Thursday, 15 September 2016

Delhi: 10 Places near Delhi for a long weekend trip

Delhi: 10 Places near Delhi for a long weekend trip


Looking for short trips around Delhi for the long weekend that’s coming up? Here are our hand-picked 10 short trips perfect for Delhites that can be done economically!
Have the monsoons been urging you to go out and enjoy the blessed weather but couldn’t get days off work? Well, here’s your chance. This year, the Independence Day falls on a Friday, which means you get a three day weekend to get your fill of the monsoons. In our previous post, we covered quick monsoon getaways around Delhi, this time we bring you these combination of places to explore in this extended weekend! While Uttarakhand remains largely inaccessible due to heavy rains and the ongoing reconstruction and restoration, we have covered some high ground to spoil you with these compelling choices to plan your extended weekend from!

1. Udaipur + Mount Abu

City Palace, Udaipur, short trips from Delhi
City Palace, Udaipur (Source)
If you are looking for a touch of royalty, head out to Rajasthan for a short trip from Delhi. The mighty palaces and forts take on a rustic hue in the monsoons, head forUdaipur to experience how the Royalty lived. Explore the Monsoon Palace, Bagore ki Haveli, the Lake Palace, take a horse ride around the city or indulge in some shopping in the variety of flea markets. If the city feels a little overwhelming, take a road trip to Mount Abu, the only Hill station here complete with beautiful lakes and gushing waterfalls.
Possible Itinerary: 3 days/2 nights Delhi – Udaipur -Mount Abu – Delhi:
Thursday night: Delhi to  Udaipur ( Friday Morning) by Chetak Express / Mewar Express or by bus.
Friday: Spend the day in Udaipur
Saturday: Enjoy the morning in Udaipur, leave for Mount Abu in the afternoon by a bus, reach there by late evening
Sunday: Sightseeing in Mount Abu
Sunday night: Mount Abu to New Delhi(Monday morning) by Swarna J Raj Express or Ashram Express or by bus viaJodhpur or a direct taxi to Delhi

2. Jodhpur + Jaisalmer

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, short trips near delhi
Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur (Source)
The sprawling desert land of Jaisalmercovers itself up in shades of green during the monsoons while Jodhpur, the blue city of Rajasthan accentuates its colors in the rains. These rain washed cities look picturesque dotted with ancient forts likeMehrangarh Fort or Jaisalmer Fort; Palaces like Patwon ki Haveli and Umaid Bhavan Palace are just some of the many culturally and historically significant sites to see. If architectural beauty, history and culture are your calling then this makes for a perfect short trip from delhi for the long weekend.

Possible Itinerary: 3 days/2 nights: Delhi – Jaisalmer – Jaipur – Delhi:
Thursday evening Delhi to  Jaisalmer ( Friday Morning) by Delhi Jaisalmer Express or by a taxi/bus.
Friday) Spend the day in Jaisalmer, Explore Sand dunes nearby and the Golden Fort
Saturday: Enjoy the day in Jaisalmer, leave for Jodhpur in the evening by a bus or by a cab or by Jaisalmer Delhi express, reach Jodhpur by late evening
Sunday: Sightseeing + Food tour +Shopping in Jodhpur
Sunday night: Jodhpur to New Delhi(Monday morning) by Mandor Express by bus/taxi

Find more Hidden Destinations in India, visit Holidify.com


3. Pushkar + Ajmer

Pushkar Lake, short trips around Delhi
Pushkar Lake (Source)
The holy cities of Pushkar and Ajmertogether house two of the most revered holy sites in India. The 14 century Temple dedicated to Brahma is surrounded by numerous ghats and the Pushkar Lakewhich owes its existence to a legend. Ajmer on the other hand is known for the Shrine of Sufi Saint Moinuddin Chistri,Ajmer’s Dargah Shariff is an important pilgrimage site. Akbar Fort Museum in Ajmer is another place to visit or you can also go shopping in the small colorful markets of Pushkar for handicrafts.

