I will refute the statement of any guy who says that he did not at least consider, for a moment, a Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara kind of trip for him and his cronies. The more motivated of the lot may even have undertaken a boys-go-all-out trip in memory of the movie. While men may have nodded approvingly at the antics of the three best friends in ZNMD, the fairer sex too has dreamt of a Sex and the City 2 scenario where three women bond and grow in the sandy city of Abu Dhabi. In a bid to help fellow aspiring starry-eyed ‘backpackeresses’, here’s a list of some of India’s best girlfriend destinations!
Katy Perry sang in detail about sipping gin and juice under palm trees, an experience Goa only too readily matches. Pack your sunglasses and swimsuits and spend lazy hours on the beach soaking in the sun and revelry all around. Goan markets are known for their cosmopolitan products with the most popular items being seashell craft, wooden lacquer ware and brassware. The range of trendy jewelry and accessories that one can pick up from here is amazing. The Wednesday market at Anjuna Beach, the Saturday night market at Baga beach and the Friday market at Mapusa are such spots where interesting souvenirs and trinkets can be bought at reasonable prices.
Sunset in Goa
Mcleodganj in Himachal Pradesh features on most desi ‘Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants’ lists and rightly so. It is the perfect getaway indeed with its ideal climate, picturesque landscape and endless opportunities for sightseeing. The cafes dotted along the main road all face mountains, creating an ideal scene for serenity. There are treks to undertake, waterfalls to see and handicrafts to purchase in this tiny little hill station.
Sitting by Nainital’s lakeside cafes and sipping lattes while watching the vibrant boats sail past is the perfect way to unwind with friends. Tucked away in the cosy confines of the Himalayas, this town gives you the perfect experience of a good girly weekend with the Tibetan market and Mall road to hit in the evening for retail therapy and gently sloping paths for a pleasant walk in the hills! Scented candles adorned with dried flowers are the town’s specialty.
No really, why should boys have all the fun? The defiance that this eternal question instills should push you for a trip to Jaipur’s Nahargarh fort. Climb atop the ancient walls and get a picture perfect view of the twinkling lights and bright colours of the pink city. The aura of mystique surrounding Jal Mahal and Hawa Mahal will draw any self-respecting romantic towards it, while the wealth of local culture and cuisine offered at Chokhi Dhani is an excellent way to spend a day in the company of your best friends! The shopping scene doesn’t disappoint you either with local markets like Jauhari Bazar, Bapu Bazar and Nehru Bazar offering you everything from jootis and bangles to kurtas and artefacts.
A favourite among college students, Khandala is a picture-perfect vacation spot with its scenic beauty and untouched landscape. You can sit back and clear your head as cool winds soothe play with your hair, or put on your boots and step out for a trek and explore the town’s historic forts and sparkling waterfalls. The charm of this hill station has been known to make many an unsuspecting wanderer fall in love…
Kumarakom, a cluster of islands around the Vembanad lake in Kerala, offers you one of life’s most rejuvenating experiences. The spa treatments and Ayurvedic massages here are famous all over. The place is also popular for the coconut shell artifacts that are sold here, from earrings and fashion accessories to lamps and masks.
A refreshing break from the humdrum of city life, Gangtok is a fascinating place to unwind and relax. There’s a host of Buddhist monasteries and eateries to visit and festivals happening all year round. Gangtok is full of souvenir and curio shops. The silk paintings, Tibetan prayer wheels and artifacts, Sikkimese handloom products and wall hangings available could all add up to make a fascinating home décor indeed!
Like the selection of destinations….good going gal