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Are you also planning to escape from Delhi during Diwali because of the fear of the air quality dropping to ‘very poor’? Don’t worry, you are not alone.
For some families, it has become an annual ritual to go on vacation to escape the high levels of air pollution. Many choose to visit much cleaner cities which are only a short drive away from Delhi NCR. Here are some places near Delhi NCR where you can unwind this Diwali:
Rishikesh
Rishikesh is one of those places where you can get it all — adventure, thrill, peace, culture, and nature. Located about 250 kilometres from Delhi, Rishikesh can be covered in a short time. Ram Jhula and Lakshman Jhula are some of the main highlights, and the view of the flowing water from the bridge is mesmerising. Next up, you can try white-water rafting to make your trip more adventurous. Bungee jumping is yet another fun thing to do, as Rishikesh has one of the highest bungee platforms in India.
Before ending your trip, don’t forget to witness the Ganga Aarti to obtain peace and experience divinity. Parmarth Niketan Ghat and Triveni Ghat are two of the biggest and oldest ghats where you can attend the Ganga Aarti.
Kasauli
The quaint town of Kasauli is filled with dense forests, hiking trails, and magnificent scenic views. It takes about five hours to reach this town and is an ideal destination for those looking to spend some time away from the smog season in Delhi. One of the main attractions in Kasauli is Monkey Point, the highest point in this hill town. Next up, located on the bustling Mall Road, this old church was built during the British era in 1853.
Gilbert Trail is one of the must-do activities in Kasauli. The trail is often traversed to reach Sunrise and Monkey Point.
Lansdowne
Lansdowne has a wide range of things one can do, and it is located at a distance of 270 kilometres from Delhi. You can begin your trip by taking a boat ride in Bhulla Lake; as the lake is surrounded by deodar and oak trees, the view is an ultimate treat to your eyes. Next up, a visit to the Defence Museum will surely make your trip more fun, as you can get to know about the history of the Garhwal Rifles.
Trekking to Snow Viewpoint is one of the most thrilling activities to do in Lansdowne, and if you are lucky, you can witness the most spectacular views of Trishul peaks and Chaukhamba. Before ending your trip, make a visit to Bhim Pakora — the two rocks look like pakoras (an Indian snack), which is why it is named Bhim Pakora.
Shimla
Rightly known as the Queen of Hills, Shimla is the perfect destination to visit with your friends and family this Diwali. It takes about six to seven hours to reach, and you can do multiple things in this town. If you want to experience the true essence of the hill station, camping is a must-activity. Campsites like Shoghi, Sarahan, Sandasu, and Chirgaon offer magnificent views. Whether you are looking for a cup of coffee after a long day or want to witness old British architecture, Shimla Ridge is the perfect spot. Mall Road, a bustling market in Shimla, is a must-visit — you can truly shop till you drop here.
To witness the gorgeous views of pine-covered hills, toy train rides should be on your list of things to do when in Shimla. The distance between Barog and Shimla is the most amazing part of the whole journey.
Jaipur
Jaipur is filled with beautiful palaces, majestic forts, and idyllic lakes — and you can witness it all, as it only takes about five hours to reach from Delhi. The City Palace is the perfect place to start your visit to Jaipur. Next up, set aside at least two hours to explore Amber Fort; don’t forget to visit the Sheesh Mahal. To witness more unforgettable views, take a hot-air balloon ride.
As you must have heard, Jaipur is truly a shopper’s paradise, famous for block-printed clothes and silver jewellery. There are different bazaars dedicated to specific crafts: Johari Bazaar for jewellery, Tripolia Bazaar for pottery, and Bapu Bazaar for textiles and leather juttis.
This article has been written by Khushi Sukhija.
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