The post Here’s full list of Long Weekends of 2021!! Plan Your Holidays Ahead & Celebrate the life. appeared first on Chandigarh Bytes.

Tired of spending the same old weekend going to the same old places in the city. This weekend let’s pledge together to do some offbeat activities which you had rarely done before.

1. Attend a Bachata Dance class

You may not have time going to Salsa or Bachata classes every day, but you sure can spare one hour once a week to do that. Open google and fin the nearest bachata class. Most dance studios give a Free first Demo class. And trust me, there is plenty of Bachata dance studio around Tricity.

2. Learn to Juggle

You can always grab some empty bottles or balls or oranges and try your hand at juggling. Although Please beware of Your Mummyji!!

3. Listen to some podcasts.

We absorb what we hear and when we listen to a podcast, we fully concentrate on the words. There is some great podcast available both in English and Hindi on various platforms like Google Podcast, Spotify, etc. Go check them out now!

4. Host a poker party

Not that we encourage you to gamble, but once in a while calling your friends over for a fun PatteBaazi night can make your weekend fun-tastic.

5. Teach yourself a card trick

Open up youtube and teach yourself a card trick, after all, you need something to show yourself off in front of your friends. Try learning basic shuffles like riffle first, and then move to the advanced.

6. Plant a Plant in a Pot

What could be a better way to connect to your inner self via connecting to mother eart

h. Buy yourself a small plant and some gardening soil. Wear an old t-shirt and dive into the process of sowing a seed/plantlet. You will feel calm and content from the inside.

7. Go Bicycling

If you are outdoorsy, you can go to sukhna for bicycling. Now Chandigarh has even installed Smart bike all over the city. All you gotta do is download the app, unlock the bike, ride it around the city and leave it on any docking stations. Check this article for more details.

8. Do a ‘bill reduction.’

What’s more fun than saving some money. Check your past month’s transactions and make a list of No- No’s for yourself. You can always call the bank for getting credit card transaction reduction offers or other promotional benefits.

Disclaimer- This could be fun as well as stressful if you know what I mean. So, Handle yourself with care!

9. Make 30 things in 30 weeks list

All over the week, we think all the what-ifs of the world and on weekends we just sleep it off. Come on! It’s time to take action on making all of your “I wanna do this..” true. Grab a pen and make a list. Paste it on your wall. Do one task every Sunday till every item on the list get’s crossed.

10. Call your School Buddy

Everybody had their desk partners cum best friends in their kindergarten. Have you ever wonder where they are today? Find them on social media and drop a message. Or better! Give them a call.

11. Make a time capsule

I have watched in Netflix’s films people doing this time capsule thingy! It’s a great way to preserve some memories in the age of digital content. All you gotta do is, grab a box (wooden/metal/plastic) put some of your favorite things inside, small souvenirs you would like to preserve. It could be a photo, keychain, or anything. Add a message for a future self. And just bury this box in the ground somewhere.

You can open your time capsule 5 or 10 years later to cherish your older self.

12. Scan your old pictures

Go through all of your old pictures and adore the way you have grown. Not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, intellectually. Recall the journey you have been on and look how far you have come.

13. Do some networking

Spend an afternoon on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram not just scrolling the feed, but as interacting with people. Drop random messages and craft emails to the companies or people who inspire you. This is how we create opportunities for ourselves.

14. Invite friends over to your place for Gup Shupp

Just call a bunch of your friends, and invite them over for catching up on each other’s life.

15. Join a book club or start one

If you like reading and don’t find the time to read a book in your busy corporate job, joining a Sunday book club is your answer. Dig deep on Facebook to find book clubs near you. If you can’t find any, just start one yourself. It ain’t that difficult.

16. Plan a picnic lunch in the park

Winter Sun and Sunday brunch! Ain’t these sounds a lovely combination? Pac yourself some fruits, Grab a sheet, and head over to the nearest park to spend an afternoon in sun. You can also carry your book/magazine to read while you are there.

