Delhi… capital of the country, has great historical significance and the vibe of a modern, busy city. Delhi is never at a standstill. There is always some movement or the other, and the Delhites have to move at the same pace, to avoid being left behind. In this hustle, more often than not, they end up feeling drained and exhausted.
Taking a road trip to one of the many areas is a good way to relax and rejuvenate. The locals have a plethora of options available at their fingertips for whenever they feel like taking a break from the busy city life. National parks, mountains, waterfronts… all at a stone’s throw away.
It is often believed that the journey is almost as good as the destination, and when the journey is scenic and beautiful, it just adds to it. If you are planning a road trip from Delhi, and are looking to embark on a journey that is full of beauty and scenic routes, read ahead to know more.
- Jim Corbett National Park
Located in Uttarakhand, Jim Corbett is one of India’s most famous, and oldest national parks. A must visit for all wildlife enthusiasts, Corbett is a spectacular place to visit, and the jungle safaris, the beautiful views of the Shivalik’s, and the chilly mountain weather add to the beauty of the place.
The thick and luscious deciduous trees, the serene landscape, and the soothing sounds of the Kosi river add to the allure of Corbett, and is always a welcome escape from the snarling city traffic and polluted air.
The journey to Corbett is smooth, and is scenic, with trees on either side of the road, almost like a premonition of the dense forests.
Tip: During your stay at Corbett, make sure to stay inside the forest in the Dikhala complex. The thrill of waking up inside the forest’s core area, having hot maggi in the evenings, and living the jungle life with no mobile network is such a refreshing break.
Distance from Delhi: 260 km
Time taken: 7 hours approximately
Must visit places: Durga Mandir Temple, Jim Corbett Falls, Jungle Safari inside the National park
- Neemrana
A short distance from Delhi, Neemrana is an ancient city with great cultural significance. Located in Alwar, Rajasthan, Neemrana fort is one of the most visited places, and this ancient fort has now been turned into a luxury heritage hotel.
The Vinay Vilas Mahal is another stunning piece of architecture that has stood the test of time, and bears testimony to the royal life of the Rajputs. The Mahal operates as a museum, and has many memoirs from the olden times.
The drive from Delhi is smooth, with the Delhi-Jaipur Highway providing excellent connectivity.
Tip: while in Neemrana, do plan a visit to the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. This beautiful forest has great ecological diversity, and an aura of peace and quiet.
Distance from Delhi: 125 km
Time taken: 2 hours 30 minutes approximately
Places to visit: Siliserh Lake, Baori, Vrindavan Palace.
- Shimla
One of the most popular hill stations in India, Shimla is an extremely stunning hill station, and has many places to visit. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh, Shimla is lined lush pine, oak, and deodar trees, that add to the natural beauty of the place.
Shimla is a great getaway for photographers, nature enthusiasts, and busy city folks who seldom have time to explore the beauty all around the world.
Shimla was the summer capital of India during British rule, and the picturesqueness of this beautiful hill station is also due to the brilliant architecture. There are many famous Hindu temples that are located within the nearby hills, nestled amidst the thick forests, like the Mansa Devi Temple, Tara Devi Temple, and the Jakhoo Temple.
Shimla is also a hub for adventure sports like camping, trekking, paragliding, heli skiing, and river rafting. There are easy trek options, as well as thrilling and difficult ones.
There are three equally scenic routes to enjoy your drive from Delhi to Rishikesh – the Ambala route, the Yamunanagar route, and the Dehradun route.
Tip: if possible, choose to travel to Shimla between December-January. The weather is spectacular, and the snowfall makes the already gorgeous hill station look even prettier.
Distance from Delhi: 340 km
Time taken: 7-8 hours approximately
Places to visit: Mall Road, Christ Church, The Ridge, The Toy Train.
- Rishikesh
Rishikesh is a city that is nestled at the foothills of the majestic Himalayas, and has the holy Ganges river flowing through. The clear blue skies, endless dense forests, crisp mountain air, riverside patios, and lofty mountains create an almost painting-like landscape, making Rishikesh a must visit city from Delhi.
Stunning architecture, grand temples, and famous yoga ashrams attract people from all over the world. The twin suspension bridges of Ram and Lakshman Jhula are spread over 750 feet over the Ganges, and are architectural marvels.
Rishikesh is home to many adventure sports like white water rafting, cliff jumping, kayaking, and body surfing.
The drive from Delhi is scenic, and you will pass through Meerut and Muzaffarnagar.
Tip: Definitely view the Maha Aarti of the Ganges river that takes place every evening. Even if you are not a spiritual kind, the celebration is something to be marveled at.
Distance from Delhi: 270 km
Time taken: 5 hours approximately
Must visit places: the twin jhulas, the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple.
- Ladakh
If you’re looking for a longer road trip, there is nothing better than driving down to Ladakh, and witnessing the crystal clear waters, the cold mountain air, and the endless sky. The erstwhile Buddhist kingdom has stunning pagodas, and many mountain passes like Nathu-La and Khardung-La,, and the natural beauty is simply breathtaking.
Often considered to be heaven on Earth, the beauty of Ladakh is unparalleled, and seeing the pure, unadulterated land is the perfect recipe to fix a tired soul.
Located at 2750-7670 meters above sea level, the terrain has high mountain peaks, green grasslands, and hilly areas. There are many trek trails and camping options available in Ladakh, making it an ideal place for adrenaline junkies. Ladakh is home to rare biodiversity, with unique species of animals like Tibetan antelope, ibex, and yak calling it home.
Ladakh can be reached by two routes – one via Manali, and the other via Srinagar. Both the routes are equally scenic and stunning, and have spectacular sights along the way.
Distance from Delhi: 1020 km
Time taken: 24 hours approximately
Places to visit: Nubra Valley, Hemis Monastery, Pangong Lake
The above places are sure to entice you to pack your bags and take off. Leaving everything behind and getting lost in nature is an enthralling prospect indeed!
