Air India Express has commenced operations from the newly inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh, connecting Visakhapatnam with Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Vijayawada.

The airline began operations from the new airport on August 17, 2026, with 10 daily flights serving the three key domestic destinations. The inaugural flight departed for Bengaluru at 8:00 AM, with guests receiving ceremonial boarding passes to mark the launch.

The new services strengthen air connectivity for Visakhapatnam and the surrounding region, while providing travellers with additional options to connect with major business, tourism and commercial centres across southern India.

Air India Express currently operates two daily flights between Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad and two daily services between Visakhapatnam and Bengaluru, along with a daily service connecting Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada.

The Bengaluru–Visakhapatnam schedule also includes additional services on Thursdays and Saturdays, providing greater flexibility for travellers.

Flight Schedule

All timings are local and are effective from August 17, 2026.

The airline is also expanding its network from Andhra Pradesh with the addition of Tirupati, with daily flights connecting Tirupati and Hyderabad scheduled to commence from September 1, 2026.

From the same date, Air India Express will also resume its daily service on the Hyderabad–Chennai route, further strengthening connectivity between key cities in southern India.

With the latest additions, Air India Express currently serves 48 domestic and 16 international destinations, operating more than 3,000 weekly flights across India, Southeast Asia and West Asia.

The commencement of operations at Bhogapuram marks another step in the airline's network expansion strategy while strengthening connectivity to and from Visakhapatnam, one of Andhra Pradesh's important commercial, industrial and tourism centres.

With Independence Day falling on a Saturday this year, Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel have curated 12 short getaway options for travellers looking to make the most of the weekend.

The list brings together destinations that are easy to reach from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, covering everything from monsoon-filled hills and wildlife escapes to heritage cities and coastal retreats. Whether it is adventure, nature, culture or simply some time away from the city, there is an option for different kinds of travellers.

From Delhi

1. Rishikesh: For an Adventure-Filled Break

Just a few hours from Delhi, Rishikesh offers a mix of adventure, spirituality and relaxation along the Ganga.

• What to do: Go white-water rafting, explore the Beatles Ashram, attend the evening Ganga Aarti, enjoy riverside cafés and unwind by the Ganga.

2. Jaipur: For a Dose of Culture & Heritage

Jaipur is an easy heritage escape from Delhi, with royal history, grand architecture, local food and colourful markets.

• What to do: Visit Amber Fort, City Palace and Hawa Mahal, explore local markets and try traditional Rajasthani cuisine.

3. Jim Corbett: For a Wildlife Escape

For travellers looking to spend the weekend closer to nature, Jim Corbett offers forests, wildlife and peaceful resort stays away from the city.

• What to do: Take a jungle safari, explore the surrounding forest areas, enjoy nature walks and unwind at a resort amidst the wilderness.

4. Mussoorie: For a Refreshing Hill Retreat

Mussoorie continues to be a popular short getaway from Delhi, with mountain views, colonial charm and a pleasant hill-station atmosphere.

• What to do: Explore Mall Road and Landour, visit scenic viewpoints, take leisurely walks and discover the hill station's cafés.

From Mumbai

5. Lonavala: For a Quick Monsoon Escape

Lonavala becomes especially scenic during the monsoon, with green hills, misty landscapes and waterfalls. Its easy access from Mumbai makes it a convenient weekend option.

• What to do: Enjoy the views at Tiger Point, visit Bhushi Dam, explore the Karla and Bhaja Caves, take a scenic drive through the Western Ghats and savour hot local snacks and chikki.

6. Alibaug: For a Coastal Reset

Alibaug brings together coastal landscapes, heritage, local food and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a good choice for travellers looking to slow down.

• What to do: Explore Kolaba Fort, visit local villages and heritage sites, enjoy fresh coastal cuisine, spend time at the beaches and unwind at a resort or homestay.

7. Mahabaleshwar: For Misty Mountain Views

Surrounded by the Western Ghats, Mahabaleshwar offers lush and misty landscapes during the monsoon, making it ideal for a peaceful break.

• What to do: Take in the views at Arthur's Seat, visit Lingmala Waterfall, explore Venna Lake, enjoy scenic drives and stop by local farms and strawberry outlets.

8. Nashik: For Food, Culture & Countryside

Nashik offers a mix of heritage, spirituality, countryside landscapes and Maharashtra's growing wine culture, giving travellers an alternative to the usual hill or beach escape.

