Tag: Weekend Getaway

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Places to Visit in India Weekend Getaways

The Ten Best Getaways From Delhi – Places to Visit Near Delhi

Delhi is the capital union territory of the country and it has a budding population that wants good weekly getaways. In this article here, we shall discuss some of the best weekend getaways from Delhi.

10 Best Gateways Road Trips from Delhi –

Let us get started:

1. Mussoorie

The first and perhaps one of the most obvious getaway destinations is Mussoorie. Due to its being a favored destination it has been called the travel capital of North India. Located at a distance of about two hundred and ninety kilometers from Delhi via National Highway 334, the hill staring adoringly nicknamed the queen of hills. Some of its attractions include the following:

  • Kempta Falls – is a perfect picnic spot.
  • Jawalaji temple – the temple is of great spiritual importance to Hindus.
  • Mall road – is an excellent place to shop for souvenirs.

2. Agra

The Taj Mahal might be one of the most recognized buildings in the world. And the city where it is located – Agra is only located at a distance of only 243 kilometers – thus it is the perfect getaway destination from Delhi. The chief attractions of the city include the following:

  • Taj Mahal
  • Fatehpur Sikri
  • Agra Fort
  • Itimad-ud-daula’s Tomb.

3. Chandigarh

Also called the green city, Chandigarh is a union territory and capital of two states – Punjab and Haryana. Located at a distance of 306 kilometers from Delhi via NH152D, it is also a perfect getaway destination from Delhi. Some of the leading attractions of the city include the following:

  • Rose Garden
  • Lotus Temple
  • Sukhna Lake
  • Sector-17 market – a great place for shopping.]

The city has an active nightlife and you will enjoy how clean the city is.

4. Jaipur

We have something Rajputana as the next weekend getaway destination to make it to this list – Jaipur. Also called pink city, Jaipur is a historical city full of excellent tourist attractions. That can be seen over an extended weekend. Some of the best attractions here include the following:

  • Jantar Mantar
  • Amber Fort
  • Hawa Mahal
  • City Palace
  • Jal Mahal
  • Jaigarh Fort
  • Nahargarh Fort

5. Rishikesh

Translated as ‘Saint’s hair’, Rishikesh is one of the most beautiful destinations to make it to the list. Located at a distance of 263.7 km via NH334, it is a perfect weekend getaway destination from Delhi, especially for those looking for respite from the hot weather of Delhi. Rishikesh is a perfect way of entering the cradle of nature. It is the AYUSH capital of the country with several yoga and Ayurveda centers. Some of its key attractions include the following:

  • Triveni Ghat
  • Neer Garh Waterfall
  • Lakshman Jhula Bridge
  • Kunjapuri Devi Temple
  • The Beatles Ashram

6. Nainital

Located at a distance of 311 kilometers from Delhi, Nainital can be another obvious member of this list of top getaways from Delhi. The hill station boasts several tourist attractions including the following:

  • Naina Devi temple – is one of the most important temples for Hindus.
  • Jim Corbett National Park
  • Naini Lake
  • Rah Bhavan
  • Tibetail Market
  • Dorothy’s seat

7. Sohna

Sohna is next on this list of the best weekend getaways from Delhi. Reached within an hour at a distance of about 64 kilometers from NH64. Some of the chief attractions here include the following:

  • Damdama Lake, Sohna Lake, and Water Springs
  • Sohna or Bharatpur Hill Fort
  • Kamboj Ruins of Sohna

8. Kasauli

Founded by the British colonials in the year 1842 as a Colonial hill station, Kasauli is another excellent hill station that can act in perfect spite of Delhi’s summer heat. Don’t forget to enjoy a toy trail while here. Located at a distance of 317 km via NH 44, it has several tourist attractions to offer including:

  • Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Ji
  • Christ Church – built in 1853.
  • Kasauli Brewery
  • Lower Mall Road
  • Gilbert Trail

9. Mandawa

An off-beat destination, Mandawa is the next in this list of ten excellent getaways from Delhi. The historical city has several excellent monuments. Located at a distance of a mere 256.6 km from Delhi via NH709 and NH9, it remains one of the less crowded destinations in this list. Some of the key attractions of Mandawa include the following:

