Uttarkashi – the sacred place for Hindus

From Delhi – 385 km

From Haridwar – 175 km 

Overview – 

Set at an elevation of 1,352 mtr above sea level, Uttarkashi is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. The picturesque town, situated on the banks of Bhagirathi River, also draws adventure seekers in large numbers. Uttarkashi is home to several temples and ashrams, with Lord Vishwanath Temple being the most important. Other noted temples of the town are Gyaneshwar Temple, Bhairav Temple and Ekadash Rudra Temple. Every year on the occasion of ‘Magh Mela’ (January 14), devotees visit the town to take a holy dip in Bhagirathi River. 

Uttarkashi

Don’t Miss – 

Located 5 km from Uttarkashi, the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering offers training in mountaineering to adventure enthusiasts. From the town, also pay a visit to Kuteti Devi Temple, perched atop a hill, about 1.5 km away. You may also take leisurely walks along the picturesque trails, leading to temples and ashrams in the vicinity. 

Getting There –

Train – Rishikesh railway station (170 km) is the major railhead close to Uttarkashi. From Delhi, a number of trains run to Rishikesh. From there, you have to travel by road to reach Uttarkashi, approximately six hours away. 

Rail – From Delhi, drive on NH 58, which takes you to Rishikesh via Modinagar and Roorkee. The journey should take you 6 hours. After crossing Rishikesh town, leave NH 58 and take a left turn towards NH 94. Further, NH 94 takes you to NH 108, which is directly connected to Uttarkashi. As the roads from Rishikesh to Uttarkashi pass through hilly terrain, the journey may take five to six hours.   

Thane - the suburb of Mumbai

From Mumbai – 35 km

Overview – 

Thane, literally meaning ‘station’ in Marathi, is an industrial town situated on Salsette Island, northeast of Mumbai. Set on the banks of Thane creek, the city is flanked by Yeour Hill and Parsik Hill, on the west and east respectively. Due to its strategic location, the city is a major hub of economic activity and is home to several industries. Thane is dotted with around 30 big and small lakes, making a perfect getaway for people living in Mumbai and nearby areas. Visitors throng the city to enjoy a pleasant break from their busy schedules.

Thane, Mumbai

Don’t Miss – 

While in Thane, visit the Masunda Talao, also called Talao Pali. Considered the most beautiful lake in the city, it offers excellent boating and water scooter facilities. Also visit Upavan Lake, another scenic lake in Thane to refresh yourself.  

Getting There –

Train – Thane railway station is an important railhead of the Central Railways and served by almost all trains running on the Konkan Railway route from Mumbai.  

Road – From Mumbai, a regular bus service to Thane is available at frequent intervals. You may also hire a local taxi from Mumbai to reach Thane.

Air – Mumbai airport is approximately 25 km from Thane, which is connected by numerous flights from important cities of the country. From the airport taxis are available to Thane, the journey takes around 30 minutes. 

Surat - The 'Diamond City' of India

From Mumbai – 263 km

From Ahmedabad – 255 km

Overview – 

Popularly called the ‘Silk City’ or ‘Diamond City’, Surat is renowned world over for its diamond and textile industries. A port city, situated on the left bank of the Tapi River, Surat is also renowned for its rich culture, scrumptious cuisine and numerous places of tourist interest. Chintamani Jain Temple, dating back to 15th century is a must visit place in the city. The temple is known for its delicate wood carvings and paintings and it houses some of the rarest paintings of Jain monk Acharya Hemchandra, King Kumarapal and Solanki King. Other interesting places in the city are Old Fort, Sardar Patel Museum, Dutch Garden, Dutch Cemetery and Choppati. 

Surat, Gujarat

Don’t Miss – 

Savour the traditional local cuisine, which is quite spicy and not typically sweet like Gujarati food usually is. From the city, take excursions to health resorts at Dumas (16 km) and Hajira (28 km), where you can relax and unwind. For a wild experience, visit the Vansada National Park in Valsad district to spot tigers, leopards and other animals. 

Getting There –

Train – Surat railway station is a major railhead of the Western Railways on the Mumbai – Delhi route. The railway station is served by several express and superfast trains from Mumbai and important cities of Gujarat.  

