There’s a reason Good Friday is called so – the ensuing long weekend after it! So, this Good Friday long weekend, take advantage of the extra day and make a road trip out of it.
Here are our top 5 picks for a weekend getaway from Delhi NCR:
McLeodGanj-Dharamshala
If you want to make the most out of the three days, the twin hill stations of McLeodGanj and Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh would be the perfect destination. There’s plenty to do in these lush greens: you can start by gorging on the local delicacies, like momos, pancakes and bakery items. Then head to McLeodGanj and Dharamshala bazaars to browse Tibetan carpets, snuggly woollens, ponchos, silver and stone jewellery, fruit preserves, tahini and muesli.
Here are the major sightseeing options:
Bhagsunag Shrine, Dal Lake, Triund Hill, HPCA Stadium, Kangra Valley, Namgyal Monastery, Dharamkot, Kareri Lake.
Manali
Just hearing Manali’s name gives one serious hill station wanderlust, doesn’t it? You can explore the adventure sports options here, which include skiing at Solang Valley, river rafting and paragliding. Remember to hit Mall Road and Old Manali to unwind at riverside cafes while gazing at Himalayan peaks, and shop for tweed clothing items, jewellery, handicrafts and wooden artefacts.
Here are the major sightseeing options:
Hidimba Devi Temple, Rohtang Pass, Bhrigu Lake, Manali Sanctuary, Mall Road, Manu Temple, Van Vihar.
Kasauli
A small, quiet and not-so-crowded hill station, Kasauli is ideal if you want a pristine and green weekend 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! Kasauli has something to offer to every traveller.
Here are the major sightseeing options:
Christ Church, Timber Trail, Gilbert Trail, Monkey Point, Sunset Point, Gurkha Fort.
Auli
Auli is among the most popular ski resorts in the country. Surrounded by coniferous and oak forests, this hill station offers plenty of opportunities for adventure sports. April is the best time to visit Auli, thanks to the pleasant weather. One of Auli’s unique offerings is the several shops where you can purchase skiing equipment. For other items, such as woollens, souvenirs and artefacts, Joshimath is the place to be.
Here are the major sightseeing options:
Trishul Peak, Auli ropeway, Joshimath, Gurso Bugyal, Chenab Lake, Nandaprayag, Rudraprayag.
Mussoorie
Rightly known as the “Queen of the Hills”, Mussoorie will provide much-needed relief from the heat, which knocked on our doors sooner than expected this year. The Mall Road and Library Bazaar are havens for the shopaholic as well as the bibliophile inside you. You can browse the handicrafts and antiques at Mall Road or retire for a day of reading in the library. Don’t forget to try the local Garhwali cuisines, dimsums and Thukpas!
Here are the major sightseeing options:
Kempty Falls, Camel’s Back Road, Mall Road, Gun Hill, Happy Valley, George Everest’s House, Lal Tibba, Company Garden.
