From swanky concrete jungles to tropical paradises – international destinations that often feature on travel bucket lists are just a quick nap away from India. We round up a list of a few that you could head to this August to feed your wanderlust.
Vacations outside of India are often synonymous with meticulously planned paid leaves, several overstuffed suitcases, and days spent crafting the perfect itinerary. However, if you only have a few days to spare this holiday season, there are plenty of countries just a short flight away to satiate your wanderlust. Best part? Quick travel leaves plenty of room for exploration, especially when it comes to those must-visit spots. We’re eyeing two dates this August – 15 and 31. Combined with a day off (to make up a long weekend) they offer the perfect opportunity for a quick international getaway. There’s no better time than now to put your passports and planners to good use.
These international spots are perfect to travel to from India for a quick vacation
Singapore
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Glitzy architectural wonders set against sunny skies, Singapore is one of the few places where luxurious malls meet a host of innovative, eco-friendly spaces. The unique blend of Eurasian, East Asian, and South-East Asian cultures has given rise to the city’s flourishing culinary culture, which offers everything from petit four-course desserts to hearty bowls of ramen. And let’s not forget the tourist hotspot that is Universal Studios.
Places to visit/things to do: We recommend grabbing a breakfast of kaya toast at a hawker centre, hopping on a cruise on the Singapore river, spending a day at the Museum of Art and Science, and exploring the city’s live music culture at Clarke Quay.
Best time to visit: December-June
Visa: e-Service through a strategic partner or a Singapore local (It’s advised to apply 30 days prior to departure)
Flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes from Bengaluru to Singapore
Book a stay at the Marina Bay Sands here
Bhutan
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If you have an affinity for the mountains, this neighbouring country’s topography will enthral you. Known as “the land of the thunder dragon,” Bhutan offers visitors a range of cultural and spiritual monuments to explore. There’s also adventure activities like trekking, river rafting, and rock climbing. Best part? A vacation here won’t set you back by much.
Places to visit/things to do: We recommend exploring the Himalayan country’s culinary landscape, from ema datshi and dumplings to jasha maru and jasha tshoem and shopping at the weekend market in Thimphu.
Best time to visit: October-December
Visa: No visa requirement for Indians
Flight time: 2 hour 20 minutes from New Delhi to Paro
Book a stay at Le Meridien Thimphu here
Nepal
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Home to ten of the world’s 14 highest mountains, this is another destination for travellers who enjoy high altitudes. Naturally, we recommend hiking, mountaineering, rafting, and paragliding. Besides this, tourists swear by forest reserves in the country, which houses several stunning wildlife. There are also several historical monuments and sculptures to explore.
Places to visit/things to do: Besides signing up for adventure activities and paying a visit to its many temples, including the Pashupatinath Temple, don’t forget to savour the national dish, dal bhat that’s often served for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Another great dining bet is the momos (dumplings), which are found on every street corner and come with a unique tomato-based sauce.
Best time to visit: October-December
Visa: No visa requirement for Indians
Flight time: 1 hour 40 minutes from New Delhi to Kathmandu
Book a stay at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu here
UAE
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With only three to four hours of travel time from India, an international trip to Dubai is a good idea on the Diwali long weekend. Whether it’s the city that’s known for its state-of-the-art racing circuits or the metropolis known for its glittering streets and high rises, the United Arab Emirates has jaw-dropping experiences on offer. Dubai, its largest city, is known for its skyscrapers and art buildings set against stunning beaches and sand dunes.
Places to visit/things to do: We recommend skydiving over Palm Jumeirah and sampling al machboos and khuzi. Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, is known for its luxury resorts and stunning natural islands and sand dunes. We recommend catching an F1 race here.
Best time to visit: October-February
Visa: E-visa (valid for 30 days)
Flight time: 4 hours from Cochin to Dubai; 3 hours 20 minutes from New Delhi to Abu Dhabi
Book a stay at Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City
Malaysia
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Pristine beaches, lush verdant forests, thriving modern cities, and old-world colonial regions, all set against sunny skies — Malaysia is truly diverse. The country often ranks top in lists of the world’s best food destinations, making it essential to add sampling mi goreng, lamb rendang, nasi lemak, and other local dishes to your itinerary. Hiking through forests, shopping in one of the country’s many colourful markets, and lazing on the beaches are some of the ways to spend your time here as well.
Places to visit/things to do: We recommend visiting World Heritage Sites like Batu Caves, Manukan Island, Gunung Gading National Park, and Malacca Christ church. The islands of Langkawi and Redang are also a must-see.
Best time to visit: February-September
Visa: E-visa via the government portal (valid for 30 days)
Flight time: 4 hours from Chennai to Kuala Lumpur
Book a stay at the Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur here
Oman
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Mysterious caves meet modern architecture in the oldest independent state of the Arab world. Shopping here offers everything from luxurious, latest trends in fashion to traditional, handmade jewellery. Interestingly, if you visit between February and September – you might witness over 100 turtles – hawksbill and green turtle species – and their hatchlings return to the sea after a long nesting period. That aside, the food — including its world-famous dates, souq, and seafood — alone is worth the visit.
