Long weekend: You have lots of options on how to spend the extra time well
New Delhi:
Another long weekend is here. There are a plenty of options to spend the time well. From going out on a longish trip to somewhere nice, to binge-watching some good stuff on Netflix, we have it covered for you. On top of the weekend, Monday is Buddha Purnima and Tuesday (May 1) is Labour Day. That's four days of summer that you can convert into fun-filled days. Check out these suggestions:
Watch some good movies and showsAvengers: Infinity War is running in theatres now. "It is a brave, ambitious effort, this ridiculously top-heavy assemblage of action figures from different movies brought together in the most comic-book of ways, an almighty crossover that ties up all the titles," writes Raja Sen, who has reviewed the film in which superheroes from the Marvel Comics universe come together. Netflix has also lined up a couple of good watching for you.
A still from Avengers: Infinity War. (Image courtesy: Instagram)
Three movies will be added to its vast library on May 1: Jewel's Catch One, which tells the story of the US' oldest-running black-owned discos; Duck Butter, a dark movie about an intense one-day relationship, and Gone Too Soon, which looks at why many top musicians fail to live till their 28th birthday. Some recommended shows on Netflix are: Mindhunter, Black Mirror, Altered Carbon and Jessica Jones (season two came out in March).
Run to the hillsIf you are in Delhi, you are in luck. There are many
scenic and quiet places not very far from the national capital where you can head out during the long weekend to recharge your energy and return all fresh.
Lansdowne, a small hill town in Uttarakhand 260 kilometres from Delhi, takes some seven hours to reach.
We recommend these places: Lansdowne, a small hill town in Uttarakhand 260 kilometres away, takes some seven hours; Kasauli, another hill station in Himachal Pradesh near Chandigarh, 290 km from Delhi, takes six hours; Mussoorie, a one-hour drive to the hills from Dehradun and 285 km from Delhi, takes seven hours; Naukuchiatal, a quiet lake surrounded by hills near Nainital in Uttarakhand, 320 km away, takes seven hours, and Nahan, in the Shiwalik Hills in Himachal Pradesh, 250 km from Delhi and takes a little over four hours.
Think adrenaline, think paintballIf you are looking for adrenaline rush, rock-climbing and paintball are some good options. But because of the hot weather you might want to time your rock-climbing outing early morning. There are some nice places in Delhi-NCR where you can grab a paintball gun and shoot your 'enemies' to glory. The Paintball Rocks in Sector 23, Gurgaon, is good for starters. Shootout Zone in Chhatarpur is another paintball place known for its natural barriers (bushes, trees) that enhance playability. The Paintball Co. in Sector 31, Gurgaon, can set up an on-the-spot paintball arena if you have enough space.
Participate in cool adventure sportsIt's high summer, meaning it's a good time to go
river rafting and canoeing. Rishikesh in Uttarakhand has some great river rafting options if you are in Delhi. Some 250 km from the national capital, it will take six hours if you plan to drive. You can explore the hills in Rishikesh, or simply chill by the river in the town. Rishikesh has many interesting cafes that are open in both the seasons, summer of winter.
A cool fruit drink in high summer will recharge your energy
Alternatively, you may want to catch up with swimming lessons, so head out to the nearest swimming pool in your neighbourhood and brush up your skills. Plus, you get to keep yourself cool in this heat.
Look for early morning hobby walks, activitiesIf you are into photography, now is the time to go out early morning before the sun is up high in the sky, and click some great photos. Look for photography clubs in your neighbourhood and join or plan a dawn walk. The early morning cool air will refresh your senses as well. Those into cycling can consider cleaning their rides and take them out now, if they have been lying unused for a while. Early morning cycle trips with other riders are always rewarding.