  • Hanuman Prasad Goenka Haveli
  • Open-Air Art Gallery
  • Gulab Rai Ladia Haveli
  • Bansidhar Newatia Haveli
  • The Harlalka Well, Murmuria Haveli
  • The Chokhani Double Haveli

10. Mathura and Vrindavan

The last but not the least important city in this list of top ten weekend getaways from Delhi are Mathura and Vrindavan. The importance of these twin cities won’t be missed by any devotee of Lord Krishna. The Holi celebration here is immensely popular. Located at a distance of about 180 kilometers, the cities also offers several excellent tourist attractions including the following:

  • Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mandir
  • The Govardhan Hill – circulating the hill is considered auspicious.
  • Kusum Sarovar
  • Radha Kund
  • Kans Quila
  • Mathura Museum
  • Barsana – where Radha was born
  • Krishna Balram Mandir – An ISKCON temple
  • Geeta Mandir
  • Prem Mandir

If you are planning a family trip, do check out these places for a family trip in Delhi here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A lot of people have doubts and questions regarding weekend getaway destinations from Delhi. Some of the most important of these frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are discussed in detail below:

Question: What is the best time to visit these destinations?

Answer: The answer varies according to the location in question. As a general rule, the hill stations are best visited in the hotter months of the year while the other destinations are preferably visited in the colder months.

Question: What are some of the things that can be bought from these places?

Answer: Most of these destinations either have perfect souvenirs or one can buy merchandise like clothes from the local markets.

Question: Can some of these places be worth a second visit?

Answer: Yes, most of the places to make it to this list have multiple attractions that might not be all visited in a single visit. Moreover, they are often worth multiple visits.

If the reader has any other questions or doubts, they can feel free to ask these questions.

The Bottom Line

One can quickly wrap up the above discussion by concluding that several excellent tourist attractions can make for a perfect getaway weekend trip from Delhi.

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Architectural Historical North India Relax

Epitome of Love – The Tajmahal

The final product of the involvement of about 22,000 workers comprising masons, painters, stonecutters, carvers, inlayers, dome-builders, calligraphers and other artisans, from all over Central Asia and Iran is a sight to behold! It is the Taj Mahal, a monument which has a unique blend of Islamic, Persian and Indian architecture. An ivory-white marble mausoleum on the southern bank of river Yamuna in Agra, it is designated as one of the “Seven Wonders of the World.”

The charisma of the structure then created is such that even years after its establishment, it is still regarded as one of the most magnetic and eye- catching manmade monuments of the world. Not only the Taj but also the structures alongside it are extremely charming and add to the artistic wonder and architectural grandeur of the place.The entire Taj complex consists of the following major constituents.

Darwaza – The Main Gateway

The main sandstone gateway adorned in calligraphy with verses from the Holy Quran and having a domed central chamber, was constructed in between 1932 and 1938. The door of the gateway was originally made out of solid silver to prevent outsiders from catching sight of the tomb until they are right in the doorway itself.

Charbagh – The Taj Garden

On entering the Taj Gateway, you can view a garden stretching in front of you up to the plinth of the Taj and it occupies most part of the Taj complex- 300 m X 300 m out of the total area of 580 m X 300 m. Symmetry is the guiding principle in creating this garden and it can be experienced everywhere.

The Main Tomb

Although Taj was built to epitomize Shah Jahan’s love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, but later it was decided to make it their final resting place also. The southern face of the tomb is the prime entrance to the interior. A finely cut marble screen, decorated with precious stones, scatters light over the cenotaph of the wife in the centre and that of the husband too beside it. The 99 names of Allah embellish the top of Mumtaz’s tomb and rest of them into Shah Jahan’s -the ones that are the indicator of a male ruler.

Naqqar Khana – The Rest House

The Taj Mahal Rest House, also referred to as the Assembly Hall or the Naqqar Khana, is established on the eastern side of the Taj and Taj Mahal Mosque’s replica  lies exactly opposite, on the western side. It is believed that the rest house was built to provide a ‘jawab’, as it balances the architectural symmetry of the entire structure.

