Come summers and there evokes the restlessness to pack airbags and head to some unique weekend getaways to refresh and recharge. The hotter the temperature, the cooler the weekend sojourns! Here are a few summer coolers to chill and relax at during those lazy Saturdays and Sundays.

Delhi:

SARISKA PALACE: Approximately four hours from Delhi, Sariska is for nature lovers and those who want to unwind in the lap of nature at its wildest best. Sariska is known for the bird sanctuary by the same name and the newly built 5-star hotel, Sariska Palace. Strap on your backpack, put on your cap, and be prepared to apply layers of mosquito repellants as you venture for a jungle safari. Tiger sightings are usually reported from May-June and other animals –hyenas, wild boars, foxes, jackals etc. can be found at certain spots. Driving through the thickets on the ‘kuchas’ is an experience indeed.

The sanctuary boasts of exotic migratory birds. A trip down to the lake can be a treat for bird watchers during dawn or dusk. Crested Hawkeagle, Goldenback Woodpecker, Pied Kingfisher, Lapwings are a few of the species that can be spotted here. There are also a host of ancient ruins of forts and temples which adventure enthusiasts would love to explore. Brief stop-over can be made at the Fort of Kankanwadi and the temples of Neelkanth for historical sightings. Do not forget to carry your sunglasses and a pair of binoculars!

How to get there: Sariska is situated at a distance of 140 kms, a four hour drive from Delhi via Alwar. Private taxis are available for hire.

FORT UNCHAGAON: The majestic inheritance of Raja Surendra Pal Singh, this palace is a perfect holiday spot for those who love luxury, wild life and serene surroundings. Fort Unchagaon, situated along the Ganges across the Delhi-Moradabad Highway, is renowned for dolphin sighting tours and horse riding on aristocratic Peshawari horses. Those who are more Indian at heart can visit the village haat, try their hand at the potter’s wheel, walk through the orchards, and even take the bumpy and rickety bullock cart rides!

Relaxing in the palace has its moments of old world splendor too…especially, the view of magnificent Surya Mahal and the beautifully manicured lush green gardens. All this with a pint of pina-colada at the Tuskar Bar can do wonders for your stressed out nerves!

How to get there: Fort Unchagaon is located at a distance of 110 kms from Delhi. Private taxis are available for hire.

SULTANPUR: Founded by Dr. Salim Ali, this is the ultimate destination for bird watchers. It’s home to hundreds of species of migratory and domestic birds, from as far as Siberia and Europe. One can catch the geese from Europe; cranes, teals, kingfishers, egret shovellers, gadwell, darters and loads of other species who fly in from far and wide. Campers can have a whale of a time at the sanctuary with cozy bonfires, and exciting bird watching and wildlife photography trails. For the finicky ones, there is Haryana Tourist Development Corporation run tourist lodge with all modern facilities. The best time to visit is during Monsoon, from July to Mid-September.

A lake right in the middle of the sanctuary is the picnic spot for Delhiites and others from around the region. A ride in a boat, green surroundings with some exquisite birds chirping create an ambience which will make up for the worst-of-worst weeks that you’ve had.

How to get there: Sultanpur is located at a distance of 45 kms from Delhi and is just an hour or two drive from Delhi.

 

DAMDAMA LAKE: The haven for adventure enthusiasts, DamDama Lake provides lots of sportive pastimes that one can engage in. A dose of rock climbing at the Aravallis and an evening of romantic paddle boats at the lake can be the most perfect blend for a short vacation. And if you want to be a little more experimental with water sports, try kayaking, canoeing or angling to get your adrenaline high!

Damdama Lake is also a popular picnic spot for families to spend their weekend at. There are ethnic Indian style cottages available at an island in the middle of the lake with various amenities. Nature walks, dips in the lake, fishing and bird-watching are some interesting activities you can engage in.

How to get there: 45 kms from Dhaula Kuan, you can hire a private taxi or travel in your own car to the place.

