The festivities are about to kick start with Rakhi on August 7 and then we have a continuous string of festivals around the corner. In simple words, a perfect time to take that trip you have been always planning in your head but never got a chance to execute. It’s always good to take a few days off and go to an unknown place to take your mind off certain things (You know what we are talking about if you have had that spontaneous weekend getaway). However, if you are still dicey on whether to go on that trip or not, we have something for you that will surely make up your mind. Here is a list of off-beat destinations around Delhi that you can explore in the upcoming long weekends.
1. Chakrata
Chakrata is a small cantonment town in Uttarakhand and is located 7000 feet above sea level. It is located in the Garhwal region of Himalayas and is about 98 km from Dehradun. This secluded town is the perfect getaway for you if all you are looking for is tranquility and peace. Besides camping, you can also indulge in adventure activities like rock climbing, waterfall rappelling, and river rafting. It is also a favourite place for bike enthusiasts. Just bring your camping equipment and the rest will be taken care of. Chakrata offers luxury tents and all the basic amenities. If you are looking to get away from the city hustle-bustle and want to spend some alone time (maybe do some stargazing) this place is going to be a delight.
Distance from Delhi: 320 km approx
How to Reach: The nearest railway station is Dehradun which is a 4-hour drive from Chakrata and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant about 115 km away. You can also reach Chakrata by road via NH 44. Buses to Chakrata and Dehradun are easily available from ISBT Kashmere Gate, New Delhi.
Chakrata
2. Shoja
Shoja also called Sohja or Sojha is located in Seraj valley and links Shimla and Kullu. If you are looking for an appropriate place to go on an all girls trip or a solo trip, this is the place for you. With snow capped mountains and nothing to do this is the perfect destination to relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. You can trek near Jalori Pass and a good rum session is a must there. Apart from that you can also take a nature walk at Waterfall point, visit Sarolsar lake and go for trout fishing in Tirthan valley.
Distance from Delhi: 510 km approx.
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How to Reach: The nearest railhead to Shoja is Joginder Nagar railway station which is about 164 km from Shoja. The nearest airport is Bhunter. Bus facilities make the travel easier. Take the bus available from ISBT Kashmere Gate to Bhunter and ask the conductor to get you off at Aut (since Shoja comes before Bhunter). From there cabs are available at an affordable rate of Rs 500-70o to reach Shoja.
Shoja
3. Landour
Landour is a small cantonment town in Uttarakhand and is about 35 km from Dehradun and about 3 km from Mussoorie. If Mussoorie is the “queen of hills”, this idyllic village is rightly called the “crown of the queen”. The not-so-well known Landour is probably the place for you if you want to move away from the tourist hustle-bustle of Mussoorie. The stark contrast between the two places separated by just 3 km will baffle you. There is hardly any commercial tourism and in fact, there are a very limited number of hotels and guest houses. This place is also the hometown of renowned writer Ruskin Bond. Go to this place if you want the typical ‘pahadi feels’.
Distance from Delhi: 280 km approx
How to reach: There are buses and trains available from Delhi to Dehradun. Buses and cabs are available from Dehradun to Mussoorie Bus Stand and from there Landour is just 2 km. You can avail a cab or maybe even walk.
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Landour
4. Dausa
If you don’t want to go for the hills, worry not, we’ve got you covered. Dausa in Rajasthan is a cool place to hang out for the weekend and is just about 55 km from Jaipur. The best months to visit Dausa is September to December. It is dotted with religious places of archaeological and historical significance including Nilkanth Mahadev Temple, Mataji ka Mandir, Dargah of Hazrat Khwaja Jamaluddin Shah Baba among many others. You can also visit the numerous havelis or mansions and the major attraction in Dausa is the Bara Baoli which was built in 1732 built in Indian style architecture. It consists of 150 wide steps. The steps end in a well and a secret tunnel of Bhadrawati Palace.
Distance from Delhi: 260 km approx
How to Reach: There are direct trains from New Delhi to Dausa and is the most convenient means of travel to reach since it just takes about 3.5 -4 hours. You can also take a flight from New Delhi to Jaipur and then take a cab from Jaipur to reach Dausa. You can also find buses that ply at regular intervals on a daily basis from Delhi to Dausa.
Dausa
5. Kanatal
Kanatal is a small village in the state of Uttarakhand and is about 38 km from Mussoorie and 12 km from Chamba. This picturesque location is a perfect location for weary souls. The pleasing environment and the soothing experience in nature’s lap are enough to lure travellers to visit this place. It is relatively secluded but well connected to the main towns making it an apt location for solo travelling as well. Besides scenic beauty all around, adventure lovers and photographers can also visit the Kodia jungle just 1 km away. There is also Tehri dam and Surkhanda Devi Temple is a must visit in Kanatel. You can go on a stroll around the village, talk to the approachable localites to get an insight into their life in hills, visit small local temples and collect wildflowers all the way.
