|
|
Delhi, the capital of India is also
the focal point for all sight seeing in the northern part of India. It is
from Delhi that tourists can plan trips to the Himalayas, Rajasthan,
Kashmir and even Kathmandu in Nepal. Following is a list of destinations
that require over-night travel. One might take public transportation and
if one lures for adventure then could drive down there too.
AGRA
One of the world's most sought after tourist destinations, the
Taj Mahal , Mughal
emperor Shah Jahan's homage to his wife, is situated over here. About
200-km from Delhi, Agra is accessible by air and rail. One can also get
there by road and there are regular buses available too, or one can drive
down. 
Other than the Taj, there are other monuments in Agra worth visiting,
such as the Agra Fort, Akbar's tomb and Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar's imperial
capital is just 38-km away from Agra.
JAIPUR
250-km from Delhi, Jaipur is well connected by
rail, air and a great new highway. The capital of the state of
Rajasthan , Jaipur
is popularly known as the Pink City for its many sandstone palaces. The
most famous of which is the Hawa Mahal, along the main street of the old
city. Other places worth visiting are Udaipur, Chittaurgarh, Jaisalmer,
Ajmer and Jodhpur.
DHARAMSALA
530-km away from Delhi, Dharamsala has been the seat of his Holiness
Dalai Lama since 1959. It is made up of several hill stations, and was
established by the British between 1815 and 1847. The hill station is
accessible by road, and by air through the airport situated at Gaggal.
SHIMLA
At 6,900m above sea level, this used to be the 'summer capital' of
British India. Mall Road is the most happening place for the residents of
Shimla, but a must-see for visitors is the hilltop Jhaku Temple of Lord
Hanumana, the monkey god. One can reach Shimla is 370-km away from Delhi
and one can reach Shimla by road via Delhi-Chandigarh highway.
MANALI
540-km from Delhi, Manali, situated in the Kullu Valley, is a quiet hill
station. From the months of May to August, the determined tourist can
visit the Hot Springs, the Tibetan monastery, and the Hadimba Temple.
KASAULI
At a distance of 300-km from Delhi is situated the picturesque hill town,
Kasauli. Despite being on the tourist hill station circuit, it has
maintained its simplicity and charm. The best weekend destination from
Delhi and neighbouring Chandigarh.
GANGA BANKS
Around 17-km away from Rishikesh, on the banks of river Ganga with 30
river-facing tents, rafting, wild life and nature, the most eco-friendly
resort in India.
NEEMRANA FORT
Looking for a place to visit not too far from New Delhi and offering a
gateway to exotic Rajasthan, then the fort-palace at Neemrana could be an
ideal destination for an overnight trip. Located about 122-kilometres from
the city on the Delhi-Jaipur highway, this fort dates back to the mid-15th
century.
Standing on a hill and offering a sweeping view of the surrounding
countryside, the palace constitutes an imposing sight itself. Built in
1464 by Rao Rajdeo, a descendant of Prithviraj Chauhan, the last Hindu
king of North India, the palace has now been converted into a 'heritage'
hotel.
KHAJURAHO
620-km from Delhi, Khajuraho is famous for the erotic carvings in its
many temples. The town itself is geared for
visitors, with an airport of its own and many hotels to choose from. While
the forts at Ajaigarh and Kalinjar are worth a visit and other places not
to be missed are Jhansi and Orchha.
NANITAL
Nanital, a 100-year-old hill station, is situated in a valley near a
blue-green Naini lake. Sailboats skim over its waters and there are
trekking trails, temples, forest groves and an aerial ropeway. The most
popular way of getting to Nanital is by road. The 322-km drive from
Delhi is on a reasonably well-maintained highway.
ALMORA
Almora is situated 67-km from Nanital, famous for its exquisite temples
and a rich medley of fairs and festivals. It also offers the visitor a
healthy selection of treks with the spirit of adventure. The most
convenient way to reach is by road and it is just 380-km away from
Delhi.
DEHRADUN
Dehradun is an excellent getaway for ventures and adventures into the
Grahwal Himalayas. It is also one of the most developed cities in India
with a moderate climate. Good all weather roads link Dehradun with the
rest of the country. From Delhi, Dehradun is 387-km away and the distance
takes 5 to 6 hours to cover by road.
MUSSOORIE
A mountain-resort town, Mussoorie is on the south facing slopes of the
2,000 metre-high Himalayan foothills. Delhi is 278-kms away from Mussorie
and it takes 6 to 7 hours via driving to reach this place of mountainous
beauty.
HARIDWAR
The sacred town of Haridwar is the base of Shivalik Hills, a town of
great pilgrimage importance due to its auspicious location, and has many
ashrams and itinerant 'sadhus'. Virtually all devotees who visit Haridwar
have a dip in the river Ganga generally at 'Har-ki-Pauri'. Har-ki-Pauri is
also the scene of a memorable ritual of 'Aarti', which takes place every
evening at sunset. The distance from Delhi to Haridwar is 200-kms that is
approximately a five-hour drive.
AJMER
Ajmer is a major religious center for Hindus as well as Muslims and
boasts of some unique architectural styles. The city is especially famous
for the Dargah or the mosque of the venerated Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin
Chisti, visited by thousands of pilgrims irrespective of their caste or
religion. One can reach Ajmer via road
from Delhi covering a distance of 400-kms.
FATEHPUR SIKRI
Situated 38-km from Agra and 238-kms from Delhi,
Fatehpur Sikri was the erstwhile capital of emperor Akbar and is basically
famous for the Dargah of Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chisti. People regardless
of their religion and castes visit this mosque each year to get the
blessings of the saint.
RISHIKESH
Well known as the starting point of Hindu pilgrimages into the Himalayas,
Rishikesh also attract those in search of different highs. Less than an
hour's drive away is Shivpuri, a centre for white water rafting. Kayaking
and hiking trips for the Garhwal region are also possible from here. The
best season for rafting is mid-September to end-April. Rishikesh is
located at a distance of 238-kms from Delhi.
Ranthambhor
National Park
450-km from Delhi near the Chambal Valley is this Project Tiger
Sanctuary. This place is tourist friendly, with good lodges at the park
gate. One can hire a jeep there to tour the park. The best time to visit
is from November to May. 
Sultanpur
Only 55-km south west of Delhi, the lake of
Sultanpur has a rich variety of migratory birds in the winter, probably in
a pit stop on their way to Bharatpur.
Keoladeo Ghana National Park
120-km from Delhi is
Bharatpur
, winter home to over 350 species of birds. The most famous of which is
the endangered Siberian Crane. Explore the quiet sanctuary from a cycle
rickshaw; one can hire one from the entrance gate. An added benefit; the
drivers are experts on birds, and invariably, the best guides.
Corbett National Park
300-km from Delhi, north of Ramnagar, lies the
main entrance to the oldest game sanctuary in North India. On offer are
guided tours into the heart of the Kumaon Hills and other treks. The best
time to visit is between November and May.