Best Winter Getaways from Delhi
With a busy life that barely gives us the time to breath these days, even thinking about taking a trip feels too much. In that case, weekend trips are the best and the only solution for adventure seekers with little or no time to spare. Most of them are a cheap and time saving solution that still give you the excitement of a long trip. So, people living in Delhi who are short on time just need a small trip to wind them down, here’s a list of the best places thar you can visit to get some downtime. We have made this list keeping your busy schedule in mind, so all of them are very close to Delhi and will not waste a lot of your time and if you you opt for a flight, you’ll actually be there in no time. So, here’s a list of the best and most economical weekend trips to drive away your Monday blue!
Shimla
Known as the queen of hill stations, Shimla is just 400kms away from Delhi, so a perfect weekend getaway. You can visit the Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, Annandale, Chadwick Falls, Rothney Castle, Rashtrapati Niwas, and the scandal point on your visit. You must take a ride on the Kalka-Shimla Toy Train to enjoy the beautiful greenery of the place. Camping, white-water rafting, trekking, and a walk through the pine forests are some of the activities you can do there. Don’t miss a mandatory walk through the famous mall road during the evenings. You can visit this Hill Station at any time of the year except the monsoon seasons.
Mcleod Ganj -Triund
Home to the 14th Dalai Lama, McLeod Ganj is also known as Little Lhasa due to its significant Tibetan population. The place is known for its peaceful environment and Tibetan and Buddhist culture. You can visit Namgyal Monastery, Tibetan Museum, Tsuglagkhang, Bhagsu Falls, John in the wilderness church, Dal Lake, and Norbulingka institute for your weekend getaway. You can hike up to Triund as long as you are not visiting in January or February when the path is blocked by heavy snow. You can also gaze at the sky at night to watch millions of stars twinkling. The distance from Delhi to Mcleod Gang is just 477.6 kms.
Sethan
Situated in Himachal Pradesh, Sethan is a small village tucked 560 meters away from Delhi. This tiny hamlet is the perfect weekend getaway, especially if you are looking for an economical option. It is also a quieter option as not many people live here or visit it, making it sparse in population and pollution. Bouldering, a sports activity rarely found, is available in this region. You can also go for snowboarding, trekking to Indrasana peak, or visit Pandu Ropa. You can make your stay more fun by residing in igloos, most probably the only place in the country where you can sleep in one.
Manali-Solang
Manali is one of the most popular Hill Stations of Himachal Pradesh. It has a variety of options for trek lovers that will help them explore the Himalayas. It also has the facility of river rafting in the nearby town of Kullu. You can visit the Parvati valley and several small villages tucked away in the town for more entertainment. If you’re looking to enjoy some snowfall, visit the place in the months of December to March. You can also flock to Solang valley for fun-filled activities like skiing, paragliding, horse-riding, and zorbing. The total distance from Delhi to Manali is 543 kms.
Tirthan Valley
Tirthan Valley is famous for and named after its Tirthan river. It is known as Himachal’s Best Kept Secret and has a wealth of nature’s treasure. The Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) recognized by UNESCO World Heritage Site is situated here. Trekkers will realize that the trek to this park through the Tirthan Valley is one of the finest in the world. This Park is also a paradise for bird lovers and a temple for people looking for some peace away from the hustle bustle of everyday life. Tirthan Valley is at a distance of 557 kms from Delhi.
Bir-Billing
Bir-Billing is famous as the town of meditation due to the influence of Tibetan culture in the town. Situated in Joginder Nagar Valley in Himachal Pradesh, the place is famous for Paragliding an adventure sport. Starting from Billing, the paragliders land on Bir dropping 800 m in altitude. Short hikes, monasteries, and a ride in the Joginder Nagar-Pathankot Narrow Gauge train are some of the highlights of this town. You can also find a lot of options for food in this town. Bir is also famous for meditation and studies in spirituality. The distance between Delhi and Bir-Billing is 512 kms.
Chopta-Chandrashila
Chopta-Chandrashila is a well-loved trek for its colorful vibrancy due to the fresh blossoms all around it. Pink and red Rhododendrons make its summer vibrant, while winter is filled with snow. The destination of the trek is the Chandrashila Peak but you also get to see Deoriatal lake side, green deep forests, Mountains of Garhwal and Kumaon- Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti, Kamet, Dronagiri, Chaukhamba, Kedar dome, Thalaysagar, Gangotri ranges, Jahanukut and more amazing sights. The total distance from Delhi to Chopta-Chandrashila is 454 kms aka the perfect quick trip you must be hoping for.
Kasol-Tosh
This quaint valley is known as the Amsterdam of India and famous for its natural beauty. You can visit the Parvati River, Chalal, Malana, Barshaini, and Rasol to delve deeper into the stunning beauty of the land. You can also go for camping, selecting either luxurious camps or modern ones. Facilities and activities like Bonfire, fishing, trekking and mountaineering will also be available for your pleasure. One of the major hits of this place has to be the well-known village of Tosh, famous for its apple orchard farms and its rustic and non-commercialized look. The distance from Delhi to Kasol is 526 kms, perfect for a 2 to 3 days trip.