PLACES TO VISIT NEAR DELHI WITHIN 300-500 KMS
SHIMLA – THE NATURAL BLISS WITH THE WORLD’S TALLEST HANUMAN STATUE
Distance from Delhi – approx. 359 km
Shimla is one of the choicest hill stations for Delhiites which serves as a summer and winter retreat brilliantly. The cozy travel towards this capital city of Himachal is like finding treasure during your weekend. Enjoy all the cultural activities of Shimla at the large open space road known as The Ridge. Walk for seven minutes from the Ridge and you will arrive at a majestic site of Jhakoo temple in midst of finest deodar trees. This temple is popular for housing the world’s tallest statue of Lord Hanuman. Moreover, you will see lots of monkeys and a park is made for kids to play. Challenge yourself to play the game of golf in the famous Golf Club of North India, the Naldehra Golf Course. This place has a wonderful scenic background and you will love to spend your time here. Release all your adrenaline in the Hip Hip Hurray Amusement Park which lets you play several fun-filled activities such as commando net, rock climbing, flying fox, Burma Bridge crossing etc. By the evening, stroll around the enchanting Mall Road with the panoramic view of illuminated Christ Church. Sit in a café from where you can admire this angelic valley and enjoy hot beverages. Buy yourself embroidered sweaters and shawls in this nature’s paradise. The natural beauty and all the above mentioned features of Shimla make it the top place to visit near Delhi within 300-500 km.
RUDRA PRAYAG – ONE OF THE GEMS OF PANCH PRAYAG
Distance from Delhi – approx. 357 kmThe name Rudra Prayag takes the name of Lord Shiva and is a small town of religious importance in Uttarakhand. It is settled along the confluence or junction of the sacred rivers Mandakini and Alaknanda and thus identified as one of the five Panch Prayag. It is one of the top pilgrimage sites for the North Indians. This holy town opens the doors towards the most revered pilgrims Badrinath and Kedarnath. The best time to visit this place ranges between April to December. Almost all the tourist destinations of Rudra Prayag tell you the mythological story. For instance, it is said that Lord Shiva during his way to Kedarnath sat for meditation in the caves of Koteshwar Mahadeva Temple. Saint Agastya also meditated for many years in the small town of Augustmuni. One can feel the pure air in Khirsu. The Rudranath Temple in the confluence of river Mandakini and Alaknanda is dedicated to Lord Shiva. If you trek in this place, you will come across heavenly Deori Tal, Vasuki Tal and Chandrashila. Due to all the religious characters this town serves as a perfect tour to get internal peace and so it is one of the top places to visit near 300 – 500 km.
GWALIOR – THE CITY WITH MINI KHAJURAHO
Distance from Delhi – approx. 358 km
While talking about Madhya Pradesh, Gwalior is one of the top five places to visit here. This ancient city has preserved majestic temples along with mosques which contribute in its rich heritage. The eye-popping palaces and the scenic environment make Gwalior the top places to visit near Delhi within 300-500 km. When you find yourself at this city, no matter where you are standing, your eyes can clearly spot the massive rocky Gwalior Fort with the highest Teli Ka Mandir which is the centre of attraction of Gwalior. The Jai Vilas Palace is among the few palace where the descendents of the great ancestral Raja and Maharajas are still residing. Built by a Tomar Ruler, Man Singh Tomar, Man Mandir Palace has fascinating carvings. The tomb of Tansen reminds us of the great musician Tansen who was among the nine gems of Mughal Court. The prominent Padavali and Bateshwar known as Mini Khajuraho due to its erotic carvings is situated around 40 km from Gwalior. The Indian mother-in-laws and daughter-in-laws might get excited by the name of Saas Bahu Temple in Gwalior, but it is to be cleared that this temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the name is actually the short form of Shastra Bahu, the another name of Lord Vishnu. Enjoy the elaborate breakfast of Gwalior comprising of more than one Indian delicacy. Taste the traditional sweets. You can also enjoy shopping at city Mall which keeps outlets of all the national and international brands.
ALMORA –
Distance from Delhi – approx. 334 km
Almora is the unique horse-shoe shaped hill town of Uttarakhand cuddled in the mighty Himalayas and has many peculiar sites which date back to age prior than British. This angelic hillock welcomes its visitor throughout the year. Sprinkled with two major rivers Koshi and Suyal, this natural hub nurtures amazing wildlife. Being rich in culture, Almora creates unique handicrafts. Almora also provides a perfect place to take the views of Kedarnath that lies in its wildlife sanctuary. It is popularly known as Zero Point. The sacred tourist spot Jageshwar is said to be one of the twelve jyotirlingas. The rafting on Kali Sarada River is comfortable for first time rafters. This gives a good bite of adventure. The Kasar Devi Temple is noted as Swami Vivekanada visited this place long ago. Contemplate the deers in the Deer Park full of lush pine trees. You can spend your early morning and evening by sitting in the Bright End corner which is a view point from where you can take mesmerizing vistas of sunrise and sunset. One can read books from a nearby library known as Vivekanada Library. Have a sip of Adrak Tea (Ginger Tea) in the cool atmosphere of Almora and never miss the town without tasting the milk sweets of Almora such as Bal Mithai, Choklate, and Singauri.
AMRITSAR – THE WINDOW FROM WHERE YOU CAN SEE PAKISTAN
Distance from Delhi – approx. 450 km.
The home of magnificient Golden Temple or Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar is the holiest city of Sikhs situated in the Indian state of Punjab. The blissful city is famous for its Baisakhi festival. Whoever visit this place, never forgets to visit Golden temple, Jallianwala Bagh and Wagah Border. Golden Temple is the great Shrine of Sikh. The Gurudwara occupies the largest area. The whole environment around this Gurudwara gives you a different sense of feeling. You find yourself in the place of utmost hospitality. The moment you enter the temple, you must cover your head and walk bare foot. The dip into the holy Sarovar around the temple is the first thing to do here. Worship the Sikh Guru, read the Sikh prayer book and enjoy the delicious ammunion. Visit Jallianwala Bagh which is a public park near Golden Temple and it is a memorabilia of the historical Jallianwala Bagh massacre. You can observe the historical well where large number of people were killed and the wall which still bears the marks of bullets that were fired at the innocents. The Wagah Border is the best tourist destination in India to pump our patriotism to the fullest. It is an Indo-Pak Border mostly visited to witness the Beating Retreat Ceremony where the Indian and Pakistani soldiers perform parade that gives you goose bumps. They also open the gates, lower the flags and ends with handshaking. You continue shouting the patriotic slogans. Wagah Border adds joy to your Amritsar Tour. Buy yourself the best Punjabi Juti of Amritsar from Hall Bazaar. Eat the famous Kulcha Naan.
