The Dussehra long weekend may be over, but the craving for a peaceful escape is stronger than ever. If you missed out on a break or are already planning the next one, consider trading city chaos for forest calm. Here are a few getaways from Delhi.
Jim Corbett: The Classic Wilderness
A perennial
favourite for Delhiites, Jim Corbett National Park is the quintessential forest getaway. Just a five-to-six-hour drive away, it offers a world of dense Sal forests, winding riverbeds, and the thrill of spotting wildlife. While the park is famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger, the experience goes far beyond safaris. Many resorts are nestled deep in the buffer zones, offering an immersive stay where the sounds of the jungle replace city traffic. Wake up to bird calls, spend afternoons on your veranda watching monkeys, or take a guided nature walk to understand the rich biodiversity. Stays range from rustic jungle lodges to luxury resorts with pools and spas, ensuring there’s an option for every kind of traveller.
Kasauli: Pines and Colonial Charm
If mountain air and towering pine forests are what you seek, Kasauli is an excellent choice. A roughly six-hour drive from Delhi, this quiet Himachali town offers a more serene alternative to its bustling neighbours. The magic here lies in its simplicity: long walks along the Upper and Lower Mall roads, stunning sunset views from Monkey Point, and the crisp, pine-scented air. Forest stays in and around Kasauli range from colonial-era hotels to boutique homestays tucked into the hills. It’s the perfect place to disconnect, read a book, and let the rhythm of the quiet hills take over. The cooler climate and dense forest cover make it an ideal retreat from the plains.
Sariska: The Aravalli Surprise
Closer to home, about a four-hour drive into Rajasthan, lies Sariska Tiger Reserve. Nestled in the Aravalli hills, Sariska offers a different kind of forest—rugged, dry, and deciduous. It's a fantastic option for a quick two-day trip. The reserve is one of the few places to have successfully reintroduced tigers, and a safari here offers chances to see leopards, wild boar, and numerous bird species. The area around Sariska is dotted with eco-conscious lodges and heritage properties that focus on a quieter, more grounded experience. It’s a place where mobile signals can be weak, encouraging a true digital detox amidst ancient hills and surprising pockets of greenery.
Lansdowne: An Unspoiled Cantonment Town
Once a quiet cantonment town, Lansdowne in Uttarakhand has retained its peaceful, uncommercialized charm. Surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests, it’s about a six-hour drive from Delhi. Lansdowne isn’t about a long list of tourist spots; it’s about the atmosphere. Enjoy boating on Bhulla Tal, visit St. Mary's Church, or simply drive along the winding roads with your windows down. The forest stays here are often cosy cottages and small resorts that prioritize calm and connection with nature, offering stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. It's an ideal destination for those who want to do nothing but relax and rejuvenate.
Mangar Bani: A Forest in the Backyard
For those who are truly short on time, the Mangar Bani forest is a miracle. Located on the Faridabad-Gurugram highway, it’s a sacred grove protected by the local community for centuries and is less than a two-hour drive from central Delhi. This patch of the Aravallis is home to surprisingly rich biodiversity. While you cannot stay inside the forest itself, properties like The Lalit Mangar offer a luxurious stay on its periphery. These resorts focus on eco-tourism, offering activities like rock climbing, cycling, and guided nature walks, allowing you to experience a forest getaway without the long journey. It’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, wilderness is closer than you think.
