Kumaon, are some of the popular tourist destinations. Ranikhet having won the heart of the queen of Raja Sudhardev, Rani Padmini, was chosen as the spot to be her home. It offers its visitors the best of the Himalayas including the snowcapped Nanda Devi (7817 meter) and lush green forests and varied wildlife. Also called the ‘Land of the Gods’, Uttaranchal boasts of some very famous temples.

Own your second home in Uttarakhand

Located on an elevated hill slope, overlooking the ‘Ganges’ river is this beautiful property that reflects the raw unbridled energy of the gushing river. Drive along its long winding drive way to approach 12 ft. high, magnificent, locally sourced stone masonry structures. As you step inside the teak wood doors, you get an expansive view of the river. A beautiful spa is located where the building tunnels into the hill and a tree-lined courtyard conceals the house from other areas of the landscape. To blend in seamlessly with the aesthetics of the place, natural materials have been used.