Road – From Mumbai, drive on the NH 8 that takes you to NH 6 (Surat – Kolkata Highway), a 16 km long connector highway to Surat. The city is also linked by the Golden Quadrilateral Highway. The road journey from Mumbai to Surat takes around five hours. 

Sonapani - a tranquil getaway closeby Mukteshwar

From Delhi – 360 km

From Kathgodam – 80 km

From Nainital – 55 km

Overview – 

Just 8 km from the famous hill station Mukteshwar, Sonapani is a small town in Nainital district. Far from bustling city life, the town is a tranquil getaway amidst ‘nature’s own abode’. Sonapani is an ideal place to enjoy a relaxed vacation, both for discerning travellers and adventure sports lovers as well. Set amidst the lofty Himalayan peaks, it offers breathtaking views of snow clad mountain ranges, including Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Maiktoli, Panchchuli and Trishul. 

Sonapani, Uttarakhand

Don’t Miss – 

If you’re looking for a never before adventure experience, then Sonapani is the perfect place for you. Adventure options available at Sonapani are rock climbing, rappelling, jungle and village walks, trekking to Kapileshwar Temple and river crossing. You can also visit Almora, 23 km away, for a quaint hill station experience. 

Getting There –

Train – The nearest railhead from Sonapani is located at Kathgodam (80 km). From there, you have to take the road to Sonapani, approximately two hours away. Kathgodam railway station is connected by Ranikhet Express and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express from Delhi. 

Road – Take NH 24 from Delhi, drive till you reach Rampur and then turn left towards Bilaspur. Drive further to reach Haldwani via Rudrapur and take NH 87 for Nainital. From there, take the road passing through Talla Ramgarh and Malla Ramgarh. After crossing these places, turn towards Sonapani by leaving the road leading to Mukteshwar. The trip from Delhi to Sonapani will take around 10 hours. 

Solan - the Gateway to Himachal Pradesh

From Delhi – 340 km

From Kalka – 42 km

From Shimla – 52 km

Overview – 

Often referred to as the Gateway of Himachal Pradesh, Solan is a quiet small town, suitable for family trips and romantic vacations alike. Basically an agricultural area, the town is known as the ‘mushroom city of India’, for producing large varieties of mushrooms. Solan is also famous for housing the Mohan Meakins brewery, the oldest in India. Besides being an industrial hub of the state, the town, situated at an average altitude of 1,467 mtr, boasts of numerous old temples, architectural wonders of the colonial era and quaint picnic spots. Sholoni Devi Temple, dedicated to goddess Sholini (after whom the town is named) is a must visit place while in Solan.

Solan, Himachal Pradesh

Don’t Miss – 

For adventure enthusiasts, the River Giri meandering through the town offers some fine angling spots like Mareog, Karkanu and Gaura. Solan is a trekking paradise for nature lovers with hilly and picturesque trails. Some of the major attractions in and around Solan are Jatoli Shiv Temple, Karol Tibba, Meteol Tibba, Kotla Nallah, Yungdrung Tibetan Monastery (close to Nauni) and Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry at Nauni. 

Getting There –

Train – Kalka railway station is the major railhead close to Solan. Board the overnight Kalka Mail from Delhi, which reaches Kalka early in the morning. From Kalka, take the toy train (Kalka – Shimla) to reach Solan. 

Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 1 till Ambala. Further, take the NH 21 and then NH 22 to reach Kalka. Solan is situated on the Shimla – Kalka Highway (NH 22), at a distance of 42 km from Kalka and 52 km from Shimla. From Kalka, buses and taxis are available at regular intervals to Solan. The road journey from Kalka to Solan takes around one and half hours. 

Siana - a small hamlet in Jalore, Rajasthan

From Delhi – 690 km

From Jodhpur – 180 km

From Udaipur – 175 km

Overview – 

Situated 180 km from Jodhpur, Siana is a perfect place for a weekend break, far from the busy city life. Siana is a small hamlet in Jalore district of Rajasthan, around 36 km from district headquarters. A historic place, Siana was ruled by several mighty kingdoms, including the Rajputs. Located in south western Rajasthan, the town is still untouched by modernisation and offers a wonderful chance to see and experience the centuries old traditional lifestyle. 

