Thinking of a Quick Getaway This Independence Day? Avoid These 5 Spots

This year, Independence Day falls on a Friday- hello, long weekend! While the travel bug is biting hard and Instagram is buzzing with getaway plans, picking the right spot matters. Go where everyone else is going, and you might end up spending more time in traffic queues than on vacation. Here’s a reality check on some usual favourites.

Manali: Scenic But Stuck in Traffic

Cool weather, mountain views, and adventure sports sound tempting until you hit bumper-to-bumper traffic from Delhi. Hotels fill up fast and rates skyrocket. Cafes and hot springs? Expect long waits. For a quieter Himachal vibe, pick smaller, lesser-known hill stations instead.

Goa: Beach Bliss Turned Busy Streets

That dreamy shack-by-the-beach plan might crash when you see monsoon-soaked roads, taxi price hikes, and crowded lanes. Beaches are often off-limits for safety in August. For a better beach fix, try lesser-known coastal towns later in the year.

Ladakh: Beauty Lost in the Buzz

Once a remote adventure, Ladakh now bursts with tourists during its short summer window. Leh, Pangong, Khardung La all packed. Prices soar, petrol pumps queue up, and the calm you came for? Hard to find. Instead, explore Zanskar or Spiti for a more serene high-altitude escape.

Ranthambore: Wildlife Watching in the Wrong Season

August’s monsoon means limited safari zones and overcrowded jeeps. Tiger sightings are rare, trails are muddy, and the park’s ecosystem needs this season to recover. Winter offers far better views and fewer restrictions.

Delhi: Patriotic but Packed

The Red Fort flag hoisting is a grand sight but comes with heavy crowds, roadblocks, high hotel prices, and monsoon waterlogging. Plan for September or October to enjoy Delhi’s heritage and food scene without the chaos.

The Smarter Move? Go Offbeat

Skip the tourist magnets this Independence Day weekend. Opt for quieter, lesser-known spots no endless lines, no inflated prices, and a chance to discover your own hidden gem. Sometimes, the best trips are the ones not trending on social media.