6 spectacular road trips to take from Delhi

From majestic forts to scenic lakes, choose between trips that offer the best of history and culture and tranquility.

Sometimes all you need in life is a quick vacation to unwind from all the chaos and stress of the city life.

Be it a luxurious spa resort or a rustic homestay, a jungle safari or a short hike, a music festival or some buddies jamming by the bonfire, traveling can lift your mood instantly!

While Manali, Nainital and Mussorie may seem like the apt place for a family holiday, here are some lesser known destinations near Delhi that are easy to access and make for a wonderful road trip.

1. Binsar, Uttarakhand

IMAGE: The Mahadev temple in Binsar. Photograph: Rohit Gosain/Wikimedia Commons

Distance from Delhi: 368 km approx

Located at an altitude of 2420 m, this little town is the perfect escape for nature lovers.

You can go for short hikes, explore nature trails and the Zero View Point here offers a panoramic view of the Himalayas where popular peaks like Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Panchachuli, and Kedarnath can be spotted.

2. Landsdowne, Uttarakhand

IMAGE: View of Bhullar lake in Lansdowne, Uttarakhand. Photograph: Sudhanshu Singh/Wikimedia Commons

Distance from Delhi: 246 km approx

This quaint hill station lies at an altitude of 1,780 m and has some beautiful old buildings from the colonial era.

Nestled in the heart of thick oak and blue pine forests, this place is the ultimate escape from urbanisation and commercialisation.

3. Dundlod, Rajasthan

IMAGE: Explore the ancient history of the quaint town of Dundlod through its stunning art and architecture. Photograph: trugiaz/Flickr/Creative Commons

Distance from Delhi: 280 km approx.

Also known as an 'Open Air Gallery' the beauty and heritage of this small village in Rajasthan is worth a visit!

You can explore its rich history and culture in the majestic forts and Havelis here.

4. Sambhar, Rajasthan

IMAGE: Sunset view from Sambhar Salt Lake in Rajasthan. Photograph: Abhishek.cty/Wikimedia Commons

Distance from Delhi: 337 km approx

Sambhar quite literally means salt and it is home to the largest inland saltwater lake India.

Mentioned in the Mahabharata, this place has a very interesting history. You can visit the Sambhar Wildlife Sanctuary to spot some exquisite flora and fauna.

5. Shoghi, Himachal Pradesh

IMAGE: The road enroute Shoghi is a treat to sore eyes. Photograph: Flickr/Wikimedia Commons

Distance from Delhi: 332 km approx

Shoghi is a lesser known hillside hamlet near Shimla where you can truly be one with nature.

Here you can enjoy walks in the woods, plan short hikes while soaking in the picturesque views.

Shoghi also has two very popular Kali and Hanuman temples.

6. Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

IMAGE: Rock cut temples in Masrur, Kangra. Photograph: Akashdeep83/Wikimedia Commons

Distance from Delhi: 460 km approx

In ancient Hindu texts, Kangra valley was also called 'Devbhumi' which means land of the Gods.

One can spend hours sitting by the Beas river which flows through the valley with a backdrop of the Dhauladar range.

The super intriguing history of the Kangra fort is another reason this place should be on your list.

Deepak Ananth is a core member of Road Trips Co. He can be contacted on ga@rediff-inc.com.

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