Travel Guides & Articles
August Long Weekend Getaways 2025: Best Hotels and Homestays in India for the Independence Day weekend | Travel

August Long Weekend Alert: Independence Day Stays Across India Worth Booking Now
A Friday Independence Day means one thing: a perfect excuse to make most of this long weekend. Whether you’re craving cool mountain air, quiet countryside mornings, or sun-drenched beaches, this August 15 long weekend is your chance to slow down and check into a stay that makes the journey worth it. We’ve handpicked some truly special escapes across India: places with charm and stories. Think a boutique homestay tucked into a coffee estate or a coastal villa with a hammock calling your name!
Aura Life, Chandigarh
Just 25 minutes from the city, Aura Life is a private artist’s home-turned-boutique stay. Set across three acres, it offers two thoughtfully designed guest rooms—one minimal and earthy, the other airy with garden views. Home-cooked meals range from homestyle dals to Thai curries. It is run by a mother daughter duo: Anuja Lath, a renowned ceramic artist and Anya Gupta, who curates experiences and manages the stay.
Aalia Jungle Retreat and Spa, Haridwar
This luxurious tented camp, from the illustrious Claridges Collection offers an immersive wildlife experience. Nestled adjacent to Rajaji National Park, guests can embark on thrilling safaris to spot tigers, leopards, and other wildlife. The retreat’s 11 opulent tents blend colonial charm with modern comfort. Beyond safaris, guests can enjoy a range of activities, from wellness treatments to nature walks.
voco Jim Corbett, Corbett National Park
India’s first voco hotel, spread over 13.5 acres right by the Kosi River in Dhikuli, is a must visit for travellers who don’t mind the buzz of wildlife yet the quietude of this riverside retreat. Its location, at the foothills of the Mailani range, affords you gorgeous views surrounded by lush greenery (and the tigers of Corbett). The 70 rooms are super cosy with gorgeous views that make you want to kick back and relax all day. Sure, you can head check out spots like Garija Temple and Corbett Waterfall, but there’s plenty to do right at the hotel. Think morning yoga, splashing around in the pool, badminton on green lawns, or chilling with snacks under the mango trees.
Villa The Winter Line by StayVista, Kasauli
Loved by actor Vijay Deverakonda, this cosy hillside homestay blends rustic charm with modern comfort. Expect warm wooden interiors, panoramic Himalayan views, and plenty of natural light. Spend your days lounging by the fireplace, barbecuing on the terrace, or hiking nearby trails. Kasauli’s Mall Road, Monkey Point, Sunset Point, and Christ Church are all just a short drive away.
Parijaat, Goa
Hidden in bustling Anjuna, Parijaat is a dreamy two-bedroom homestay surrounded by paddy fields and palm trees. Designed with vintage charm and dotted with handcrafted details, the home opens to a lush garden, pool and veggie patch. Meals are hyperlocal—think homegrown greens and ghee from a nearby shelter.
The Westin Resort & Spa, Himalayas
Celebrate the long weekend with stillness, flavour, and a touch of tradition at The Westin Himalayas. The itinerary includes flag hoisting, cultural performances, Janmashtami’s Matka Phod, wellness talks with the in-house Ayurveda expert, and Handpan Sound Healing sessions. Foodies can savour Chef Dhar’s Laapi Chokha and a Flavours of North India menu while Toya offers upscale Asian dining. Evenings come alive with Garhwali hi-tea, local brews, and the rhythm of the Ganga Aarti.
Amaraanth, Goa
This August, trade the chaos of city life for the barefoot luxury of Amaraanth, a chic 12-suite hideaway tucked along South Goa’s unspoiled Fatrade Beach. Designed for the discerning traveller who craves both stillness and soul, Amaraanth is where slow living meets sensory indulgence—think South Indian breakfasts in sun-dappled courtyards, curated art by masters like Subodh Kerkar, IV vitamin drips and outdoor bathing rituals at the HVN spa, and feni-forward cocktails at The Lab, their zero-waste bar. With chef Ritu Dalmia at the helm of the Amaraanth Kitchen, every meal is a celebration of local produce and coastal flavours.
Tanglewoods, Coorg
Tucked away on the outskirts of Madikeri, this lovingly restored heritage bungalow sits amidst 12 acres of lush, secluded forest, offering uninterrupted views of rolling hills and misty valleys. The two-level home features three spacious bedrooms with attached modern bathrooms, a cozy dining and drawing room, and a breathtaking sit-out that opens up to panoramic vistas. While you’re surrounded by wilderness, you’re never too far from the conveniences of town.
SaffronStays Araqila, Sindhudurg
Spread across 55 acres where the Sahyadris meet the Arabian Sea, this modern-day coastal fortress is a rare blend of nature, heritage, and mindful design. With 25 sea-facing suites, open-air courtyards, forest trails, and an amphitheatre overlooking the ocean, every corner invites reflection and rest. Built using local laterite stone and inspired by traditional Konkan architecture, Araqila celebrates the region’s coastal heritage while offering contemporary comfort. Located just 45 minutes from Goa’s MOPA Airport, it’s the perfect setting for soulful getaways, wellness retreats, and slow living by the sea.
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Your Ganpati Visarjan Travel Guide: Mumbai Police Release Full List Of Traffic Diversions And Alternate Routes | India News

