Weekend Getaways from Delhi

Agra (Uttar Pradesh) :
Agra is situated on the banks of the river Yamuna and 203 kms South-East of Delhi. Also known as 'The City of Taj, Agra is the proud owner of historical monuments of the Mughal era. Besides the Seventh Wonder of the world, the Taj Mahal, Agra has several other tourist sites such as Agra fort and Fatehpur Sikri.

Tourist Attractions :
Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Buland Darwaza and Jama Masjid.

How to reach :
Agra is easily accessible and is connected to other parts of India by road, rail and air. Agra has a good network of domestic flights thus connecting it to Delhi, Jaipur and other places. Agra is connected to Delhi and Mathura by National Highway 2. You can reach Agra by trains as well as there are three stations in Agra that connect Agra to various parts of the country.

Haridwar (Uttaranchal) :
The city of holy river Ganges, Haridwar is situated at the base of the Shivalik hills, where the river Ganga or Ganges comes down from the Himalayas. Haridwar lies at a distance of 230 kilometers North-East of Delhi. Haridwar is one of the seven holiest places for the Hindus in India. A huge hit with the tourists, Haridwar is famous for its temples, ashrams, and Ganga-Aarti, which is offered to the mother goddess Ganga every morning and evening.

Tourist Attractions :
Bharat Mata Mandir, Chila National Park, Sati Kund, Har-Ki-Paudi.

How to reach :
Haridwar is well connected to other parts of India by railways, roadways and airways. While you can take a direct train to Haridwar from Delhi, Dehradun airport is just an hour away from where you can head to Haridwar. Haridwar is easily accessible by road as well as you can directly take a bus from major nearby cities.

Rishikesh (Uttaranchal) :
Rishikesh lies 242 kilometers North-East of Delhi. It is situated on the banks of the holy river, Ganga. Rishikesh is the gateway to the four holiest places for the Hindus: Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. Rishikesh is the ideal destination for the adventurous people, as you can not only take on river rafting into the daring waves of the river Ganges, but can also start trekking expedition from here to the Himalayan peaks.

Tourist Attractions :
Lakshman Jhoola and Temples. Haridwar(15 KM) and Rajaji National Park(24 km) are other nearby attractions.

How to reach :
Though there is no direct flight to Rishikesh, but you can land at the Dehradoon airport, just 40 minutes drive from Rishikesh. Rishikesh can be directly reached by road, while you can also go by train to Haridwar, 15 kilometers from Rishikesh.

Dehradun (Uttranchal) :
Surrounded by the Himalayan ranges, Dehradun lies in the heart of Uttaranchal and is at a distance of 242 Kilometers North-East of Delhi. A lot of tourists visit Dehradun every year and engrossed by the beauty of the place, keep on coming back. Dehradun's proximity to Mussorie is an add on to the place.

Tourist Attractions :
Robbers Cave, Tibetian Temple, Lachhiwala and Mussorie.

How to reach :
The nearest airport, Jolly Grant is 24 kilometers from Dehradun and 19 kilometers from Rishikesh. To reach Dehradun, you can take an Indian Airlines flight from Delhi(thrice a week). Dehradun is also connected by trains and roads to different parts of India.

Jaipur (Rajasthan) :
India's first well planned modern city, Jaipur is 260 kilometers away from Delhi. The city of Jaipur presents a unique synthesis of modern and traditional lifestyle. On one hand you will find numerous forts and palaces while at the same time, you will get an opportunity to be a part of the modern lifestyle of Jaipur. Jaipur is also famous for its Gold and Silver work and gems and jewelleries.

Tourist Attractions :
Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber fort, Sheesh Mahal. You can also take up excursions to Ramgarh lake(28 km) and Samode(42 kilometers) from Jaipur.

How to reach :
You can take up all major means of transport to reach Jaipur. Indian Airlines and Jet Airways connect Jaipur with Delhi, Jodhpur, Udaaipur, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Mumbai and Kolkata, while a new entrant Jagson Airlines links Jaipur with Delhi, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Rajkot. You can also take up direct trains to Jaipur from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Luckhnow, Kanpur, Agra and Bangalore. National Highway 8 connects Jaipur to Delhi, and you can reach the Pink City by buses, coaches, or taxis from all major cities of India.

Shekhawati (Rajasthan) :
Shekhawati, the semi-desert area in north Rajasthan is 275 kilometers away south west of Delhi. You will find the city full of amazing painted havelis, most of which are dated from 18th century to early 20th century. though many of the erstwhile forts and palaces have been converted into heritage hotels, but they would still give you an experience of royal life.

Tourist Attractions :
Mandawa, Dundlod, Mukundgarh and Nawalgarh are a some of the tourist attractions where you can feel a regal touch of the medieval life. You can also take up a Camel Safari in the sand dunes desert.

How to reach :
Shekhawati is connected to other regions by rail and road, therefore you can a train (Shekhawati Express) from Delhi to Jhunjhunu, Mukundgarh-Dandaalod, Nawalgarh or Sikar. But the most convenient way to cover Shekhawati region is by road as all major centers of the Shekhawati region are connected with good roads from Delhi and other major cities of Rajasthan.