Best time to visit

There is no time of the year when the monument’s grandeur and magnificence fade away but comparatively better months to visit the Taj Mahal are from October to March. It comes to the peak of its luminescence during the sunrise, sunset and the full moon nights. Night viewing is permitted on full moon nights, plus minus two days, but tickets need to be booked one day in advance for the same.

 

 

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Relax

Triund Valley- A trek for beginners in Mcleodganj

 

Located at a distance of about 9 km from McLeod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh, the Triund Valley has been drawing crowds for its amazing trek. The easy to moderate hike is suitable not only for experts but also for those who are willing to set the ball rolling in the astounding sport. It is a perfect weekend getaway to refresh one’s mind and get going with the monotonous schedule of the next week.

McLeod Ganj, often called as ‘Little Lhasa’ is a lively and colourful suburb of Dharamshala where it feels like actually being in Tibet. It is a 9 km walk from here to Triund hilltop.  There are two routes which one can take. One of them is via Galu Temple while the other is through Bhagsu. The former one is easier in terms of steepness and terrain. After registering oneself at the Police Check Point near Galu Temple – the last point till where going by cars is feasible – no other option but going on foot remains.

For amateurs, it is recommended that they start early so that they reach the hilltop before it gets dark. Otherwise, for experienced trekkers, it is only a 2-3 hours journey. Due to the brief stretch, it is possible for one to go uphill and return also on the same day but it is always advisable to spend the night on the hilltop only so as to cherish the night sky view. It is also suggested to carry ample food and water from downhill only as the prices of every item goes on increasing by leaps and bounds with increasing altitude. Other than these, only essential items must be carried as unnecessary baggage slows down speed.

As one crosses the Registration Point, the calmness and wilderness of the place start taking in. The initial peregrination is very easy and one can enjoy the beautiful view of the adjoining hills. The fresh air of the mountains energises the people while the desire to get closer to nature incentivizes them to carry on.

The first refreshment counter comes after about 2 km of the trek from the Galu temple, where there is a Momos Point. One can relish them with the peculiar homemade sauce that they are served with. Also, let there be some space for a hot cup of tea or noodles which are available at cafés that come later on in the trail.

The ascend’s difficulty level increases a little after the Momos Point. One might find wild goats and cows on the way. The second halting point is usually the Magic View café where one can refill their water bottles and eat something before going further. The real escalation starts after this café and the last 2 km of the trek test one’s patience and energy. But at the end, they are all worth it.

On reaching the hilltop one gets mesmerised by the breathtaking scenery. The lofty Dhauladhar Range can be seen from here and the snow covered peaks are a treat to the eyes. There is Forest Department guest house where one can seek accommodation for the night only if the advance booking has been done but pitching a tent is highly recommended to make the trip more thrilling. After adoring the splendid sunset, one is captivated by the beautiful clear sky full of twinkling stars. It is a Photographer’s paradise!

The next morning one can tread to the Snowline Café which at a distance of 2 km from the hilltop and consequently begins the return journey. Going downhill is relatively easier that climbing, so it does not take much time to reach the Registration Point. After resting for a while in McLeod Ganj, one can head backwards as the weekend comes to a close.

Adventure,tranquillity, peace, nature’s beauty and an experience of a time- if one wants it all at one place under time constraints, a trek to Triund is an unparalleled idea!

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Hotel Reviews Relax Staycation

An experience in itself- Treehouse Resort

Treehouse resort is on the way to Delhi-Jaipur Highway and is just 3-4 hrs drive from Delhi. Nestled in beautiful surroundings of Syari valley, stream flowing, it is surely a delight for city dwellers of Delhi –Gurgaon, who keep looking for idyllic getaways from NCR. The resort provides end to end facilities from stay to meals to games to its guests; so that they can have they can wholesome unique experience at the resort.

   

Rooms available at Tree House Resort are Luxury cottage, Deluxe, and Private Suite. The cottages are made of wood and balanced upon tree trunks. This is the highlight of the resort. All Basic room amenities hair dryer, iron, minibar, newspaper, private bathroom, refrigerator, bathtub, bathrobe, bedside lamp, ceiling fan, complimentary mineral water bottle, DVD player, flat-screen TV, full length mirror, hangers,in-room heating, in-room menu, in-room safe, laundry bag, luggage space, rollaway bed, table lamp, tea/coffee maker, temp control, turn down service, windows open, Wi-Fi access on charge, wooden flooring and writing desk are available. Bathrooms are big and luxurious and so are the cottages.  Outdoor games like archery, camel ride, cycling, pool table, swimming pool are also available. One can also opt for jungle safari during morning & evening.  The Gym is well maintained and has all modern equipment. Resort looks beautiful especially during evenings, as little lamps are lightened without electricity.

