It is rightly said that a good friend listens to your adventure while a best friend makes every moment an adventure. Friendship Day is round the corner and this time, instead of the overcrowded cafes, cinema halls and restaurants, why not go far away from the city and make memories in a totally different place? Yes, take a trip with your besties because it is the memories that count. Whether it is a short weekend getaway, a road trip to the Himalayas or jetting off to international waters (this one seems difficult on a short notice, but friends make the impossible possible, right?), make that long overdue vacation plan work because this is the right time. After all, an impromptu trip is always better than the planned ones.
While you pack your bags and make calls to your group of buddies, we shall save you the trouble of Google searching places to visit with friends with a list of destinations that will help you zero in on the place in no time.
Kasol
One of the best places to visit with friends, words will fall short while you speak about the never ending beauty of Kasol. And if you are planning for an offbeat wilderness then this is the perfect destination for you. A destination that is straight out of the heaven, Kasol is known for its Israeli occupants, Parvati waterway, trekking camps and Malana. The Himachali town is a campers’ delight and will give you the much-needed adventure and break from your daily life. Known as the center point of substantial number of Israelis, this remote region with its energetic bistros mixes the Indian and non-Indian society with flawlessness. Do not miss a visit to Malana, a small village located a few kilometres from Kasol.
Gokarna
If Goa’s not your thing because of its over-crowded beaches, Gokarna will surely catch your fancy. Gokarna, also known as ‘mini-goa’, has some of the best beaches, often less crowded when compared to Goa. It is well known for its sprawling, gorgeous beaches, with crystal clear waters, swaying coconut trees and pristine sands. Some of the famous beaches that you can visit here with your buddies are Om Beach, Gokarna Beach and Kudle Beach.
Hampi
If your take on a ‘friends trip’ involves exploring ancient ruins of historic temples and architectural monuments that have secrets lurking in their very foundations, then you really need a trip to Hampi. Figuring prominently on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the captivating landscapes and the breathtaking architecture of Hampi’s temple remains will surely instill a sense of peace within you and your friends.
Want to make it more fun? You and your friends can try rock climbing, meet travelers from all over the world, indulge in authentic Karnataka cuisine, and ride coracles in the Tungabhadra River amid other action-packed tidbits.
Pondicherry
Are you a bunch of girls looking for a fun, laid-back vacay that involves clicking pretty pictures in the backdrop of picturesque cafes? Then Pondicherry’s your destination for a girl’s weekend getaway. A glorious French-style architecture, sun-kissed shorelines, untouched beaches, scenic cruises, and beach campfires with music and marshmallows. Sounds exciting? Then call in your girls and start planning! To make it fun, you can explore activities like Scuba diving, boating, watersports, sunbathing, bicycle tours, and the exciting night life.
Leh-Ladakh
Are you the bunch of guys that is always ready to get on the wheels of your shiny new Royal Enfield for a road trip? Then amigos, what’s stopping you from getting Leh’d this Friendship Day? Ladakh or the Land of High Passes is an infertile yet excellent district situated in the north Indian condition of Jammu and Kashmir. Imparting its east outskirt to Tibet, Ladakh has Lahaul and Spiti to its south and the Kashmir valley toward the west.
Your Destination would be a dream until you come out and step ahead to it and experience. Leh-Manali Bike ride is one such vibe which will resonate for many years to come. Here the journey is more scintillating then achieving those milestones and exploring the same with a road trip is an alluring experience in more ways than one. Get your directions right with this detailed Leh map route here.
Coorg
The home of coffee, the Scotland of India, the abundance of greenery – Coorg is a destination to chill with friends in a laidback getaway. Most of the resorts and hotels in Coorg are built in the middle of coffee plantations and spice gardens. You can rent a cottage in one of these resorts and have a fun weekend relaxing by the pool, talking a walk amid the greens and exploring nature, and sharing memories and songs over the campfire at night. Easily accessible from Bangalore and Mangalore, Coorg is a refreshing change from the overcrowded hill stations of North India, which makes it an ideal vacation spot for BFFs.
Rishikesh
No we aren’t asking you to go to Rishikesh to wash your sins in the holy Ganga or for a Yoga retreat this Friendship Day. Get an inflatable boat, life jacket, carbon paddles, some good brave friends, and probably also a camera! River rafting is a blessing for all adventure lovers across the world who follow the notion of ‘Dar Ke Aage Jeet Hai’, owing to the sky-high adrenaline rush and an unmatched sense of thrill it gives. So Rishikesh is your place for the best river-rafting experience in India as nothing can beat the experience in the mighty Ganges. Compliment your rafting with riverside camping and bonfire, and you and your gang are all set to have the time of your lives in Rishikesh, one of the most fun places to go with friends in India. Check out weekend tour packages for Rishikesh and other fun places here.
Manali
Are you low on budget and want all the Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani feels on your Friendship day getaway? Manali is usually the first choice of all college-goers in Northern India. Ease of access, a happening vibe, and picturesque mountains are some of the main attractions that bring the young (and old) to this town. It is among the best holiday destinations to visit with friends. You can enjoy skiing in Solang Valley and trekking in Parvati Valley. Go paragliding and rafting in the Pir Panjal Mountains. Or do some backpacking in the hill station. Explore other activities like Paragliding, rappelling, wildlife spotting in the Great Himalayan National Park, zorbing and quad biking.
Written by: Aashima Kadakia
Creative ninja and a true follower of ‘Work, Save, Travel, Repeat’, I love to travel, experience places and bring back stories for a lifetime. Born and brought up in Ahmedabad, I like to visit the same old places, the same cliched tourist spots and destinations, but choose to see the unexplored in the old places. Always inclined towards the mighty mountains in their debate with the beaches!
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