September and October have a few long weekends in them. How about planning a trip? There are many unexplored options in and around Delhi that are not just easy to reach but have a galore of activities to offer.
Beautiful valleys, luscious mountains and pristine surroundings make these destinations perfect for a weekend getaway.
Kangojodi ( Sirmour District ) – 275 Kms
Kangojodi, a small village en route Shimla on the Nahan-Shimla highway has spectacular views to offer. The distance is unbeatable for a weekend retreat for Delhi-ites at 275 km. Choose this destination for an offbeat adventure campsite.The Pine forests here are lush green with comfortable temperatures all year round. There’s enough to do at ‘Camp Roxx’, if you’re planning a trip with either your friends or family. Choose from a range of adventure activities, a trek to the top of the mountain or simply laze around the camp. Since the place is an exclusive property, it is 3.5 km off the main road.
Lansdowne ( Pauri Garhwal District ) – 279 Kms
Lansdowne is a glorious little setting in itself. It is only 245 kms away from Delhi which makes it a great weekend getaway. You could take a stroll in the surrounding oak & pine forests, trek, bird watch or simply do nothing. Originally derived from the name of Lord Landsdowne (Viceroy of India 1888-1894), the town stands at an altitude of 1700 mts. above sea level. The Himalayan peaks, Chaukhamba & Trishul are visible from here.
Kausani ( Bageshwar District) -417 Kms
The uncanny resemblance between the Kausani Hills & the Swiss Alps is mesmerizing. Known as the ‘Switzerland of India’, this beautiful town is tucked away in the scenic mountains. This hill station stands at an approximate height of 6000 ft. above the sea level. The hills Trishul, Nandakot & Nanda Devi are quite clearly visible from here. It is around 410 km from Delhi, so ideal for a longish weekend. It is, unarguably, one of the best hill stations, that remains untouched by the commercialization of brick and mortar buildings.
Munsiyari ( Pithoragarh District) – 571 Kms
A recluse hamlet in the Pithoragarh district of Uttrakhand is considered to be the base for one of the most interesting treks up the Himalayas. The name means a ‘place with snow’ and true to its name, it is surrounded by beautiful snow capped mountains. The hill station is located on the banks of river Goriganga and is fast becoming a paradise for mountaineers, trekkers, glacier photographers and nature lovers. The treks will offer you beautiful views of Patchouli snowfields. Since it is etched in the inner lines of Himalayan range (between borders of China, Nepal & India), the access is restricted. The place is generally chilly all year round because of its height – 12,000 ft. +. This place is still undiscovered & except for the peak Monsoons, any time is good to visit.
Binsar ( Almora District ) – 380 Kms
It’s more of a retreat than a hill station in Almora District located in Jhandi Dhar Hills. It offers stupendous views of Kedarnath, Nanda Devi, Panchachuli and Nanda Kot. The forests are full of rhododendron & oak trees and are home to more than 200 species of birds & wild animals like Flying Squirrel, Musk Deer, Langur, Barking Deer etc. Truly, a great weekend getaway near Delhi.
Shogi ( Shimla District ) – 331 Kms
The small village lies just 13 km before Shimla on the Ambala-Shimla Highway. If you’ve chosen this as the weekend getaway near Delhi, then you are sure to have one of the most relaxing mini-vacations. Shoghi is a charming offbeat place that has managed to emerge as a quality vacation spot for people of all ages.
Pithoragarh
It is a quiet little city tucked away in the Pithoragarh District of Uttrakhand, 462 Kms away from Delhi. It lies in the centre of 4 hills: Chandak, Dhwaj, Kumar and Thal Kedar. The average elevation level is roughly at 5000 ft. which makes it a must visit for the weather. The town is also more popularly known as the gateway from the North to the Himalayas as pilgrims trek to Kailash, Lake Mansarovar & Om Parvat from here.
So, this weekend head to these locations for a relaxed holiday in the lap of nature and leave the hustle and bustle of city life behind.