It is true that Delhi itself offers a number of options where you can enjoy your weekend to fullest. Delhi is home to adventure and water sports parks, lakes where you can enjoy boati
ng and several other leisure options. However, the crowds and hustle and bustle of city, do not give you sufficient time to relax. For those who are looking for a perfect weekend, Delhi has a number of interesting getaways.
Some of the famous getaways from Delhi are :
Surajkund (11 kms) : Surajkund is situated at a distance of 11 km from Qutab Minar on the Mehrauli-Badarpur road. Here you will see a perennial lake flanked by rock-cut steps. Another attraction of the place is the Sun temple built by Surajpal, a Tomar chieftain during AD 1000, the remains of which can still be seen. Eeryear the Surajkund Crafts Mela is organized here which provides a glimpse of the centuries-old crafts traditions of India.
Badhkal Lake (30 kms) : A popular picnic spot, Badhkal Lake lies just 30 kms away from Delhi in the Faridabad district of Haryana. Badhkal Lake is a natural pool surrounded by vast lawns and lush greenery. The lake also offers boating facilities to tourists.
Sultanpur (46 kms) : Sultanpur is a small bird sanctuary, located 46 kms fro
m Delhi in Haryana state. Around the bird sanctuary there is a shallow lake with reeds and other waterside plants. During the winter months of November-December the bird sanctuary becomes a hub of activity. Every year northern migratory birds arrive in Sultanpur bird sanctuary. The lake inside the sanctuary is also home to the only indigenous Indian crane - Sarus.
Pataudi Palace (60 kms) : A great weekend destination, Pataudi Palace is situated at a distance of 60 km from Delhi. Pataudi Palace is the home of the former Indian cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore. Pataudi Palace is a perfect destination to spend good time with family and friends or celebrating a special event together. Take a drive from Delhi to reach Pataudi Palace and create some wonderful memories.
Tilyar Lake (70 kms) : A favourite getaway for tourists visiting to Delhi, Tilyar Lake lies 70 kms away from Delhi in Rohtak district of Harayana. Tilyar Lake offers facilities of accommodation, restaurants and bar. You can enjoy boating in Tilyar Lake. The lake also has children's park and a mini zoo.
Neemrana (122 kms) : Neemrana lies 122 kms away from Delhi, just atop a ro
cky outcrop above a quiet village. Neemrana is the site of a massive fort built by Prithiviraj Chauhan III in 1464. Few years back the Neemrana Fort has been converted into a heritage resort.
Mud Fort (80 kms) : For those who are looking for some peaceful moment, Mud Fort of Kuchesar is perfect destination. Set 80 kms away from Delhi, the Mud Fort was constructed in the mid-18th century by the Jat rulers. The Mud fort was built with seven turrets so as to withstand the attacks of enemies. Over the centuries the fort has bravely withstood the attacks of the Marathas, Sikhs, Rohillas, and Rajputs, as well as the French and the East India Company.
Kesroli (150 kms) : Take a three-hour drive from Delhi to reach Kesroli in Rajasthan. Kesroli is the site of the 16 th century seven-turreted fort. Perhaps built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, the ruined fort provides breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Bharatpur (176 kms) : Located at a distance of about 176 kms from Delhi, Bharatpur is famous for its birds sanctuary. A UNESCO WOrld Heritage Site, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a
lso known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park. One of India's premier wildlife sanctuaries, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful tree-shaded wonderland of water-bodies and marshes. Here you can see a variety of avian species including migratory birds as well.
Haridwar (200 kms) : One of the most important religious centres for the Hindus, Haridwar is situated at a distance of 200 kms from Delhi. Every year millions of devotees visit Haridwar to take bath in Holy Ganges to cleanse themselves of sins. Many people also reach the town to perform the last of the post funeral rites. Haridwar is dotted with innumerable ashrams and temples. Here you can see sadhus in saffron and white performing various rites or meditating by the river. Besides, the brightly lit temples, the river shimmering with thousand of diyas at night and the air filled with sound of temple bells and hymns make the town more lively. The Maha Kumbh will take place at Haridwar in 2010.
Agra (201 kms) : Situated at a distance of 201 kms from Delhi, Agra was the capital of mighty Mughals during 16th and 17th centuries. During their rule the Mughals constructed a number of interesting structures in Agra that include forts, palaces and tombs. Even today the forts and monuments of Agra draw tourists from all over the world. Mughal Emperor Akbar built the Agra Fort which still stands and tells the story of the bygone era through its grand palaces, mosques, entrances etc.
Just one km ahead of Agra Fort, is Taj Mahal which has been declared one
of the seven wonders recently. Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Akbar’s Tomb (Sikandra – 10 kms) and deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri (35 kms) are other interesting places related to Mughals. Agra also offers excellent opportunities for shopping. You may buy leather items, handicrafts marble items in Agra markets. For a weekend trip to Agra you may hire a taxi or cab. You may also reach Agra by bus or train.
