As long weekend approaches, a mad rush for nearby havens has begun

With Independence Day falling on Monday, many from the city want to spice up the long weekend at exotic locales dotting the outskirts of Nagpur. Even though most of the resorts and hotels are booked, people are willing to pay extra bucks to make last-minute reservations and others have found unconventional ways to explore the unexplored. Here’s an itinerary of city’s travel enthusiasts who have packed their bags and are all set to make the most of this short vacation…
Chikhaldara adventures
What to explore: Hills, forts, adventure sports, high-points and waterfalls
Chikhaldara has beautiful hill stations with captivating cliffs and highpoints.It offers a panoramic view of the serene surroundings and adventure enthusiasts from Nagpur love to enjoy sporting activities organised here. “From trekking to rappelling, Chikhaldara has a lot in store. Since it is predominantly surrounded by hills, it remains a preferred destination for adventure lovers for trekking who want to explore the terrain,” said adventure tour operator Ravi Deshpande.
Pench uncovered
What to explore: Wildlife and rich natural surroundings
Pench offers a real treat to the wildlife enthusiasts and remains the first choice of those who want to explore the riveting beauty of jungles. “All our resorts and hotels in Pench are booked from August 13 to 16. Yet, we are getting over 40 phone calls a day from Nagpur for last-minute bookings. Some are even willing to pay extra in case of a cancellation by some other guest,” said assistant manager of MP Tourism, Suresh Ajnare.
Group-cation in Patalkot
What to explore: Tribal life, breathtaking valley, scenic beauty
Best time to visit Patalkot is during monsoons and there are many youngsters who are going there in large groups. Rishi Lashkare, a CA, shared: “Ours is a group of 35 and most of us are going to Patalkot in open jeeps and girls will ride their bikes. Since Patalkot has no hotels or resorts, we are carrying our own tents. Our itinerary includes trekking and visiting the tribal belt in the valley.” Adventure enthusiast Kirti Shahu, a part of the same group, went on to add, “All the girls in the group will ride to Patalkot and navigate off-road, including the dense forest.”
Khindsi diaries
What to explore: Water-sports activities, lake view
When it comes to short-distance getaways, how can Khindsi be kept away. There’s no dearth of water-sports activities here. You can enjoy boating, water-walking ball, speed boating or just relax in the cottages near the lake with breathtaking view. There are restaurants nearby, where you can gorge on varieties of fish, prawns etc.
Retreat in Pachmarhi
What to explore: Temples, caves, hills, water bodies and peaks
Known as Satpura Queen, Pachmarhi is an ideal place for people to take a short trip to unwind in the lap of nature. A manager of one of the MP tourism hotels, Kailash Tamboli said, “Tourists love the pristine landscapes of Pachmarhi. Apart from camping and relaxing, people also have affordable options to stay here.” Popular places to visit are Bee Falls, Silver Falls and Chhota Mahadeo temple.