Breathe A Sigh Of Relief In These Places Near Delhi

Delhi has been in the news the last few days for alarming AQI levels&ndashthe needle has been adamantly stuck at the red end of the scale. The situation has escalated to the point where government authorities have called for schools to stay shut and offices to resume work from home for the next few days. Many have even reported feeling unwell&ndashitchy eyes, respiratory issues, throat irritation, and the list continues. If you have been planning a short getaway around Delhi, this may be the right time. Here&rsquos where you can go 

Theog 

Theog is Shimla&rsquos shy cousin&ndashlocated 32 km from the main town it&rsquos relatively less crowded and more peaceful. Even though it may go undiscovered by many tourists, this quiet hill station has a lot to offer&ndashyou can set out for picturesque treks, gorge on some delicious Pahadi delicacies, or have a laidback day amid nature&rsquos beauty. 

How to reach 

By Air The nearest airport is located in JubbarHatti, 45 km away in Shimla. 

By Train Kalka is the nearest railway station to Theog. From here, you can hail private cabs/buses or local buses. 

By road Take a bus to Shimla from New Delhi. From here, you will have to board a different bus to Theog. Or you can drive up to cover a 381 km long distance. 

Mukteshwar 

Located a little ahead of Nainital, Mukteshwar is yet another quaint and peaceful getaway destination. Here, you can do more than catch a quiet break from city life&ndashcheck off paragliding and rock climbing from your bucket list, get a glimpse of the town&rsquos colonial past, and go trekking at night. 

How to reach 

By Air Pantnagar airport is the nearest, situated at a distance of 98 km. 

By Train The nearest railway station is in Kathgodam, which is 64 km away. 

By road Take a bus to Nainital/Almora/Haldwani. From there, board a local bus to Mukteshwar. You can also drive up there via NH9. 

Chakrata 

Located 90 km away from Dehradun, Chakrata is a beautiful station that remains unexplored by many tourists travelling to Uttarakhand. If you enjoy a bit of history mixed in with adventure, a visit here is a must&ndashyou can explore many caves, ancient temples, and gushing waterfalls. 

How to reach 

By Air Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest to Chakrata. From there, you can hail a private taxi/local bus. 

By Train Dehradun Railway Station is the nearest to Chakrata. You can take a private taxi/local bus to Chakrata. 

By road Hail a bus till Dehradun or Mussoorie. You will have to board a different bus to reach Chakrata. You can also drive via NH44. 

Fagu

Another gem near Shimla that is waiting to be explored is Fagu. Located at just a 45 min drive away from the popular hill-station, this secluded little village is serene and dreamy. If you&rsquore planning a trip here, check out the luscious apple orchards, the snow-clad Himalayan peaks, and the expansive potato fields. 

By Air Rent a private cab from the nearest JubbarHatti Airport, which is 45 km away.

By Train Hail a local bus or a private taxi from Kalka Railway Station. 

By Road You can either hail a bus from Shimla or drive via NH44 and NH5.

Lansdowne 

This verdant hill town comes with everything that makes a destination a traveller&rsquos favourite. Beautiful views, interesting trails, architectural marvels, cosy cafes&ndashthere&rsquos a lot to keep you busy. Because it&rsquos so popular, it may not be an ideal destination if you want to head to a more secluded location, but it&rsquos still worth a visit. 

By Air The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From there, many buses ply to Lansdowne.

By Train The nearest railway station is located in Kotdwar, which is 40 km away. You can rent a private cab from there. 

By Road There are many direct buses from Delhi to Lansdowne. You can also drive there via the Meerut-Pauri national highway.