5 Places Near Delhi That Call for a Weekend Getaway

While the national capital never runs dry of adventures, the innate desire to travel beyond the everyday normal makes us to look beyond the boundaries. Amid the pandemic, when long distance travel scares us and mind desperately needs a break from the exhaustive routine, it is time to explore outside the periphery. For Delhiites, there are a wide range of lesser known experiences awaiting across the border. Make sure you make the most of it.

Sariska Tiger Reserve

Nearly 200 kms from the national capital, this tiger reserve in Alwar, Rajasthan, is nestled in the Aravalli hills and covers 800 square kms of land. The area is marked by grasslands, dry deciduous forests, cliffs and have a rocky landscape. Apart from the Royal Bengal tigers, the place is also home to leopards, Indian jackal, langurs, sambhar, chital, hyena and other wild animals. The Sariska National Park is also home to India&rsquos largest population of peafowl. A lake towards the edge of the park has a large number of crocodiles. Camel riding and wildlife watching are major attractions of the park.

Mandawa

Known for its famous Mandawa Fort, the town lies in a small district ( Jhunjhunu) of Rajasthan. Located in the heart of the Shekhawati region, it lies 230 kms from Delhi. The town is often called the Open Art Gallery as it is marked by magnificient havelis and forts along its length. One can visit the Mandawa Fort, which was an ancient palace, now restored and transformed into a heritage resort. The town was once a popular stop for the merchants, some of whom settled there permanently. The havelis have a rich collection of artistic antiques and paintings.

Lansdowne

One of the quietest hill stations, the tourist destination lies in Uttrakhand and is 245 kms from Delhi. The station gained its popularity during British rule in India. Surrounded by dense oak and blue pine forests, the hill town offers a picturesque sight for its viewers. Established in 1887 as a cantonment of the British, it is named after the then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne.  The place today forms the headquarters of the Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army. A popular sight-seeing spot in the hill town is Tip-in-Top. One can trek to the spot and have a spectacular view of the Himalayas. One can also explore the small town and its surrounding forests on foot.

Pangot

Nearly 300 kms away from the national capital, the picturesque village is known as a birder&rsquos pardise. The village, which is 15 kms from Nainital is home to more than 300 species of birds. Some of the birds spotted in the are Himalayan griffon, blue-winged minla, rufous-bellied woodpecker and a variety of thrushes. Bird watching and adventurous sports like Flying Fox, Double Rope etc. The place also offers interesting trek, one taking you to Naina Peak and another one leading to Corbett National Park.

Kasol

Nearly 500 kms from Delhi, Kasol is a village in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. The village which is gaining a lot of popularity among the Indian youth is situated in Parvati Valley and is called the Mini Israel of India. The biggest attraction of the town is the Parvati River. Since the flow of the river is too dangerous for any water sport, one can sit by its bank and enjoy its beauty. A 30 minute trek from Kasol leads one to a village called Chalal. With its view of snow-capped mountains and pine trees, the village offers a breathtaking view. Located 15 minutes from Kasol is also the famous Manikaran Gurudwara which has three hot water springs. Kasol also offers a wide variety of camping options and bonfire under the starry sky.