 

 

 

 

 

NAINITAL: The most frequented hill station in Uttaranchal, Nainital scores as one of the best getaways for kids and adults alike. A bustling mall with beautiful souvenirs, wooden handicrafts, woolens and stalls of ‘authentic chinese food’, it in the place where you can browse through a zillion articles, arcades and still not feel bored. Boating at the early hours is the best, while leisure trips down the mall road at night is the best you can do to fuel your night life.

Underground cave treks, Tiffin Top treks, Aerial Express Cable Car and China Peak treks on horseback, walks through fruit orchards will keep you busy for days here. Endless cups of aromatic tea and snack toasts at the local cafes will round up your trip to an endless trail of fun and frolic.

How to get there: Buses ply from the Chanderlok Building at CP to Nainital. It’s approximately a six hours drive. Private taxis are available for hire.

 

KASAULI: Old world charm of the British times at its best, Kasauli is a quaint little town set in the Shivalik Hilla. If you’re looking for the charm of cobbled pathways, red roofed houses, orchards dotting the roads, then go in for Kasauli. The sleepy little town hasn’t got much to offer. Adventure junkies may stay out of it.

Ideal for those who want to ponder on lifeless ordinaries, writers who are looking for a break, and couples’ wanting to snuggle up, Kasauli provides a plethora of options. The Sutlej Barrage is where one can stand for hours and soak in the scenic beauty, take nature walks at a leisurely pace, walk to the Christ Church or just explore the mall road.

How to get there: Located at the Shimla-Kalka Highway, Kasauli is just six hours away from Delhi and can be reached with the bus or through private taxis.

AGRA: Transport into the bygone era of the lavish and artistic Mughals with a slew of historical monuments outlining the glorious period of Indian history. Agra is best known for the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a World Heritage site. But there’s more to it than that. It’s the surreal beauty of the Taj at dusk by the banks of River Yamuna, enchanting to say the least. Hiring a guide isn’t a bad option here, it’s fun listening to their snippets of the so called “authentic information” on the lives of Mughal emperors.

The majesty of Agra also lies in the magnanimous Agra Fort and Fatehphur Sikri. Spend your afternoons feasting on the lavish architecture and basking in the rays that filter through the ‘jharokhas’ (latticed windows) with a dash of north Indian cuisine for lunch.

How to get there: It’s a 3 ½ hours drive from Delhi by road. You can either avail the tourist bus facility or book a taxi.

 

 

NEEMRANA FORT: Sitting pretty atop a hill, King Raj Dev’s masterpiece, Neemrana Fort is a luxury house for all those who want to pamper themselves and aren’t quite looking for hard-hearted adventure. The 10 storey high fort has now been converted to a hotel which boasts of scenic views… even from its loos! Now that sets your pulse racing, doesn’t it?

The palace hotel’s best parts are the sprawling gardens. Filled with flowerbeds and fountains, its corners are meant for cozying up during summer afternoons and reading books or just sight-seeing around the palace gardens and checking out the antique interiors of the palace. Camel safaris in the evening and jeep safaris in the morning are a good option too along with dune walks. 

How to get there: Neemrana Fort is at a distance of 122 kms from the Indira Gandhi International Airport by road and can be visited by hiring a taxi or simply driving in all the way.

                                                                       

RISHIKESH: No. It’s not just another religious place with the temple bells filling the air and red thread tied around trees. Adventure begins at Rishikesh, especially for trekkers and rafters. It’s not just the holy dip in the Ganges! Excitement fills the air at base camps for trekking expeditions and white water rafting programs. It’s a good bet for fitness freaks too…they get to feast on fresh and delicious vegetarian food here.

With the advent of medical tourism, Rishikesh is also touted as a hot spot for ayurveda, yoga and other herbal remedies. A perennial destination for one and all, it charms not just the elderly, with incense and ‘shankh-dhwani’ blending in the air but is also symbolic of high power adventure sports.

Hot to get there: About 240 kms from Delhi, it’s a 5-6 hours drive from Delhi on road via NH-58.

 

 

 

Also Read
* 9 Places to Travel to in MUMBAI
* 9 Places to Travel to in BANGALORE
* Best reads for non fiction this summer
 

 

 

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