As Ganpati Visarjan festivities are going to be organized throughout Mumbai today, the traffic police in the city have released an exhaustive advisory announcing diversions, alternative routes, and restrictions on traffic movement. Travelers are requested to make advance travel plans so as to avoid inconvenience.
Traffic Restrictions and No-Parking Zones
Some roads in Central Mumbai and the Western Suburbs will be impacted by the celebrations. The movement of goods vehicles is strictly banned on major roads to enable a smooth flow of pedestrian and festival traffic.
Central Mumbai:
- Worli: Dr. Annie Besant Road and RG Thandani Road: No parking.
- Dadar: Goods vehicles are prohibited on Gokhale Road, SK Bole Road, and Swatantravir Savarkar Marg. Parking stands prohibited on Swatantravir Savarkar Marg, MB Raut Marg, and Shivaji Park Road No. 5.
- Mahim: Goods vehicles are prohibited on Gen AK Vaidya Marg, LJ Road, Mori Road, and TH Katariya Marg.
- Matunga: Goods vehicles are prohibited on Tilak Bridge Road, and parking stands prohibited on Dr. BA Road.
- Kurla: Goods vehicles are banned on LBS Road, New Mill Road, and KK Krishna Menon Road.
In view of Anant Chaturdashi & Ganpati Visarjan following traffic arrangements will be in place in Central Mumbai.
Citizens are requested to plan their commute accordingly.#MTPTrafficUpdateshttps://t.co/gnNcQDYW0d
— Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) September 5, 2025
Western Suburbs:
Santacruz: Goods vehicles are banned on Devle Road and Vaikunthalal Mehta Marg. Parking is restricted on Janardhan Mahtre Road and Juhu Road, among others.
In view of Anant Chaturdashi & Ganpati Visarjan following traffic arrangements will be in place in Western Suburbs of Mumbai.
Citizens are requested to plan their commute accordingly.#MTPTrafficUpdates https://t.co/SY0R0p9e8z
— Mumbai Traffic Police (@MTPHereToHelp) September 5, 2025
DN Nagar & Goregaon: No-parking zones are in force on a number of important roads, such as JP Road and MG Road.
Kandivali: Goods vehicles are banned on KT Son Marg, Kalpana Chawla Chowk, and Abdul Hamid Road. MG Road and SV Road have no-parking zones.
Suggested Alternate Routes
To relieve congestion, the Mumbai Traffic Police have provided alternative routes to commuters. Motorists can travel via routes like Gold Spot Junction (Bisleri Junction) to Bahar Junction and Shivaji Chowk to Captain Gore Bridge (Parle Bridge) as effective alternates to travel within the city.
ALSO READ | Mumbai Bomb Threat Suspect Arrested In Noida, Police Thwart Ganesh Festival Scare
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Samsonite Launches Paralux™ Collection Worldwide | News

Samsonite, the iconic and trusted leader in travel gear headquartered in Luxembourg City, LU, and Massachusetts, USA, unveils the Paralux Collection, hardside luggage and bags thoughtfully engineered for travelers who value design, efficiency, and sustainability. Merging exceptional organization with sustainable innovation, the Paralux collection perfects the art of packing, redefining what it means to pack with purpose.
“Paralux is more than a collection—it’s a reflection of our global team’s shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of what travel gear can be. This launch represents the best of Samsonite: pioneering design, sustainable innovation, and a deep understanding of how people move through the world. We’re proud to deliver a system that not only meets today’s travel demands but also honors our responsibility to the planet we all share.” said Kyle Gendreau, CEO of Samsonite Group.
Building on Samsonite’s legacy of durability and innovation, Paralux products undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest standards– so they’re built to last. The Paralux collection is crafted with more sustainable materials and designed to reduce the impact on the planet we all like to explore. The exterior shells are made with at least 50% post-consumer recycled polypropylene, trolley tubes with 100% recycled aluminum, and all fabrics, zipper tape, and linings across the collection feature 100% recycled PET plastic by weight. To further extend the product life, the wheels and pull-handle are designed for easy repairability by the user. These design innovations allow users to easily remove and replace the wheels themselves, instead of sending the product into a repair center. The features and construction of the collection resulted in the Paralux collection being bestowed the honor of two Red Dot awards, Sustainability Design and overall Design. The Red Dot is the distinction for high design and quality. Only products that demonstrate outstanding design are awarded the coveted seal of quality by the international jury. The Red Dot “Sustainability Design” award is for products being durable, adaptable, produced in a material- and energy-efficient manner, or made from renewable and recyclable resources.
At the heart of the Paralux collection is the Samsonite groundbreaking dual-access design, allowing travelers to open their suitcase from the traditional center split or via a sleek front door giving access to the entire interior, ideal when space is tight or time is short. Included removable packing cubes offering modularity for a more customized packing experience, while TSA-approved locks, double suspension wheels, and right-height adjustable handles ensure security and ease.
Whether navigating your daily commute with the Everyday Backpack, embarking on a weekend escape with the Duffel, or traveling internationally with the Hardside Large Spinner, the Paralux collection is designed to adapt to every journey. Thoughtfully engineered with modular compartments, discreet storage, and innovative features—such as the 2-in-1 Backpack that separates into a main travel bag and a compact Go Bag, the Paralux collection offers unparalleled versatility.
From impromptu getaways to business trips, the Paralux collection transcends traditional luggage, serving as a smart, stylish travel system built for modern mobility. Every piece is designed to work together—backpacks and duffels stack seamlessly on spinners for effortless travel, while modular compartments and coordinated dimensions offer a streamlined packing experience from door to destination. The collection features a full range of styles including Large, Medium, Global, and Domestic Carry-Ons, as well as travel backpacks and duffels, all available in a refined palette of Black, Stone Grey, Olive, and Midnight Navy. Prices range from $170 to $390 and are now available at www.samsonite.com and select retailers globally. The campaign will be launched worldwide with activation across out-of-home, paid social, influencers, owned retail, eCommerce, and wholesale. It’s not just a bag, it’s a Samsonite.
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