Feeling too drained out by the weekend due to your nine-to-five job? Looking for a quick, refreshing getaway to get your body and mind to function properly again? You don’t have to look too far then, literally. Because here are 5 lesser known places you can take a short trip to, which will be totally worth it.
- Sariska
Located in the Alwar district of Rajasthan, Sariska is famous for its Tiger Reserve, which is home to the Bengal tiger, leopards, boars, hyena, antelopes and many other wild, endangered and rare species. Sariska has an uneven topography, covered with hills and rocky areas, on which semi-arid vegetation grow. It is also home to a number of places of historical interest that attract tourists from all over.
Distance from Delhi: 202 km
Places to visit: Sariska National Tiger Reserve, Sariska Palace, Bhangarh Fort, Bhartrihari Temple, Siliserh Lake Palace
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
- Kufri
Kufri is a hill station is the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh, ideal for a hillside getaway. It has the highest peak in the surrounding region, the Mahasu Peak. The Kufri wildlife zoo houses rare antelopes, birds and felines. Kufri also provides for fun winter sports and recreational activities such as skiing. One can also pay a visit to the amusement park, Kufri Fun World.
Distance from Delhi: 374 km
Places to visit: Himalayan Nature Park, Mahasu Peak, Chini Bungalow, Kufri Fun World, Indira Tourist Park,
Best time to visit: March – November
- Rudraprayag
Rudraprayag, one of the five confluences of the Alaknanda River, is the point where rivers Alaknanda and Mandakini meet. It is a popular pilgrimage site owing to its location near Kedarnath, a Hindu holy town. Rudraprayag itself hosts thousands of tourists and pilgrims every year because of a number of temples and sacred points in and nearby.
Distance from Delhi: 373 km
Places to visit: Koteshwar Mahadev Temple, Kedarnath, Augustmuni, Kalimath, Rudranath Temple
Best time to visit: March – November
- Kasauli
It is one of the most picturesque hill stations located in Himachal Pradesh, known for its scenic beauty. Once a cantonment town for the British Army in India, it is a perfect place for leisure travelers to unwind themselves in the midst of lush green trees and colourful blossoms. One can avoid the Delhi heat during summer by their short escapade in Kasauli, as the weather remains cool and pleasant during summer,at least for this weekend.
Distance from Delhi: 304 km
Places to visit: Monkey Point, Anglican Church, Sunset Point, Gilbert Trail, Kasauli Club
Best time to visit: April – November
- Lansdowne
Lansdowne is a cantonment town in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. It is the closest hill station to Delhi, and can be easily reached via road or railway. Known for its breathtaking sights and surroundings, Lansdowne is surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests, situated at an elevation of about 1,706 metres above sea level.
Distance from Delhi: 250 km
Places to visit: Darban Singh Regimental Museum, St. Mary’s Church, St. John’s Church, Bhulla Tal, Tiffin Top
Best time to visit: March – June