Mark these offbeat trips from Delhi on your travel map to experience real India

BY NIVI SHRIVASTAVA

Can’t wait for your next quickie vacation away from the capital’s mad rush? Well, we have some brilliant short and sweet getaway options for you that will leave you asking for more.

If road trips are your thing and offbeat destinations excite your gypsy soul then here are our top five picks for a long weekend. You can thank us later 🙂

**These places are perfect options for women travellers, so safety factor is tried and tested!

ROYAL RENDEVOUS: Patanmahal via Patan city in Rajasthan

Looking for a royal retreat and mind-blowing hospitality? We say head to Patanmahal – a heritage resort located amidst the Aravali Mountains in the city of Patan, Rajasthan. Approximately five hours by road from Delhi via Koltpulti Sikar road, is an opulent 200-year-old Rajputana fort built in classic red sand stone albeit infused with modern day luxuries. The heritage home has 19 suites that display the regal Rajasthani architecture with decorative chhattris, huge stained glass windows and large wooden antique doors. And, don’t forget to salute the rising sun from the ruins of the adjoining 800-year-old Badal Mahal when you plan your morning trek next day!

How to reach: Easiest way to reach this heritage resort is via road — take a bus or drive to the nearest city Patan in Rajasthan. From Patan take the Koltpulti Sikar road and you’ll be at there in no time.

CHASING THE SNOWCAPPED HILLS: Triund trek via Dharamsala

When hills call, everything else can wait. Make most of your long weekend by scaling one of the most beautiful regions in the Kangra valley, Himachal Pradesh – the Triund trek. A short 11 km trek from Mcleodganj will take you to a small village called Triund, which is located 2800 mtrs above sea level.

While you trek to the top, you’ll be amazed to see the picturesque beauty of Mcleodganj, Dharamsala valley and snow-covered Shivalik hills. While this not-so-popular trek will leave you overwhelmed, make sure you come back the same day or pack your camping gear with enough water and food supplies to have a memorable experience.

How to reach: Take a bus to Dharamsala from Delhi or hit the road if you are an expert in driving uphill. Spend a day in Dharamsala and check out the gorgeous Bhagus waterfalls. Next day, head to Mcleodganj and after a little site-seeing you can head for the trek and enjoy the beautiful snowy mountain range. Avoid going there during peak winter season, as the route is cut-off due to heavy snowfall in the region.

TEMPLE RUN: Pushkar, Rajasthan

If you are keen to explore the spiritual side of India, head straight to the ‘the rose garden of Rajasthan’ a.k.a. Pushkar city. The town derives its name from Hindi word ‘pushp’ which means flower, and it has India’s only Lord Brahma temple which a famous Hindu pilgrim.

Numerous other small temples are sprinkled around the holy Pushkar Lake, where every evening a majestic aarti ceremony is held to celebrate traditional Hindu beliefs. During the month of November, the famous Pushkar mela (India’s only cattle exposition) attracts tourists from all parts of the world, so try and plan a trip around this unique event.

How to reach: One can board a morning train from Delhi to reach Ajmer and reach Pushkar via bus or a connecting train. If you are driving from Delhi to Pushkar, you’ll be covering approximately 350 km in a time span for six to eight hours via the NH48 highway.

DIG THE PAST: Temples of Bateshwar, Padawali and Mitawali via Gwalior  

Feeling too adventurous? Head to Gwalior, and 40 km from the city in MP’s Morena district a long-forgotten archeological site awaits you. The cluster of temples knows as Bateshwar temple complex are one of the oldest Hindu shrines constructed between 8th-10th centuries.

The temples are spread over 10 hectares in the arid Chambal rifts and are a testimony to ancient India’s splendid architecture. A little ahead of these temples are heritage temples of Padawali and Mitawali where restoration is still going on.

How to reach: Take a train to Gwalior or plan a road trip, preferably at morning hours to avoid traffic at the highway. Take a day halt in Gwalior if required and check out the Gwalior Fort and Jai Vilas Palace Museum meanwhile. Next day head 40 km North-west from the city and explore this exquisite excavation site.

A ROYAL ART WALK: Kishangarh, Rajasthan

The royal forts and palaces have a charm of their own, and if you are an ardent admirer of art and culture then Kishangarh is a place you must visit. A small city in Rajasthan’s Ajmer district is famous for its marble artwork and intricate Bani Thani style of painting.

Kishangarh’s royal palace is known as the Phool Mahal, and it a picturesque monument located on the banks of Gundolaav Lake that speaks volume about the beautiful reminiscence of the rich heritage of the erstwhile kingdom. A leisurely lunch by the lake is highly recommended! The city is also famous for the beautiful Laxminarayan Temple and the temple of nine planets, so make a note to visit these beautiful landmarks.

How to reach: There’s a direct railway route to Kishangarh viaDelhi, or one can drive from the capital or take a bus via NH48 highway.

Happy travelling, leave your comments below !

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