Possible Itinerary: 3 days/2 nights: Delhi – Ajmer - Pushkar – Delhi:
Friday morning: Delhi to  Ajmer ( Friday afternoon) by Ajmer Shatabdi or by a taxi/bus, spend the day in Ajmer
Saturday: Visit Pushkar by a cab/bus and enjoy the day in Pushkar
Sunday: Relax in Pushkar in the lake side cafes, go back to Ajmer by evening
Sunday night: Ajmer to New Delhi(Monday morning) by Chetak Express by bus/taxi to round up this short trip

4. Orchha + Gwalior orKhajuraho

Gwalior Fort, short trips for long weekend near delhi
Gwalior Fort (Source)
You can start your day with Gwalior by visiting Gwalior Fort one of the largest and majestic forts in India along with theSaas- Bahu Temples and Teli ka Mandir – a 300 metre high temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Spend the next day at Orchhaexploring the architectural excellence of the Bundela Rulers of 16th-17th century. You’ll need a full day to see Khajuraho, to marvel at the unique architecture of the numerous temples of the ‘Garden of Dates’ as it was known then. Go here on a short trip from Delhi for a unique experience.

Possible Itinerary: 3 days/2 nights: Delhi - Gwalior – Orchha – Khajuraho- Delhi:
Friday morning: Delhi to  Gwalior ( Friday afternoon) by Bhopal Shatabdi or by a taxi/bus, spend the day in Gwalior, leave for Orchha in the evening and spend the night in Orchha
Saturday: Enjoy the day in Orchha and leave for Khajuraho in the evening and spend the night in Khajuraho
Sunday: Enjoy the day in Khajurahoexploring erotic architecture
Sunday night: Khajuraho to New Delhi(Monday morning) by taxi or by a train via Jhansi

5. Dalhousie + Khajjiar

Khajhiar Meadows, short trip from delhi
Khajhiar Meadows (Source)
This one is one of the most beautiful short trips from Delhi that you can undertake. Lush greenery, misty mountains and clouds descending on the hills, if this is what you want for your weekend then head straight to Dalhousie and Khajjiar for a weekend among the mountains. The Pir Pinjal mountain range of Dalhousie is as overwhelmingly gorgeous as that of the vast meadows of Khajjiar. Uninterrupted breeze with drizzling rains and the scenic view makes for quite the picturesque setting.

Possible Itinerary: 3 days/2 nights: Delhi - Dalhousie – Khajjiar – Dalhousie – Delhi:
Thursday evening: Delhi to  Dalhousie ( Friday morning) by bys (via Nangal) or by a direct taxi
Friday : Spend the day in Dalhousie
Saturday: Visit Khajjiar by a cab and enjoy the day in Khajjiar and return by evening to Dalhousie
Sunday: Relax in Dalhousie for the day and leave for New Delhi by evening using a bus (via Nangal) or by a direct taxi to reach Delhi by Monday morning.

Find more Hidden Destinations in India, visit Holidify.com


6. Jammu + Katra +Vaishno Devi

Vaishnodevi short trip from delhi on long weekend
Vaishnodevi (Source)
The Himalayan Valley of the North,Jammu has nature’s distinctive traits that are unparalleled to any other place. Lakes, Forts, ancient and holy temples, are just some of the many attractions of Jammuyou will be treated to. Further fromJammu you’ll find Vaishnodevi – one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in India. But apart from its religious status,Vaishnodevi has many tourist attractions like the holy cave of Shiv Khori, Salal Dam, Baba Dhansar which features a huge spring coming through the rocks that flows and merges into the Chenab River. For the adventure seekers, Patnitophas all the amenities for adventure sporting activities. This circuit is one of the best options for a short trip from Delhi for a long weekend.

Possible Itinerary: 3 days/2 nights: Delhi - Katra – Vaishno Devi – Jammu- Delhi:
Thursday evening: Delhi to  Katra ( Friday morning) by Vaishno Devi express, relax for a while, leave for Vaishno Devi trek whenever ready
Friday : Get back from Vaishno Devi to Katra by night or by Saturday morning.
Saturday: Leave for Jammu in the day time and enjoy the day in Jammu
Sunday: Relax in Jammu for the day, explore nearby areas and leave in the evening by New Delhi Premium Special Train to reach Delhi by Monday morning.

7. Kasauli (viaChandigarh) + Shimla

Kasauli , short trip from delhi
Kasauli (Source)
A old favorite, this short trip from Delhi takes you across the beautiful state ofHimachal Pradesh through Chandigarh,Shimla and Kasauli, these places receive decent to moderate rainfall which makes them quite pleasant in this weather. A road trip through the valleys and mountains is the perfect way to enjoy the monsoon!

