Do you have a soul of a gypsy but are caught in the 9-5 corporate grind? You don’t necessarily have to quit your job or drain your bank account to become a traveller. To incorporate travel in your daily life, utilise your long weekends and plan in advance. If you live in Delhi or nearby, these are the top 7 weekend getaways you must cover —
1. 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. With the government banning all new construction here, this hill station has managed to retain its natural charm, giving you an opportunity to experience a real retreat.
How to Reach
By Air: The nearest airport is Chandigarh and Kasauli is a short drive from there.
By Rail: Kalka is the nearest railhead and taxis normally charge around INR 1000.
By Road: The place is well-connected via roads and you can either opt for a bus or taxi ride. For a hassle-free trip, travellers can book bus tickets online beforehand.
2. Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Strangely enough, the closest hill station to Delhi is also one of the lesser known ones. Lansdowne is a little slice of paradise in Uttarakhand, the perfect weekend getaway that is not too far from and not too close to Delhi.
How to Reach
By Rail: Kotdwar is the nearest railhead and from there you can either opt for a private cab (INR 1000) or shared taxis.
By Road: The place is well-connected via roads from Delhi.
3. 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.
How to Reach
By Air: Chandigarh is the nearest airport at about 110 km.
By Rail: Kalka is the nearest railhead and a taxi ride would cost you around INR 2000.
By Road: Chail is a 337-km/8-hr drive from Delhi. Buses heading to Shimla will drop you off at Kandaghat, from where you’ll get buses to the Chail Bus Stand.
4. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Well, we all know that it is one of the most touristy places in Himachal but Shimla still has that old world charm that makes it so special. Head up to the Queen of the Hills for a peek into its colonial history, beautiful buildings, a bustling Mall Road and the charm of a forgotten era.
How to Reach
By Air: Shimla’s Jubbarhatti Airport is connected from major cities and a taxi would normally charge you around INR 100.
By Rail: Kalka is the nearest railhead and you can also experience the magic of toy train if travelling from Delhi.
By Road: Shimla is well-connected via roads and you can opt for the luxury Himachal Roadways buses.
5. Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
One of the most favourite honeymoon destinations in North India, the pretty hill station of Mussoorie is an excellent weekend getaway from Delhi. With a happening and big Mall Road, the hill station balances the serenity of the hills with the excitement of shopping and eating out.
How to Reach
By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport and a taxi ride from here to Mussoorie would cost you INR 2000.
By Rail: Dehradun is the nearest railhead and you can easily get a taxi or a cab from here.
By Road: Mussoorie is an hour’s drive north of Dehradun on the Rajpur Road, and a 7-hr drive from Delhi via Meerut, Roorkee, Mohand and Dehradun. Mussoorie is linked to New Tehri (84 km) on NH 58 via Landour, Dhanaulti, Kanatal and Chamba.
6. Nainital, Uttarakhand
Hit the roads and head straight up to this Kumaoni beauty. Walk up and down the Mall Road while you shop for knick-knacks and candles, with the serene Naini Lake making the perfect backdrop. Take a boating tour in the Naini Lake, one of the famous attractions in town, hike up to see the Governor’s House or trek around Camel’s Back. Basically, sit back, relax and rejuvenate your senses.
How to Reach
By Air: Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport
By Rail: Kathgodam is the nearest railhead and you can easily get taxis from there.
By Road: Nainital is well-connected via roads.
7. Sattal and Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand
Naukuchiatal, among the loveliest of the lakes in Kumaon Lake District, is an azure blue crystal clear lake, set amid gorgeous oak and pine forests. Sattal, which has seven interconnected lakes, is a quintessential tourist spot with something for everyone: from adventure seekers and backpackers to families and corporates, they all flock here.
How to Reach
By Air: Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport
By Rail: Kathgodam is the nearest railhead and you can easily get taxis from there.
By Road: Naukuchiatal and Sattal are located in close proximity and are well-connected via roads.
It’s time to pack your bags, book your stay and make the most of your time at these popular weekend getaways from Delhi. These are excellent places to head out with your family.
Photo credit by wikipedia user Suman Wadhwa,
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