Don’t Miss – 

Set amidst the Aravalli Hill range, the terrain of Siana consists of a fine blend of sand dunes and auricular lands, which make the area perfect for camel and horse safaris. During your trip, enjoy a pleasant ride on camel or horse back, across the picturesque countryside. Meet local villagers and experience their unique culture and lifestyle. Camping is another exhilarating adventure activity at Siana. Don’t forget to visit the Aisrana range, where the rock formations offer a wonderful sight, against the picturesque backdrop of the setting sun.  

Getting There –

Train – Sirohi Road railway station is the nearest railhead from Siana, connected by a number of trains to Delhi via Jaipur and Udaipur. 

Road – From Delhi, take NH 8 and leave the road at Beawar. From there, take a right towards NH 14 to reach Pali. Further, a state road takes you to Jalore and finally to Siana. The road journey from Delhi to Siana usually takes around 14 hours.

Sawai Madhopur - the gateway to Ranthambore National Park

From Delhi – 435 km

From Jaipur – 180 km

Overview – 

Sawai Madhopur is a small town of Rajasthan state and often referred to as the gateway of Ranthambore National Park, located 12 km away. A historic town, it is named after its founder Maharaja Sawai Madho Singh I of Jaipur. Comprising twin towns of Old City and the Main town, Sawai Madhopur serves as the base to visit Ranthambore National Park. Nestled amidst the Aravalli and Vindhyachal ranges, Ranthambore is a world famous tiger reserve. Besides tigers, Sawai Madhopur is famous for its historic fort. 

Don’t Miss – 

While in Sawai Madhopur, a tiger safari in Ranthambore National Park is a must-do activity in the world’s only dry deciduous tiger habitat. Explore the Park and there are fair chances you’ll spot tigers, mostly around the water streams flowing through the Park’s rocky outcrops. Leopards, hyena, jackals, sloth bears, wild boars, crocodiles and tortoise are other animals which you can see. Ranthambore National Park also provides shelter to more than 250 bird species. Ranthambore Fort, a 10th century fort built by the Chauhans is situated inside the Park and it deserves a visit. 

Getting There –

Train – Sawai Madhopur railway station is an important railhead on the Delhi – Mumbai route. Almost all trains running on this route stop at Sawai Madhopur railway station. From Delhi, a number of trains are available to Sawai Madhopur, including August Kranti Rajdhani Express, Golden Temple, Jan Shatabdi Express and Intercity Express. 

Road – From Delhi, drive on the Delhi – Jaipur Highway to reach Jaipur. The 265 km long journey to Jaipur should take around five hours. From Jaipur, NH 12 takes you to Tonk and then take a left to reach Sawai Madhopur. The road trip from Jaipur to Sawai Madhopur takes approximately four hours.  

Mandvi - a port city in Gujarat

Location: Kachchha district of Gujarat

Distance: 450 km from Ahmedabad, 100 km from Mumbai

Popular As: A port city

Mandvi, Gujarat

Getting There –

By Air – Bhuj Airport, at a distance of 55 km is the nearest airport from Mandvi. Jet Airways and Kingfisher operate daily flights between Mumbai and Mandvi. From Bhuj, you have to take the road journey to reach Mandvi, approximately one hour away.

By Rail – The nearest railhead is located at Bhuj (56 km), served by a number of trains from Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Kutch Express, Bandra – Bhuj Express and Pune – Bhuj Express run between Bhuj and Mumbai.

By Road – From Mumbai, take NH 8 to reach Ahmedabad. Then, switch onto NH 8 A to reach Mandvi, via Limbdi, Wankaner, Morbi, Anjar and Mundra. The road journey from Mumbai to Mandvi is quite lengthy, so you can take a day break in Ahmedabad. Better, you travel by train to reach Bhuj, the major railhead close to Mandvi.

Overview –

Mandvi is a port city located in Kachchh district of Gujarat. Once a major port of the region, the city now serves as an excellent weekend break destination. Due to its strategic location close to the Arabian Sea, Mandvi enjoys a pleasant climate round the year. Tourists flock the city in large numbers, to enjoy a relaxed vacation, away from hustle and bustle of the cities. Mandvi also served as the summer retreat of the maharajas (kings) of Kutch. Even today, the remains of the bygone era can be seen across the old city. Mandvi is famous for its 400-year-old ship building industry, you can still see the skilled carpenters building fishing boats by traditional techniques.