17. Host a movie marathon

Netflix and chill, the favorite way of millions to spend time. Ultimately we all end up spending our day watching web series and shows. Get a little organized people. If that;’s what you wanna do, at; east do it perfectly. Decide on the shows and movies a night before. Stock up the fridge with snacks and coke. Call a friend over and do a movie marathon properly.

18. Pamper yourself with at home Mani-Pedi

It’s time you should start paying more attention to your hands and feet. And this is for all the guys and the Girls. Winters tend to chap our skin out. This Sunday, pamper yourself with DIY Manicure and Pedicure.

19. Read a book

Writing and reading decrease our sense of isolation. They deepen and widen and expand our sense of life: They feed the soul. Movies often are outlined from books, but it still lacks many elements. Dive yourself into the magical world of books this weekend.

20. Just, Relax

Relax and feed your soul with whatever you want. This is a day for you and only you.

The post 20 Free and Fun Things to do this weekend appeared first on Chandigarh Bytes.

Chandigarh, the city beautiful being situated in the beautiful laps of Shivalik hills is known for its serene views and the calm aura. The clean and green city has everything to offer an average millennial who craves peace and the thrill in one place. From lush green gardens to the bustling malls. From workaholic days to easy to reach getaway destinations nights. Chandigarh has it all. The multiethnic culture of the city, mixed with the modernism interpreted by Swiss-French architect Le Corbusier’s architecture ultimately ranks the city to be one of the best cities to live in in India. 

The Chandigarhians are born explorers. With Punjabi, Haryana, and especially Himachal Pradesh being in its close vicinity, it is a matter of minutes to plan a road trip for a Chandigarhian.

Road trips are not only the best way to spend quality time, with friends, families, and spouses but also help us millennials to explore and connect outside the reel world to the natural and real-world, which exist out of our phone screens.

You might have already tried road trips like “from Chandigarh to Kasauli” or “road trip from Chandigarh to Amritsar”, but we present you with some kickass locations under 300 Kms which you can visit on weekends from Chandigarh. 

1. Manali 

By the banks of the unfrozen river, basking in nature’s vast bounty lies a city called Manali. With cold winds accompanied by dry air, without the speck of the doubt, Manali is the heavenly destination for all. Rested in between the snow-capped slopes of the Pir Panjal and the Dhauladhar ranges, Manali house many tourist attraction places. It has an abundance of lush green forests and freshwater blue streams. You can easily find various adventure sports camps and spots offering river rafting, paragliding, rappelling, zorbing, skiing in the beautiful Solang valley..etc. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 290 Km approx.

Time for the journey: 6-8 hours

Tourist attractions in Manali: Hidimba Devi Temple, Manu Temple, Manali Sanctuary, Hot Water Spring, Siyali Mahadev Temple

2. Dalhousie

Dalhousie is one of the coziest hill stations in the country. It is preferred by both honeymooners as well as families for its natural beauty and splendor. The hill station is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and offers breathtaking views to tourists. You can always add Chamba as an add on the stop because it ain’t much far from Dalhousie. 

Dalhousie has an old-time vintage vibe.

When you look for a travel itinerary online, you can find plenty of nearby hills, treks, and sanctuaries, but trust us when we say this; If you are once in a cottage in Dalhousie, you wouldn’t even want to step out. All you will crave is to sit around in the open air and enjoy a hot beverage all day long. The city has an old time charm, which often lacks in our urban city life. The beautiful and vintage bungalows along with other constructions from the British era are enough to level up the aesthetic game of the town. The route is scenic and windy, which brings the endure of the road trip from the movie ZNMD. 

And if you ain’t planning the road trip, there is always an option to head to the ISBT and hop on some luxury Volvo and semi-sleeper buses. They often stop at local Dhabas on the way for food and tea. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 309 km (approximately)

Time for the journey: 6-7 Hours

Tourist attractions: Khajjiar, Satdhara Falls, Panchpula, Dainkund Peak, Bakrota Hills, Ganji Pahari

3. Rishikesh

Are you wondering why Rishikesh- the yoga capital of India is on this list? We assure you, there are lots of things to do for Millenials there apart from Bhakti and Yoga. Rishikesh might be the major pilgrimage center of India, but it had got hold of the attention of youngsters for being a potential place for various adventure activities.

