The concept of holidaying in India with family members is just as old as marriage. Newly wedded couples took a flight of blissful honeymoon into the most exotic locales in ancient India that continue to be popular even today, centuries after they first made their impression as family holiday destinations. While most of them have crossed over into religious places, there are weekend gateways in India that still retain their rustic charm.

Here are five hotspots in the league of weekend gateways where you can experience desi lifestyle and cuisines sans the crowd.

1. Mesmerizing Nainital

A popular hill station made popular by British officers in the 18th century; Nainital is the perfect chilled out destination bringing a sweet concoction of adventure living amidst serene natural setting. Get the taste of Kumaoni lifestyle in ravishing cottage houses. Happiness is served in the form of colourful cuisine that comprises of Ras daal, Baadi and Arsa. The signature staple food item—Mandua roti delivers happiness in its unadulterated avatar when dipped in gulgula.

2. Happiness paradise of Alappuzha

A recent addition to the list of family weekend gateways in India, Alappuzha set in God’s own country offers a taste of Malayali lifestyle atop the beautiful houseboats and lakeside cottages. From experiencing the Ayurvedic bliss at the hands of expert masseurs to trying your luck at fishing in the open estuaries, Alappuzha doubles up happiness quotient.

Learn the art of making countryside toddy liqueur from the villagers themselves. Ride your own elephant and bath it as if it was your own pet. Ride through the dense banana and rubber fields, plucking your own savoury delight on the way.

3. Maratha delight at Junnar

A great family weekend gateway close to the Smart City Pune, Junnar has a history dating back to many centuries. Known as the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Junnar transforms into a heavenly paradise during monsoon where you can try your hand at ancient farming rituals with unique fun experience. Surrounded by the formidable Sahayadri hills, the open plains seemingly invite the tourists to indulge in old Maharashtrian games like Kanche, Lagori, Ningorcha, Vitti Dandu and Saakhli.

Relive the childhood memories with Amrakhand, puran poli and bajra rotis dipped in ghee and curd along with famous maswadi & patwadi.

4. Earth Farms of Bangalore

Farmstays around Bangalore have a menacing attraction for couples looking for a quiet escape into the countryside without travelling too far. Unbelievably close to nature, you can share your space with the cattle grazing on your lawns while the sun peps your spirits. While you relax in the comfortable cottage homes of Sommanhalli or Bidarahalli, the kids can take to learning the skills of cheese making and pottery alongside villagers. Dip your hand into the naturally extracted honey and nectarines.
Relish the solitude on a weekend far away from the crowded chaos.

5. Windy Nashik

For Mumbaikars and Puneris, spending the weekend in farms of Nashik and Jawahar seem wittingly cool especially if you are up for some adventurous drive through the Western Ghats. Home to the exotic wines and fruit punch, Nashik is all about churning the best out of whatever life throws at you—fun, challenges and nostalgia. Experience the life at your own exclusive privately owned weekend cottage that comes with its own pond, garden and open-sky waterfall bath areas.

Beat the crowd with advanced planning and booking with best farmstay advisors to get what you truly deserve—Peace of Mind.
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