Raksha Bandhan has long been about sweets, rituals, and the classic gift exchange. But this year, siblings are rewriting tradition by swapping wrapped presents for travel tickets. The shift? A shared experience
that strengthens bonds far more than any chocolate box could.
From budget-friendly escapes to indulgent getaways, here are seven thoughtfully chosen destinations, each tailored for different kinds of sibling duos. Whether you’re the adventure-seekers, the culture nerds, or just in desperate need of a digital detox, there’s something here for everyone.
Karan Agarwal, Director, Cox and Kings, shares different budget-to-luxury trip options for siblings to celebrate Rakhi:
1. For the Thrill-Seeking Siblings
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
If your bond is built on adrenaline and a little friendly competition, Rishikesh is your arena. Think white-water rafting, cliff jumping, bungee jumping, or simply hiking up to Neer Garh Waterfalls. The town also offers budget hostels and homestays perfect for late-night nostalgia sessions over Maggi and masala chai.
Best For: Adventurous pairs who’d rather rappel down a cliff than scroll Instagram reels.
Travel Tip: Combine it with a road trip via Haridwar or Dehradun for some scenic bonding time.
2. For the Culture & Culinary Nerds
Pondicherry
Charming lanes, French-style villas, coastal cafés, and a spiritual vibe make Puducherry perfect for siblings who bond over art, coffee, and curious conversations. Take a cycling tour, indulge in Franco-Tamil cuisine, or volunteer at Auroville together.
Best For: Creative and curious pairs who enjoy café-hopping, sketching, or soul-searching.
Where to Stay: Plenty of boutique options—from budget homestays to restored heritage villas.
3. For the Peace & Detox Seekers
Coorg, Karnataka
For siblings needing a pause from chaotic schedules and city noise, Coorg offers green canopies, coffee-scented mornings, and enough silence to finish each other’s thoughts. Walk through spice plantations, go birdwatching, or just let the mist wrap around your quiet conversations.
Best For: Siblings who crave quality time without digital distractions.
Where to Stay: Tamara Coorg or budget-friendly homestays that serve home-cooked Kodava meals.
4. For Siblings Who Bond Over Music
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas, Ziro is perfect for siblings who thrive on peace, nature, and low-key charm. Think pine forests, rice paddies, and a unique tribal culture untouched by commercial tourism. Time your trip with the Ziro Music Festival in late September—a haven for indie music fans, barefoot dancing, and tent stays under the stars.
Best For: Introverted or artsy siblings who connect through music, quiet roads, and local storytelling.
Travel Note: Requires an Inner Line Permit (ILP) for Indian citizens.
5. For the Island-Hopping Bond Builders
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka blends adventure, spirituality, surf, and culture—ideal for siblings who want to do it all. Explore Sigiriya’s rock fortress, take the scenic train journey from Kandy to Ella, or learn to surf at Weligama. The island vibe is relaxed yet enriching.
Best For: Siblings who can switch from temple tours to beach bars without skipping a beat.
Extra Tip: Add a wildlife safari in Yala or Udawalawe if you’re into photography or nature spotting.
6. For Sibling Duos With Big Bucket Lists and Small Budgets
Vietnam
If one of you is always hunting cheap flight hacks and the other can live out of a backpack, Vietnam is your destination. From the lantern-lit charm of Hoi An to street food trails in Hanoi and breathtaking Ha Long Bay cruises, Vietnam blends affordability with diversity. Bonus: Indian meals are easier to find than you think.
Best For: Frugal yet fun-loving pairs who don’t mind navigating bustling markets and foreign menus.
Tip: Fly into Da Nang or Hanoi, and do a backpacker circuit together.
7. For the Road Trip & Sunset Lovers
Oman
For siblings who bond best behind the wheel—singing 90s songs, arguing over playlists, and racing to catch a sunset—Oman is the hidden gem. Drive through Muscat’s elegant coastline, head to Wahiba Sands for desert glamping, or hike in Jebel Akhdar’s cool mountains. It’s a mix of mystery, minimalism, and magic.
Best For: Those who love the journey as much as the destination.
Fun Fact: Oman’s dramatic cliffs and empty highways are a dream for drone photography (especially if you’re the sibling duo with matching GoPros).
Why Sibling Travel Works Now More Than Ever
This Raksha Bandhan, taking a short trip whether it’s a weekend getaway or a five-day international escape is more than a trend. It’s about making space for conversations that aren’t hurried, building shared memories that go beyond childhood stories, and, frankly, just hitting pause on adulthood for a bit.
After all, a sibling is your first best friend. So why not gift each other something that lives longer than a wristband a memory?
