Ugadi 2026 Long Weekend Travel Ideas That Avoid Crowds

Araku Valley, Andhra Pradesh

The train to Araku is half the reason people fall in love with the place. It winds through dozens of tunnels, green valleys, and tiny hill stations before slowly opening into coffee country. Even during festival weekends, the valley feels relaxed enough for slow walks, quiet viewpoints, and cups of strong local coffee that taste better in mountain air.

Must-see: Borra Caves and the scenic Araku viewpoint
Food to try: Bamboo chicken and freshly brewed Araku coffee
How to reach: Train from Visakhapatnam (the journey is famous for its tunnels)
Packing tip: Light clothes for daytime, thin jacket for early mornings

Gandikota, Andhra Pradesh

The first glimpse of Gandikota usually stops people mid-sentence. One moment you’re walking along an old fort wall, and suddenly the land drops into a vast canyon carved by the Pennar River. It’s surprisingly quiet here most weekends, which means the sunset views often belong to just a handful of travelers standing quietly at the edge.

Must-see: Gandikota Fort and the Pennar River canyon viewpoint
Food to try: Simple Rayalaseema meals served at local guesthouses
How to reach: About 5 hours by road from Bengaluru or Hyderabad
Temperature: 22 - 39°C. Warm afternoons, breezy evenings near the canyon.

Chettinad Villages, Tamil Nadu

Chettinad doesn’t rush you. Wide village streets lead to enormous heritage mansions with carved doors, patterned tiles, and courtyards that once hosted grand family gatherings. Walking through these towns during a festival weekend feels peaceful, and somewhere nearby a kitchen is almost always preparing the kind of Chettinad meal that fills the air with spices.

Must-see: Kanadukathan mansions and Karaikudi antique markets
Food to try: Chettinad chicken, kuzhi paniyaram, and pepper crab
How to reach: Train or road access from Madurai or Trichy
Packing tip: Comfortable footwear for exploring village lanes

Anegundi (Across the River from Hampi), Karnataka

Most travelers stop at Hampi’s famous ruins and never wander beyond them. Cross the Tungabhadra River and Anegundi feels like a completely different world - quieter, greener, and full of winding roads between banana fields and boulder hills. Early mornings here are especially lovely, when temple bells echo softly and the landscape slowly wakes up.

Must-see: Anjanadri Hill sunrise and Pampa Sarovar temple
Food to try: Local Karnataka thali and banana-based snacks
How to reach: Ferry or bridge crossing from Hampi town
Packing tip: Hat and water bottle for climbing temple hills

Yercaud, Tamil Nadu

When Ooty and Kodaikanal start overflowing during long weekends, Yercaud quietly carries on at its own pace. The hill station sits high above Salem with forest roads, coffee plantations, and viewpoints where the wind is often the loudest sound around. It’s the kind of place where travelers slow down without even trying.

Must-see: Lady’s Seat viewpoint and Yercaud Lake
Food to try: Fresh filter coffee and pepper-rich hill dishes
How to reach: 30 km hill drive from Salem railway station
Temperature: 21 - 38°C. Cooler than nearby plains, especially in the evening

Varkala Cliff (Quieter Stretches), Kerala

Varkala’s main cliff promenade can get busy, but walk a little further and things calm down quickly. Waves roll steadily below the red cliffs, fishermen return with their catch, and cafés open slowly with the smell of fresh seafood in the air. It’s an easy place to spend a Ugadi weekend doing very little and enjoying every bit of it.

Must-see: Varkala Cliff walk and Janardanaswamy Temple
Food to try: Kerala fish curry with appam
How to reach: Train from Thiruvananthapuram (about an hour)
Packing tip: Sunscreen, beachwear, and breathable cotton clothes

Sometimes the best long-weekend trips happen in places that never tried too hard to become tourist hotspots in the first place. The crowds head one way, and the quieter roads quietly lead somewhere better.

Planning a relaxed Ugadi getaway feels even better when the stay matches the mood. Neomaxer brings together unique and handpicked stays.