Jaipur: The Land of Maharajas
The city of lavish palaces tinged with pink and bustling bazaars, Jaipur offers the perfect road trip to get recharged.
Visit the City Palace renowned for its lovely blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture, trek up to the magnificent Nahargarh Fort that towers mightily over the entire city, and marvel at the unique Hawa Mahal with its finely designed honey-comb of jharokas. Also, don’t forget to binge on the pyaaz kachoris at Masala Chowk or savour some daal baati churma at Rawat Mishthan Bhandar.
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Agra: The Captivating City of Love
The land of the Mughals has many architectural gems that will stun you with their beauty!
The Taj Mahal is of course, the darling of Agra and soon worms its way inside the heart of every soul who visits the ivory-white marbled mausoleum. Then there is the sprawling Agra Fort with stories of intrigue, bravery and romance that resonate from each corner. The aesthetically minimalist but no less pleasing to the eye, Akbar’s tomb at Sikandara, known for its intricate jaalis embedded in the red sandstone. Bask in the Sufi traditions of the city at Fatehpur Sikri, and visit Taj Ganj, a narrow grid of alleys surrounding the Taj Mahal, that’s known for its eateries and scrumptious kabab joints.
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Corbett: Where Tigers Roam Free
Nestled in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas and just a short road trip away from Delhi, this oldest national park is your best bet to see the big feline cat in the wild!
Go for a wild safari in gypsies driven by experienced forest guides and feel your heart racing as they chase the calls of monkeys and birds across the forest, to ensure you get a glimpse of this elusive predator king of the Indian jungle. Stay in eco-friendly resorts inside the jungle, with streams gushing by and feel close to nature. A perfect digital detox for every city-weary soul looking for adventure!
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Alwar: Where Royal Rajputana Vibes Prevail
Basking in the glory of its royal past, Alwar promises to pamper you with its wealth of natural and historical marvels!
Spend a day chasing tigers at the nearby Sariska Tiger reserve, trek up to the magnificent Bala Qila (Alwar Fort), marvel at the ruins of the Kesroli Fort (now a heritage hotel) or forge a spiritual connect at the Buddhist temple in Bairath where the Pandavas are believed to have lived in their exile year. In the evenings, do head to the nearby Siliserh Lake for a romantic meal-for-two at the tranquil lake-side restaurant.
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Mussoorie: The Queen of Hills
No matter what the time of the year, the pretty hill station of Mussourie is always a sight for sore eyes.
At about 7000 feet above sea-level, this hill station was loved by the British, and their imprint on its landscape can be seen in the many colonial bungalows, hotels and quaint churches that dot it. Go on treks, visit waterfalls or just curl up with a book and some coffee in this pretty hill station. The picturesque slopes of Mussoorie are also accessible by a ropeway ride.
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Haridwar & Rishikesh: The One-of-its-kind Holy Cities
If you are looking for a trip that will give you a spiritual and soul-lifting break, then this is the place for you!
The twin towns of Haridwar and Rishikesh, both holy places of worship for the Hindus, lie on the banks of the beautiful River Ganga. Opt for a meditation course at the ashrams of Haridwar, take part in the goosebumps-inducing Ganga aarti in the evenings or head to Rishikesh (about half an hour away) to stay in wellness resorts like Ananda or the exciting riverside camps here, known for their white water rafting thrills.
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Nainital: A Serene Resort Town
A sprawling lake located in the heart of the town, dotted with quaint boats and surrounded by a 360-degree panorama of lush Kumaoni slopes – that’s Nainital’s for you!
The mall road boasts an array of continental eateries and ice-cream parlours, so feel free to binge and follow it up with a walk along the paved boulevard that surrounds the lake. Fill your shopping bags at the Tibetan Market or drive up to Snow Viewpoint, which can also be reached by a cable car. The Eco Cave Gardens in Nainital with their musical fountains and easy adventure games are a huge hit with the young crowd. If you have time, then you must visit Bhimtal, Naukuchiyatal and Sattal, the other scenic lakes in this area.
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Mathura-Vrindavan: The Land of Lord Krishna
A popular pit-stop for road trips from Delhi, the holy cities of Mathura and Vrindavan lie about 20 minutes away from each other.
During Holi, Mahashivratri, Janmashtami and other festivals, these towns and their grid-like lanes come alive, and are bathed in a riot of colours and rituals. Every photographer’s dream, these ancient cities lie on the banks of River Yamuna and each of their ghats tell numerous stories of Lord Krishna and his mischievous childhood. Go temple hopping and visit the Dwarkadhish Temple, ISKCON Temple, Gita Mandir, Nandgaon and Gokul. Don’t forget to binge on the pedas, kachoris, samosas and chaat here.
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Chail: A Classic Hill Station
Looking for a quick little escape from the city heat this summer? Head to Chail, just like the royal family of Patiala did in the good ol’ days, seduced by its lush slopes and pretty cliff tops.
Apart from a picturesque royal-palace-turned-heritage-hotel and a sprawling cricket ground, there are many other attractions that add to the charm of this dreamy mountainous landscape. Visit the wildlife sanctuary here, a treasure-trove for bird-lovers or seek blessings at the Kali Temple, a short trek from the palace. Shop for local souvenirs at the bazaars, explore the hilly countryside on a horse, or just stroll through the beautiful Deodar forests, looking for tranquil sunset spots.
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Manali: Mountain Lovers’ Paradise
A perfect summer road trip to the hills, Manali is high enough for you to be able to see snow throughout the year, and visit lush fruit-filled orchards during the season. Feel the rush of adrenaline as you sit near the roaring river Beas, trek up through floral meadows to be at eye-level with Himalayan peaks, visit serene Buddhist monasteries and finally, wrap up your day with a meal at one of the many cafes in Old Manali that serve great trouts and pizzas.
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