With the Independence Day weekend looming over the horizon, it is the perfect time to pack your bags, let your hair down and go on that spontaneous trip you have been craving for. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat or a fun family get-away, there is a lot to choose from without burning a hole in your pocket.
“You could club destinations together and travel hop, covering two or three places either by rail or road”, says Kapil Goswamy, MD and founder of Bigbreaks.com.
“If you don’t want to go far, worry not, for there are many interesting tourist destinations around Delhi that will not only captivate you but will also leave you awe-struck by their vibrancy and scenic splendour”, said Shefali Walia, founder of WeTravelSolo.
Neemrana Fort: Just117 km from Delhi, the imposing Neemrana fort looks gorgeous with its lush green surrounding, especially during the monsoon season. If it rains hard, don’t let it dampen your spirits. Sit out in the balcony and enjoy the architecture of the place with some masala tea. Or take a dip in the pool with your kids while it’s raining, they will love the experience.
Bharatpur: Just 198 km from Delhi, Bharatpur can be reached by rail or road. In winters it is home to hundreds of species of birds. But even in this season, you can spot some rare ones. Enjoy the tranquility of the place. Rent a couple of cycles and go biking with your friends in the bird sanctuary.
Corbett National Park: It’s an amazing experience to visit the Corbett National Park during the rains when the forest is a verdant green, all clean and washed up. Just 230 km from Delhi, the rich flora and fauna, refreshing environment and beautiful resorts make it one of the best weekend getaways from Delhi in monsoon. Take a jeep safari in the Jhirana and the Sitabani zones of National Park and see the exotic wildlife there. If you are lucky you might spot a majestic tigress walking down the road with her cubs.
Lansdowne: Want a quiet retreat? Lansdowne, 230 km from Delhi is the place for you. A tiny hill station tucked away in the Garhwal region of Uttrakhand, it is one of the quietest hill stations in India. Check in into a good hotel with a view. Sit out on the balcony and unwind playing cards with friends and family. Its breathtaking beauty will captivate you and make you want to stay on forever. Walking in the rains amid the gorgeous surroundings is also an experience,
you’ll savour for a long time.
Rishikesh: This one is ideal for adventure sport lovers. River rafting in the beautifully clean and virgin waters of the Ganges, followed by a night of camping on the banks of the river can be extremely relaxing. It will relieve your tension and help you rejuvenate.
Khajuraho: If you love architecture and have an eye for the history, Khajuraho will be an uplifting experience. The Khajuraho Group of Monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Chandelas around the 11th century the monuments are an architectural marvel. It’s beautiful sculpture, freshly washed in the rains, look majestic and are sure to make your spirits soar.
Jodhpur and Osian: You can cover Jodhpur and Osian on your way back to Delhi. While Jodhpur is a quintessential historic Rajasthani town, with a magnificent fort guarding it, Osian is a small heritage place. It’s a wonderful spot for an architectural outing and a desert safari complete with a night stay in the sands can be the finale of your wonderful weeklong break.