Don’t Miss –

Visit the Vijay Vilas Palace, the major attraction at Mandvi. Set amidst the well-laid gardens, the royal palace has a private beach, marble fountains and interesting water channels. Built in 1920, Vijay Vilas Palace is known for its excellent architecture and eco-friendly pristine beauty. Also pay a visit to Mandvi Beach, considered among the most beautiful beaches in Gujarat. Other famous attractions are Wind Farms, Rukmavati Bridge, Topansar Lake, Shyamji Krishna Verma Smarak and Bandhni Bazaar.

Mandi - A beautiful hill station in Himachal

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 425 km from Delhi

Popular As: Hill Station

Mandi, Himachal Pradesh

Getting There –

By Rail – Kalka railway station is the nearest railhead from Mandi. Kalka Shatabadi, Howrah - Kalka Mail, Paschim Express and Himalayan Queen run between Delhi and Kalka. From Kalka, you can reach Mandi by hiring a taxi, approximately four hours away. 

By Road – From Delhi, NH 1 takes you to Ambala. Further, switch onto NH 21 to reach Zirakpur, ahead of Chandigarh. From there, take a right onto NH 22 leading to Pinjaur. Then, proceed on the NH 21 A, connecting further to NH 21. Finally, NH 21 takes you to Mandi via Bilaspur. The road journey from Delhi to Mandi should take around 12 hours.  

Overview – 

Mandi is a small hill town, situated in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Set at an altitude of 800 mtrs above sea level, the town is an ideal getaway for a quiet vacation. Established on the banks of Beas River, Mandi is known for its historic as well as commercial values. A fast developing town, Mandi is home to around 100 old and new temples, mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva and goddess Kali. In fact, due to large number of temples and its strategic location along Beas River, the town is fondly referred as 'Chhoti (Small) Kashi'. 

Don’t Miss – 

While in Mandi, must visit the old palaces to get a glimpse of ‘colonial’ architecture. Visit the temples around the town, known for their exquisite carvings and religious significance. Besides, for their historical importance, a number of temples in Mandi have been declared ‘protected monuments’ by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). Panchvaktra Temple, Ardhnareshwar Temple, Bhima Kali Temple, Tarna Temple and Triloknath Temple are important temples. The historic Gurdwara Govind Singh, Kangri Dhar and Sunken Garden are other must visit places. 

Pataudi - the home of picturesque Pataudi Palace

Location: Gurgaon district of Haryana

Distance: 70 km from Delhi

Popular for: Pataudi Palace

Pataudi Place, Gurgaon

Getting There –

By Road – From Delhi, take NH 8 to reach Gurgaon. Further, the same road takes you to Bahora Kalan. Then, turn towards right on the state road leading straight to Pataudi. The journey should take around one and half hours. 

Overview – 

Pataudi is small town in Gurgaon district of Haryana. Located just 70 km from Delhi, the town draws tourists as well as corporates for a quaint weekend break. During the pre-independence era, Pataudi was a princely state of the same name. Founded in 1806 by Faiz Talab Khan, the town is now the home of the famous Indian cricketer Nawab Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. The royal family has a grand palace at Pataudi, called the Pataudi Palace. 

Don’t Miss – 

Experience the royal splendour of the old days at Pataudi Palace. Constructed by Nawab Ibrahim Ali Khan in 1935, the magnificent palace sprawls over an area of 25 acre, amidst the peaceful and fresh atmosphere. An oasis in the verdant countryside of Pataudi, the luxurious palace along with its exquisite exterior has elegant verandahs, spacious bedrooms, old-style baths, well-maintained gardens and a massive conference room. The grand palace is a fine venue for meetings, family gatherings and weekend breaks. Remember, the palace can be book only for a group. 

Ludhiana - The Manchester of India

Location: Punjab

Distance: 310 km from Delhi

Popular As: Manchester of India

Ludhiana

Getting There –

By Train – Ludhiana railway station is a major railhead on the Delhi – Amritsar route. The railway station is connected to Delhi by several express and superfast trains. 

By Road – National Highway 1 connects Ludhiana to Delhi via Ambala. The road journey from Delhi to Ludhiana generally takes around seven hours. 

