Karad, Dharchula, Mysore: Some must-visit weekend spots this October

ET-Travel suggests you on how to make the most of an extended weekend in October.

FROM MUMBAI: KARAD, MAHARASHTRA

Originally known as 'Karhatak', meaning 'Elephant market', Karad is also a city of historical importance. According to the Mahabharata, Sahadeva one of the Pandavas lived in the city also known to be pious as Lord Rama stepped his feet on this land. Located to the south west of Karad are the Karad Caves. The first capital of the Shilaharas was probably at Karad during the reign of Jatiga-II as known from their copper plate grant of Miraj and Vikramankadevacharita of Bilhana.

Hence sometimes they are referred as 'Shilaharas of Karad'.

The capital was later shifted to Kolhapur. Karad is a city in Satara district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It lies at the confluence of Koyna River and the Krishna River. The two rivers originate at Mahabaleshwar, which is around 100 km from Karad. They diverge at their origin, and travel for about the same distance to meet again in Karad.

The rivers meet exactly head-on, thus forming a 'T' junction. Their confluence is called Preeti Sangam. Karad is well known for sugar production and is known as the sugar bowl of Maharashtra owing to the presence of many sugar factories in and around Karad. It has many prestigious educational institutes, too.

DON'T MISS: Stop by a local juice seller and have a tall glass of fresh usa cha ras (sugarcane juice). Locally produced sugarcane here is of export quality.

FROM DELHI: DHARCHULA, UTTARAKHAND

It's your chance to turn into a local dancer with the locals breaking into a song and dance during their regional fests. Dharchula is a town and a nagar panchayat in Pithoragarh District in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India. An ancient trading town for the trans-Himalayan trade routes, it is surrounded by very high mountains and is situated in a valley, on the banks of the Kali River at 915 m (3,002 ft) elevation.

The Kali is the western boundary of Nepal with India. Nepalese and Indian nationals cross unrestricted, however, there is a customs checkpoint for goods. Dharchula lies about 83 km north of Pithoragarh along the route of the Kailash-Mansarovar pilgrimage tour. The name of the town may originate from the Hindi words for 'mountain peak' (dhar) and 'stove' (chula) because the valley in which it lies resembles a stove.

Dharchula is very cold during winters, but it does not usually get snowy. Summer temperatures are similar to the plains.

MUST INDULGE: Put on a traditional costume and get your pictures snapped with the friendly locals here.


FROM BANGALORE: MYSORE PALACE, KARNATAKA

Make plans to take your family on a royal ride. And head to Mysore to visit the Mysore Palace, one of the most magnificent royal structures. It is a sight not to be missed when it is illuminated on Sundays and festive occasions. The interiors of the Palace is equally worth a visit, for its spacious halls, paintings and architectural beauty.

GAZE IN AWE: The architectural style of the palace is commonly described as Indo-Saracenic. That's because it blends together Hindu, Muslim, Rajput, and Gothic styles of architecture. It is a three-storied stone structure, with marble domes and a 145 ft fivestoried tower. The Palace is surrounded by a well-maintained beautiful garden. The three-storied stone building of fine gray granite with deep pink marble domes was designed by Henry Irwin. Above the central arch is an impressive sculpture of Gajalakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, prosperity, good luck, and abundance with her elephants.

TRY THIS: Your kids will like a leisurely elephant ride in the Palace premises. Enjoy!


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