Gone are the days when holidays were limited to summers and school breaks. In the last decade or two, Indians have become more open to the idea of taking short vacations whenever possible, to take a break from their routine and sometimes to maximize their long weekends. Moreover, these short breaks are not limited to the Indian subcontinent. In fact, many people choose foreign destinations for their 5-day breaks. The onset of remote work and frequency of international flights from all major cities of the country have also led to the popularity of this trend of taking short holidays. If you are up to a short holiday, here are three international destinations perfect for five days.
1. Dubai: Luxury, Culture, and Adventure
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is probably one of the first choices of Indians looking for a short holiday. This Arab country is a 3-4 hour-flight from India, and more than 500 flights operate between the two countries every week.
Best time to Visit: October to March
What to do in 5 Days:
- When it comes to modern attractions, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Marina, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Palm Jumeirah are the must-visit places.
- The city is also home to innumerable theme parks like Dubai Parks & Resorts, IMG Worlds of Adventures, Ski Dubai, and more.
- Water parks like Yas Waterworld, Legoland Water Park, and Wild Wadi Water Park are popular among families.
- If you visit between October and March, you can also checkout the seasonal attractions like Dubai Miracle Garden, Global Village Dubai, Dubai Garden Glow, etc.
- An important experience you should not miss here is the desert safari. Filled with adventurous activities, entertainment programs, and delicious food, this is the best way to spend an evening in Dubai. The dhow cruise on Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina is another unique experience you must have in Dubai.
- Amidst all the suave buildings and high raises, Dubai has preserved its past and heritage inside Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. Here you can explore narrow alleys, traditional stone houses with wind towers, interesting museums, and old forts.
- The food scene in Dubai is another reason for visiting the city. You will find cuisines from all over the world in Dubai. Moreover, there are plenty of avenues to explore the dining scene. From small restaurants that serve delicious local food to plush, fine dining restaurants offering global cuisines, it is a paradise for food lovers.
- Along with food enthusiasts, Dubai is also a haven for shopping lovers. While the shopping malls have stores of almost all the local and popular brands, the traditional souks will give you the chance to enjoy a different kind of shopping experience with local products and handicrafts.
Visa Information: The Dubai visa from India is available as an e-visa for Indian tourists. The e-visa is available for 30 days and 60 days, as single-entry and multiple-entry. To get this visa, you have to submit the scanned copies of your passport (minimum 6 months’ validity), confirmed flight tickets, photos (size: 43 mm x 55mm), and hotel booking or residence proof. If you are an Indian passport holder with a valid US visit visa, green card, UK visa, or Schengen visa, you are eligible for visa on arrival in Dubai/UAE for 14 days.
2. Singapore: Futuristic, Green, and Multicultural
Another country that has become a quick getaway for Indians is Singapore. Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore is both a country and a city. Spread around an area of 287 square miles, Singapore is the perfect place to explore in a short period of time.
Best Time to Visit: February to April
What to Do in 5 Days:
- Your Singapore tour begins at the airport itself. The Changi Airport is one of the best airports in the world and has some of the most amazing attractions as well. The Canopy Park, the Rain Vortex indoor waterfall, and Shiseido Forest Valley are things you must see here.
- Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic garden, must be a part of your itinerary. Spread around 101-hectare-area, the place has fantastic attractions like Supertree Grove, Floral Fantasy, Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, OCBC Skyway, and more.
- Another modern attraction you must visit here is Marina Bay Sands. This is a luxury hotel with an observation deck, giving you the view of the bay area and massive infinity pool. There are plenty of attractions near the hotel, including a museum and light-water show.
- A must-visit place is Merlion Park, where resides the national symbol of Singapore, the Merlion statue. The statue of this mythical creature, which is half lion and half fish, stands at the height of 8.6 meters and weighs 70-tonne. The water-spouting statue looking over the Singapore Bay is a great backdrop for photos.
- Sentosa Island is a crowning jewel of Singapore, an island dedicated to entertainment and fun. It is home to world-class theme parks like S.E.A. Aquarium, Universal Studios Singapore, Skyline Luge, Adventure Cove Waterpark, Madame Tussauds Singapore, Fort Siloso, HydroDash, and more.
- To experience the different cultures of Singapore, visiting its cultural districts is essential. Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam are places you must visit to know about the Chinese, Indian, and Malay-Muslim communities of the country.
- If you are interested in wildlife, Singapore offers Singapore Night Safari, Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, Mandai Wildlife Reserve, etc.
Visa Information: Indians are eligible for Singapore e-visa. To get this visa, you need to submit the scanned copies of your valid passport, photographs, confirmed flight tickets, hotel booking, bank statements, etc. The Singapore visa from India is usually valid for 2 years, although you can stay only for 30 days at a time. Once applied, you will get the visa in 1-3 business days.
3. Indonesia
The island country of Indonesia is another favorite among Indians looking for a short holiday. In fact, Indians are the second-largest tourist population in Indonesia. Home to more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is a tropical paradise known for its breathtaking natural beauty, interesting wildlife, cultural sites, and adventurous activities.
Best Time to Visit: May to September
What to Do in 5 Days:
- Amidst the thousands of islands in Indonesia, Bali stands out the most and is also the most visited island in the country. The rice terraces and Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary of Ubud, the ancient temples like Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple, and the coastal areas and beaches are what make Bali worth visiting.
- While the beaches of Indonesia are most revered, do take the time out to check out its dramatic volcanoes. Do take out the time to hike or trek on Mount Batur, Ijen Crater, or Mount Bromo during your visit.
- Nature lovers will love visiting the many stunning waterfalls in the country. Tumpak Sewu, Sipiso-piso, Madakaripura, and Sekumpul are a few of the options you can check out.
- Indonesia is not just known for its lush greenery but also its interesting array of wildlife. You get to see orangutans, Komodo dragon, rhino, Sumatran tiger, Babirusa, Anoa, and a large variety of birds.
- Indonesia is popular for its numerous cultural and historical sites, most of them ancient Buddhist temples. Borobudur Temple, Sangiran Temple, Prambanan Temple, etc., are some of the must-visit sites here. Sangiran Early Man Site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that gives you a glimpse into human evolution.
- Indonesia is also a haven for adventure lovers. Here, you can indulge in snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, white-water rafting, trekking, surfing, and more.
Visa Information: Indians are eligible for visa-on-arrival in Indonesia, which allows them to stay in the country for 30 days. For longer stays (60-days), it is best to apply for a tourist Indonesia visa, which is available as an electronic or e-visa.
While there are several other places where Indians can go for short and quick holidays, there is something special about Dubai, Singapore, and Indonesia. There are plenty of flights to these countries from India, and the visa application processes are also simple. So, what are you waiting for? If you are craving for some downtime from your routine, pick one of these places and get ready for an eventful holiday.