Overview – 

Ludhiana is a major city located in the state of Punjab. An industrial hub, Ludhiana is also called the ‘Manchester of India’. The city is dotted with numerous big and small industries, like knitwear factories, yarn mills, bicycle manufacturing factories and more. Ludhiana is also a popular tourist destination and draws tourists in large number round the year. Consisting of the Old City and the New City, the city is famous for its rich history, over 500 years old. 

Don’t Miss – 

While in Ludhiana, don’t forget to buy woollen garments. Visit popular attractions of the city, namely Water Park, Hardy World, Dream Land, Rose Garden and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum. From Ludhiana, also visit the nearby town of Ferozpur, known for its holy shrines and historic sites.

Faizabad - A historic town of Uttar Pradesh

Location: Uttar Pradesh

Distance: 550 km from Delhi, 125 km from Lucknow

Faizabad Fort

Getting There –
By Air – The nearest airport in situated in Lucknow (128 km), connected by a number of daily flights to Delhi. From Lucknow, you can either take the road or rail journey to reach Faizabad, approximately three hours away.

By Train – Faizabad railway station is an important railhead of the Northern Railways. Kaifiyat Express and Saryuyamuna Express run between Delhi and Faizabad. The railway station is also well- linked to Lucknow and Varanasi railway stations by several trains.

By Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 91or NH 2 to reach Kanpur. Proceed further on NH 25 to Lucknow and then switch onto NH 28 leading straight to Faizabad town. The road journey from Delhi to Faizabad should take around 12 hours.

Overview – 
Faizabad is a town in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Set on the banks of Saryu River, the town is famous for its sister town Ayodhya (6 km away), believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. A historic town, Faizabad was the erstwhile capital of the Nawabs of Awadh, and known for its rich culture and traditions. Even today, you can see fine glimpse of the bygone era in the magnificent monuments sprawl across Faizabad and Ayodhya. The Tomb of Bahu Begum and Gulab Bari are prime attractions in Faizabad town.

Don’t Miss – 
Gulab Bari, literally meaning ‘Garden of Roses’, is a must visit place. The garden has a fine collection of roses and houses a mausoleum in its complex. Ghanta Ghar (clock house), situated in the heart of city is another attraction of Faizabad. Next to Ghanta Ghar, move towards the central market for some shopping. Guptar Ghat and Hanuman Garhi are other places of tourist interest. Also, take an excursion to Ayodhya, famous for its Hindu temples.

Marchula - a picturesque weekend getaway from Delhi

Location: Uttarakhand

Distance: 250 km from Delhi

Popular for: Natural beauty

Marchula, Uttarakhand

Getting There –

By Train – Ramnagar railway station is the nearest railhead. From Delhi, Ranikhet Express and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express run daily to Ramnagar. Further, you have to take road journey to reach Marchula, about 40 km away. 

By Road – From Delhi, drive on NH till Moradabad. Then, take a left onto the State Highway to reach Ramnagar via Kashipur. From there, drive further to reach Marchula, approximately one and half hours away. 

Overview – 

A weekend break in tiger country, amidst the dense forest is a thrilling experience. If you are looking for such wild getaway and some never before wild experiences, then Marchula is an ideal destination for you. Marchula is a small hamlet, located 40 km away from Ramnagar and approximately 17 km from Dhangadi, the entrance to the Corbett National Park. Situated on the banks of Ramganga River, Marchula is surrounded by lofty mountains and thick forests. Besides, the pristine environs, the soothing sound of the gushing river and the occasional sightings of tiger, leopard or deer, altogether make Marchula a perfect place for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.   

Don’t Miss – 

Perched 500 mtr above sea level, Marchula offers lots of exciting adventure activities to indulge in. You can take a leisurely walk along the hilly trails, enjoy a swim in the gushing stream or a tiger safari. However, the most amazing feature of Marchula is angling in the River Ramganga, home to the famous fish – Mahaseer, in addition to Goonj and Trout. Fishing at Marchula is of course a fun-filled activity, but, you need be patient and skilful for a good catch. It is mandatory to avail a license before the fishing expedition. Also cross the river to see the crocodiles living in a fresh water pool. 