The Hotel has a tree-house restaurant, Machaan which serves a combination of Indian and international cuisine and The Peacock bar which usually opens in the evening to its glory and flaunts its interiors which have legendery stories attached to them.

So, visitors to The Tree Houses, come, sit back, enjoy and get addicted to the beautiful and pristine  property called “Tree House Resort”, which will give them the feeling to be in the nests of luxury

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Adventure Beaches Rejoice Travel Tips wildlife

Discovering the Picturesque Pichavaram – Second largest mangrove forest in world .

We all are aware of the largest mangrove jungle is Sunderbans delta, but very few are aware that second largest also lies in India, which is based out in lesser known areas of Tamil Nadu and is known as Pichavaram. It is spread over 3000 acres and has around 4500 big small canals, which are sun-flecked tunnels of roots and branches and some are dense to the extent that they hardly leave any space for even sunlight to pass through.

These plants together have made the place so exquisite with their viviparous roots and aerial roots. These roots are so very strong and they are in fact used to steer the boat at times instead of using the paddles.

How to reach there:  Pichavaram is just 30 minutes’ drive from Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu and around 250Kms from Chennai via East Coast Road.  The drive through ECR is beautiful, as it gives you a glimpse of the coastal culture wherein you can find paddy fields, females selling fishes, traditional houses.

You can take both paddle boats and motor boats, which are operated by the Tamil Nadu tourism department. They run on all days from 9 AM to 6 PM. watching the sunset is always scenic in these forests. What makes more fascinating is the stories, legends that boatmen will continue while they are rowing the boats. These stories range from movie shoots to religious legends attached to the place.

Quick Tips

  • Take sufficient cash, as there are no ATMs in the place.
  • Plastic is banned
  • Use paddle boats rather than motor boats, as they can reach to more interiors
  • If you would want to check the breadth and height of these beautiful forests, tipping the boatmen is not a bad idea. Afterall, they are the masters of the place.

 

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Hotel Reviews Rejoice Staycation

A day at Thakran Farms- Getting Close to Nature

Built on over 19 acres of lush green land, situated at a distance of 2 hrs drive from the buzzing city of Gurgaon, Thakran farms is a supposedly good way to get close to nature and spending day with family.

Well decorated cottages, all made of mud.

Inside paintings in the room  

We were welcomed by the owners Mr. Nakul, who acts as perfect host during your entire stay. The place simply distracts you from the noisy, polluted capital city of NCR and provides lush green surroundings. What I liked about the place is the beautiful mud huts. Interiors were pretty and rustic. Tube-well bath, mud bath, tractor ride, camel ride are the highlights of activities. Archery, Dart Shooting, Volley Ball, Badminton, Croquet, Soccer, Cricket, Sling Shot, Air Gun, Croquet, Wooden Bowling, Ball-Glass shooting are some of the outdoor sports that one can play and enjoy.  However, after an hour you are done with all and wonder what to do next. The lunch served to us was also in line with the theme of the farm. It included simple Dal, chulha roti and salad and it reminded of my childhood days. However, the quality of food was not up to the mark. Even snacks were not great. Simple pakodas offerings and chutneys were stale. Lunch could have been much better. I strongly feel the place is overly priced and need to evolve more especially in terms of quality and bringing life to the place. There is still a scope of inclusion of more activities and someone who can take you through them.   If you are tired and wish to spend the weekend here, you can opt for their beautiful AC mud huts, which will remind you of ancient village days and can force you to be nostalgic.

Activities at the farm, wherein one can unwind themselves.

Exploring how Rotis are cooked in Indian villages

Categories
Adventure National Parks Rejoice wildlife

Relax in Aravali hills while sighting Indian tigers- Ranthambhore

About the Place: Ranthambhore is one of the largest national parks in northern India, covering an area of 392 km². It is situated in the Sawai Madhopur district of southeastern Rajasthan.