Distance from Delhi: 300 km
How to Reach: The Nearest airport is Jolly Grant airport and from there Kanatel is a 3-hour drive. Nearest railway station is Rishikesh 75 km away or Dehradun which is 85 km from Kanatel. Buses to Mussoorie, Dehradun, Rishikesh is easily available from ISBT Kashmere Gate, New Delhi and from there buses and taxis are easily available to Kanatel.
Kanatal
6. Pangot
Pangot is a peaceful hamlet in Uttarakhand just 13 km away from the city of lakes Nainital. This city is a bird watcher’s paradise. This remote Himalayan village is home to more than 250 species of birds in and around as recorded by the Jungle Lore Birding Lodge, India’s first and foremost birding lodge. The place is ideal for adventure sports, trekking and mountain biking. The trekking trail starting from Pangot leads to Naini peak and is one of the most amazing treks. The spell bounding weather, the small streams and the oak forests make the place even more attractive.
Distance from Delhi: 310 km
How to Reach: You can book train tickets from Delhi to Kathgodam (50 km from Pangot) and from railway station share taxis are available for Rs 100 per person. The nearest airport is Pantnagar which a 2.5-hour drive from Pangot. You can avail a bus till Nainital from ISBT Kashmere Gate and then hire a taxi to reach the place.
Pangot
7. Binsar
Set amidst the beautiful Himalayas, Binsar is another one of scenic places of Kumaon region in Uttarakhand. A few kilometres from Nainital at an elevation of 2420 m above sea level, Binsar is known from its majestic peaks such as Nanda Kot, Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Panchachuli, and Chaukhamba. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary spread over 45 sq km is a major tourist attraction and has a wide range of flora and fauna. Surrounded by greenery and the regal Himalayas, it makes one feel truly in nature’s lap. Other main attractions include Kasar Devi Temple, Bineshwar Mahadev Temple, and Binsar Sanctuary Museum.
Distance from Delhi: 410 km approx.
How to Reach: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (119 km from Binsar) and from there you can avail a bus or a taxi to reach Binsar. The nearest airport is Pantnagar and is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Buses are easily available from ISBT Kashmere Gate to Haldwani, Nainital, and Almora and once you reach any of these major cities, taxis are available to take you to Binsar.
Binsar
8. Munsiyari
Munsiyari is nestled in the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Munsiyari literally means ‘a place with snow’ and is also known as little Kashmir. Perched at an altitude of 2298 m above sea level, Munsiyari offers a stunning view of Himalayan ranges. Panchachuli is the star attraction of this place which consists of five mountain peaks. The place offers high altitude treks and it is the base station for treks to Milam, Ralam and Namik glaciers. Other places to visit include Birthi Fall, Khaliya Top, Kalamuni Pass, Maheshwari Kund and Thamari Kund, Betulidhar. Tourists can also enjoy adventure sports like skiing, river rafting, etc.
Distance from Delhi: 530 km approx
How to Reach: Buses are available from ISBT Anand Vihar to Almora, Champawat, Tanakpur or you can take a taxi to reach Munsiyari. The nearest railway station is Kathgoadam and Tanakpur. The nearest airport is Pantnagar which is 249 km from Munsiyari.
Munsiyari
9. Fagu
Fagu is a tiny village 22 km ahead of Shimla along the Hindustan- Tibet road. Fagu might surprise you with its quiet splendour and charm. This secluded village offers a rare view of some snow clad peaks. The name Fagu is derived from the fact that this place is always covered with fog. There is nothing much to do in Fagu and if you are looking for a place to relax, you can take a walk in the apple orchards and read a book amidst the breathtaking and truly enchanting landscapes. If you want to explore tourist attractions here you should visit Banthia Devta Temple, Katir which is just 13 km away and Theog town for its famous market place.
Distance from Delhi: 37o km
How to Reach: The Nearest airport is Jubbarhatti at a distance of 45 km. The nearest railway station is Shimla which is just 22 km from Fagu. You can also reach Fagu by bus as it is well connected to Delhi by road.
Fagu
10. Shoghi
Away from the city buzz of Shimla, Shoghi offers open spaces and panoramic view of valleys, hills, and forests. The seclusion of the town has made it a perfect weekend destination for a rejuvenating experience. Just 13 km away from Shimla this hill station has many things to offer. There are attractive local temples, adrenaline teasing activities and this place is also known for its fruit-made products. It is more of nature oriented place than for commercial tourism, unlike Shimla.
Distance from Delhi: 340 km approx
How to Reach: The Nearest airport is Shimla (13 km away) and nearest railway station is Shoghi. Reaching Shoghi by road is not a problem either. You can take a bus to Shimla from ISBT Kashmere Gate and then reach Shoghi from there by hiring a taxi.
Shoghi
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