Seven Getaways from Delhi

Rishikesh

Rishikesh lies in the beginning of the Himalayan mountain range. It is on the northern side of India and is named after Lord Vishnu who showed himself to Raibhya Rishi after being impressed by his penance.

How to reach

Distance between Rishikesh and Delhi is 225 km. The most preferred way to reach here is by car/bus/taxi which takes approximately 6-7 hours. The nearest reailway station is at Haridwar. The distance between Haridwar and Rishikesh is 24 km. away.

What to see

While in Rishikesh you should see Laxman Jhula, Ram Jhula, Triveni Ghat. Rishikesh is a pilgrimage and hence temples here are one of the major atteractions. Do not miss visiting the Bharat Mandir(A Vishnu Temple) on the outskirts of Rishikesh.

Adventure Activities

Rishikesh is quiet popular for the Adventure Activities it offers.White River Rafting is one of the major attractions here. Other sports you can enjoy here are Kayaking, Trekking and body surfing.

Nainital

Nainital is Kumaon’s biggest settlement. It is also a famous hill resort among honeymooners and families on holidays. Nainital is named after the famous Naini temple located on the Naini lake.

How to Reach

You can reach Nainital from Delhi via Meerut by road which takes eight hours. The nearest rail head is Kathgodam which is 35 km away from Nainital.

What to See

The major tourists’ attractions here are Tallital, Mallital, Naini Peak, Jim Corbett National Park, Bhimtal Lake and Hanuman Garhi.

Adventure Activities

There are several Water Sports carried out at Nainital. These include Yachting, Boating, Canoeing and kayaking. You can also go horse-riding, Rock Climbing or try golf.

Agra

Agra lies on the banks of Yamuna. It belongs to the Akbar era though the general belief is that Sultan Sikandar Lodi found it in 1504. A new religion came into existence during Akbar’s reign called Dīn-i Ilāhī and Radhaswami which now has millions of followers worldwide.

How to Reach

Agra is situated at a distance of 200 km from Delhi. There are at least 20 trains connecting Delhi and Agra which take anywhere between 4-5 hours. The quickest way to reach Agra from Delhi is by flight which lasts for 40 minutes but people generally prefer to take a day trip to Agra from Delhi and spend the night at Varanasi. When inside Agra you can make use of Auto rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws.

What to See

Agra is most famous for the Taj Mahal and when you see it you realize why it is still one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The other places worth seeing here are The Agra Fort which is another example of great architecture. Visit Sikandra, Akbar’s tomb, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb built by Empress Noor Jahan and the Jama Masjid constructed by Princess Jahanara Begum in 1648. Other tourist’s attractiong here are Jahangir Mahal, Diwan-e-aam, Diwane-e-khas, Sheesh Mahal and Panch Mahal. The gardens of Swami Bagh, can also be visited. Besides Taj Mahal, Agra is famous for leather goods and Petha.

Adventure Activities

Agra is not a destination for sports or adventures but it has a golf course and one of the five start hotels has a tennis court. If you want to be amidst nature you can visit the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary which is 60 km from Agra.

Jaipur

Jaipur was the first planned city of the country. Built by Sawai jai Singh, it is the biggest city in Rajasthan. The legend behind the pink city is that the Maharaja painted the town pink to express hospitability to the Prince of Wales. Since then Jaipur is known as The Pink City.

How to Reach

You can reach Jaipur by flight from

Delhi. A large number of tourists prefer roads and trains. Bus service between Delhi and Jaipur is great and they run for the entire day. Car is the most popular was of reaching Jaipur. It takes less than 4 hours. Regular trains run between Delhi and Jaipur. Once you enter Jaipur you can hire rickshaws, taxis or cycle rickshaws to get around.

What to See

Must-see list is ; Amer Fort which you can explore the place on an elephants back, Hawa Mahal a red sandstone structure built for the royal ladies to observe the street life, Jantar Mantar one of the five biggest astronomy observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh and Birla Temple. Jaigarh Fort, Nahargarh Fort, City Palace, Moti Doongri, and several places are should be on your to-see places.

Adventure Activities

Hot Air Balloon is an exciting activity you can indulge.

Corbett

Corbett National Park named after Jim Corbett was established in the year 1973. It was one

of the first 9 tiger reserves of the country. The flora and fauna is rich here. The deep forests and its beauty are captivating. The park houses more than 600 species of birds.

How to Reach

Ramnagar the head quarters of Jim Corbett is well connected by road with New Delhi. A direct train runs from Delhi to Ramnagar.

What to See

Bengal Tigers, Boars and Leopards are animals to look out for.

Adventure Activities

You can do bird watching, fishing and angling or simply explore the reserve in a jeep or go for an elephant safari.

Mussoorie

Known as Queen of Hills, Mussourie is a very popular as a hill station. Mussourie is named after the plants ‘Mussourie’ which grow in abundance here. After Mussourie was discovered, this place grew as an education and tourism center.

How to Reach

Dehradun is the nearest railhead but trains run from Delhi too. You can take your own car or get in a state transport bus from Delhi. Nearest Airstrip is Dehradun.

What to See

Lal Tibba the highest point in Mussourie, Kempty Falls is a famous tourist attraction; Happy Valley is a tibetian village and is great for a small trek and Dhanaulti the spot where the forest is converted into 2 eco-parks.

Adventure activities

Mussouries is used by trekkers and the Aglar and Yamuna Rivers offer good chances of trout fishing.

Rajaji

Rajaji was named so after C Rajgopalachari, the famous statesman of our country.

This is a national park near Haridwar. It is popular for wild elephants. This park was formed in the year 1983 by merging three sanctuaries; Rajaji Sanctuary, Motichur Sanctuary and Chilla sanctuary.

How to Reach

Rajaji is 229 km from Delhi. Trains run from Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh on a regular basis. If you are coming by road then the park is only 5 hours away from Delhi.

What to see

This park is known for its population of wild elephants. Besides them you can also find tigers and leopards here. There are numerous Chitals and Sambars here which serve as food for the higher predators. More than 300 species of birds are found here.

Adventure Activities

You can opt for a jungle safari or nature walks to experience the park from its closest. You can observe migratory birds early morning and treat yourself to the large variety that can be seen.