Other Famous Weekend Getaways from Delhi :
Corbett National Park (Uttaranchal), Lansdowne (Uttaranchal), Mussoorie (Uttaranchal), Naukuchiatal (Uttaranchal), Rajaji National Park (Uttaranchal), Rishikesh (Uttaranchal), Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan), Ajmer (Rajasthan), Bikaner (Rajasthan), Nainital (Uttaranchal),Ranikhet (Uttaranchal) Ranthambhore (Rajasthan), Samode (Rajasthan) and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh).
ng and several other leisure options. However, the crowds and hustle and bustle of city, do not give you sufficient time to relax. For those who are looking for a perfect weekend, Delhi has a number of interesting getaways.Some of the famous getaways from Delhi are :
Surajkund (11 kms) : Surajkund is situated at a distance of 11 km from Qutab Minar on the Mehrauli-Badarpur road. Here you will see a perennial lake flanked by rock-cut steps. Another attraction of the place is the Sun temple built by Surajpal, a Tomar chieftain during AD 1000, the remains of which can still be seen. Eeryear the Surajkund Crafts Mela is organized here which provides a glimpse of the centuries-old crafts traditions of India.
Badhkal Lake (30 kms) : A popular picnic spot, Badhkal Lake lies just 30 kms away from Delhi in the Faridabad district of Haryana. Badhkal Lake is a natural pool surrounded by vast lawns and lush greenery. The lake also offers boating facilities to tourists.
Sultanpur (46 kms) : Sultanpur is a small bird sanctuary, located 46 kms fro
m Delhi in Haryana state. Around the bird sanctuary there is a shallow lake with reeds and other waterside plants. During the winter months of November-December the bird sanctuary becomes a hub of activity. Every year northern migratory birds arrive in Sultanpur bird sanctuary. The lake inside the sanctuary is also home to the only indigenous Indian crane - Sarus.Pataudi Palace (60 kms) : A great weekend destination, Pataudi Palace is situated at a distance of 60 km from Delhi. Pataudi Palace is the home of the former Indian cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi and actress Sharmila Tagore. Pataudi Palace is a perfect destination to spend good time with family and friends or celebrating a special event together. Take a drive from Delhi to reach Pataudi Palace and create some wonderful memories.
Tilyar Lake (70 kms) : A favourite getaway for tourists visiting to Delhi, Tilyar Lake lies 70 kms away from Delhi in Rohtak district of Harayana. Tilyar Lake offers facilities of accommodation, restaurants and bar. You can enjoy boating in Tilyar Lake. The lake also has children's park and a mini zoo.
Neemrana (122 kms) : Neemrana lies 122 kms away from Delhi, just atop a ro
cky outcrop above a quiet village. Neemrana is the site of a massive fort built by Prithiviraj Chauhan III in 1464. Few years back the Neemrana Fort has been converted into a heritage resort.Mud Fort (80 kms) : For those who are looking for some peaceful moment, Mud Fort of Kuchesar is perfect destination. Set 80 kms away from Delhi, the Mud Fort was constructed in the mid-18th century by the Jat rulers. The Mud fort was built with seven turrets so as to withstand the attacks of enemies. Over the centuries the fort has bravely withstood the attacks of the Marathas, Sikhs, Rohillas, and Rajputs, as well as the French and the East India Company.
Kesroli (150 kms) : Take a three-hour drive from Delhi to reach Kesroli in Rajasthan. Kesroli is the site of the 16 th century seven-turreted fort. Perhaps built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, the ruined fort provides breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Bharatpur (176 kms) : Located at a distance of about 176 kms from Delhi, Bharatpur is famous for its birds sanctuary. A UNESCO WOrld Heritage Site, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a
lso known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park. One of India's premier wildlife sanctuaries, Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful tree-shaded wonderland of water-bodies and marshes. Here you can see a variety of avian species including migratory birds as well.Haridwar (200 kms) : One of the most important religious centres for the Hindus, Haridwar is situated at a distance of 200 kms from Delhi. Every year millions of devotees visit Haridwar to take bath in Holy Ganges to cleanse themselves of sins. Many people also reach the town to perform the last of the post funeral rites. Haridwar is dotted with innumerable ashrams and temples. Here you can see sadhus in saffron and white performing various rites or meditating by the river. Besides, the brightly lit temples, the river shimmering with thousand of diyas at night and the air filled with sound of temple bells and hymns make the town more lively. The Maha Kumbh will take place at Haridwar in 2010.
Agra (201 kms) : Situated at a distance of 201 kms from Delhi, Agra was the capital of mighty Mughals during 16th and 17th centuries. During their rule the Mughals constructed a number of interesting structures in Agra that include forts, palaces and tombs. Even today the forts and monuments of Agra draw tourists from all over the world. Mughal Emperor Akbar built the Agra Fort which still stands and tells the story of the bygone era through its grand palaces, mosques, entrances etc.
Just one km ahead of Agra Fort, is Taj Mahal which has been declared one
of the seven wonders recently. Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Akbar’s Tomb (Sikandra – 10 kms) and deserted city of Fatehpur Sikri (35 kms) are other interesting places related to Mughals. Agra also offers excellent opportunities for shopping. You may buy leather items, handicrafts marble items in Agra markets. For a weekend trip to Agra you may hire a taxi or cab. You may also reach Agra by bus or train.Other Famous Weekend Getaways from Delhi :
Corbett National Park (Uttaranchal), Lansdowne (Uttaranchal), Mussoorie (Uttaranchal), Naukuchiatal (Uttaranchal), Rajaji National Park (Uttaranchal), Rishikesh (Uttaranchal), Sariska Tiger Reserve (Rajasthan), Ajmer (Rajasthan), Bikaner (Rajasthan), Nainital (Uttaranchal),Ranikhet (Uttaranchal) Ranthambhore (Rajasthan), Samode (Rajasthan) and Shimla (Himachal Pradesh).
