11 Best International Destinations from India for Long Weekend Trips

Travelling to a new place is always a great way to break your mundane routine. Be it a leisure trip or full of adventure and fun, deciding a destination for your trip is always a big question. It is all the more a hassle when deciding on an international trip. 

Hence, we have listed the top 12 countries you can consider for your international trip to save you from trouble. 

If you are wondering about places to explore outside India, here are some of the handpicked destinations you might want to consider.

1. Seychelles

Located amidst the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is a perfect holiday retreat for beach lovers. This beautiful island is home to numerous beaches, azure waters, nature reserves and coral reefs. 

• Best time to visit: May to August
• Highlights: Mountains, treks, white sand beaches
• Ideal duration: 6 days
• Places to visit: Mahe, Bird Island, Praslin, La Digue
• Things to do: Explore the waterfall (Praslin), Horse riding (Mahe Island), Island hopping (Praslin, La Digue, Cousin Island, Aride Island), Scuba diving (L’ilot in Mahe)
• Local dishes: Grilled fish, Coconut curry, Shark chutney
• How to reach: Book a flight to Seychelles International Airport from Delhi or Mumbai to travel from India to Seychelles in a convenient way

2. Thailand

Topping the list of the best foreign destinations from India is Thailand. From leisure seekers to adventure enthusiasts, Thailand has something to offer every kind of traveller. Indulge in its tropical beaches, royal palaces, vibrant party spots, and deliciously mouth-watering Thai food. 

• Best time to visit: November to March 
• Highlights: Shopping hubs, adventure activities 
• Ideal duration: 5 days
• Places to visit: Koh Phi Phi, Railay Beach, Pai, The Grand Palace
• Things to do: Go scuba diving (Surin Islands), Rock climbing (Ton Sai or Railay), Explore art (Paradise, Bangkok), Visit Dolphin World (Pattaya)
• Local dishes: Green chicken curry, Spicy shrimp soup, Thai-styled fried noodles
• How to reach: The most convenient way to reach Thailand from India is via flight. New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad offer direct flights to Bangkok. 

3. Singapore

Singapore has much to offer its visitors regarding culture, cuisine, beaches, nature, monuments, etc. A tiny yet modern and populated country, Singapore takes pride in being an ideal tourist destination outside India. 

• Best time to visit: December to June
• Highlights: Modern structures and architectures, local sightseeing and shopping 
• Ideal duration: 5 days
• Places to visit: Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios, National Museum of Singapore
• Things to do: Singapore river cruise, Adventure Cove Waterpark (Sentosa), Jurong Bird Park (Jurong Hill), Madame Tussauds (Sentosa)
• Local dishes: Chill crab, Laksa, Nasi lemak, Fish head curry
• How to reach: The international airport of Singapore – Changi Airport is well-connected with all the major Indian cities

4. Malaysia

Malaysia is yet another favourite tourist destination for Indians. It has much to offer regarding its tourist attractions, such as gorgeous islands, beaches, heritage sites and adventure spots. So, whether you’re looking for a leisure or an adventurous trip, Malaysia has got you covered. 

• Best time to visit: February to September
• Highlights: Pleasant climate, wonderful beaches, excellent shopping options
• Ideal duration: 8 days
• Places to visit: Langkawi Island, Melaka, Klang, Petronas Twin Towers
• Things to do: Water sports (Manukan Island), Soak in historic vibes (George Town), Walk amidst marine life (Aquaria KLCC), Enjoy beach activities (Tunku Abdul Rahman Park)
• Local dishes: Nasi lemak, Rendang, Roti Jala 
• How to reach: Air travel is the best way to reach Malaysia from India. Senai International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport and the busiest one, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, are Malaysia's three major airports. 

5. Indonesia

Popularly known as the Land of Volcanoes, Indonesia will stun you with some of its largest tropical forests and a wide variety of flora and fauna. In addition, this island nation is filled with a rich cultural heritage, making it a perfect place for leisure tours. 

• Best time to visit: July to August
• Highlights: Beaches, volcanoes, monuments and temples 
• Ideal duration: 8 to 10 days
• Places to visit: Ubud, Maluk Beach, Nusa Dua, Mount Bromo
• Things to do: Explore the happening nightlife (Gili Islands), Trek through jungles (Tanjung Puting National Park), Watch exotic range of fish species (Bunaken Marine Park), Witness dramatic volcano peaks (Kelimutu Lake)
• Local dishes: Nasi Rawon, Beef Rendang, Sop Buntut
• How to reach: Various airlines in India are running from major Indian cities that offer flights to Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta or Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar.

6. Vietnam

Vietnam is a popular country in Asia known for its beaches, rivers, and bustling cities. It offers tourists a perfect blend of cultural diversity and natural highlights. The gorgeous natural scenery ranges from paddy fields to mountain passes. On the other hand, adventure lovers can indulge in hiking, kayaking and biking. 