Sapotra - the home of Ramathra Fort

Location: Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan

Distance: 430 km from Delhi, 175 km from Jaipur

Popular for: Picturesque countryside, Ramathra Fort

Ramathra Fort, Sapotra

Getting There –
By Train – Sawai Madhopur railway station, situated on the Delhi – Mumbai route, is a major railhead close to Sapotra. The railway station is connected by a number of express and superfast trains to Delhi. From Sawai Madhopur, take the road to reach Sapotra, the 80 km long journey takes two hours.

By Road – From Delhi, take NH 8 to reach Jaipur (265 km), approximately five hours away. Further, take a left and proceed on NH 11 till Dausa. From there, switch on NH 11A to Lalsot and then take NH11B to Gangapur. From Gangapur, take the state road to reach Sapotra. The road journey from Delhi to Sapotra should take around eight to nine hours.

Overview – 
Sapotra, a small town located in Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan, is an ideal getaway for weekend breaks. Besides its picturesque countryside, the town is known for historic Ramathra Fort and serene Kalisil Lake. Sapotra also serves a quaint base to visit world famous Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (80 km) and Kailadevi National Park (15 km). Tourists flock the town, round the year to enjoy a peaceful vacation and go back home with some lifelong memories.  

Don’t Miss – 
From Sapotra, jeep safaris to neighbouring hamlets and forest areas, is a must-do activity. While on jeep safari, meet villagers, experience the rural life and capture some wonderful moments in your camera. Take a jeep ride to Kaila Devi National Park, home to a variety of wild animals and famous Kaila Devi Temple. Also take day trip to Ranthambore National Park to spot tigers and several other animals. Visit Karauli, known for Bhanwar Vilas Palace and Madan Mohanji Temple. Close to Sapotra, Kalisil Lake is another interesting spot to see birds and enjoy kayaking.

Sawantwadi - a picturesque town boasts of natural beauty

Location: Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra

Distance: 540 km from Mumbai, 390 km from Pune, 60 km from Panjim

Popular for: Its lake and natural beauty

Sawantwadi

Getting There –

By Air – The nearest airport is located at Belgaum, about 64 km away. Belgaum airport is linked to Mumbai and Bangalore by a number of flights. Taxis are available at the airport to Sawantwadi.

By Train – Samantha Road railway station is the nearest railhead from Sawantwadi, at a distance of 28 km. The railway station is served by trains of the Konkan railway. From the railway station, hire a taxi to reach Sawantwadi, approximately one hour away. 

By Road – From Mumbai, drive on the Mumbai – Goa (NH 17) Highway to reach Sawantwadi via Nagothane, Khed, Hathkumbe, Kankauli and Kudal. The journey from Mumbai to Sawantwadi should take around 10 hours. Private and state owned bus services are available to Sawantwadi from Mumbai and other cities like Bangalore and Mysore.

Overview – 

Sawantwadi also called ‘Sunderwadi’ is a picturesque town in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Set around a serene lake, ‘Moti Talav’, the town is surrounded on its all sides by mountains, and it is a perfect getaway for the lost souls. Mother Nature has blessed Sawantwadi with abundant jewels like the magnificent hillocks and verdant forests, which house a wide range of wildlife and medicinal plants. Once the capital of the erstwhile ‘Kingdom of Sawantwadi’, the town is famous its massive palace and traditional arts, especially wooden crafts. Even today, traditional art forms like Shilpa Gram, Lacquer ware, Ganjifa cards and Moghal cards flourish in the town. 

Don’t Miss – 

A beautiful lake, Moti Talav is a jewel on the crown of Sawantwadi. Enjoy thrilling water sports activities like boating, swimming and paddling in the lake, against the magnificent backdrop of Narendra Hill. After unwinding yourself at Moti Talav, proceed towards the Sawantwadi Palace, which provides a fine glimpse of the bygone era. The palace has an excellent collection of traditional lacquer ware goods, small dolls, exquisite royal furniture and paintings. Vithal Temple too is a must visit place in the town. Don’t forget to buy wooden toys, including wooden models of fruits and vegetables, to keep them as souvenir of the trip. 

Nalagarh - A town of production units

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 300 km from Delhi, 60 km from Chandigarh

Popular for: production units for chemicals, threads and breweries

Getting There –

By Train – The nearest railhead is located at Chandigarh, approximately 60 km away. Chandigarh railway station is served by a number of express and superfast trains from Delhi. Taxis and bus services are available from Chandigarh to Nalagarh.  

By Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 1 up to Ambala. Further, take the NH 21 till Zirakpur and then switch onto NH 22 to reach Pinjore. From there, proceed on NH 21 A for about 30 km, and then take a right on the state road to reach Nalagarh. The road trip from Delhi to Nalagarh should take around eight hours. 

Overview – 

Nalagarh, also called Nawalgarh is a small town in the north Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. Founded by the Chandela Rajputs in 1100 AD, the town was a princely state during the British Raj. Set an altitude of 1,220 feet above sea level, Nalagarh draws tourists for a quiet weekend break, away from the maddening crowd of big cities. An industrial town, Nalagarh is also home to several production units of leather, steel, chemicals, threads and breweries.   

Don’t Miss – 

Nalagarh Fort is the prime attraction of the town, known for its excellent architecture and well-manicured lawns. Built in 1421 during the reign of Raja Bikram Chand, the magnificent fort is now functional as a heritage resort. Visit the fort to enjoy breathtaking views of Shivalik Hills and nearby areas. Nature walks along the forested trails is a must do recreational activity at Nalagarh. You may also visit Pinjore (35 km) en-route to Nalagarh, to see the famous Mughal Gardens. 

Nahan - A beautiful hill station in Himachal

Location: Himachal Pradesh

Distance: 265 km from Delhi

Popular As: Hill Station

Getting There –

By Train – Ambala Cantt Junction is the major railhead close to Nahan. The railway station is served by numerous express and superfast trains from Delhi. Further, you can hire a taxi to reach Nahan, approximately three hours away. Bus services are also available at regular intervals from Ambala to Nahan. 

By Road – From Delhi, take NH 1 to reach Ambala town. Further, switch onto NH 72 leading straight to Nahan. The road journey from Delhi to Nahan, usually takes seven hours. 

Overview – 

Nahan is a picturesque town, situated in the state of Himachal Pradesh. Perched on a hill atop the Shivalik Hills, the town is an ideal getaway for a weekend break. Set at an altitude of about 900 mtr, Nahan enjoys pleasant weather round the year. Established in 1621 by Raja Karan Prakash, the city has its connections with great saints and princes. A well-planned town, Nahan is known for a man-made lake, lush gardens and beautifully decorated temples. Nahan is also a good base to visit popular places such as Paonta Sahib (20 km), Suketi Fossil Park (21 km) and Trilokpur Temple (23 km).  

Don’t Miss – 

Leisure walks across the town and nearby places is a must do activity. The Mall Road is one of the favourite areas for walking, especially in the evening. Do some shopping at Mall Road. Visit the magnificent temples, colonial buildings and other interesting structures situated in and around the town. Kalisthan Temple, Jagannath Temple, Sanatan Dharm Temple and Lakshmi Narayan Temple are some of the famous temples. Other must visit places include Rosin and Turpentine factory, Ranital Tank and Garden, Pakka Tank and Nahan Foundry. You can also go fishing on the rivers and streams, flowing close to the town. 

Munsiyari - A Quaint Weekend Getaway from Delhi

Location: Kumaon Hill of Uttarakhan

Distance: 600 km from Delhi, 260 km from Kathgodam

Popular As: Hill Station

Getting There –

By Train – Kathgodam railway station, at a distance of 260 km, is the nearest rail head. Board the Ranikhet Express or Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express in Delhi to reach Kathgodam. Further, you have to travel by road to reach Munsiyari, approximately 10 hours away. 

By Road – From Delhi, drive on NH 24 till Rampur. Then, take a left onto NH 87 to reach Nainital, a convenient place to break your journey en-route. The road journey from Delhi to Nainital, should take around eight hours. Further, the state road via Almora and Bageshwar, takes you to Munsiyari, around 280 kms away.  

Overview – 

Munsiyari is a quaint weekend getaway in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude 2,200 mtr above sea level, the small hamlet serves as a starting point of thrilling treks into the inner ranges of the Himalayas. Munsiyari is set along the banks of Goriganga River, flanked by lofty snow capped peaks. Opened to visitors only a few years back, the town draws discerning travellers, nature lovers and adventure seekers from across the globe. A fast growing tourist destination, Munsiyari greets visitors with its unspoiled environs, verdant valleys and breathtaking views of the glaciers.

