Independence Day long weekend: Looking for last minute plans? Drive to these destinations for a mini vacation

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1. Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran in Maharashtra: Maharashtra in the monsoon season is filled with greenery, waterfalls. Right from forts, hills, beaches to forest, the state has a vast varierty to offer.

Depending on your location of stay, you can travel to the preferred destination. The most preferred place where tourist prefer to go is Lonavala which is 85-90 km from Mumbai and about 65-70 km from Pune. After this, Mahabaleshwar is also once of the options to go, which is 263 km from Mumbai and about 3 hours from Pune.

To experience a no vehicle and an apt hill station, travelers can also go for Matheran. If not by car, the hill station is well connected by train. You need to travel upto Neral station and take a cab till the Aman lodge or Dasturi and then walk to the hill station.

For those preferring a car, you can drive upto Aman lodge or Dasturi and park your cars and then start walking to the hill station where no vehicles are allowed. But do beware of monkeys. There are plenty of options to stay ranging from budget to high end properties.

Apart from these options, drive to Malshej ghat, Mulshi, camping at Kamshet, Pawna are also some of the preferred options. To view some secluded beaches, travelers can opt for places like Harihareshwar, Dapoli, Diveagar in Raigad and Ratnagiri district. 2. Munnar and Alleppey in Kerala: If you prefer a mix of hill station and beach, consider Kerala's Munnar and Alleppey.

In just four days, travelers can explore the famous tea estates, the Mattupetty Dam in Munnar while Alappuzha Lighthouse and enjoy houseboat stay in Alleppey. 3. Coorg in Karnataka: Coorg or Kodagu also known as the Scotland of India is about 7-hour drive from Bangalore city.