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Where To Go This Gandhi Jayanti Weekend: 7 Stays To Consider

Planning a three-day break this Gandhi Jayanti? Here are seven stays for nature, heritage, wellness and unhurried time away from the city

Plan a slower Gandhi Jayanti weekend with stays spanning riverside retreats, forest lodges, heritage hotels and hill escapes Photo: GAURI SHETYE

With 2 October falling on a Friday this year, Gandhi Jayanti brings a three-day weekend that is well suited to a short break from Delhi-NCR. October also marks the shift to more comfortable weather across much of North India, making it easier to swap packed city plans for a few days of slower travel. You could spend a morning by the Ganga in Haridwar, head into the forests around Satpura or Kanha, or drive into the hills for cooler air and mountain views. Some of these stays are about being close to nature, while others make a case for barely leaving the property at all. From restored heritage homes and century-old havelis to forest lodges and wellness retreats, here are seven stays where the long weekend can be less about ticking off attractions and more about having time to enjoy where you are.

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Amrit Bhawan, Haridwar

Amrit Bhawan is an eight-room heritage home by the Ganga, with a private ghat and regional Uttarakhand experiences
Amrit Bhawan is an eight-room heritage home by the Ganga, with a private ghat and regional Uttarakhand experiences Supplied

An eight-room heritage home by the Ganga, Amrit Bhawan offers a slower way to experience Haridwar. Mornings can begin at its private ghat before heading out for walks through old Haridwar, regional Uttarakhand food or a sunrise visit to a nearby rose farm. If three days turn into four, extend the trip towards Pauri Garhwal for a glimpse of village life in the hills. The property also works well for families travelling to Haridwar for Shraddh rituals over the weekend, giving them a more relaxed base between ceremonies. For October stays, the property is offering 15 per cent off on food and beverage and spa services with a one-night stay.

The Information

Address: Mayapur, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249408
Tariff: INR 18,000 onwards
Contact: +91 98977 06899
Website: https://www.amritbhawan.in/
How to get the best deal on the hotel: The October offer includes 15 per cent off on F&B and spa services for a one-night stay. Confirm applicable stay dates directly before booking.
Things to do nearby: Har Ki Pauri, old Haridwar, Ganga ghats, local markets, and Pauri Garhwal.

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Outpost 12, Kanha

Outpost 12 is a nine-cottage, naturalist-led bio-lodge focused on conservation, nature walks, birdwatching, and local experiences
Outpost 12 is a nine-cottage, naturalist-led bio-lodge focused on conservation, nature walks, birdwatching, and local experiences GAURI SHETYE

The monsoon closure of Kanha National Park does not mean the surrounding wilderness has to be put on hold. At Outpost 12, a nine-cottage bio-lodge spread across 10 acres along the Banjar River, the emphasis shifts towards understanding the forest beyond the safari route. Naturalist-led walks explore the ecosystem, while sound safaris and birdwatching offer different ways to observe the landscape. Guests can also forage for ingredients with the chef, try Baiga tribal arts and crafts, and book spa treatments inspired by local traditions. The naturalist-owned property has conservation and landscape restoration at its core, making it an appealing choice for travellers who want their long weekend to revolve around nature even when the national park itself is closed.

The Information

Address: Kanha National Park, 171/2, Tilari, Madhya Pradesh 481768
Tariff: INR 40,000 onwards
Contact: +91 92022 49129
Website: https://sinali.in/outpost12/
How to get the best deal on the hotel: Ask about October packages and inclusions when booking directly, particularly during the park's monsoon closure.
Things to do nearby: Banjar River, guided nature walks, birdwatching, and Baiga arts and crafts experiences

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Tathastu Satpura Resort, Madhya Pradesh

Tathastu Satpura combines wildlife experiences with pottery, boating, fishing, games, and other activities within the resort
Tathastu Satpura combines wildlife experiences with pottery, boating, fishing, games, and other activities within the resort Supplied

A long weekend near Satpura does not have to revolve entirely around a safari. Tathastu Satpura Resort has 34 villas and five pool suites, with private verandas, and forest-facing spaces that make it easy to spend part of the break at the property. Wildlife safaris can be paired with birdwatching, while quieter hours can be filled with pottery, boating, and fishing, the Burma Bridge or a game of box cricket. There is also a temperature-controlled indoor swimming pool for downtime between activities. Come evening, dinner at Gilhari, the resort's multi-cuisine restaurant, or drinks, and karaoke at the bar provide an easy finish to the day. It is a practical choice for families and groups who want both wildlife and plenty of time to unwind.

The Information

Address: Bhoura, Madhya Pradesh 460440
Tariff: INR 10,635 onwards
Contact: +91 97655 50607
Website:https://www.tathasturesorts.com/resorts/satpura
How to get the best deal on the hotel: Check for long-weekend packages that combine accommodation with safari or resort experiences before booking.
Things to do nearby: Satpura Tiger Reserve, wildlife safaris, birdwatching, and forest trails.

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Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur

Spread across 40 acres, Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur offers 351 rooms, wellness facilities, pools, and a two-storey Kids Zone
Spread across 40 acres, Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur offers 351 rooms, wellness facilities, pools, and a two-storey Kids Zone Supplied

For Delhi-NCR travellers who would rather drive than fly, Ananta Spa & Resort Jaipur makes the resort itself the destination. Set across 40 acres off the Delhi-Jaipur route, it has 351 rooms, including expansive suites and private-pool options, along with landscaped gardens, swimming pools, a spa, and vegetarian dining. Families can make use of the two-storey Kids Zone, while adults can divide their time between wellness sessions, leisurely meals and the pool. Jaipur's historic sights are close enough for a day of sightseeing, but there is little pressure to leave the property if the idea is to properly switch off. With October's more comfortable temperatures, this is the sort of long weekend where the drive out of Delhi can be the beginning and end of the itinerary.

