For doctors, conferences are probably the only time when they can take a breather. And while it still works, we recommend some places around the hosting cities, to enjoy a well-deserved short trip as well.

Our list of recommended destinations is easy-to-access places with things of interest for doctors with their colleagues/peers and even family. So read on to pick a destination that piques your interests or seems perfect for you to unwind.

For the adventure-enthusiast

1. Triund, near McLeodganj in Uttarakhand, is enveloped by the Dhauladhar range and is a peaceful camping site for any season.
2. The Deoria Tal campsite offers a spectacular view of several Himalayan peaks, making it a pleasant outdoor space to relax.
3. Chopra's woods, with tall pine and deodar trees and even taller mountains around, are great for camping with friends or family
4. The Nag Tibba peak in Uttarakhand’s Tehri Garhwal is a popular trek that you can undertake over a weekend. A relatively easy trek, the Nag Tibba is suitable for most trekking enthusiasts, even amateurs.
5. Har Ki Doon, a beautiful valley is another easy trekking route in the Himalayas.
6. Shivpuri and Rishikesh- For a more thrilling experience, go white water rafting on the rapids between Shivpuri and Rishikesh.
7. Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh- If paragliding excites you, head to Bir Billing in Himachal Pradesh, where you can safely enjoy the sport under expert supervision.

For the wilderness explorer and the nature-lover

A little far from Kolkata, but totally worth the trip is the Jim Corbett National Park in Nainital, Uttarakhand. At the foothills of the Shivalik range, the National Park is home to diverse species of animals, including elephants, black bears, jungle cats, hares and leopards. Apart from the jungle safaris, the lush forest, the dwindling paths and the playful streams are added attractions.

If Bird-watching or photography is your thing then you will love the Pangot and Kilbury Bird Sanctuary in the Nainital district. It hosts close to 600 species of birds, including both, local and migratory. A great place for nature-lovers too, the Sanctuary’s oak, pine and rhododendron forest is serene, to say the least.

For some quiet time with your spouse or your family, head to Purulia, where the peace and beauty of Doldanga and the Baranti or Murardi Reservoir will wow you to no end. While Baranti’s sunsets are romantic, Doldanga’s Deer Park is perfect for a picnic and photography.

Of sun and sand and quiet beaches

You can spend an evening at one of the two beaches within the city, namely Ramakrishna Beach (aka RK Beach) and Palm Beach. While RK Beach is lined with eateries serving amazing seafood, the quieter Palm Beach, with a picnic park around, is great for hanging out with family. A short drive away from the city is the secluded Yarada Beach, where you can swim, sunbathe or simply enjoy a day on the shore.

Tourists at Hyderabad also flock to the culture-rich city of Pondicherry. Known for the charming French streets and eateries, the quaint city has a couple of long beaches, of which Auroville Beach, Serenity Beach and Paradise Beach are the most beautiful. While the waters of the Bay of Bengal can be too aggressive for swimming, the long shoreline, the view it offers of the never-ending sky and clear blue waters are just a few other reasons to love Pondicherry.

Staycations in New Delhi, Kolkata and Hyderabad

Visiting the historical monuments and markets of the city are on every tourist’s list. However, with just a day in hand, you can consider heading to some great places around the capital, such as Manesar for the Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Gurgaon for Damdama lake, Agra for the Taj Mahal, and Fort Unchagaon.

As for Kolkata, visiting Chinatown, among other places, is a must if you want to see how the Hakka Chinese population has added its own colours to the culture and flavours of an Indian city. Other destinations about 50 kilometres from Kolkata are Bawali and Babur Haat for their scenic locales and Raichak and the Diamond Harbour for historical attractions. With a little more time in hand, you can also consider going to Shantiniketan, Bishnupur, and Henry’s Island.

Within Hyderabad, you will get plenty of recommendations for Biryani centres, but we say do not leave without visiting the oh-so-popular Laad Bazaar and catching a glimpse of the unique Spanish Mosque. Some of the must-not-miss places on the outskirts of the city are the Ramoji Film City, Bidar Fort, Panagal for its Hindu temples and the Nagunur Fort.

Hope our recommendations help you plan a holiday or two around the time of the upcoming conferences. After all, doctor, like you wish great health for your patients, we wish you a great vacation for you!

Disclaimer- The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of M3 India.
 

This article is an updated version of the article published on May 15. 2019.