• What to do: Explore the city's temples and ghats, visit vineyards, enjoy wine-tasting experiences and discover local cuisine.

From Bengaluru

9. Coorg: For a Monsoon Nature Break

Coorg's coffee plantations, green landscapes and relaxed pace make it a refreshing getaway from Bengaluru. The destination also offers opportunities to experience local culture and plantation life.

• What to do: Visit Abbey Falls, explore coffee estates, enjoy plantation walks, sample Kodava cuisine and unwind amidst the hills.

10. Chikmagalur: For Coffee & the Hills

Chikmagalur combines misty mountains, coffee plantations and scenic countryside, offering travellers a relaxed break from Bengaluru.

• What to do: Explore Mullayanagiri, visit coffee estates, take plantation walks, enjoy scenic drives and discover local cafés.

11. Mysuru: For a Heritage-Filled Weekend

Mysuru offers an easy cultural getaway with grand architecture, historic landmarks, lively markets and its own distinctive food culture.

• What to do: Visit Mysore Palace, explore Devaraja Market, discover the city's heritage and sample the iconic Mysore Pak.

12. Kabini: For Wildlife & the Wild

Kabini is suited to travellers looking for a deeper nature escape, with forests, wildlife and peaceful riverside experiences.

• What to do: Go on a jungle safari, enjoy a river experience, explore the surrounding wilderness and unwind at a nature resort. From hills and beaches to forests, heritage cities and coffee country, these 12 destinations offer travellers several ways to make the Independence Day weekend a refreshing break from the usual routine.

Mechukha in Arunachal Pradesh's Shi Yomi district is gaining attention as an emerging destination for adventure tourism, with the second edition of the Mechukha Trout Quest bringing international anglers to the remote Himalayan valley.

Held along the Yargyap-chu River, close to the China border, the tournament concluded on July 26, 2026, with a valedictory ceremony that highlighted the region’s potential for responsible, community-led tourism. The event brought together 56 elite anglers, including participants from Bhutan, Thailand and different parts of India. The cold and clean waters of the Yargyap-chu River provided the setting for the competition, showcasing the valley’s potential for serious game fishing and adventure travel.

The tournament also featured Shri Bobby Satpal, regarded as India's foremost fly angler and guide, among the participating anglers. Organisers said the event has helped put Arunachal Pradesh on the international adventure-tourism map. A separate competition was also organised for residents of Shi Yomi district at the high-altitude Pasang Sonam Lake. The local competition offered a top prize of ₹1,00,000, while the runner-up received ₹50,000. The initiative was designed to ensure that local communities also benefit directly from the growing interest in the destination.

Derek Dsouza, Tournament Director, managed the technical and conservation aspects of the event. He is India's Representative for the International Game Fishing Association (IGFA) and Vice President of Environment for the All India Game Fishing Association.

With the tournament following international conservation and sporting standards, the Trout Quest was positioned as a catch-and-release, low-impact game-fishing event, keeping the focus on responsible use of the region's natural resources.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, as part of efforts to strengthen adventure tourism infrastructure and improve the visitor experience across the state. The initiative also reflects a wider focus on developing responsible and community-led tourism in remote border areas such as Shi Yomi. The region has the potential to benefit from a high-value, low-volume tourism model that can support local communities while respecting the sensitive Himalayan environment.

The closing ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Shri Gabriel D. Wangsu, Hon'ble Minister for Agriculture and Allied Sectors, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Guest of Honour Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Hon'ble Minister for Tourism, Education and RWD, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Rujjum Rakshap, Director of Tourism, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Manjunath R., IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Shi-Yomi District; along with Army officers from the region.

Chief Guest Shri Gabriel Wangsu presented cash prizes across the professional fly-fishing, lure-fishing and local community categories.

In his valedictory address, Minister Wangsu highlighted the need for tourism models that protect Mechukha’s natural environment while creating long-term opportunities for local communities. He also pointed to regulated and eco-friendly adventure sports as an important part of the region’s future tourism growth. The tournament also appears to have created interest for future editions. Several international anglers reportedly expressed their intention to return, citing the professional organisation of the event and the untouched high-altitude landscape.

For Mechukha, the response from international participants offers an early indication of the destination’s potential to develop into a distinctive adventure-tourism hub while keeping sustainability and local communities at the centre of its growth.