The Information

Address: National Highway, off Delhi, near Jaipur Dental College, Jaipur, Ghata Jaldhari, Rajasthan 302001
Tariff: INR 12,833 onwards
Contact: +91 93094 00555
Website: https://www.anantahotels.com/spa-and-resort-jaipur/
How to get the best deal on the hotel: Compare direct booking rates with long-weekend packages and check whether meals, spa treatments or activities are included.
Things to do nearby: Amber Fort, Jaipur's historic centre, local markets, and heritage sites.

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Pilibhit House, Haridwar - IHCL SeleQtions

Pilibhit House is a restored century-old mansion with 35 rooms and suites, a private ghat, wellness experiences, and riverside dining
Pilibhit House is a restored century-old mansion with 35 rooms and suites, a private ghat, wellness experiences, and riverside dining Supplied

For a heritage-led stay in Haridwar, Pilibhit House occupies a restored century-old aristocratic mansion overlooking the Ganga. Its 35 rooms and suites are arranged around a traditional courtyard, with select rooms offering views of the river and Shivalik Hills. The experience extends beyond the architecture, with sunrise yoga, a private-ghat Ganga Aarti, J Wellness Circle therapies, and curated heritage and spiritual walks. The Dining Room and The Terrace serve vegetarian and Satvik cuisine, while Tea Tales by The Ganges brings the afternoon outdoors with riverside high tea. For the Gandhi Jayanti weekend, it offers a way to combine time by the river with Haridwar's rituals and heritage without having to structure every day around sightseeing.

The Information

Address: 38/1, Niranjani Akhara Marg, Sharvan Nath Nagar, Haridwar, Uttarakhand 249401
Tariff: INR 33,000 onwards
Contact: 01334 362 300
Website: https://www.seleqtionshotels.com/en-in/hotels/pilibhit-house-haridwar
How to get the best deal on the hotel: Check IHCL's direct booking offers and ask about packages that include dining, wellness or curated experiences.
Things to do nearby: Har Ki Pauri, Ganga ghats, old Haridwar, heritage walks, and spiritual trails.

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The Naini Retreat, Nainital

The Naini Retreat combines its former palace setting with Kumaoni cuisine, local art experiences, and views towards Naini Lake
The Naini Retreat combines its former palace setting with Kumaoni cuisine, local art experiences, and views towards Naini Lake Supplied

Set above Naini Lake, The Naini Retreat combines the character of a former palace with the easy pleasures of a hill-station weekend. Mornings can begin with Buransh herbal tea and breakfast overlooking the lake, while an evening Kumaoni High Tea introduces regional flavours including Amritpur ke Bhutte, Rokhar ki Kakdi with sil-batta namak and Pahadi Pakodi. Guests can also explore the property's history and royal legacy, or spend an afternoon with Aipan art, stone painting, and board games. Kumaoni meals bring the local character to the table. For families travelling together, it is the kind of stay where the activities can be as simple as talking over tea, playing a game or looking out towards the lake.

The Information

Address: Slopes, Ayarpatta, Mallital, Nainital, Uttarakhand 263001
Tariff: INR 21,287 onwards
Contact: +91 95550 88000
Website: https://www.leisurehotels.co.in/nainital/naini-retreat/
How to get the best deal on the hotel: Check direct booking offers and ask about packages that include meals or curated Kumaoni experiences.
Things to do nearby: Naini Lake, Mall Road, Nainital's heritage sites, and local markets.

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Aloha On The Ganges, Rishikesh

Aloha On The Ganges offers riverside stays with yoga, spa treatments, regional Uttarakhand cuisine, and evening flute performances
Aloha On The Ganges offers riverside stays with yoga, spa treatments, regional Uttarakhand cuisine, and evening flute performances Supplied

Overlooking the Ganga, Aloha On The Ganges offers an easy-going base for a family long weekend in Rishikesh. The stay can begin with slow mornings by the river, followed by yoga, spa treatments or simply time spent together on the property. Regional Uttarakhand flavours make their way into the dining experience, including Patyur (Patude), while evening flute performances add a gentle local touch. For those who want to venture out, Rishikesh's riverfront, temples, and walking trails are close enough to build a day around. Otherwise, the resort lends itself to doing very little, which may be exactly what a three-day break calls for. It is a good fit for families looking to combine time outdoors with a comfortable resort stay.

The Information

Address: NH 58, Tapovan, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand 249192
Tariff: INR 18,400 onwards
Contact: +91 95550 88000
Website: https://www.alohaontheganges.com/
How to get the best deal on the hotel: Check direct booking offers and ask about long-weekend packages that include meals, wellness treatments or activities.
Things to do nearby: Ganga riverfront, Rishikesh temples, yoga centres, nature walks, and local markets.

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FAQs

Q

1. When is Gandhi Jayanti in 2026?

A

Gandhi Jayanti falls on October 2, 2026, which is a Friday.

Q

2. Where can I go for the Gandhi Jayanti long weekend from Delhi-NCR?

A

Haridwar, Rishikesh, Nainital, Jaipur, and the wildlife regions around Satpura and Kanha are among the options featured.

Q

3. Which stays are close to the Ganga?

A

Amrit Bhawan and Pilibhit House are in Haridwar, while Aloha On The Ganges is in Rishikesh.

Q

4. Can I visit Kanha during the Gandhi Jayanti weekend?

A

Kanha National Park's monsoon closure affects safari access, but Outpost 12 offers nature walks, birdwatching, and other experiences around the forest.

Q

5. Which stay is suited to a family long weekend?

A

The featured properties offer different family-friendly experiences, including wellness, outdoor activities, regional food, games, and nature-based experiences.

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