Autumn Adventures Await: Top 5 Destinations for Your September Long Weekend

The upcoming long weekend in September is the perfect excuse for you to take your well-deserved break. As the temperature drops and the earth decks up in hues of orange and yellow, it’s time for you dust out your backpack and take out your travel checklist.

In fact, a recent survey by Skyscanner’s Travel in Focus Report 2023 revealed 56% of Indians would squeeze in as many small trips as possible at the same price, rather than one big holiday. If you’re the same, then this weekend is for you. Here is a list of five trending destinations within India that will charm you with their beauty.

1. Shillong, Meghalaya

Lovingly called the ‘Scotland of the East’, this charming capital city of Meghalaya will leave you speechless with its natural beauty. Adorned with dramatic green landscapes, rolling meadows and tall pine trees, Shillong has been a tourist favorite for decades. Don’t forget to try out the mouthwatering Khasi cuisine. Challenge yourself to climb the Shillong peak to enjoy the panoramic city views.

To reach this place by flight, try flying from Kolkata or travel to Guwahati and hire a car to cover the remaining miles. Go to Skyscanner, select the ‘Show nearby airports’ option and check out which airport near Shillong offers the cheapest flight available and start booking.

2.  Goa

When we say break, India hears Goa. After all, is there any better place than Goa to vacation at? Delicious seafood, stunning beaches, breathtaking sunsets and of course, Goa’s raging nightlife make it one of the most loved tourist spots of all time. Use Skyscanner to fly in and out of Goa, saving time, effort and your money!

3. Varanasi

Varanasi, India's sacred gem, has fascinated travelers worldwide with its rich heritage. It is a spiritual hub that leaves its mark on every visitor. Walk around the various ghats in the city, experiment and taste the local street food and end your day with a glimpse of the spectacular Ganga aarti. With a cup of steaming chai in hand, attend the Subah-e-Banaras’ in Assi Ghat, a musical treat featuring trained classical artists that begins at the break of dawn.

With the time toggle tool available, select an arrival time in Varanasi that ensures you won't miss the captivating early-morning aarti.

Varanasi is an ideal location for a family vacation. Take your grandparents, uncles and aunts along with you. If Hindi is your preferred language to surf in, you can now easily do so on the Skyscanner website by switching the language option to Hindi. Hindi is also available on the Skyscanner app. After all, travel should be easy for everyone, right?

4. Hyderabad

Being a 400-year-old city, Hyderabad has always been a place of wonder. The Pearl City hosts brilliant architecture, delicious food and exciting experiences for the youngsters. This is your chance to visit the Ramoji Film Studio, listed in the Guiness World Book of Records as one of the largest film studios in the world. Walk around, understand the craft and end your day with a shopping detour to the Laad bazar. Check out the Golconda Fort and the Salar Jung Museum. Situated on the southern bank of the river Musi, this museum has 39 art galleries as well as thousands of manuscripts in Persian, Arabic, and Urdu languages. Treat your senses with succulent kebabs and aromatic biryanis- an indulgence Hyderabad is famous for.

5. Jaipur

The Pink city of India looks nothing less than a dream- with gleaming palaces and colossal forts, Jaipur makes the perfect weekend break spot for those who love to uncover the stories behind each brick. Not just the architecture, the city has a vibrant bazaar and musical culture that thrums with every taal. Experience the essence of royalty by staying at a heritage hotel and if you feel adventurous, book a car using Skyscanner and drive down to Ranthambore. There is a higher chance of spotting Royal Bengal tigers here, so book a safari and take your binoculars. Make a day out of it and come back to feast on the infamous Dal Baati in Jaipur.

To make your planning easier, Skyscanner offers you a great selection of flights, hotels, and car rentals for Jaipur.