For all those energies fueled youngsters, you can visit Rishikesh for camping, cliff jumping, rafting, bungee camping to calm of adventure lust. 

You can always add Haridwar as a pit stop to seek the blessings of the holy Ganga. The Hindu chants and prayers always touch the soul. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 245 Km (approximately)

Time for the journey: 5 hours

Tourist attractions: Beatles Aashram, Lakshman Jhula, Triveni Ghat, Rajaji National Park, Trimbakeshwar Temple, Bharat Mandir, Adventure Sports sites like Bungee jumping, River Rafting, Fox climbing, Cliff Jumping, Kayaking, etc.

4. Mussourie

My parents went to Mussoorie for their honeymoon, your parents must have as well. Mussourie has been named queen of hills for a reason. It was quite a popular destination among the travel buffs of the 70s and the place still has its charm. The city has a legacy and beautiful views of pine trees, lakes, and snow-capped hills.

Mussorie caught the attention of the famous author Ruskin bond as well. He quoted in his book Roads to Mussourie “These great trees of the mountains, I feel they know me well, as I watch them & listen to their secrets, happy to rest my head beneath their outstretched arms.” What more you need to convince yourself?

Distance from Chandigarh: 255 Km (approximately)

 Time for the journey: 5 hours

Tourist attractions: Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Lal Tibba, Treak of Hathipaon, Lake Mist, Kempty falls, Gun Hill, Adventure Sports like River Rafting, Paragliding, and more. 

5. McLeod Ganj

Experience the Tibetan culture in the town which is the holy home of The 14th Dalai Lama. McLeod Ganj is situated in the suburbs of the city Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. The town is also home to a very vast Tibetan Community and serves as headquarters to Tibetan Government-in-exile, hence sometimes is called Little Lhasa.

The town houses many Buddhist temples, monasteries, yoga centers, and more. Mcleod Ganj is also known for its Indo- Tibetan handicrafts and the nearby Triund and Camping Trek. If Nepal seems, too far to you, you should visit Mcleod Ganj for its serenity. This road trip can fulfill the dream of people who adore traveling.

Distance from Chandigarh: 240 Km (approximately)

 Time for the journey: 5-6 hours

Tourist attractions: Bhagsu Falls, Tsuglagkhang Complex, NAmgyalma Stupa, Bhagsunag Temple, St. John Church, Triund Camping and Trek, KAreri lake Trek, Nechung Monastery, dal lake Dharamshala and more.

6. Palampur

Himachal darshan is incomplete if you miss the pitstop at this town. Palampur is found in the enchanted Dhaulandhar range of the Himalayas. This gorgeous little dorp has everything for everyone. from Maa Shakti temples to Tibetan monasteries, From tea gardens to art galleries, you can find it all. There is so much for you to make the most of your trip. 

Distance from Chandigarh: 251 Km (approximately)

 Time for the journey: 5-6 hours

Tourist attractions: Tashi Jong Monastery, Chamunda Devi Temple, Norbulingka Institute, Jhakhni Mata temple, Neugal Khad, Saurabh Van Viha, Andreeta Pottery, Sobha Singh Art gallery, and more. 

Disclaimer: Please Bear in mind the current COVID-19 crisis befalling the town and the nation at large, we recommend you to check the Travel SoPs and Covid mandating norms. Stay positive, keep hygiene leveled up. There is no need to panic if you are following all the rules. 

The post 6 Weekend Getaway Destinations from Chandigarh under 300 Kms appeared first on Chandigarh Bytes.

