Our list of 5 Weekend Getaways from NCR:
It’s no secret that every once in a while, you need to take a break from the common hustle and bustle of city life and escape to the country side. Whether it might be just for that family weekend away or an extended vacation, relaxing can work wonders for your body and soul. After all as they say a change is as good as a holiday- why not have a change and a holiday!
Here are our list of favourite 5 weekend drives:
1. Alwar, Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is full of havelis and forts which connects us to our heritage and culture. Alwar will take you to a similar ride of old havelis, architectural monuments, impeccable lakes with amicable people and lively markets.
The city is adorned with expansive stretches of dense forests that are inhabited by rich flora and fauna. The city was ruled by Rajputs for a long period of time before Mughals took over. If legends are to be believed Pandavas spent the last years of their exile in this Matasya Desh(earlier name) ruled by Suryavanshis. This lesser known destination is surely a gem with its various mesmerizing attractions. There are various places of interest like Moosi Maharni Ki Chaatri, Siliserh lake, Bala Quila , Bangarh Fort etc. The city palace which adjoins the picturesque siliserh lake, contains a museum that houses a library of ancient manuscripts and a collection of Mughal paintings.
One must not miss the indigenous ‘kalakand”(Milk cake)which is one of its popularity.
For details, please read the blog here: https://hitchhiketours.com/2020/06/08/alwar/
2. Keoladeo National Park:
A famous avifauna sanctuary that has earned the status of World Heritage Site, you can spot thousands of birds here especially in winter season so plan your trip ideally between November and March.
Formerly known as Bharatpur bird sanctuary, famous for hosting more than 350 species of birds, this 29 sq. km. of bird paradise was managed as a duck reserve in the 19th century. After declaration of National Park in 1982, it has become a wetland of national importance where birds migrating from Central Asia congregate on their journey to other regions. This is the only national park in the country enclosed by a high boundary wall which minimizes the possibility of external invasion.
One has the option to hire cycles or rickshaw as a means of conveyance. Cycle pullers double as guides but hiring a trained guide with binocular is recommended to sight the birds like Eurasian coot, purple heron, darter, painted stork, whistling ducks etc that flock to the breeding site from across the world, spanning distances across thousands of kilometers from Russia, China, Srilanka, Europe and Tibet.
You can also read a detailed blog here: https://hitchhiketours.com/2020/06/14/keoladeonationalpark/
3.Kasol:
It is a small town on the banks of Parvati river in Himachal Pradesh which is travelled by many trek lovers. Journey from Delhi to Kasol (Himachal Pradesh) entails around 520 kms which translates to around 12-13 hrs journey by road. Nearest airport is Bhuntar (31 kms, an hour journey from the town) but the flights are relatively scarce and hence expensive. There is no direct train/bus to Kasol town. It is famous among backpackers, trekkers and nature lovers owing to its hippie culture.
The uniqueness about this town lies in the friendly nature of locals, lot of Israelis living in the town and the inexpensive accommodation and food options. One can do a lot of treks which are fairly easy like Chalal and Tosh if not Kheerganga. This town has a lot to offer with some of the amazing cafes at beautiful locations, tiny villages with people happy to accommodate strangers and camping in the woods near Parvati river.
Read the detailed blog here: https://hitchhiketours.com/2020/06/10/kasol/
4. Jaipur:
Though it is nicknamed the pink city, it isn’t really pink these days. Capital of Rajasthan, it’s a busy bustling city which is just 5 hours from Delhi. The exotic architecture, Rajasthani cuisine, rich culture and magnificient forts make this city a world class destination. Right from Dal Bati churma to Mewa kachori and Besan ke Gatte there is a lot to satiate your hunger pangs. You should visit Hawa Mahal, Amer Fort, Jantar Mantar and Nahargarh Fort which are key attractions for tourists.
Don’t forget to shop the famous Jaipur bedspreads, handicrafts, silver jwellery, Bandhini saree and Jhootis(shoes) from Johri Bazaar or Bapu Market.
5. Dehradun:
Either drive early in the morning or take an overnight train or bus from Delhi to reach there. Though the shortest route to reach the place is by a 45 minute flight from Delhi. It is nested in the Doon valley at the foothills of the Shivalik range. It is famous for its picturesque landscape and the nearby tourist destinations like Mussoorie, Auli, Danaulti, Hardwar and Rishikesh.
It is known as country’s educational hub with top notch schools and renowned institutions like Forest Research Institute and Indian Military academy. The city has commercialised now with some fancy cafes, hotel chains and international brands making it Uttarakhand’s must visit place. There are various attractions like Robber’s cave, Buddha temple, Tapkeshwar temple, Clock tower etc. Shopholics must try the local markets like Paltan bazaar, Tibetan market and Rajpur road where you will get everything at a very reasonable price.
