Isn’t it amazing that Holi fell on a Friday this year? When the stars align in our favour like this, two words come to the mind of every wanderluster: weekend getaway!
If you live in Delhi NCR, there are some amazing destinations nearby which will give you a much-needed break from weekday monotony.
Sariska National Park, Rajasthan
With an abundance of flora and fauna, the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is the perfect nature retreat. A little bit of history, with a dash of religion and the wonders of nature – you will find these all at one place.
Among the things one can do here are jeep safari and canter safari. You can also drive to the Kankwari Fort and the Bhangarh Fort (yes, the one which is known to be haunted!) for some add-on vacay mode. The weather right now is ideal to visit Sariska.
Distance: 200 kilometres
Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Lansdowne is a little slice of paradise and is the perfect weekend getaway that is fortunately not too far from Delhi. Some attractions here include the Snow Viewpoint and the Tip n Top Viewpoint, and the treks to both have scenic views of greenery.
You can also fulfill your dream of camping with your friends in Lansdowne. Boat riding won’t seem boring to anyone in Bhulla Lake and its marvelous surroundings. You can also tap into birdwatching on this ride, as a bonus. Don’t forget to visit the Alaknanda market to satiate the shopaholic in you!
Distance: 260 kilometres
Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
A small, quiet and not-so-crowded hill station, Kasauli is ideal if you want to escape to a pristine and green getaway. Kasauli offers unique experiences like riding the toy train and indulging in adventure sports. You can also try the amazing Tibetan market for food as well as shopping!
The Christ Church offers a serene atmosphere, with lush trees all around. If you’re going with your family, you can visit the Timber Trail and try the ropeway ride, which is over 1 kilometre. Kasauli has something to offer to every traveller.
Distance: 290 kilometres
Chail, Himachal Pradesh
Home to arguably the highest cricket ground in the world, Chail is a picture-perfect hill station. One can enjoy leisurely walks in summer and autumn, and have fun in the powder-soft snow in winter.
You can also pay a visit to the centuries old Gurudwara Sahib, one of the major attractions here, which is located about a kilometre from Chail Bazar. The local markets of Chail offer various commodities – from woollen garments to pickles and jellies. If you have some extra time, make sure to visit Sadhupul Lake, which is host to beautiful and tranquil views.
Distance: 340 kilometres
Mashobra, Himachal Pradesh
At a height of 2246 metres, Mashobra is a quaint, little retreat located near Shimla. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual traveller, a thrill-seeker or someone just looking for some peace and serenity, Mashobra’s gurgling streams, captivating fruit orchards and lush oak forests will mesmerise you!
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you can indulge in a number of adventure sports, including paragliding, rafting and quad biking. If you want to just go sightseeing, there are a number of places to do so: Reserve Forest Sanctuary, Craignano Villa, Tattapani River, Lakka Bazaar.
Distance: 360 kilometres
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and keep the Holi spirits flying high with a fantastic weekend getaway!
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