7 Smashing Weekend Getaways From New Delhi
Summer time brings the hot and sunny days, making us want to hide in our living room until the sun sets. While that surely sounds relaxing, imagine checking out the view of majestic Mahals and Qillas from your balcony, or maybe the splendour of Taj Mahal. Why not go for a weekend galore and unwind with your family and friends at some of the best weekend getaways from New Delhi? Choose from these amazing places in India to blow off some steam and enjoy a rejuvenating much-needed break this summer.
Amazing Places for Weekend Getaways from Delhi
Weekend in Rishikesh
Pack up your trekking gear and summer jackets for an adventurous weekend at Rishikesh! A beautiful city nestled in the Himalayas, Rishikesh is a well known Hindu pilgrimage destination. Also a hub of Yoga and spirituality, Rishikesh is a famous spot for foreigners from different countries visiting the city for Yoga camps and meditation.
Campside at the bank of river Ganges
The best highlight of Rishikesh, based from my experience, is the adventure sports. If you are looking for an exciting weekend getaway, there is no place better than this city! It offers numerous activities such as rafting, bungee jumping, trekking, mountain climbing and riverside camping on the edge of the holy Ganges.
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Recommended Hotels – Aloha On The Ganges is a luxurious space overlooking the Ganges, which will be perfect for a deserving treat for yourself. If you are looking for a more family-friendly accommodation, try out Dewa Retreat- A Himalayan Boutique Hotel.
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Eateries & Restaurants- To give yourself a culinary treat during the trip, you should check The Third Eye Café and German Bakery. The former will pamper you with a breathtaking view of Ganges River and the Himalayan foothill while the latter, as the name suggests, offers a broad range of baked goods and coffees.
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Trip to Shimla
Feel like unwinding in the mountains? Accessible via car, train or bus, Shimla is one of the most well-favoured destinations with an old world charm. The British architecture of this city casts an alluring spell which intensifies with the lush nature and looming mountains surrounding the city.
Visit the Viceroy Lodge that is also known as the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies for an otherworldly experience of the nineteenth century. In the colonial times, Shimla was the summer capital of Britishers, and the Viceroy Lodge was the Palace of the Viceroy of Shimla.
Do spare some time for window-shopping at the Lakkar Bazaar, the Lower Bazaar, and the Mall Road! This main city centre of Shimla is even more spectacular and vibrant at night especially with its gorgeous sight of the Christ Church.
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Recommended Hotels – For a one-of-a-kind royal experience, consider staying at WelcomHeritage Woodville Palace with its intricate and astounding interior. The Oberoi Cecil, Shimla is also a great alternative if you prefer a place closer to nature as its location on top of the hill offers a splendid view of the mountainside. for a royal experience or try out.
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[tab title=”Eateries & Restaurants” icon=”entypo-location”]Eateries & Restaurants – The famous tikki, chana and Bhatoore of Sita Ram & Son are too die for. Being one of the oldest shops built since 1949, this shop is the trademark of Shimla. Try eclair, cream puffs, and spoonies at Fascination Baljees and Krishna Bakers.
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Weekend in Jaipur
A city of Royal Splendour, this is the weekend getaway you will never forget. Rich in culture and heritage, the magnificence of Jaipur reflects the glory of the past.
The forts and palaces are a feast for history enthusiasts who love to travel back to the times of kings and princes and explore the rich culture and vibrancy of the Indian royalty. Visit Jantar Mantar to enjoy the hide and seek escapade, explore the shrouded passages of the City Palace and take a stroll along the alleys of Amber Fort.
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Eateries & Restaurants- For an authentic Rajasthani cuisine, Lakshmi Mishthan Bhandar, Spice Court, and Handi Restaurant gain the popular votes among the locals. Some of the must-try local signatures are Ghewar, Mirchi Bada, Mawa Kachori, and Rajasthani Subji.
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Corbett Escape
If you desire something unique and different than the mountains of Shimla and the city colours of Jaipur, then pack your gears for a trip to Corbett — famously known as the India’s best tiger reserve. The national park has an eclectic range of wildlife and flora.
A perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts, Jim Corbett National Park, is the place where you can have a fantastic jeep safari and catch a glimpse of Bengal Tiger and diverse wildlife. Adventure-seekers may want to check this place during summer where they can build camps for a more thrilling experience.
Agra Weekend of History
History buffs, be prepared to enjoy Agra — the city of mausoleums, forts, palaces, and mosques! The exotic crown of the city is definitely Taj Mahal, which was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and it serves as the tomb of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
However, there are still plenty of other places worth visiting in Agra: Sikandra Fort, Itmad-ud-Daula, Fatehpur Sikri, Chini-ka-Rauza, and Dayal Bagh. The majestic architectures in Agra are beyond words and wonders and are certainly a muse for many.
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[tab title=”Eateries & Restaurants” icon=”entypo-location”]Eateries & Restaurants – Enjoy the signature Malai Koftas and authentic Korean food at Joney’s Place. For the best of legendary Mughlai and Awadhi dishes, such as tasty lucknawi biryanis, galawat kababs, and kakori, dont forget to visit the Jahanpanah restaurant.
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Peaceful Weekend Dharamshala
If you prefer a peaceful respite, City of Dalai Lama, Dharamshala, is a fine choice for a weekend galore. Escape the scorching heat and get yourself to the picturesque hill station while enjoying the cooling weather surrounded by lush meadows and greenery.
Slightly further away from the city centre, Mcleodganj is another go-to place for a quiet journey to re-energise yourself. You can visit the Dalai Lama Monastery and hike to Bhagsu Falls while my favourite part is to trek at the famous Triund Trek.
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[tab title=”Eateries & Restaurants” icon=”entypo-location”]Eateries & Restaurants- A commonly-liked cuisine here is the exquisite Tibetan cuisine of Lung-Ta Japanese Restaurant, Carpe Diem, and Norling.
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Trip to Amritsar
Amritsar is a city with a rich Punjabi Culture, famous for the marvelous Golden Temple and Jallianwala Bagh. A town that is bound to capture your heart with its distinct aura, delicious food, religious customs, and bustling bazaars, Amritsar is sure to warrant you another visit.
One thing that you should not miss is to watch the ‘Lowering of the Flags’ ceremony at the Wagah Border, which is an India-Pakistan border crossing.
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[tab title=”Eateries & Restaurants” icon=”entypo-location”]Eateries & Restaurants- Try out the gourmet delights at Kesar Da Dhaba, fresh desi ghee jalebis at Gurudas Ram Jalebiwala and piping hot Amritsari kulchas with chickpeas at famous Kulcha Land.
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[tab title=”Recommended Hotels” icon=”entypo-suitcase”]Recommended Hotels- The Golden Tulip Amritsar and Hyatt Amritsar will provide you with a high-class service, perfect for the rejuvenation of your body, mind, and soul!
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