Must See places:

Forests: The Park terrain alternates between dry deciduous forests and open grassy meadow. The flora of the park includes 539 species of flowering plants.
Safari Rides: Rides are carried out at 6:30 and 14:30. Each ride lasts for about three hours. There are two options of vehicles for the safari: 20 seater open top cantor or 6 seaters open top gypsy. Each ride costs around Rs700-800 per person. The core park area has been divided into several zones and the safari vehicles go to one of those zones. There are many resorts to stay in on the way from Sawai Madhopur to the national park.

Ranthambore Fort: The majestic fort, built in the 10th century, towers over the entire park area. It stands 700 feet above the surrounding plain. Inside the fort, there are three red Karauli stone temples devoted to Ganesh, Shiva and Ramlalaji. There is a Digamber Jain temple of Lord Sumatinath (5th Jain Tirthankar) and Lord Sambhavanath. The temples were constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries.

Padam Talao: This is the largest of the many lakes located in the park. A red sandstone Jogi Mahal can be found at the edge of the lake. A gigantic banyan tree, considered to be India’s second largest, is also near the lake Good

 Time to Travel Ranthambore wildlife sanctuary is known for its tigers and is one of the best places in India to see these animals in their natural jungle habitat. Tigers can be easily spotted even in the daytime. The best times for tiger sightings at Ranthambore National Park are in November and May.

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Adventure Himalayas Rejuvenate Relax

Another of those cool hill retreats left behind by the British; Dalhousie

About the Place:Dalhousie is a gateway to the ancient Chamba Hill State, now Chamba District of the state of Himachal Pradesh of India. This hill region is a repository of ancient Hindu culture, art, temples, and handicrafts preserved under the longest-running single dynasty since the mid-6th century.

Spectacular snow-covered Dhauladhar mountains are also visible form this enchanting town. Dalhousie was popular with the British Army personnel in 1860’s. By road Dalhousie is about 550 km from Delhi, 52 km from Chamba via Banikhet and 43 km via Khajjiar and the nearest railheads at Pathankot & Chakki bank railway station are approximate 85 km.

Must see places:Kalatop, Khajjiar, Jandari Ghat, Bholani Mata, Sach Pass

Good Time to Travel:Summer months from March to June are the best time to Visit Dalhousie

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Corporate Outings Ghoomophiro Blog Hotel Reviews Relax Staycation

Wonder La Resort, Bengaluru

Wonder La

Wonder La Resort, Bengaluru is located at Mysore road around 70Kms from the airport. I happen to stay at this place during my business visit to Bengaluru. Some of the major places of interest located close to the hotel are Kothi Anjaneya Swamy Temple (Approx. 3km) and Nelligudde Kere.

Food, Amenities, and Services – Highlight of the resort is the huge amusement park attached to the resort, which is surrounded by lush greenery. I stayed in the deluxe room which came with all modern facilities. The room is spacious, comfortable and cozy. Basic room amenities include air conditioning, hairdryer, iron, minibar, newspaper, refrigerator, safe, telephone, tea/coffee maker, bedside lamp, channel music, cookie tray, LCD TV electronic safe and express laundry service among others. Bathrooms are neat and clean with modern facilities bathrooms, bathrobe, slippers, shower, etc. Wifi is complimentary across the property. The resort offers Swimming with regulated temperature and is the highlight of the place. The well-equipped gym is present for fitness enthusiasts to keep them fit. In order to unwind, guests can use recreational room that has a pool table, foosball, etc. Services include 24-hour front desk and room service,  ATM/cash machine, parking, travel desk, wheelchair access, 24-hour security, and bus parking. The resort has 4 banquet halls including one at the open terrace to conduct formal and informal celebrations. All are well-equipped air-conditioned rooms with state of art facilities. Woods & Red Ice retro bar are the two available dining options for guests at the resort. Woods is a thematic multicuisine restaurant where-in guests can satiate themselves with Indian, Chinese and continental dishes. The buffet spread is vast to pick and choose. The “Red Ice” a swish resto “o-bar” where I enjoyed sipping my drink with quick munchies. The resort truly gives a break from the hustling schedule.

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