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If you're still feeling hurt about Independence Day falling on a weekend, instead of around it, the calendar places Rakhi 2026, right at the head of one
presenting a three-day break from your run-of-the-mill weeks. If you're leaning towards optimising your time off away from home, this list of getaways will leave you spoilt for choice.
Kuchesar, Uttar Pradesh
If a princely escape with countryside calm is what you're looking for, pack your bags and zoom off to Kuchesar in Uttar Pradesh. A historic village in the Bulandshahr district, it is located about 80 kilometres east of Delhi near Hapur and is just a 2-hour drive from the capital via National Highway 34. The main attraction here is the famous Kuchesar Mud Fort, an 18th century heritage property dating back to 1734, built by the Jat rulers. The royal architecture and sprawling green lawns set amidst the rural charm will draw you in while the heritage walks, bird watching, bullock cart rides and the hearty local cuisine will keep you more than gainfully occupied through the weekend.
Farrukhnagar, Haryana
If you pick Farrukhnagar in Haryana, be prepared to be whisked off for a time travel episode to the Mughal era. This historic town is a mere 21 kilometres from the borders of Gurgaon, with history dating back to the 18th century. Established in 1732 by Faujdar Khan, the town was names after the Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar. If you're a history buff it'll interest you to know that Farrukhnagar was a major centre of salt trade up until the 19th century. Coming back to present day, the ornamental glass palace - the evergreen Sheesh Mahal - was built in 1733 AD and continues to captivate senses even today. Besides this, there's also the Baoli Ghaus Ali Shah, the multi-tiered octagonal stepwell to marvel over before heading back home.
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Sariska, Rajasthan
A wild monsoon weekend in the hills awaits you at Sariska in Rajasthan - literally. Located about 200 to 220 kilometres from the capital, commuting by car will take you around 3 to 4.5 hours, via NH 48 passing through Gurgaon and then Alwar. The Sariska Tiger Reserve presents itself as a peaceful nature escape with historical ruins to gaze at. Home to an ambush of Bengal tigers, the Sariska Tiger Reserve will also present you with the opportunity to spot leopards, hyenas, jackals and over 200 species of birds. Within the jungle, also stands tall, the 17th-century Kankwari Fort as well as the architectural ruins of the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Making your way there towards the end of August will also allow you to dunk your senses in the lush greenery.
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Bharatpur and Deeg, Rajasthan
If you visit the historic neighbouring towns of Bharatpur and Deeg, a royal escape in the throes of monsoon will fill up your weekend. Deeg was the first capital of the Jat rulers of Bharatpur and is about 32 kilometres north of Bharatpur city. Deeg is home its eponymous palace, an 18th century royal summer resort with gardens, fountains and marble halls. Also standing proud there is the Deeg Fort, the work of Maharaja Suraj Mal, its water moat being a particularly popular attraction.
As for Bharatpur, it houses the Keoladeo National Park, a world-famous bird sanctuary, home to hundreds of bird species. While there, don't forget to tour the majestic Lohagarh Fort, incidentally one that never fell to the British. Travelling to Bharatpur from Delhi via car should take roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. The same holds for Deeg.