Possible Itinerary: 3 days/2 nights:  Delhi - Kasauli- Shimla- Delhi:
Friday morning: Delhi to  Chandigarh ( Friday afternoon) by a cab or by bus, have lunch in Chandigarh, leave for Kasauli and reach by early evening.
Saturday: Enjoy the day in Kasauli, leave for Shimla in the evening, reach by night
Sunday: Enjoy the day in Shimla and leave in the evening and reach New Delhi by morning by a bus or a cab

8. Srinagar + Sanasar

Sanasar, Short trip from delhi
Sanasar (Source)
Sanasar is one of the remotest regions in India; it is a hill station in Jammu and Kashmir surrounded by tall conifers trees and a wonderful destination for adventure sports. Paragliding, Horse Riding, Parasailing, Hot Air Ballooning are some of the activities particularly famous here. You can spend time relaxing atSrinagar after all the adventure activities, the beautiful lakes surrounded mountains and blossoming gardens will rejuvenate you before you head back home.

Possible Itinerary:3 days/2 nights:  Delhi - Srinagar- Sanasar – Srinagar- Delhi:
Friday morning: Delhi to  Srinagar by flight, enjoy the day in Srinagar(Alternatively, you can leave on 14th night and reach Jammu by train and then take a cab to Srinagar to reach by afternoon
Saturday: Leave for Sanasar and enjoy the day there, come back to Srinagar by late evening.
Sunday: Enjoy the day in Srinagar and leave in the evening and reach New Delhiby morning by a train + cab combo or by a direct flight

Find more Hidden Destinations in India, visit Holidify.com


9. Palampur +Dharamshala +Mcleodganj

Palampur, short trip around Delhi
Palampur (Source)
Palampur and Dharamshala(Mcleodganj) of the Kangra Valley are towns blessed with natural beauty.Palampur has the majestic mountains of the Dhauladhar range forming a picturesque backdrop while the town itself is laced with tea plantations and pine tree forests which leaves the air around here scented with pine fragrance. Dharamshalais located close to the Dhauladhar rangewhich makes it a starting point for many trekking trails towards the mountains. It also has a lot of waterfalls, lakes, scenic points and ancient temples to see around here. Upper Dharamsala (Mcleodganj) is also known as Little Lhasa as the home to the Tibetan government in exile. This is the most bang for the buck that you can get for a short trip near Delhi.

Possible Itinerary:3 days/2 nights: Delhi - Palampur- Dharamsala- Mcleodganj- Delhi:
Thursday evening: Delhi to  Palampur by a direct cab or a bus/train via (Nangal orChandigarh), reach Palampur by evening.
Friday: Enjoy the day in Palampur
Saturday: Leave for Dharamshala in the morning, enjoy the scenic route, have a short stopover in Dharamshala and leave for Mcleodganj in the afternoon. Enjoy the rest of the day in Mcleodganj.
Sunday: Explore the monasteries, cafes and Tibetan culture in Mcleodganj, leave for Delhi by a bus or by a cab in the evening and reach by Monday morning.

10. Lucknow + Varanasi

Ganga River, Varanasi, short trip near Delhi
Ganga River, Varanasi (Source)
Lucknow receives some good rainfall around this time making the place quite cooler. It is a historically important city also known for its manners and hospitality. Places like the Bara Imambara and its Bhool Bhulaiya, Rumi Darwaza andSankat Mochan Temple are some of the important sites here. Likewise, Varanasi is the holy city of the Hindus, with the sacred Ganga flowing here. This city is filled with numerous ancient temples, fort, etc but the main attraction here is the sight of thousands of pilgrims taking a dip in theRiver Ganga against the backdrop of ancient temples is a sight not to miss. Club these two cities for a perfect short trip near Delhi.

Possible Itinerary: Delhi - Lucknow- Varanasi- Delhi:
Thursday evening: Delhi to  Lucknow by train in the morning
Friday: Explore the monuments inLucknow, enjoy the Nawabi culture and food in Lucknow for the day
Saturday: Leave for Varanasi in the morning by a cab/train, reach Varanasi by afternoon, don’t miss the Ganga Aarti in the evening
Sunday: Explore the eateries, temples, lanes and the Ghats in the day time, leave for Delhi by a train in the evening and reach by Monday morning.