The three-day-long weekend feeling is finally here. As much as we all get excited by this, we fail to plan on how exactly to cherish every second of it. We indeed do love imagining and planning the blissful weekend getaways, but there is either that one friend who cancels his/her plan at the last minute or sometimes we are hell broke. If you are not sure how you are going to spend time this weekend, you are in the right spot! There are other things apart from sleeping away to glory, we can do this October long weekend without tearing a hole in our wallets.

1) Host a Potluck Dinner/Booze Party

With COVID Crisis going on, everybody fears to step outside for Partyy-ing. This weekend, grab your phone and call all your friends to your home for a Potluck dinner or booze party. Let everyone know the one golden rule- Bring at least one food item or booze bottle. There you have it. Your own very much shared Party!

2) Cycle your way to Sukhna Lake

Le Corbusier himself envisioned every Chandigarhian to hop on cycle when he designed cycle tracks in his original designs of the city. Cycle enthusiast of the clean and green city loves Sukhna lake. Hop onto a cycle and visit the lake early in the morning to witness the sunrise or late in the evening to witness the magnificent sunset.

If you do not own a bicycle, you can always rent it at the front gate of sukhna lake. Except for that, Panchkula- the Sister city of Chandigarh last year introduced a public bicycle sharing stands where you can rent the bike via the Yaana app at a mere cost of Rs. 5 per 30 mins. Isn’t that cheap and Workout friendly?

3) Start and Finish a Book

We all own at least one juicy book we always want to read. But have been lazy enough to constantly stack it up on the bookshelf. If you don’t own one, then go online and find a great book to start and finish this weekend. I promise you, you will sleep with such buttery feeling once you go through all the pages.

4) DIY String Garden

The presence of Green life around is extremely important to ensure the ultimate sanity of a world. Gardening is a spiritual way of relinquishing the past, embrace the present, and build hope for the future. Indoor gardening can be fun, creative, and unique. When floor, desk, and shelves hog the space, then the ceiling can serve as a stage instead!

Try DIY Kokedama aka Moss ball hanging plants. They are simple and easy to assemble. They work as air filters for your home and office.

5) Dine and Wine under the Stars.

Chandigarh is a city resting in the lap of beautiful valleys. One can easily spot mountains from his/her terrace. This Saturday night, Arrange a candlelight dinner with your favorite wine on the terrace under the stars. Let yourself and your partner feel the romantic late-night breeze of the city beautiful.

6) Host an IPL Cricket Party/ Netflix Party

Make your home IPL ready this weekend. Set up a table with chips, snacks, Popcorns, Coke, and Thandi Beer!! Attach your loudest speaker to the TV and its time to invite your squad for fun, loud, and full of swears game night. Cricket bonds people, So you may want to consider inviting the known strangers as well. You might make some cool new friends.

For all those Not-So-Into-Sports people, keep the aura of the place the same and change this into a movie night. Binge Netflix in your pajamas with your lovely peeps!

7) Get Crafty and Doodle up a wall

Give your home the You factor! Pick up a paintbrush or some permanent markers and doodle your way with a sway! Beware of your Mummy’s Chappal though!

8) Hop on to Double Decker Tourist Bus

A few years ago CITCO introduced Hop on Hop Off Double-decker tourist bus which runs all 7 days a week. The bus visits all important tourist spots of Chandigarh including Sector 17, Rose Garden in Sector 16, Sector 10, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, etc. The ticket only costs Rs. 50 for half a day trip vising all the above-listed spots. You can book the bus in advance for a party on even more discounted rates. Visit here to know more.

9) Try an Instagram Workout

The Coronavirus caused the fitness and gyming industry to crumble into pieces. Many of the optimistic people who believed in serving the community in the crisis brought workouts into the virtual world via Instagram. You can find plenty of accounts of trainers, dancers doing free live fitness sessions every day.

10) Grab Tickets to Any Zoom Weekend Workshops

2020 being the year of virtual events when gigs, comedy standups, craft workshops, Educational Seminars everything went on Zoom and google meet. Enroll yourself to one such Zoom event this weekend and add some skills to your skillset.

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