Places to visit/things to do: We recommend signing up for some off-roading experiences since the country has impressive dunes and mountains to take in. And paying a visit to the well-preserved historical forts and castles.
Best time to visit: October-April
Visa: E-visa (valid for 30 days)
Flight time: 2 hours 30 minutes from Mumbai to Muscat
Book a stay at Crowne Plaza Sohar here
Thailand
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Thailand’s nightlife, stunning beaches, and pocket-friendly culinary landscape make it quite the rounded travel destination. The accommodations here are luxurious and varied and the transportation system is quite smooth. With its economy being largely driven by tourism, Thai hospitality – warm and gracious – is unmatched. Needless to say, this is a bucket-list-worthy spot to travel to if you’re in India.
Places to visit/things to do: We recommend beach hopping around Phi Phi islands, visiting an elephant sanctuary, sampling Pad Thai from one of Bangkok’s Michelin-starred street food stalls and digging into mango sticky rice after an evening at the beach. Other popular activities include getting a Thai massage, visiting Thai floating markets, and signing up for Muay Thai classes.
Best time to visit: November-April
Visa: On arrival (15 days)
Flight time: 3 hours 30 minutes from New Delhi to Bangkok
Book a stay at SKYVIEW Hotel Bangkok here
Vietnam
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Hosting a myriad of beaches, forests, paddy farms, and historical monuments, Vietnam has made its way into the bucket lists of many travellers over the past few years. Depending on which part of the country you’re in, you could find yourself trekking through forests and having a tete-a-tete with mountains or lazing at the beach reapplying sunscreen. The food here is incredibly inexpensive and English is widely spoken – making it a breeze to navigate.
Places to visit/things to do: A typical itinerary includes the old Phan Thiet City (including its iconic fish sauce museum), the coastal towns of Mui Ne and Nha Trang, UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay, and the HCMC Museum in Ho Chi Minh city. We recommend trying the banh xeo, banh mi, pho, and cha ca at one of the many food stalls lined up on every street.
Best time to visit: February-April, August-October
Visa: E-visa (valid for 30 days)
Flight time: 4 hours 50 minutes from New Delhi to Hanoi (via VietJet)
Book a stay at Sala Grand TuyHoa Hotel here
Seychelles
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The tropical getaway of every traveller’s dreams, this island nation offers turquoise waters, white-sand secluded beaches, and stunning spots for trekking. The weather is pleasant throughout the year and English is widely spoken and understood. Combine this with watersports like diving, kayaking, surfing, and sailing as well as the opportunity to go island hopping across the stunning Mahe, La Dingue, Aldabra Atoll, Desroches Island, and Praslin and it’s no surprise why this international destination is considered by travel aficionados to be one of the best to head to from India.
Places to visit/things to do: We recommend heading to Anse Lazio Beach, visiting giant tortoises on Curieuse Island, hiking through Morne Seychellois National Park, and discovering the secret waterfall in Praslin. Don’t forget to savour the fish curries, lamb stews, and savoury rice creations while here.
Best time to visit: April-May, October-November
Visa: No visa requirements for Indians
Flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes from Mumbai to Mahe Island
Book a stay at L'Escale Resort Marina & Spa here
Qatar
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Besides being one of the world’s wealthiest nations, Qatar is rich in geographical diversity, futuristic skyscrapers, and the most delicious traditional cuisine. It fuses modern and traditional, outdoor activities and indoor – giving visitors much to explore. We’re talking desert safaris, local markets, popular museums, and the works. That’s not all, Doha’s Hamad International Airport holds the title for the Best Airport in the World’ (Skytrax World Airport Awards).
Places to see/things to do: We recommend getting acquainted with local fare at the stores in the century-old Souq Waqif. The Museum of Islamic Art, the Inland Sea area (Khour Al Adaid Natural Reserve), Zekreet Film City, Al Zubarah Fort, and The Pearl. Don’t miss out on the shawarma and khaboos while here.
Best time to visit: December-February
Visa: On arrival (valid for 30 days)
Flight time: 4 hours 30 minutes from Kochi to Doha
Book Your Stay At Wyndham Grand Doha West Bay Beach Here
Maldives
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Maldives is home to stunning natural corals, pristine beaches, expansive green spaces, and numerous historical landmarks. No surprise that it is one of the most popular international destinations to travel to from India, especially when it comes to Bollywood.
Places to visit/things to do: We recommend staying at a quintessential overwater villa, signing up for water sports, and taking leisurely dips in the ocean. Sample local food like garudhiya, mas huni, masroshi, bis keemiya, and boshi mashuni.
Best time to visit: November-April
Visa: On arrival for free (valid for 30 days)
Flight time: 2 hours 45 minutes from Mumbai to Male
Book a stay at Baros Maldives here
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