If you’re looking at this list, chances are you’ve not made your plans yet. For the indecisive, we’ve got you covered with our top recommendations for the impending long weekend.

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Mary Budden Estate, Uttarakhand

My first taste of Binsar’s best kept secret that is not-so-secret anymore was before celebs made it a popular getaway. In Binsar, at an altitude of 2,420 meters, stands this uber luxury boutique hotel spread over five acres of land. The property focuses on sustainability and local sourcing, and is so deep inside the sanctuary that it provides all its experiences right there without you having to go out and explore, thus making it an apt short-stay destination. A mix of luxurious cottages and rooms, the idea of a stay here is to disconnect from chaos, and fuel a sense of self-connect for solo travellers and bonding time for those in groups. From indulging in meals with a view that overlooks some of the highest mountains to curated experiences, MBE ensures you’ve enough to do, and it’s not what you’d do in city life. Early risers can go for the Darwin’s Walk, which is an exploration inspired by Darwin’s walk of light and shadow that defined his famous theory of evolution. Another interesting trek is to a nearby village, where they will set up a traditional Kumaoni lunch for you. If you’re a sit-by-the-fireplace person, they do a bonfire in the evening with some chargrilled snacks and coffee. If solitude is your idea of a good time, this is it.

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