Don’t Miss – 

From Munisyari you can enjoy splendid views of the snowy Himalayas, including the famous Panchuli quintuplets, looking like five chimneys. Proceed on leisurely walks along the exciting trek routes, leading to Milam, Ralan and Namik glaciers. Remember, you require inner line trekking permits before starting your expeditions. While trekking along the Munsiyari jungles, you can see vast range of mountain birds and animals. You can also enjoy river rafting on the Goriganga River and skiing on the higher slopes of Khaliatop and Betulidhar. Madkote (22km), Birthi Falls (31 km) and Jaulijibi (66 km) are other must visit places around Munsiyari. 

Moradabad - An Industrial City of Uttar Pradesh

Location: Uttar Pradesh

Distance: 165 km from Delhi 

Popular as: Industrial City of Uttar Pradesh 

Getting There –

By Train – Moradabad railway station is an important railhead of the Northern Railways. Several express and superfast trains connect Moradabad to Delhi. 

By Road – NH 24 connects Delhi directly to Moradabad. From Delhi, drive on NH 24 to Ghaziabad. Drive further on the same road to reach Moradabad, crossing Hapur, Gurumuteshwar and Gajraula en-route. The driving time from Delhi to Moradabad is approximately four hours. 

Overview – 

Moradabad is an industrial city of Uttar Pradesh, located 165 km from New Delhi. Situated on the bank of Ram Ganga River, the city is popularly known as ‘Peetal Nagri’ (Brass City). Moradabad is famous world over for massive export of brass handicrafts, especially to North America and many European countries. One of the important commercial centres of the country, the city is dotted with numerous big and small brass factories. A historic town, Moradabad was established in 1600 by Murad Baksh, the youngest son of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan.

Don’t Miss – 

While visiting Moradabad, don’t forget to buy brass items such as jewellery, pots and trophies. You can also buy impressive metal wares, glass wares and aluminium artworks. Visit the Metal World, an exclusive showroom of metal handicrafts. Prem Wonder Land and Water Kingdom are other interesting places, to indulge in adventure and amusement activities.    

Mohali - The Satellite City of Chandigarh

Location: Punjab, adjacent to Chandigarh

Distance: 252 km from Delhi

Popular as: Satellite City of Chandigarh

Popular for: International Cricket Stadium

Getting There –

By Air – The nearest airport is located in Chandigarh, at a distance of 10 km. Flights of Jet Airways, Air India and Kingfisher operate daily between Delhi and Chandigarh.

By Train – Chandigarh railway station, about 14 km away, is the nearest railhead from Mohali. Shatabdi Express, Himalayan Queen Express, Paschim Express and Howrah – Kalka Mail connect Delhi to Chandigarh. From Chandigarh railway station, you can hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Mohali.

By Road – From Delhi, take NH 1 to reach Ambala via Panipat and Karnal. Further, switch onto NH 21 and drive straight to reach Mohali via Zirakpur. The road trip from Delhi to Mohali should take around six hours.

Overview –

Mohali is a major city of Punjab, located adjacent to the state capital Chandigarh. The satellite city along with Chandigarh and Panchukla also constitute the ‘Chandigarh Tricity’. Mohali is renowned for housing the PCA (Punjab Cricket Association) Stadium, an international stadium equipped with world class facilities. Visitors throng the city in large numbers, especially to see international cricket matches organised at the PCA Stadium. In addition, Mohali also serves as an excellent base to visit Chandigarh, home to several well-laid gardens, museums, shopping centres and much more.

Don’t Miss –

The massive PCA Stadium is one of the major attractions of Mohali. The stadium organises international as well as domestic cricket matches at frequent intervals. Most of the tourist attractions are located in nearby cities of Chandigarh and Panchkula. Some of the popular attractions around Mohali are Sukhna Lake (Chandigarh), Rock Garden (Chandigarh), Rose Garden (Chandigarh), Arts Museum (Chandigarh), Vatika Gardens (Panchkula) and Nada Sahib Gurdwara (Panchkula). Visit the commercial centre at Sector 17 in Chandigarh, for exciting shopping and eating experiences.