• Best time to visit: November to April
• Highlights: Beaches, Buddhist Pagodas
• Ideal duration: 6 days
• Places to visit: Halong Bay, Hanoi, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Hoi An
• Things to do: Cruising (Mekong Delta), Enjoy opera show (Saigon Opera House), Explore vibrant nightlife (Ho Chi Minh City), Hiking and cycling (Mai Chau)
• Local dishes: Pho, Snake Wine, Scorpio Rice
• How to reach: Several airlines offer flights from India to Vietnam, including Vietnamese Airlines, IndiGo, and more. 

7. Cambodia

Cambodia is called the ‘Kingdom of Wonder’ because of its rustic beauty. It offers a lot more to tourists than just the heritage site. For instance, adventure lovers can go biking, swimming or diving. 

• Best time to visit: November to May 
• Highlights: Beaches, temples, timeless ruins
• Ideal duration: 7 days
• Places to visit: Phnom Penh, Koh Rong, Krong Kampot, Tonle Sap
• Things to do: Indulge in village cooking class (Treak Village), Temple sightseeing (Angkor Wat, Baphuon Temple, Bayon Temple), Watch the sunrise from Tuk Tuk (Angkor Tour), Witness ancient artefacts (Angkor Tour)
• Local dishes: Amok, Samlar Kari, Lap Khmer
• How to reach Cambodia: The quickest and most convenient way is by flight. It takes approximately 5 hours to reach Cambodia from India. 

8. Maldives

Maldives offers a variety of sightseeing options to tourists, making it the best holiday destination outside India. It is popular for many reasons, including its gorgeous beaches, seafood, and enhanced landmarks. 

• Best time to visit: December to March 
• Highlights: Vibrant culture, greenery, beaches
• Ideal duration: 5 days
• Places to visit: Male, Vaadhoo Island, Maafushi, Hulhumale
• Things to do: Scuba diving (Maaya Thila), Go on jet ski (Male Atoll), Dolphin watching tour, Enjoy a sunset cruise
• Local dishes: Yellowtail kingfish, Shrimp fried rice, Fish curries
• How to reach: Male International Airport in Maldives is connected to various major Indian cities. Alternatively, you can also opt for Indian cruises ranging from budget to luxury. 

9. Bhutan

A destination famous for its natural wonders, Bhutan is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a small international trip from India. Tourists visit this happiest country in the world to explore its colourful festivals, natural beauty and old monasteries. 

• Best time to visit: October to December
• Highlights: Trekking, dramatic landscapes, monasteries 
• Ideal duration: 8 to 10 days
• Places to visit: Thimphu, Paro, Trongsa, Mongar
• Things to do: Go for a trek (Taktsang Goemba), Try archery (Changlimithang Archery Ground), Explore the wildlife of Bhutan (Safari), Tour museums (Museum of Bhutan, the National Textile Museum)
• Local dishes: Ema Datshi, Zow Shungo, Jasha Maru
• How to reach: Direct flights to Bhutan’s only airport in Paro can be found from Mumbai and Delhi. 

10. Nepal

Nepal is a perfect country to visit for travellers, adventure lovers, and trekkers. It is the ideal international place to add to your list, even if you want to enjoy a laid-back holiday. You can wake up to mornings of the gorgeous snowy covered mountains.

• Best time to visit: October to December
• Highlights: Nature tours, local sightseeing
• Ideal duration: 6 days
• Places to visit: Pokhara, Bhaktapur, Nagarkot, Lalitpur
• Things to do: Camping and paragliding (Pokhara), Mountain biking (Kathmandu Valley), Wildlife safari (Chitwan National Park), Go for jungle treks (Bardia National Park)
• Local dishes: Thukpa, Khaja set, Chatamari
• How to reach: Road is the most convenient option to reach Nepal from India. Many direct buses are running between Delhi and Kathmandu. However, you can opt for a flight if time is a constraint. 

11. Turkey

We instantly associate a few things with Turkey, like ruins, the old empire, marvellous mosques, tea and more. Well, there are many things to do in Turkey, making it quite a popular and well-known destination. It entices tourists with its stunning landscapes, rich history and mouth-watering cuisine. 

• Best time to visit: April to May and September to October
• Highlights: Historical places, Turkish baths, incredible bazaars
• Ideal duration: 5 to 7 days
• Places to visit: Istanbul, Antalya, Bodrum, Ankara
• Things to do: Enjoy Turkish bath (Cemberlitas Hamami), Try Turkish tobacco (Nargile Bars), Explore Turkish history (Hagia Sophia), Taste local Raki (Local clubs and cafes)
• Local dishes: Manti, Kofte, Borek
• How to reach: The quickest way to reach Turkey from India is via flight. Ataturk Airport is well-connected to major Indian cities, including Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. 

Well, now that you have quite a lot of information, don’t wait anymore. Plan a trip soon to these amazing places to see the rich culture, natural beauty, nightlife, and so much more!