Delhi can be quite sensational with its pace, sights, sounds and smells. Nonetheless, their are few hideouts to spend your weekend which are near and around Delhi. These places offer almost everything if you are looking for a short break to relax.
1. Rishikesh
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Situated on the foothills of Himalayas, Rishikesh is beautiful blend of spirituality and natural grace. It is the hub of ancient temples, cafes, yoga ashrams and adventure sports. You can enjoy a myriad of adventure sports like white water rafting, cliff jumping, kayaking, bungee jumping, flying fox and others.
Distance from Delhi: 230 kms
Best time to visit: October-June
Attractions: Triveni Ghat, Bharat Mandir, Rishikund, Ram Jhula, Lakshman Jhula, Parmarth Niketan Ashram etc.
2. Amritsar
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Literally meaning “holy pool of nectar”, Amritsar is renowned world over for the Golden Temple. Enjoy the energizing flag hoisting ceremony at Wagah Border or immerse in history at Jallianwala Bagh, this city offers a variety of experiences. Last but not the least, don’t forget to try the Amritsari cuisine.
Distance from Delhi: 460 kms
Best time to visit: November-March
Attractions: Jallianwala Bagh, Durgiana temple, Wagah Border, Shri Harmandir Sahib, Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh etc.
3. Jim Corbett National Park
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Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttrakhand, provides a great opportunity to see a variety of flora and fauna, especially, tigers. It is a captivating experience, one that should not be missed.
Distance from Delhi: 235 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Attractions: Corbett Waterfalls, Jhirma, Bijrani, Dhikala, Corbett Wildlife Museum etc.
4. Bharatpur
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A paradise for bird watchers, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is the home of many beautiful kinds of migratory birds like Siberian Crane, Pelicans, Cranes, Geese, Egrets and Ducks.
Distance from Delhi: 206 kms
Best time to visit: August-November for resident breeding birds; October-February for migrant birds.
Wildlife Attractions: Sambar, Chital, Nilgai, Boar painted storks, Egrets, Cormorants, Jacans, Fishing Eagles, Siberian Crane etc.
Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
5. Agra
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Scores of tourists visit Agra, known for the monument that is an undying symbol of love – Taj Mahal, all through the year. Apart from having one of the 7 wonders of the world, it is the land of architectural marvels like Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, etc, 3 of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Do try the famous “Agra ka petha” while you’re there.
Distance from Delhi: 210 kms
Best time to visit: October-March
Attractions: Taj Mahal, Agra fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s Tomb, Itmad-ud-daulah’s Tomb, Moti masjid etc.
6. Jaipur
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Jaipur, the “pink city” of Rajasthan is famous for its royalty and glory & is one of the most colorful and culturally rich cities of India with a b historical background. The city is a home to three splendid forts namely Amber Fort, Nahargarh Fort and Jaigarh Fort. The city has a charm that you won’t be able to resist.
Distance from Delhi: 264 kms
Best time to visit: October- March
Attractions: Amber Fort, Hawa Mahal, City palace, Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, Jantar Mantar Observatory etc.
7. Mussoorie
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This place is regarded as the “Queen of Hills” and is a paradise for someone who loves to be in the mountains. One of the most popular hill stations in India, it has both majestic sceneries as well as colonial architecture to marvel you.
Distance from Delhi: 278 kms
Best time to visit: May- January
Attractions: Kempty Falls, Mall road, Gun hill, Mussoorie lake, Bhatta falls, Mussoorie Christ Church, Children’s Lodge etc.
8. Ranthambore
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The perfect place for wildlife lovers, this beautiful region with rich flora and fauna is home to the famous Ranthambore National Park. One of the best tiger reserves of the country, it offers a high chance of sighting one here. The Ranthambore Fort here, is also among one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sights.
Distance from Delhi: 365 kms
Best time to visit: October-June
Attractions: Bakaula, Kachida Valley, Raj Bagh ruins, Lakarda and Anantpura, Padam Talao, Ranthambore Fort etc.
9. Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
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Another place for bird lovers, that too at a stone’s distance, Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary is located around the Sultanpur lake. Some of the rare bird species found here are Cattle Egret, Little Cormorant, White Ibis, etc.
Distance from Delhi: 48 kms
Best time to visit: November- February
Visit Duration: 2-3 hours
10. Lansdowne
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Once the summerhouse during the British Raj, Lansdowne is famous for its pristine Himalayan beauty and ideal for a relaxing retreat into the nature. The breathtaking views, oak and pine forests, snow covered peaks combined with the breeze of fresh air, make it a must visit place.
Distance from Delhi: 252 kms
Best time to visit: November- February
Attractions: Jungle Safari, Kanvashram, Bhulla Tal lake, Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, St. Mary Church etc.
11. Chandigarh
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India’s first planned city, Chandigarh is known for its unique blend of modern architecture and beautiful natural surroundings. It is a pretty little town with gardens, architecture, urbanization with a splash of Punjabi culture. Some of the famous attractions are Rock Garden, Pinjore Gardens, Sukhna Lake and Government museum. This place reeks of innocence and charm and is sure to leave you wanting for more.
Distance from Delhi: 256 kms
Best time to visit: August- November
Attractions: Rock garden, Sukhna lake, Chhatbir zoo, Pinjore garden, Sector 17 Market etc.
12. Nainital
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One of the best hill stations of India, Nainital is known for its striking beauty and picturesque charm. It has beautiful lakes, temples and hot water springs and is famous with the name of Lake Paradise.
Distance from Delhi: 278 kms
Best time to visit: April-June; October- February
Attractions: Nainital lake, Snow View, Tiffin Top, Sattal, Ghorakhal, Naina Devi temple, Govind Ballah Pant high altitude Zoo etc.
13. Neemrana
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Famous for its magnificent Neemrana Fort Palace, this place is ideal for going on a bike trip. The fort has been converted into a heritage resort and also offers opportunity for activities like zip-lining and swimming.
Distance from Delhi: 122 kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Attractions: Vinay Vilas Mahal, Bala Quila, Neemrana fort palace, Sariska national park, Siliserh lake etc.
14. Lucknow
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The “City of Nawabs” is famous for its multitude of monuments, food, culture and clothing, all of which speak of the grandeur of the Mughal reign. The Hindi spoken here is considered to be the purest and most beautiful form of Hindi. Lucknow is also famous for its sweets, kebabs and other Mughlai delicacies.
Distance from Delhi: 473 kms
Best time to visit: October- February
Attractions: Bara Imambara, Hussain Imambara, Hazratganj, Chandrika Devi temple, St. Joseph’s Church etc.
15. Mathura
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Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is one of the renowned religious tourist destinations in the country and draws flocks of tourists every year. The city is also known as ‘Brajbhoomi’ representing the 3000 years old culture and civilization of the country. A trip to Mathura can be coupled with a visit to Vrindavan, another town in Mathura district, where Krishna spent his childhood days.
Distance from Delhi: 162 kms
Best time to visit: October- March
Attractions: Krishna Janmabhoomi temple, Dwarkadheesh temple, Kans Qila, Rangbhoomi, Sati Burj etc.
